Appliances don’t get much attention until they stop working, but regular appliance maintenance can save you money on repairs and extend their lifespan. These tips are easy to follow, and do not require any tools or previous experience.
These tips include cleaning, checking for leaks and blockages, and following proper usage guidelines. They can even help you avoid the expense of upgrading to new appliances by making old ones last longer.
Read the Manuals
Almost all appliances come with a manual that includes information like how to operate them. Most people ignore this, however, which can lead to malfunctions. These malfunctions often cause inconveniences and can be expensive, especially if the appliance breaks down completely.
A stifled dishwasher, dryer that won’t stop spinning or an overflowing washing machine are all examples of appliance problems that can be prevented with regular maintenance. It’s also important to pay attention to warning signs such as leaky hoses or overheated motors. If you don’t address these issues right away, they can worsen and damage other parts of the appliance.
If you find that your paper appliance manuals are tucked in various places around the house, consider making piles by type. You can then make a list of the website address of the appliance’s online manual and keep this in a safe place such as a spreadsheet file. This will help you quickly locate your appliance manuals when needed.
Change the Filters
Appliances aren’t usually given much thought when they are working properly, but the moment they break down or are not performing as expected, that becomes all anyone thinks about. Fortunately, with a little preventative maintenance, many appliances can last longer and operate more smoothly.
One of the most important tasks is changing and cleaning filters. Whether it’s the filter in your dryer or the charcoal filters in your oven or refrigerator, these filters need to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure proper operation. Dirty filters clog and cause your appliance to work harder than it needs to or can even shut the appliance off completely.
The best home warranty plans in California would suggest that overloading your appliances is also a common problem that can shorten their lifespans and lead to expensive repairs. Make sure your dishwasher and dryer are never too full, and that they have sufficient space to move around inside. Also, unplug items like printers, TVs, monitors, and microwaves when they are not in use to reduce wasteful energy consumption.
Check for Leaks and Blockages
Often the most costly appliance repairs are caused by water leaks. If you notice puddles or damp spots around appliances check for leaking pipes and water supply lines. These can become loose and may also be a source of mold growth.
Another cause of leaks is overworking your appliances by loading them with too much at once. This can cause belts to break and strain the motor.
Keeping your appliances clean from dust and food debris will help keep them functioning properly. It will also extend their lifespan and prevent premature wear. Keeping up with the basic maintenance of your appliances will save you time and money in the long run. Most of these tips can be done at home without the need for expensive tools or specialized skills. Taking these steps will also increase your home’s value and save you money on energy costs. The best part? Practicing these habits doesn’t take more than 30 minutes of your weekend.
Clean the Vents
Modern appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and clothes dryers have revolutionized the way people live but they do need a little upkeep to keep them working properly. One important task to do regularly is cleaning the vents that they are in. Over time odors can build up in the vents which are then pushed out into the home when heated or cooled air is run through them. These odors can be hard to get rid of and they make your house smell bad to visitors.
