How to Effectively Clean Your Oven Using the Self-Clean Mode

After several hundred meals ranging from Thanksgiving turkey to frozen pizza, your oven collects all kinds of debris that can be a headache (and backache) to thoroughly clean. The self-cleaning mode on your oven is a neat little function that saves a lot of time while avoiding using chemical-based cleaners around food preparation areas.

So how does self-cleaning actually work? Essentially, the cleaning mode raises the temperature of your oven well over 800 degrees to create an extreme atmosphere in which food particles and debris cannot withstand. During this cycle, the debris eventually either dissipates or reduces to an ash-like consistency that can be easily removed with a damp cloth. If you haven’t cleaned your oven in a while, or used the self-cleaning feature, follow these simple steps to get your unit sparkling clean once again.


                        Preparation - 

a.       Make the job a little easier for your oven by peeking into the unit to look for any large debris that could pose as a problem during the cycle. Not only does it make the cleaning process easier for the oven, but it will also prevent excessive smoke from being released into your home.

b.      Some manufacturers recommend leaving the oven racks while others do not. The high temperature may cause the shiny finish on the racks to become dull after a self-cleaning cycle. If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual.

Watch out for Flammables! - 

a.       Your oven is about to be heated to a very high level. Take extra precaution by removing all flammable items within your oven’s immediate proximity. Also, keep an eye out for children and pets!

Lock It Up! - 

a.       Ovens that have a self-cleaning mode have a locking mechanism that prevents the oven from being opened during the cycle to prevent any injury from the extreme heat. Check your owner’s manual to determine if your oven door automatically locks or needs to be manually latched.

Fire It Up! - 

a.       After you have your oven door properly secured, it is time to fire it up! Start the self-cleaning cycle and be sure to turn your overhead fan on as well.

b.      The exhaust fan will help prevent excessive smoke and the burning smell from escaping into your home as the debris is burned off, however, it is normal for an oven to smoke during this cycle. Opening a few windows nearby in addition to the exhaust fan helps as well.

Self Cleaning Time - 

a.       Let the oven do its work! Your oven will soon heat up to over 800 degrees incinerating all the debris in your unit. The running time varies by manufacturer and model so if you are unsure, check your owner’s manual.

b.      DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO OPEN YOUR OVEN DURING THIS CYCLE! Self-cleaning ovens have the locking feature for your safety – to protect you from the extreme temperature it achieves during the cycle. The cycle time may be more than 4 hours so be patient and do not try to rush the process by opening the door. It can severely injure you and those around you.

Cool Down - 

a.       After the cycle is complete, your oven will most likely remain locked during the cool down period. The oven will take some time to return to a safe temperature so be sure to allow ample time.

Clean Up - 

a.       Now that your oven has returned to a safe temperature you can complete the final step of the cleaning process. Simply take a damp cloth and wipe down all surfaces in the inside of the oven. You will find that all debris has been reduced to a dust consistency that is very easy to remove.

The self-cleaning feature is a great way to keep your oven debris free without excessive scrubbing. If only all appliances had this nifty little feature.

If the self-cleaning function, or any function, does not seem to be working properly you may need to have a repair technician come take a look at your unit.

Occasionally, oven units will need to have their control board replaced to bring them back to working order. If the part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your oven back up and running in no time while avoiding a costly appliance replacement. Call 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

How Often Should I Replace the Water Filter In My Fridge?

Thanks to the advancements in home water filtration systems in refrigeration units, homes across the United States have access to bottled-quality water in their homes at a fraction of the cost. These home water filters remove bacteria and contaminants from your tap water dispensing your family quality, fresh and odorless water.


Many water filters in refrigeration units need to be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions to continually provide clean, fresh tasting water. Neglecting to change your water filter not only prevents filtration, but can also reduce the quality of your water from oversaturation of the filtering unit. Filters commonly use a charcoal-based solution that traps contaminants as the water flows through them – cleaning your water as it travels through your refrigerator to the glass. As you continually dispense your water, the filter becomes completely saturated with contaminants and begins to leak the trapped contaminants back into your water as it passes through. Replacing your water filter based on the manufacturer’s recommendation is the easiest way to keep your water clean and great tasting.

To find what water filter is required for your fridge and how often it should be replaced you should first check the manual that came with the refrigeration unit. Keeping up with the recommended filtration schedule is the best way to ensure that you and your family always receive contaminant-free, great tasting water.

Is your refrigerator not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your unit gets back to running in tip-top shape.



