Put Your Washer on Vacation Hold

Before you leave town, be sure to shut the water off to your washer. Hoses can corrode over time and may rupture while you are away. This could save you from coming home to a flooded basement. Check your washer hose connections every few months to make sure they are free from rust and are not leaking. If you see any problems, replace the hoses right away. It's cheaper to replace the hoses than the contents of your basement.

Should I Buy a Used Appliance Part?

In most cases we might not consider buying a used appliance part.
There are however several circumstances where buying used
may be the better option.

Below we'll go over some helpful information and discuss
how they can benefit you.

Points of Discussion:

• Age of the appliance
• How long you plan to keep the appliance
• Cost of needed part
• Type of part being purchased
• Integrity of the seller

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How old is the appliance?

This can be a relative question, as loads per day will vary depending on the size of your family. On average, a major appliance will last 8 years. If you have reached the half way point or surpassed that point, a used part may be of great value to you. Only you can judge the amount of life that is still left in your appliance.

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How long do you plan to keep the appliance?

• Will you replace the unit if it has another failure soon?
• Are you considering moving in the near future and leaving it behind?
• Would you replace it if you find a good deal on a new appliance?

Answers to these questions should help you in making a sound decision.

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Cost:

Cost must always be a considered in this time of economic uncertainty.
Many new appliance parts cost upwards of $100 or even $200.
A good used part may be available at an average of half the price of new.
Compare the cost to the value of your appliance overall,
and you will be able to decide if a used part is worth considering.

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Which part are you replacing?

A mechanical or electrical part may be riskier to purchase than a cosmetic part.
I will say if minor scratches bother you, then you may want to reconsider buying used.
Many used parts are also available as reconditioned or rebuilt, which too can be a good value.

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Consider the Seller:

Do they seem trustworthy? Does the part come with a warranty?
Some sellers have technicians who test the parts before selling them,
while others simply post them and hope that everything works out okay.
A good picture can tell a thousand words about the condition of the part as well.

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I hope that this article has helped to inform you about used appliance parts
and how they can be of use to you in the future.
We here at Balcum Appliance have bought and sold many parts both new and used.
We carefully weigh all of these options before making a final decision.




Happy part hunting to you!

How to Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Getting the most out of your appliances:

Household appliances have become an essential commodity in our society. However, skyrocketing prices have forced the consumer to carefully consider all repair and purchase options available.
What if I told you that you could increase the life span of your appliances greatly with minor upkeep?

The luxury of having longer lasting appliances is not out of your grasp!

To keep your appliances in working condition for a longer period of time you simply need perform routine maintenance, generally a few times a year.
This will ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Below I have listed maintenance tips for the most common household units. You will truly be amazed at how these simple, preventative measures will increase the longevity of your appliances!


Maintenance Tips for Your Clothes Dryers:

• You should be emptying your dryer's lint filter after each load to prevent buildup that could eventually cause a fire.



• At least once a year you should clean out your dryer venting to ensure proper air flow.



• Every 6-12 months vacuum out your dryer’s interior. Over time lint can build up inside, causing a fire hazard.

Maintenance Tips for Your Clothes Washers:

• Remember to never overload your washer! This can cause serious damage that may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.



• Check the washer's leveling legs occasionally to make sure that they are level.



• Check your fill hoses every six months. If they are cracked or warped, they need to be replaced. If the washer is in an area where flooding is more prominent, we recommend that you replace these hoses at least every 4 years.

Maintenance Tips for Your Refrigerator:

• Clean your refrigerator's condenser coils at least every six months. If you own pets, every 3 months would be advisable.



• Check your fridge seals regularly; make sure that they aren’t cracked or worn. If they are dirty you should clean them with a mild detergent or warm soapy water.

Maintenance Tips for Your Range with Coil-Style Burners:

• Keep the drip pans clean, grease buildup can jeopardize burner functionality.



• A common measure taken to keep the burners clean is to wrap them in tin foil. We advise against doing this. You may ask, "Why?" Because the tin foil could cause a short circuit, leading to a part replacement that could have been avoided or even a safety hazard.



• Clean up spills in the oven right away, especially if something has dripped on the bake element.

Maintenance Tips for Your Glass-Top Range:

• Remember to keep the surface clean, and wipe up any debris as soon as possible. If left un-cleaned for too long
  the glass surface will start to become pit and break down.



• Wait to clean the surface until the heat is completely off.



• To avoid the glass top breaking set pots and pans on the stove gently.



• If your stove has an electronic control board, try to avoid letting moisture into it. If you have a fan above your stove you should always turn it on while you are cooking.

Try putting these simple tips into practice! Share your results with us! If you have any other suggestions for your fellow readers, feel free to list them in the comments section below!