Appliances are a substantial investment in your home. High quality appliances will last you and your family for years to come. Not only are new appliances more modern and offer more features than before, they also are usually much more energy efficient. If you’ve recently installed new appliances, it’s important to keep them running at their peak efficiency. Take the time to take care of your appliances so they can last to their full potential and maintain optimal performance. You don’t need to be an expert to perform this maintenance – although you can always call us for help!
Refrigerators
One of the best ways to keep your refrigerator running smoothly is to regularly clean the interior and exterior of the machine. If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, a common issue is air flow across the condenser. Make sure to clean the grill at the base of the refrigerator, as well as the condenser coils (usually at the bottom of the fridge or the back). By keeping these clean, regular air flow is distributed to the components and the coils can efficiently disperse heat.
Washing Machines
Do you have a front-loading washing machine? Most front-loading machines require a little more maintenance than your typical top-loading washer and are more prone to odor. Leave the door and detergent dispenser open once you’ve finished a load of laundry. By leaving the door and detergent dispenser open, you allow air to circulate, rather than trapping moisture inside, which can lead to mildew and mold issues. Be sure to clean the washing machine as needed, usually about once a month. We have a full line of cleaning product specially designed for your washing machine. In addition, using the proper amount of H.E. detergent is crucial to preventing odors and buildup.
Whatever kind of washing machine you have, it’s important not to overload it. Overloading a washing machine can cause the unit to go off balance which will put unnecessary strain on the motor, bearings and suspension. By regularly overloading washers and dryers, you can put abnormal wear and tear on the machine can cause it to require service prematurely. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maximum capacity for your washing machine.
Dryers
There’s a lot more to dryer maintenance than cleaning the lint trap after every load of laundry. It’s critical to ensure the exhaust vent is kept clean. The vent line runs from the wall behind the dryer to the outside of your home. Make sure this line is not restricted with lint build-up. Many hardware stores sell a “do it yourself duct cleaning kit.” However professional cleaning is recommended. Duct and dryer fires are more common than one may think.
Preventative maintenance is important to keep your appliances running smoothly for years to come. These are a few key tips on common appliance issues. If you have any questions, or need help with any service and maintenance, call the appliance experts at TeeVax.