Occasionally, refrigeration units will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your refrigerator back working again in no time so you can enjoy fresh-tasting water at a fraction of bottled water prices. Call 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Quick Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill during the Air Conditioning Season

As we begin to approach the summer months, the temperature begins to rise as well as our energy bills.

Here a few quick tips to keep your electricity bill low and your home cool and comfortable.

1) Upgrade to an Energy Efficient A/C Unit

a. If you have an old, outdated A/C unit your energy bill will be much higher as older models typically are not energy efficient. Do a little research or ask a certified technician if you are due for an upgrade. Be sure to select the proper unit for the size of your home to properly cool your home without wasting energy.

2) Replace Used Filters

a. A used, dirty air filter causes your A/C unit to work overtime. Replacing your air filter based on the manufacturer instructions can help you cut down on energy costs while ensuring the air circulating throughout your home is clean and fresh.

3) Air Conditioner Check-Up

a. When was the last time you had a technician come look at your air conditioning unit? If you cannot remember, it has probably been too long. Have a certified technician come and inspect the efficiency of your unit. Air conditioners in homes across America are not running at peak efficiency due to leaky air ducts and poor ventilation. A simple technician visit to your home may cost a few dollars, but the monthly savings on your bill from identifying and resolving unit issues will recoup your initial investment. Best of all, your home will be much cooler so you can beat the heat!

4) Program Your Thermostat

a. Most A/C units have a programmable thermostat that can be set to turn the air on and off during certain times of the day. Try programming your thermostat based around when you will be in and out of your home. Save the cold air for when you are relaxing on the couch!

5) Close the Door!

a. In rooms you do not use often, close the A/C vent along with the door to the room. This better allocates your A/C unit’s energy to the rooms you wish to enjoy the comfort of cool air.

6) Timing is Everything

a. One would be surprised how much heat is emitted from appliances in your home. Your washing machine, dishwasher, dryer and oven all emit heat when in use. Avoid using these appliances during the day when the temperature is at its warmest. Try cooking and cleaning in the morning hours or once the temperature has cooled in the evening.

7) Install an Attic fan

a. If you have an attic in your home, you know how warm it gets up there in the summer months. Heat rises into your attic and becomes trapped. This warm air from your attic has nowhere to escape and eventually descends in to adjacent rooms in your home. The attic fan will help circulate the hot air out of your home instead of in your comfortable, cool rooms.



Is your A/C unit not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your unit gets back to running in tip-top shape.



Occasionally, air conditioning units will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your air conditioner back working again in no time so you can enjoy the comfort of your home. Call 1866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Why Won't My Dishes Dry at the End of the Wash Cycle?

Dishwashers are one of the greatest inventions of our time. They save us time and energy – cleaning and sanitizing our dishes efficiently without the need of a bottle of Dawn and elbow grease. It can be frustrating, however, when your dishes come out clean but need to be dried before placing them back into the cupboard. Why won’t my dishes dry?

There are a few possible reasons why your dishes are not drying at the end of your cycle. Before calling a repairman, try a few of these quick fixes:



Rinse Aid: Have you tried a rinse aid with your dishwasher? Rinse Aids are a great an inexpensive way to ensure your dishes come out dry and sparkling clean. Moisture accumulates on your dishes each cycle; the rinse aid prevents the moisture build-up that leaves your dishes covered in water.

Overload: If your dishwasher is filled to the brim, it will prevent your dishes from drying. There needs to be enough space in your dishwasher to allow air to circulate freely throughout the unit.

Air vs. Heated Dry: Many dishwashers have an option to use a heated dry cycle. Enabling heated dry may be a simple way to solve your drying issue.

Thermostat Sensor: Dishwashers have a temperature sensor that monitors and controls the washing and drying functions. If your thermostat sensor is not working correctly, the unit may not dry your dishes. The easiest way to determine if your thermostat is the culprit is to run your dishwasher on the hottest cycle and open it mid-wash. If you can’t feel the heat – your temperature sensor probably isn’t working correctly. Be sure to open carefully- if your temperature sensor is working correctly the steam emitted will be very hot!

Heating Element: You know that horseshoe shaped mechanism at the bottom of your dishwasher? That is your heating element and it is responsible for warming the contents in your washer. If it looks damaged, give your local repairman a call.

Fan: Many brands and models of dishwashers have a drying fan that assists in the circulation of hot air throughout your dishes. Look in your unit’s user manual to see where your fan, if any, is located and check it for any signs of damage. These fans also occasionally accumulate debris – wiping down the fan with a damp cloth usually does the trick.

