Our home appliances make our lives more convenient and our work much more manageable. However, there always comes a time when they break and need immediate appliance repair.
Not all appliances are made equal because they are made of various components unique to their function. Some machines are more complex and have more moving parts than others. Some appliances are more prone to damage because of frequent use and their design.
This article lists the appliances that will likely need repair or replacement and will explain why they are more vulnerable to wear and tear.
Outline:
6 Appliances That Break More Often
Some appliances are more prone to damage because of their extensive workload. Meanwhile, other appliances have sensitive components that are vulnerable to electrical issues. Proper maintenance and proper use can help prevent them from severe damage and issues.
Below are some of the appliances that you should always be careful of when using since they often break:
- Washing Machines
Washing machines are some of the hardest working appliances in any household. Aside from being used almost weekly, they also have to withstand heavy loads and brutal spin cycles. Furthermore, some of its parts are also in contact with water, which can easily lead to rust.
Some of the most common problems with washing machines include the appearance of molds, the drum not spinning correctly, and failure to drain the water. Meanwhile, the control panel and motor are the most expensive components to replace in washers.
If you don’t want your washing machine to break, here are some pointers:
- Do not wash heavy bedding in it
- Perform regular maintenance and clean the drum often
- Keep loads at reasonable levels as indicated by the washer’s markers
- Check for coins or other metallic objects in the clothes’ pockets before washing them
- Dyers
Much like washers, most of a dryer’s problem stems from the stress during the spin cycle. Overloading it with clothes and clogging it with foreign objects could also cause severe damage.
Clothes not drying and faulty dryer parts (motor, belt, drum rollers, etc.) are some of the biggest complaints most repairmen receive from their clients. You might also encounter a faulty heating function and a clogged dryer vent pipe.
Here are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your dryer:
- Always clean the lint screen after using the dryer
- Have the vent cleaned at least once a year, preferably by a professional
- Pay close attention if there are any items in your clothes’ pockets
- Replace any worn-out parts; some are available in your local hardware store
- Refrigerators
Your refrigerator is one of the few appliances that are always on. Because it operates for an extended period, it can catch some serious issues because of wear and tear. Furthermore, you always want to keep your fridge working perfectly or else you risk food spoilage.
Since it also deals with water, any leakage may damage essential components and hinder the refrigerator’s operation. Common refrigerator problems you need to be wary of include the refrigerator not cooling, a broken circuit board, and severe ice buildup.
If you want to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator, follow these tips:
- Clean grime and dust off the condenser coils twice a year
- Close the fridge door whenever possible to prevent the cold air from escaping
- Keep the refrigerator’s top clear of any object
- Use a sponge to clean the water dispenser with a mixture of vinegar and water
- Garbage Disposals
While garbage disposals are tough, they also break down if given enough time. Some homeowners don’t use them properly, treating them like wood chippers. Never put items that are too hard to be processed, like corn cobs, bones, and fruit pits. Some fibrous vegetable parts, like celery stalks, can also choke garbage disposal parts.
Some of the usual problems in the garbage disposal include the unit not turning on, jammed disposals, grinding noises, leaks, and slow draining.
The following are some preventive measures you can take to maintain your garbage disposal:
- Use ample amounts of water when the food is being chopped
- Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the inside of the disposal unit
- Use cold water since it won’t liquefy fats and grease, unlike hot water
- Avoid foods that grind into bits, like seeds and popcorn, since they can get wedged under the blades
- Dishwashers
Dishwashers are constantly in contact with water and are exposed to dry rot. Hence, if you have a leaky dishwasher it must be addressed immediately or the moisture from leaks can cause structural damage to your home.
When your dishwasher has a broken component, it usually does not clean, dry, or drain properly. In some cases, the control panel or dish rack might be broken. Other parts that are regularly damaged include the circulation pump, wash arm, and the inlet valve.
Here are a few things you can do to prevent dishwasher parts from deteriorating early:
- Don’t wash anything on the dishwasher aside from dishes
- Remove hard-water residue
- Check the condition of the spray arms every few months
- Repair the plastic coating once it wears off
- Air Conditioning
Your AC is another appliance that seems to break down at the worst possible moments. Many AC problems stem from its lack of maintenance and age.
The number one enemy of most air conditioning systems is dust. It can affect various components such as the air filter, condenser coil, and evaporator coil. Meanwhile, your air conditioning can have numerous issues such as AC not cooling enough or a thermostat malfunction.
Below are some tips you can use to properly care for your air conditioning system:
- Change the air filter based on the user’s manual
- Get it maintained by a reliable air conditioning repair services company
- Set the thermostat at a reasonable level
- Turn it off when not in use or if you are leaving the house
Conclusion
Home appliances need to be properly maintained and used sparingly for them to last long and not encounter any problems.
At On Point Service Company, we offer a wide selection of appliance repair services at reasonable prices. We have the best technicians and repairmen who are equipped with the proper diagnostic and repair tools for the job.
Our company serves homeowners and business owners in Waco, TX and nearby areas. If you want to get a free quote, simply schedule an appliance repair through our website.
