Spring Appliance Maintenance Tasks

Now that Spring is here in the Tampa area, it’s time to do those tasks which keep our home appliances in good working order and which will prevent problems when the warmer weather arrives in force. While the space heater can be put away for now,  other appliances still need our attention. Appliance specialists see a lot of the effects from lack of maintenance. Most of this dirt buildup isn’t the result of not having a clean house, they’re a kind of ‘specialty gunk’. So, it’s nice to have these jobs done when it’s still cool because these tasks will save you money on your summer electric bill. Let’s get started!

Replace your HVAC filter

Now is the time to step up on filter replacement, because the harder an HVAC has to draw, the higher the electric bill will be. If you haven’t had a Spring HVAC checkup, schedule one, because discovering the small problems can prevent larger repairs down the road.

Switch the direction of your ceiling fan

It’s time to change the direction on the ceiling fan so it goes in a counterclockwise direction for summer (from the floor looking up). First, turn off the fan. If the switch is in a place where someone might accidentally turn it on while you’re working on it, put a piece of tape over the switch. Grab a ladder, a cleaning product (depending on your fan) and an old pillowcase. While you’re up there switching the direction of the fan (the switch is usually on the side of the base), spritz a little cleaner on the pillowcase or fan blade. Then slide the pillowcase over the fan blade and then wipe the fabric on the inside of the case along the blade. This will wipe the dust off and trap it in the pillowcase. Repeat for each blade as needed. Then take that pillowcase outside and shake it out.

Clean out your dryer vent

This little activity can prevent a fire. Unplug the dryer. If it’s gas, you have to shut off the gas. Pull the dryer out from the wall and disconnect the clamp from the hose. Using a dryer vent brush or vacuum hose, clean out the hole in the dryer and high up as you can reach. Do the same with the hose you disconnected. After you reconnect the hose, go outside, remove the flap casing from the wall, and clean up in that hole with the brush and vacuum, too. Then reattach it. When you move the dryer back to the wall, do NOT crush the dryer vent. Please.

Don’t forget to give your lint trap a good cleaning. Use hot, sudsy water and a toothbrush if you use dryer sheets, because the material from them tends to clog the mesh of the dryer lint trap. Make sure it’s completely dry before you put it back into the dryer.

Clean the refrigerator coils

Slide the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it. Is it unplugged? Unplug it. Some refrigerators have the condenser coils on the back (older models). Newer models have the coils at the bottom of the refrigerator. You may have to remove the grill. If there is a condenser pan (which may or may not have water in it), empty it. Some don’t even have them. The coils should be treated gently. If you damage one, you’re going to need to call for a repair. Use a refrigerator condenser coil brush (Big box store, about $5) and a vacuum.  Don’t forget to plug the refrigerator back in when you’re finished.

While these tasks may seem somewhat tedious, they will save you money on your electrical bill and may prevent a fire. If you would like any of these tasks or others performed by an appliance professional, give us a call. We can do these for you for a reasonable fee, and give you peace of mind.

Is your refrigerator running? :)

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!