Guide to Extending the Life of Home Appliances
House-proud homeowners should clean ovens and ranges every three months to prevent the build-up of dirt and extend the appliance's life.
Modern appliances make home life that much more comfortable. But appliances are expensive, and replacing them can strain household finances. In these financially challenging times, what are the best ways to ensure that appliances last longer before needing replacement?
Extending oven life
House-proud homeowners should clean ovens and ranges every three months to prevent the build-up of dirt and extend the appliance's life. Food particles, grease, and grime can damage the oven surfaces, resulting in electrical shorts and increasing the risk of house fires.
Fridge and freezer care
Fridges and freezers are constantly used, so many owners don't mind cleaning up beyond the obvious spills. However, dirt and grime build up inside the appliance and can quickly threaten the family's health. This is especially true regarding exterior parts such as condenser coils. These can usually be found at the bottom of a modern fridge or freezer unit. When they get dirty, the build-up makes it harder for the fridge to maintain low temperatures.
A fridge that has to work harder will break down sooner rather than later. Use a damp cloth containing household detergent to wipe down the condenser. Use a condenser brush for those who want to go that extra mile.
The importance of clean filters
Filters are in many household appliances, from vacuum cleaners and air conditioners to range hoods. These filters require regular cleaning and, every so often, replacement. Dirty or clogged filters will reduce the efficiency of any appliance and may cause overheating.
Overheating (and an increased likelihood of fire) often means replacing the entire unit. Repairs may be extremely costly, even if the unit does not require replacement. Clogged filters also mean the appliance must work harder, and an increased workload means increased energy bills.
Reduce dishwasher loading
A modern washing machine saves time and effort, but trying to get the washing done faster by increasing the size of loads is a surefire way of reducing the appliance's lifespan.
Overloading strains almost every mechanical and electrical system in a washing machine. This can cause parts to wear out much more quickly than anticipated. Pay attention to the manufacturer's guidelines. If the washing machine makes a banging noise when running, it's overloaded.
Save time and money
Homeowners can perform simple checks and tasks that will extend the life of appliances, but when something goes wrong, avoid the DIY route. Call a professional, reliable, and experienced electrical repair company to ensure the home appliances continue to provide years of faithful service.
Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!