Hello World! Welcome Friends! Your home has many critical pieces, from a strong foundation to a beautiful yard for your family and animals. One of the most important parts of a functional and healthy home are functional and overall healthy appliances. A home appliance, regardless of what it is, is a significant investment that you simply cannot pass by. Our appliances keep our food cold and fresh, cook it to perfection, wash our clothes thoroughly, and keep our family clean and healthy. So how do you avoid replacement every few years? Consider a few key factors in keeping up with and extending the life of your home’s appliances
Start with Routine Cleaning
To start investing in the longevity of your home’s appliances, it is as simple as routine cleaning. While we often clean the fridge or the dishwasher, our washer and dryer are often a different story. All of these critical appliances could do with a good scrub now and then, and it would do wonders to keep it going up to and beyond it’s average age. Each appliance needs a different cleaning method, and here are a few examples.
Refrigerator
Clean your refrigerator at least once a week, and clean up any spills when they happen. Check door seals for damage, and if there is damage, make sure to repair them right away and ensure they are airtight. The drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, and any crispers, should be wiped down periodically to avoid mold buildup.
Dishwashers
You can find pods or solution to clean your dishwasher in the average grocery store, so it is one of the simplest appliances to clean quickly and efficiently. Clean the filter and spray arms to remove any food particles, and clear out any food or debris that end up at the bottom of the dishwasher. These simple steps keep it clean and odor-free.
Washing Machines
To clean your home’s washer, start by leaving the door open after every load to air out the interior. This prevents mold growth in between washes. Periodically run a maintenance load without clothes, cleaning the interior thoroughly.
Dryers
Cleaning your dryer is simple: clean the lint trap after every load. Failure to remove lint significantly increases the risk of fire in your home. Clean the dryer vent regularly to improve air flow; this can be easily done by a professional.
Professional Appliance Cleaning and Servicing
While you can easily leave the door open to your washer and clear out any gunk from the bottom of the dishwasher, there are still more appliance maintenance tasks that are done better through the lens of an industry professional.
Refrigerator
A few common issues that you may come across with your home’s refrigerator include unusual noises, erratic temperature changes, and frequent frost buildup – especially in those models with connected freezer units. It is best to call in a professional if you don’t have any experience in fixing these types of issues. In fact, routine service can help you avoid these potentially costly repairs in the long-term.
Dishwashers
When you are having issues with your home’s dishwasher, it may be best to connect with an HVAC or plumbing professional. They can thoroughly inspect it for persistent leaks and identify the cause of poor cleaning performance. Scheduling routine dishwasher servicing keeps the appliance at optimal performance and prevents future, and costly, repairs.
Washing Machines
If you are experiencing issues with your washing machine, call in a professional to get a thorough inspection. A few issues that you may come to a professional with include spinning issues, drainage problems, or loud, unusual noises. A technician is able to diagnose any issues and provide the right solutions. Scheduling routine services keeps your home’s washer running as it should.
Note: if you notice that your clothes aren’t coming out as clean as they should, you can also ask a professional about a home water filtration system.
Dryers
Common problems that you may experience with your home’s dryer include drying efficiency, unusual noises, and overheating. While you may think that you can solve these issues yourself, it may be worth it to call in a professional to avoid potentially serious and costly repairs. If you are experiencing frequent issues with your dryer, consider scheduling routine services with a professional.
Tips and Tricks to Consider
Use Surge Protectors
Protecting your appliances from power surges is essential for their longevity. Power surges can damage electronic components and lead to premature failure. Use surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies, or UPS, for appliances with sensitive electronics. These include refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers and water heaters.
Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and usage. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on cleaning, operating, and maintaining each appliance. Manufacturer recommendations can provide valuable insights into the best practices for extending the life of your appliances.
Avoid DIY Repairs
While some minor repairs can be handled on your own, more complex issues should be addressed by professionals. Attempting DIY repairs on appliances with complex mechanisms can lead to further damage and may void warranties. If you’re unsure about a repair, consult a professional technician.
Consider Something More Energy-Efficient
Choose energy-efficient appliances to reduce wear and tear, as well as lower your energy bills. Energy-efficient models are designed to operate more efficiently, which can help extend their lifespan. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label for optimal performance and energy savings.
Take Care of Your Appliances, They Will Take Care of You
Extending the life of your home’s appliances involves a combination of regular cleaning, proper usage, routine maintenance, and professional servicing. By adopting these practices, you can ensure that your appliances operate efficiently, reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, and save money in the long run.
Taking care of your appliances not only protects your investment but also enhances your overall quality of life by keeping essential household functions running smoothly. If you are at all concerned about the health of your home’s appliances, call a professional like those at Absolute Plumbing to ensure it is running as it should.
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