Everyone’s worst nightmare is a household appliance breaking down at the most inconvenient time. From the dryer not drying your son’s team uniform before the big game to the oven failing when you are baking a holiday feast, these breakdowns can cause chaos and major expense.
The best way to avoid these costly disasters is to properly maintain your appliances. Here are some tips to help you:
- Clean the Filters
Whether it’s your vacuum cleaner, your fridge, your dryer or your HVAC system, all appliances have filters that need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. This is an easy appliance maintenance hack that can help save you from costly repairs in the future.
Proactive appliance maintenance also helps you identify minor issues that can easily be fixed with a simple home repair and extends the lifespan of your appliances. This can add value to your home and help you avoid costly replacements in the future. For an added convenience, bundle your appliances into a Sears Clean & Maintain service so a professional can perform these tasks for you. It’s an easy way to ensure your appliances are ready for the busy holiday season ahead.
- Check for Leaks
We all depend on our appliances, and the last thing you want is for them to suddenly break down at the most inconvenient times — like a dryer that fails mid-cycle right before your daughter’s big game or an oven that stops working just as you’re roasting the Thanksgiving turkey. But you can avoid these disasters by including some preventive maintenance hacks in your regular routine.
Look for signs of leaks, like water stains and an increased water bill. And don’t forget to regularly check your appliances for leaks, especially those that use water such as the dishwasher and washing machine. To do this, shut off your appliances and read your water meter (typically located near the street or where the water supply line enters your home). If it’s still running, there could be a leak somewhere.
- Check for Damage
Each appliance will come with its own set of instructions that can advise you on the best way to care for it. Read these and stick to them as much as possible.
Check for leaks and deterioration in hoses and wires on a regular basis. This will ensure that your appliances are working as efficiently as possible and will avoid costly repairs.
If a bad storm is coming your way, unplug any appliances that are electric (especially fridges and washing machines). Lightning can send surges of electricity
through the home’s wiring, causing damage or even fires.
Minimize the wear and tear on your appliances by using them less frequently. For example, preheat the oven only when you need it and use shorter dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer cycles.
- Change the Filters
Each appliance has specific requirements for optimal performance and longevity. Check the manual for detailed instructions. General essential maintenance tasks include cleaning gaskets around refrigerator doors, cleaning refrigerator coils, washing filters and replacing hoses and power cords periodically. Also, try to use appliances minimally; overloading can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
Keeping your appliances clean is vital to their performance and longevity. Regular appliance care prevents minor issues from snowballing into major breakdowns and postpones the need for expensive repairs or replacements. It can also prolong the lifespan of your appliances and reduce energy consumption. It may even save you
thousands of dollars in utility bills and promotes home safety. Lastly, it can help you keep your appliance warranties valid. If you are asking, “What does a home warranty cover?” You will be pleased to know that a lot of warranty companies do cover kitchen appliances. Considering long-lasting dining tables may help you save money in the long run.
- Clean the Vents
Appliances are a big part of everyday life, so it’s important to keep them properly maintained. Preventative cleaning and maintenance can help them last longer and run more efficiently. Plus, it can save you money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs and minimizing energy usage.
To clean your appliances properly, make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Also, remember to turn off and unplug the appliance before working on it. And don’t forget to clean your vents as well! This can prevent clogging and improve ventilation. To clean your vents, you’ll need a degreasing solution, a damp cloth, a scrub brush or sponge, a screwdriver, and some kitchen gloves. Soak the filters in hot water and a degreasing solution until they loosen, then scrub away the grease and wipe down the vent walls.
