Todd Nesnick
Most people cannot imagine life without home appliances as these equipment have made life so much easier. They offer so much comfort and luxury that a day without appliances is easily a day gone wrong.
However, the truth remains that these appliances could break down at any point while they’re being used. Good news is that you can save money on appliance repairs by maintaining your home appliances regularly. The most recommended way to save money on appliance repairs is by registering with companies that offer home warranty services. Home warranties offer protection from unexpected costs on appliance repairs. A Cinch warranty for instance covers repairs on refrigerators, dryers, washers, HVAC and plumbing among others.
In addition to home warranties, you also need to know different tips on how to maintain your gadget and keep them running for a long time. Here are general tips that can help you extend the lives of your appliances by several years
Ensure To Always Keep Them Clean
Maintenance of home appliances begins with simply cleaning them regularly. Keeping your appliances clean helps to prevent the accumulation of debris on their surfaces (these contaminants could shorten their life span). To get the best out of your cleaning, you would need a sponge, warm water, and a detergent used for cleaning. Resist the urge to use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges to clean your appliances because doing so can damage them and make them more likely to break.
Maintaining a Regular Schedule of Appliance Servicing
Another great tip for maintaining your home appliances is to check them regularly. Checking them regularly ensures that weak parts are fixed and that they are in good working condition. You could always book an appointment to have these appliances checked quarterly or annually.
It’s easy to forget about scheduled maintenance when life gets busy. You may want to set reminders to service your devices at the appropriate intervals. Setting reminders would also help you ensure that you get all the requirements ready before the technician comes
Recognize your Limits
Sticking to the limits established by the manufacturer is another crucial tip for the continued functioning of your home appliances. Every appliance in your home has a maximum capacity, and if you push it too far, it could break. These limits are usually established by the manufacturers after they have been stress-tested and guaranteed to function properly under that limit. Consider upgrading to smart home appliances if your current home appliances seem to be working below your expectation.
For instance, if the manufacturer’s guide states that the load size for your dishwasher is a maximum of 10kg, don’t try to load the machine with more than that.
Also, if you have an appliance with a 3-prong plug, ensure to use an outlet that can accommodate the plug. Avoid using workarounds like electrical extensions to avoid damaging the appliance due to power surge.
Avoid Using Hard Water for Appliances That Require Water
If you have appliances that require water to run, it’s also important to give some thought to the water supply you’re using.
Hard water is a kind of water that requires so much detergent before it foams. This could be as a result of the presence of minerals in the water such as calcium and magnesium.
These minerals can create a scale build-up in your appliances known as mineral deposits. This scale buildup can shorten the lifespan of your appliances. To fix this, a water softener can be used alongside every load of laundry and dishwashing.
Don’t Try To Fix Your Appliances Yourself
When something breaks, avoid attempting to fix these yourself, especially for major appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and washers. Due to the complexity of their many technical components, these appliances require expert maintenance in the event of a malfunction. When it comes to fixing electrical appliances, it’s best not to mess around but if you want to try, always follow electrical safety rules.
Special Maintenance Tips for Some Home Appliances
Some appliances require special attention when handling, asides from the general tips listed above. For instance:
Microwave
The microwave might require recalibration after it has been in use for a while. It is also important to use only microwave safe dishes in the microwave to avoid fires. When not in use for a long period, ensure to always unplug from the socket.
Dishwasher
Other than the general cleaning of the surfaces, the dishwasher can be cleaned compartmentally after every six months. Only use dish washer cleaning solutions for cleaning your dishwasher. Also, the vertical spikes on the racks of a standard dishwasher wear out and need to be replaced regularly. Always have them checked out, and when necessary, replace them with new spikes. This would ensure the spikes don’t leave marks on your plates.
Refrigerator
For refrigerators with ice/ water compartments, always drain the accumulated water quarterly. Ensure to vacuum clean the coils too. This would help to ensure that accumulated dust does not reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator.
In conclusion, always read the user’s manual for all appliances and adhere to them as the cleaning instructions for these appliances may vary according to brand. Reduce the money spent on the repair by giving special attention to your appliances.