Contents: What you are putting into your dishwasher also has an effect on your drying cycle. Ceramic and glass dishes retain heat and dry much better than plastic dishware. Try putting your Tupperware on the top shelf next time.

If your dishwasher continually fails to dry your dishes you may need to call a repairman to come inspect the unit. Many times the unit’s control board will need to be replaced.



CoreCentric Solutions offers a lower cost alternative if your need to replace your control board. Located in the heart of the US, CoreCentric Solutions remanufactures control boards using an ISO9001:2008 Certified Quality Management System, All controls are fully tested to OEM standards and come with a 6 month warranty. Parts can be purchased on line at http://stores.ebay.com/CoreCentric-Solutions-Store

If the dishwasher part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service to breathe new life back into your old appliance! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your appliance back working again in no time and saves you the hassle of purchasing a new dishwasher. Call 1 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service or visit http://www.corecentricsolutions.com .

How to Organize Your Wine Refrigerator

Being a wine connoisseur, you know the importance of proper temperature and storage. You keep your collection preserved in a wine cooler or refrigerator, providing an ideal home and storage space for your family’s favorite dinner-time beverage.


As your collection grows, it is helpful to adopt a separation strategy for your wine cooler. Here are a few ways to keep your wine separated:

• Color/Type:
• Separating your wine by color is the easiest strategy to organize your collection and doesn’t require as much knowledge of wine as the Maitre d' at the Italian restaurant around the corner. Sort the reds from whites, cabernets from pinots and your collection will begin to show some organization.

• Geographic Location:
• Wine color and flavor varies drastically from location to location. Try organizing your collection by country – keeping your Italian moscato separated from your California sauvignon blanc. You can take your collection even further by organizing by color/type after separating by location.

• Brand:
• Another simple way to organize your wine cooler is to separate your collection by brand. Separating by brand works great if you continually buy certain brands or have a special affinity for a specific winery.  

• Price:
• A truly special wine should be saved and shared with special people. Organizing your collection by price is a great way to determine when to bring out your best bottle for enjoyment.

 

If you own a Wine Enthusiast wine cellar cooler or refrigerator and it is not working correctly or if your Wine Enthusiast control board needs repair – do not fear the well-being of your favorite vino. CoreCentric Solutions, based out of the Greater Chicago Area offers a return for repair service on the following parts for a variety of models (Part No: 280-06-26-98 & 280-06-26-00). For more information on CoreCentric Solutions’ RFR, call (866) 737-2244 or visit http://www.corecentricusa.com.

What is the ideal temperature for your refrigerator?

When you open your refrigerator, you see a world where your fresh produce, lunchmeats and favorite beverages live harmoniously. What you don’t see is the ongoing, microscopic battle between your food and the bacteria that is attempting to overthrow your refrigerator and stake claim on everything from your Clementine oranges to the Chipotle burrito you did not have room to finish.

 

Your refrigerator’s job is to keep the items inside preserved – slowing the growth of bacteria and keeping your food fresh. The low temperature creates an environment that keeps your food items edible and tasty while keeping bacteria in check. The lower the temperature, the fewer bacteria can thrive and multiply on your food.

 

So what is the best temperature to keep your refrigerator? If you keep your refrigerator too cold, your vegetables get mushy and your Diet Coke cans explode causing a sticky mess. Keep your refrigerator level too warm and bacteria will overrun your entire fridge spoiling all of your items, wasting food and requiring another trip to the grocery store.

 

The best temperature to keep your refrigerator is anywhere between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your fridge in this “sweet spot” will prolong the life of your food and keep bacteria at bay. Most refrigerators have temperature control settings, commonly located in the back of the unit. Newer models even have the temperature panels located on the refrigeration door for easy temperature adjustment. Depending on the contents in your fridge, the temperature will vary which is why it is important to take the time and determine the optimal setting regularly.

 

By achieving the ideal temperature for your refrigerator, you can prolong the life of your foods, save money and energy, and avoid sharing your favorite dish with your microscopic adversary. Here are a few great tips to keep your refrigerator running in tip-top shape:

 

• Clean your refrigerators condenser coils at the bottom and in the back. Freeing up dust particles makes it easier for your refrigerator to obtain the proper temperature - saving money and electricity
• Overloading your refrigerator with lots of warm food upsets the temperature and condensation balance. Let your food cool off a bit before putting it away
• Refrigerators and freezers operate best when they are full and have space between the items for cold air to circulate – put your Tetris skills to work!
• Close the door! When your refrigerator door is open, you let out more cold air than you think. Do your best to avoid keeping the door open for extended periods of time
• Refrigerator seals wear out over time and let the cool air out causing your fridge to constantly be running in the cooling cycle. Take a dollar bill and close the refrigerator door on it. If the bill easily slides out, you may need to replace your seal

 

Is your refrigerator not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your appliance gets back to running in tip-top shape.

