It has happened to all of us. Our appliance breaks down, and we don’t know what to do. We panic, Google “appliance repair near me”, and hope for the best. The good news is that most appliance breakdowns are simple repairs that you can do yourself with a bit of knowledge and some basic tools. In this blog post, we will discuss ten appliance repair tips from professionals that you can follow to get your appliance up and running again.
Outline
- Clean Your Appliances Regularly
- Don’t Ignore the Tell-Tale Signs
- Know the Refrigerant Cycle
- Give the Air Conditioner Filter a Clean-Up
- Change the Refrigerator Water Filter
- Inspect the Washing Machine Hoses
- Google Appliance Error Codes
- A Multimeter Can Come in Handy
- Check the Oven Door Seal
- Set Aside a Budget and Plan for Emergency Repairs
Clean Your Appliances Regularly
The buildup of debris and dust causes dirty and clogged air filters. These particles impede airflow, thus making the appliance work harder than it should. Worse, they can also weaken the unit and cost you considerable money for repairs. When buying a dedicated cleaning product, go for one proven effective in removing microbes. It must also be compatible with your appliance, to say the least.
The same maintenance procedure also applies to your cooktop. Cleaning it after cooking prevents corrosion and rust that can speed up your appliance’s damage. A vacuum cleaner is ideal for thwarting the buildup of dust inside.
Don’t Ignore the Tell-Tale Signs
The faults in some home appliances are easier to detect than others. For instance, you’ll know there is an issue when you notice your fridge not cooling, even if it is on. Even a slight leak is a good indication that there is something wrong with your appliance.
You can easily spot the problem by paying attention to your unit’s condition. If the tell-tale signs are left ignored, these can lead to expensive repairs or complete malfunction. And if you’ve tried repairing it but to no avail, then it’s time for professional intervention.
Know the Refrigerant Cycle
Refrigerant is a working fluid utilized in the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning units. However, this is also present in heat pumps and fridges. Therefore, it is vital to know the unit’s refrigerant cycle and how it works. This will help you see how the compressor, evaporator, and condenser function as one. Moreover, it will enable you to carry out simple appliance repairs at home if any of the components start malfunctioning or slowing down.
Give the Air Conditioner Filter a Clean-Up
Regular filter clean-up is the most vital maintenance task that prolongs the life of your air conditioning unit. Dirty, clogged filters reduce airflow amount and considerably diminish the appliance’s performance. Worse, these can also lead to high energy bills. So, make sure to clean the filters twice a month. When cleaning them, remove the front panel. And if they are reusable, vacuum them to eliminate as much grime as possible.
Change the Refrigerator Water Filter
Refrigerator water filters are designed to keep the water fresh and clean. However, changing them every six months is crucial. If neglected, three things can start taking place:
The filter becomes prone to becoming saturated with contaminants
Debris and dirt might start clogging the water filter
More contaminants get into the water, although it looks and tastes clean
Inspect the Washing Machine Hoses
A leaking washing machine hose can lead to flooding in your laundry area. To avoid this from happening, check the hose that links to your washer’s back panel for any leaks or cracks. If there is a deformity, replace the hose right away. Experts advise replacing the washer hose every five years.
Google Appliance Error Codes
As technology evolves, error codes are now featured in newer home appliance, from ovens to microwaves, dishwashers, and washers. If a code pops up on your unit, check what it means by simply Googling it. If it’s something that you can’t fix, then call a reliable company that offers reliable appliance repair in Waco, TX.
A Multimeter Can Come in Handy
Do you get furious every time your appliance malfunctions or suddenly stops working? With a multimeter, that won’t happen again. This is an essential tool in repairing all types of home appliances. In fact, it is used even by air conditioning repair companies. The best part is that you can buy this appliance tester for as low as $20.
So, how does it work? Well, it helps you figure out electrical-related issues. For instance, it can spot if the problem with your oven is caused by electricity not reaching the time motor. If you are using it for the first time, there are user-friendly guides online that can help you out.
Check the Oven Door Seal
A malfunctioning oven door seal can lose 20% of its heat and lead to high energy bills. That’s because the food takes a longer time to cook. So, make sure the door of your oven is sealed correctly. You can do this by opening the oven door and finding the fiberglass gasket or rubber around the door area. Feel for torn, deformed, or damaged areas. Also, close the door to know if leaks are present. Replace the seal if there are.
Set Aside a Budget and Plan for Emergency Repairs
Home appliances are a big investment. Some of them cost thousands of dollars. So, set aside a budget for emergency repair instead of buying a new one. This is also a wise move, given that DIY repairs don’t always work. Moreover, it reduces headaches, saves time, and prevents additional expenses down the line. At the end of the day, no one does the job better than experts.
Conclusion
PartSelect.com’s current survey indicates that 42.5% of homeowners consider the lack of electrical understanding and skill as the greatest obstacle to an effective do-it-yourself repair. Half of these respondents believe that repairing a malfunctioning home appliance is challenging and time-consuming. Thus, the expertise of professionals is truly indispensable.
If you are on the lookout for the best company offering reliable yet affordable appliance repair service, On Point Service Company is here to help. Whether you need air conditioner service in Belton, TX or direct appliance repair in Waco, TX, you can count on our qualified technicians. So, call us today to book an appointment!