When your refrigerator breaks down or your washing machine malfunctions, it can be a major inconvenience. Taking preventative measures to keep your appliances in good working condition can help you avoid costly repairs and extend their lifespan. Home warranty appliances are protected by a policy that will send a service tech to repair or replace the item. If you do not have a warranty this article will help you keep your appliance working properly.
Appliance maintenance tasks like cleaning, checking power connections and following manufacturer guidelines can improve energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear.
Check the Door Seals
The refrigerator door seal is an important part of your appliance, providing a protective barrier against the elements. If this seal becomes damaged or worn down, it will not be able to keep cool air in and warm air out. This will cause your refrigerator to work harder and use more energy. It will also cause food to spoil faster and certain medications that require refrigeration to become unstable.
It is crucial to check the door seal regularly. This will help you identify any problems such as cracks, tears or areas where the seal is loose. A simple inspection will usually be enough to determine if your seal needs to be replaced or if you simply need to wipe it down. Cleaning the seal strip is also a good idea as it will remove any dirt that has built up in the troughs within the folds of the seal.
Change the Filters
Whether it’s a dishwasher, dryer, or refrigerator, appliances require filters to ensure proper operation. Clean or change these on a regular basis as directed.
Avoid overloading your appliances. Too many items can strain belts and break parts. If you have a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer with a high load capacity, make sure that the appliance is comfortably full before starting the cycle.
If you notice an increase in your energy bill, it may be a sign that your appliances aren’t working properly. This is because a malfunctioning appliance uses more electricity or gas to complete its tasks, which can cause higher utility bills over time. To fix this issue, consult your owner’s manual or professional installer for guidance. Often, the solution is as simple as flipping the circuit breaker back on.
Clean the Vents
Keeping your appliances properly maintained can extend their lifespan by several years. Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and dryers are costly to repair and replace, but you can avoid the expense and inconvenience of these repairs by following these simple maintenance tips.
Cleaning the vents of your stove is a good place to start. You don’t need any special tools to clean your stove vent, just a degreasing solution or baking soda, warm water and a sponge.
Also, make sure that you don’t overload your appliances. Overloading can strain or break belts, motors and other essential components. Most appliances have a maximum load rating that you should follow to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Moreover, overworking your appliances can use up more energy and money than they should.
Read the Manuals
Most appliances come with user manuals that are a wealth of information. They give you instructions on how to install and set up the appliance, how to use it, and how to maintain it. They also provide the “do not” section, which cautions you against things that could reduce the lifespan or impact the performance of the device, invalidate your warranty, and cause hazards or injuries.
If you have a box of appliance manuals that is a mess, clean it out by putting them into piles based on their location in the house (kitchen, laundry room, basement). Then organize them with dividers and sheet protectors so they’re easy to find when an appliance starts acting up or you need to troubleshoot. You should also keep the purchase receipt on file with these documents.
Be Proactive
Appliances get little attention until they break down, but a few preventative measures can help extend their lives. The good news is that most of the tips don’t require any special tools and are simple enough for even the most novice home do-it-yourselfer to accomplish.
For example, avoiding slamming refrigerator and oven doors can keep the seals intact and reduce energy usage. And removing lint from dryer vents can help avoid fires and extend the life of the appliance.
Being proactive is all about taking action and ensuring your day-to-day actions are aligned with your long-term goals. So, get started!
