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Tim's "Check-It Yourself" Tips

 

AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF APPLIANCES

  • Air conditioners (room) = 10 years

  • Dishwashers = 10-12 years

  • Garbage disposals = 8 years

  • Microwaves = 8 years

  • Ranges = 15-18 years

  • Refrigerators = 15-18 years

  • Washers and dryers = 10-12 years

  • **New appliances usually are covered under factory warranty service for one year. If your appliance has a problem within one year of purchase, call the manufacturer for free service under warranty**

 

REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS:

  • To keep a refrigerator running efficiently, be sure to vacuum the coils on the back and bottom of the refrigerator at least once a year

  • If pets are in the house, cleaning is necessary more often

  • Overloading a refrigerator will cause it to run inefficiently

  • On the other hand, an empty refrigerator will run inefficiently as well-add water bottles to maintain the cold

  • Wipe up spills immediately to keep odors from developing

  • Store food in covered containers

 

DISHWASHER - NOT CLEANING?

  • Make sure there is nothing blocking the top or bottom wash arms when running.

  • Try raising the water temperature. A dishwasher needs water to be at 130-145 degrees to perform best.

  • Try changing the detergent. Sometimes if the detergent has sat around awhile (even on stores shelves), it becomes ineffective in cleaning the dishes

  • Clean the mineral deposits from the dishwasher (Add a quart of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher after it has filled with water and run through a cycle without dishes)

 

DRYER - TAKING TOO LONG TO DRY?

  • Make sure to clean the lint filter before/after each use

  • A lint build up will result in longer dryer times that will cost more to operate

  • It could potentially cause a dryer fire

  • Check the outside vent hood for blockages

  • To prevent a dryer fire make sure if your dryer still has a vinyl vent hose, have it replaced with an aluminum vent as soon as possible

  • Make sure to dry “like” fabrics in a load so the dryer performs efficiently

  • At Tim's Appliance Repair, we replace dryer vents

 

GARBAGE DISPOSAL - WON’T GO ON?

  • Check to make sure the circuit breaker is not tripped

  • Use the wrenchette that comes with the disposal to free the cutting disc. Then hit the reset button on the bottom of the disposal to see if this resolves the problem.

 

 

WASHER - NO WATER COMING IN?

  • Check to make sure the water valve is turned on to the washer

  • Make sure your hoses are stainless steel not the old fashioned rubber hoses that could burst

  • Call us, this a service we provide

 

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