How to extend the life of your appliances

Your appliances are probably some of the most expensive and hard-working objects you have in your house. While modern appliances probably won't last a lifetime, you can get a few extra years out of them if you take care of them. Routine maintenance and cleaning are key to extending the usable life of appliances, and repairs can extend them even further. Let's go through and talk about how you can help common appliances last longer.

We'll start in the laundry room, where the washer and dryer live. For a dryer, the best tip to extend the lifespan is lint management. Clean the lint filter after each load. the lint filter is usually located on the top of the machine or inside the door. By cleaning it after each cycle, you not only prevent buildup that can cause problems down the road, but it also allows the machine to run more efficiently and have better performance. It's also recommended to have your vents cleaned regularly. This is not a service we offer, but if you call we can make a recommendation. Professional dryer vent cleaning services will not only help with the longevity of the unit, but could also prevent some repairs.

The dryer has a neighbor, and that's the washer. For washing machines, regular cleaning is also recommended. Washer cleaning tablets are available at your local grocery store and are recommended about once a month, or when the unit begins to have a stale odor. If you have a front load washer, it's also recommended to keep the door open when not in use. This will allow the unit to air out naturally and prevent mildew or mold from forming on the rubber seal. With any washer, be sure not to overload the machine, as this can put extra strain on the suspension, causing it to wear out faster. If your washer is making a loud banging sound, a suspension may be the issue, and our service technicians would be happy to repair that for you. Typically the suspension on a top load will last about 6-8 years and the shock absorbers on a front load will last about 10 years, give or take, but if you're careful about not overloading and balancing the loads, you could go longer.

Let's move into the kitchen, where several appliances reside. First we'll talk about the refrigerator. With a refrigerator, cleanliness is key to long life. You should replace your water and air filters regularly. Cleaning the condenser coils and not overcrowding the inside can help the unit run more efficiently and last longer. If you're unsure on what the condenser coils are or how to clean them, good news! We have an article for that. Click the button below and learn how to keep your coils dust free.

How to clean condenser coils

Next up is the dishwasher. Just like washing machines, dishwashers should be cleaned regularly. Also like washers, there are dishwasher cleaning tablets that you can put in the machine to clean it. They are also available at your local grocery store and should be in the same section as the dishwasher pods. You can also help prevent buildup by pre-rinsing dishes. You don't need them to go in sparkly clean, but the larger pieces of leftover food should be rinsed off before loading. This will help the unit stay clean and prevent debris from clogging up the drain pump. If you ever pull a glass out of the dishwasher and it is broken, try to find all the broken pieces before starting the next cycle as broken glass is one of the most common things we find in pumps.

We're down to our last appliance, the oven. Whether you have a freestanding range or a wall oven, the maintenance is largely the same. Clean any spillovers immediately after the oven cools to prevent food getting baked on. Don't cook with the door open, even if its just cracked, as this can damage the unit's controls and wiring. Check the owners manual for specific cleaning instructions, since different materials like porcelain and enamel may require specialized cleaning procedures.

Long story short, keep your appliances clean, use the right products, and take care of them so they can take care of you. If any of your appliances are giving you trouble, we'd be happy to help. You can schedule online, or give us a call at 615-896-2933 and we would be happy to help. We're open Monday through Thursday from 8am until 4:30 pm CST and Fridays from 8am until 4pm CST.

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