Tuesday, May 1, 2012

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!

No comments:

Post a Comment