 

Occasionally, refrigerators will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service to breathe new life back into your old appliance! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your appliance back working again in no time and saves you the hassle of purchasing a new refrigerator. Call 1866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Bringing Old Appliances Back To Life

By William Hageman, Chicago Tribune reporter
February 10, 2012

A simple broken part can often signal the end of a major appliance, sending a consumer out to shop for a new refrigerator, stove, air conditioner or clothes dryer.

To make matters worse, if that old appliance isn't collected by the retailer, it's hauled to the curb.

A Glendale Heights business, however, has a better idea.

CoreCentric Solutions remanufactures electronic and electromechanical controls, taking previously useless items and putting them back in circulation.

"We're in the green business, the sustainability business," said Badal Wadia, CoreCentric's president and CEO. "We're providing a service where there's a need. Parts cost a lot today. And we're keeping parts from going into landfills."

There are several components to the 16-year-old company's operation: It remanufactures nearly 30,000 pieces a month; it is a supplier of parts for all major brands in the appliance, fitness and heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries; it has a booming return for repair service; and last year it started an appliance recycling program that has gone national. Advances in technology are opening doors.

"Basically, you have to keep service parts alive seven years," Wadia said. "Some expensive brands keep them alive longer. In the old days with a washer, say, the colors would change, the knobs would change, but the guts stayed the same 15 years. … Today, technology is speeding up. Things change quicker."

As manufacturers move on to products with more advanced parts, consumers will have a 4-year-old dishwasher that is outdated.

When a manufacturer can no longer supply a part, consumers, service people and third-party warranty providers turn to CoreCentric (corecentricsolutions.com).

"It can be an economic catastrophe, global conditions or it's just not economical for them to produce the part," Wadia said. "We fit in. We're between the original supply manufacturer and the consumer. From the end consumer to manufacturers to third-party service providers, we run the gamut."

CoreCentric repairs nearly 5,000 parts, he explained. "In most cases, unless it's broken into pieces or burned up, we can make the repairs."

The process begins with CoreCentric's 30-person electrical and mechanical engineering staff, which analyzes and tests each item. They then write the book, literally, on repairs, preparing a work instructions book that is used on the production floor.

"From an engineer's perspective, (the job) is great because they get to see so many lines of products: microwaves, dishwashers, ranges, built-in ovens, all kinds of cooktops," Wadia said.
When the engineers are finished, the repair crew has a detailed road map for each product, including its specs, possible areas of trouble, how repairs should be made and how the remanufactured item should be tested.

Donna Barbic, vice president of sales, said that when the engineers are done, all the questions have been answered and the issue has been debugged. Mechanical parts are torn down into individual components, then rebuilt. The finished product has essentially been remanufactured.
"We're not just going to repair the flat," Wadia said. "We'll replace all four tires."

He said that consumers are often surprised not only that CoreCentric's service is available, but also at the cost.

Replacing a refrigerator with a decent model can cost $1,500 to $2,000, and a built-in range can cost from $500 to $7,000. Typically, though, a failed part can be replaced for $60 to $120. Some are a little more, of course, such as parts that are not as frequently called for. Others can run a little less.

Also impressive is the turnaround. The return-for-repair service, for example, generally takes 24 to 48 hours. And even that time frame may be a little misleading.

"Most of our repairs come in through a parcel service," Wadia said, "so by the time they arrive and we get them into the system, a day is gone."

And with 10 employees dedicated to the return-for-repair service, some customers can wait for their part to be worked on.

"We even had somebody drive from Indianapolis to get a part fixed," Wadia said. "He called and arranged it ahead of time, and came in and waited for it."

Wadia said that in the last two years the company has added more than 100 employees as it has expanded its offerings. (One of 2011's successful strategies was the appliance recycling program. Recycling units were set up at six Chicago-area locations of Automatic Appliance Parts. Later, D&L Parts Co. instituted a program at locations in North and South Carolina, and Dey Distributing did the same at locations throughout the North Central U.S.)

Wadia plans to add 40 or 50 employees this year. Down the line, the company could grow more, tackling small appliances, for example.

"We see that depot repair is an area where we have room for growth," Barbic said. "Refurbishing the entire product, not just the components as we do today."
And, she said, "We're always asked about nonappliance items. Games, musical instruments all have electronic components. We could parlay that into depot repair as well."