You rely on your appliances to keep your home functioning and to make your life as convenient as possible. You expect your fridge to keep milk cold and produce fresh, and your oven to roast a chicken evenly with a crispy golden brown skin. As busy as we all get, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your household appliances to keep them working for you, not against you.
Your appliances are investments in your home — and your quality of life. Keeping them maintained can extend their lifespan and prevent expensive repairs. Think of it like giving them a health checkup, so you can catch small issues before they become major problems.
Appliance Maintenance Tips
Take a few minutes each month to inspect the condition of your major and minor appliances. That way, you only have a few quick tasks rather than trying to overcome years of neglect all at once. Here are some things our experts recommend putting on your appliance maintenance checklist:
- Keep filters fresh. Your refrigerator (and possibly your automatic coffee maker) may have water filters. These filters may be one of the most overlooked accessories until they need to be changed. We recommend changing your water filter every six months so keeping an extra or two on hand can pay off in several ways. Many newer refrigerators alert you when it’s time for a change — but if yours doesn’t, follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule. Neglecting to replace the filter could lead to a buildup of minerals and particles over time, putting extra strain on your ice maker and water dispenser. Likewise, because many home coffee makers don’t have a built-in filter, tap water with a lot of dissolved solids (“hard” water) can create “scale” when heated to brew the coffee, potentially damaging the machine over time. Clean the scale regularly and use filtered (not bottled) water. You’ll even notice a fresh and improved taste when you change your filters.
- Clean the refrigerator coils. When dust builds up, your refrigerator has to work harder, putting an extra load on the compressor and using more electricity. Unplug the refrigerator and use a coil brush and vacuum to clean, then inspect for any damage or overheating that could require a professional to evaluate. Do this at least every six months — but if you’re finding an excessive amount of dust or pet hair, you may want to up the frequency.
- Check the oven. If you’ve spilled food that’s burnt onto the surface, it’s best to get it off as soon as possible. Follow the manufacture’s care instructions, as abrasive cleaning products may damage some ovens. In addition, the seals around your oven door are there to prevent heat from escaping. Think about this, you’ll actually pay more for electricity — or natural gas — if the sealing is damaged or withering because the heat of the oven will escape into your kitchen. You could very well pay even more in energy costs to cool your kitchen if it’s in the cooler months. The seals can wear over time, so check them and replace when necessary. Refer to your oven’s user manual to locate the exact type of seal required and the specific replacement instructions for your model.
- Keep your dishwasher clog-free. Dishwashers have filters to prevent food waste from clogging the water pump. Clean them regularly and check the spray arms for food particles that may be blocking water nozzles. You can detach and wash the spray arms in your sink with relative ease and remember to check around the unit for any sign of a leak.
- Inspect the washer for lint and leaks. Keep your washing machine’s lint filter clean to help ensure efficient and safe operation. Also be sure to check the water hoses every six months to ensure they’re intact and connected without leaking. You definitely don’t want a hose to crack, rot or burst. We all love a pool in our backyard, not in our homes.
- Maintain dryer efficiency — and safety. Keep the lint filter and hose/vent clean to avoid overworking your dryer. Lint buildup can extend drying time which results in higher energy costs. If left for too long, dryer lint can become a serious fire hazard. To minimize laundry day, cost, and risk, remove the lint tray from your dryer and wipe away the fuzzy stuff with your hand. It’s that easy!
We Make Appliance Maintenance Easy and Affordable
At Aggressive Appliances, we see the benefits of proactive appliance maintenance constantly and specialize in comprehensive tune-ups and inspections designed to catch potential issues before they become costly problems. You can keep your appliances running better and longer — and take care of your investment — with the Aggressive Appliances Maintenance Plan. It covers all your major appliances and includes:*
- Condenser coil cleaning up to 5 units.
- Ice machine cleaning up to 2 units.
- Coffee machine descaling up to 2 units.
- $50 each additional unit over 9 units.
- 25% discount for labor.
*Filters not included.
While you may find other retailers that charge $150 per appliance, our comprehensive maintenance plan is only $399 per year, which can add up to a savings of up to $500 annually. Plus, your appliances are eligible no matter where you bought them. Click here for full details.
And Because It’s Never a Good Time for an Appliance Problem …
Let’s just say appliances don’t keep bankers’ hours, so our support team is available daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., giving you peace of mind of knowing that, if there’s a problem, we can tend to it promptly. We even have an emergency hotline that connects you with experts for troubleshooting and advice when issues arise.
Whether it’s a refrigerator, oven, washer or any other household appliance, our certified, pre-screened technicians have the expertise to help. Our dedicated team of specialists provides high-quality care for all appliance brands — regardless of whether you purchased from us or not.
Visit one of our two Orlando area showrooms and ask one of our friendly experts your appliance questions. You’ll see why we’re central Florida’s most trusted appliance repair and service company.
Sources
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/how-to-clean-refrigerator-coils/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2877/dishwasher-tricks/
https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/steps-for-maintaining-your-washing-machine
https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/how-to-care-for-your-clothes-dryer
