Home Appliance Maintenance Tips

Anyone who owns a home appliance will agree the latest generation of appliances don’t last as long as older appliances. The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on the use it receives. Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).


While the quality of your appliance and the intensity of use are factors that determine its lifespan, you can help increase the life expectancy of your home appliance with some simple maintenance listed below.


Refrigerator Maintenance
Condensers
Clean condenser coils regularly by gently brushing off buildup that may cause overheating.
Location
Locate refrigerators away from heat sources like your range, a radiator, or a sunny window. To prevent overheating and system failure, do not locate the refrigerator near anything that can restrict the airflow to the motor, coils and compressor. Also, do not place refrigerators on top of carpeting because most condensers are located under the refrigerator and carpeting retains heat, causing the compressor to overwork.
Seals
Regularly clean the seals in order to maintain proper temperature control and system.
Dedicated Outlet
To avoid burning out the compressor, always plug the refrigerator directly into the wall. If you absolutely need to run an extension cord, make sure a heavy duty, 3-pronged extensions cord. If unsure, consult the manufacturer specifications in the user guide.


Range and Oven Maintenance
Keep It Clean
Don't allow heavy grease buildup on the oven interior. Clean burner drip pans thoroughly to bring out the shine needed to properly radiate heat back. Carefully clean around gasket seals with a mild, nonabrasive cleaner. DO NOT use oven cleaners in self-cleaning ovens.


Dryer Maintenance
Lint Filter
Empty the lint filter after each and every use for efficient drying and fire prevention. Remove anything else that can impede good airflow. Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint settles over time.
Vent
Vent your dryer to the outside, never vent it inside. Clean out exhaust vent system at least once a year to remove clogs or other obstructions that can impede good airflow. Never vent with plastic or vinyl.
Heat Sensitive Items
Do not place foam backed rugs, rubber/plastic shoes or other heat sensitive articles in dryers. Also, to prevent fires, do not place clothing or other items soiled with flammable substances like gasoline and alcohol. Check the pockets of clothes for crayons and other heat sensitive items that may ruin the other clothes.
Overloading
To save energy, do not overload the dryer and make sure items are not water logged. This may also lead to motor failure.


Washer Maintenance
Level
Make sure that the washing machine’s feet are level to prevent an imbalance in the machine that may cause loud noises and added wear and tear on the unit a whole.
Hoses
Rubber Hoses, over time, get worn out, brittle and leak. It is recommended that hoses be replaced every 5-7 years. Check drain hoses to make sure it’s not impeded from draining. Remove kinks and other stoppages. Improper draining may cause the pump to overheat and burn out.
Overloading
Overloading your washer with clothes adds pressure on the hoses which can cause them to burst. It also makes the washing machine work harder.
Belts
Check belts regularly to see if they need replacement. Worn or stretched belts will cause the washing machine to work harder.


Dishwasher Maintenance
Level
Make sure that the dishwasher’s feet are level to prevent an imbalance in the machine that may cause loud noises and added wear and tear on the unit a whole.
Cleaning
Regularly run a cup of white vinegar through a complete cleaning cycle of the empty dishwasher. This will gently clean residues, odors and debris from the unit.
Spray Arm
Clean the holes in the spray arm with a toothbrush and a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Make sure you remove all debris and residues. Doing this regularly will remove the stress on the pumps and motor.
Filter
If your dishwasher has a filter underneath the lower spray arm, remove all debris and rinse to protect the pump and motor seals. Replace if it has holes. A dirty filter may cause the dishwasher to not drain.
Hoses
Check drain hoses to make sure it’s not impeded from draining. Remove kinks and other stoppages. Improper draining may cause the pump to overheat and burn out.


To sum it up – Keep it level and keep it clean and your appliance should serve you well.

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