Home appliances aren’t cheap — they’re an investment in the comfort and convenience of your daily life. Not only can replacements be costly, but the whole replacement process can be a hassle, from getting rid of the old appliance to shopping for a new one to scheduling installation. 

This is why it’s important to do everything you can to extend the lifespan of your home appliances, protecting your investment for years to come. Regular maintenance is the most effective way to keep your home appliances in optimal condition and ensure they stand the test of time. 

At Appliance E.M.T., we understand how important your home appliances are to you and recognize their value. We want to help you save money on repairs and replacements by ensuring you know how to take care of your appliances and keep them running efficiently. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to extend the lifespan of your home appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, washing machines, and dryers. We’ll also cover when it’s best to call an appliance technician for professional services. 

General Maintenance Tips for All Appliances

While each individual appliance requires specific maintenance, there are a few tips that apply to any home appliance. Keep these practices in mind as you strive to extend the life of your appliances:

• Keep appliances clean to prevent grease, dust, lint, or debris buildup that can cause malfunctions.
• Use appliances according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Consult the owner’s manual if you’re not sure about something. 
• Schedule regular professional maintenance when necessary. If you notice a decrease in performance, schedule a tune-up to ensure maximum efficiency. 
• Don’t procrastinate maintenance. Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming major problems. 

Refrigerator and Freezer Maintenance

Even if your refrigerator and freezer are separate appliances, they operate much the same way and contain many of the same components. They use condenser coils to cool the air and keep your food fresh. It’s a good idea to clean these condenser coils every six months to maintain efficiency. 

Avoid overloading your fridge or freezer to ensure air circulates properly throughout the unit. Additionally, set the right temperature to avoid overworking the appliance. Refrigerators work best at 37 to 40 degrees, while freezers should be around 0 degrees. 

Finally, keep an eye on the door seals. If they show signs of wear, replace them.

Dishwasher Maintenance

Clean your dishwasher filter regularly to prevent clogs. Just give it a scrub in the sink, and you should be good. Furthermore, run vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner through a cycle about once a month to keep components free of buildup. 

If your dishes aren’t getting clean, check the spray arms to ensure water flows properly. Avoid overloading your dishwasher to allow thorough cleaning and prevent strain on components. 

Oven and Stove Maintenance

Your oven and stove are subjected to all kinds of spills and splatters. Clean them immediately to prevent residue buildup. However, avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage internal components or erode protective coatings.

Regularly inspect burner elements. If they’re worn or malfunctioning, it’s time to replace them. If you have a gas stove, check the gas lines for clogs or leaks to ensure safe and efficient operation. 

Washing Machine Maintenance

Your washing machine may be responsible for cleaning your clothes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t also require cleaning from time to time. Clean the drum and detergent dispenser regularly and use the right amount of detergent to prevent soap buildup. 

Inspect the hoses for leaks or cracks. Even if they don’t show any obvious signs of wear, it’s a good idea to replace them every five years or so to prevent disastrous flooding. Furthermore, avoid overloading the machine to avoid strain on the motor and suspension system. 

Dryer Maintenance

Clean your dryer’s lint trap before or after every load to improve the machine’s efficiency and reduce the risk of fire. You should also inspect and clean the dryer vent at least once a year to remove any lint trapped inside. Like with your washing machine, you should avoid overloading your dryer, as excessive loads can put strain on the motor and heating elements. 

When to Call a Professional

While there are many things you can do yourself to extend the lifespan of your home appliances, there are situations that require professional attention. If you notice strange noises or smells, leaks, or a failure to turn on, it’s time to seek expert repairs. Don’t wait for small issues to escalate — timely repairs are key to preventing further damage and safeguarding your appliances.

Protect Your Home Appliances with Appliance E.M.T.

At Appliance E.M.T., we’re dedicated to providing you with prompt, reliable home appliance repair services. Whether it’s a malfunctioning dishwasher or a leaky refrigerator, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment and ensure your home appliances will remain in great condition for years to come. 

Dryer fires can strike at any moment, putting your family at risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2014 to 2018, fire departments responded to an average of nearly 14,000 home fires per year involving clothes dryers in the ignition. In addition to causing an average of seven deaths and 344 injuries, these fires caused $233 million in property damage each year. 

At Appliance E.M.T., we want to give you the tools and knowledge you need to keep your home and family safe from the destruction of dryer fires. In this blog post, we’ll explore the risk of dryer fires, how regular maintenance and proper ventilation can prevent them, safe dryer usage practices, and how to know when it’s time to call a professional appliance repair company. 

Understanding the Risk of Dryer Fires

One third of the dryer fires reported by the NFPA were caused by a failure to clean lint build-up. Over time, lint accumulates in the dryer’s components, restricting airflow. This causes the dryer to overheat, igniting the lint and starting a fire. 

Additional causes of dryer fires include mechanical failure, worn-out parts, and electrical malfunctions. While these issues are not exclusive to clothes dryers, the presence of flammable lint makes them more dangerous. 

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Dryer Fires

The good news is that regular maintenance can prevent dryer fires. Let’s take a closer look at what you should be doing to reduce your risk.

Cleaning the Lint Trap After Every Use

The simplest way to prevent dryer fires is getting in the habit of cleaning out the lint trap before each cycle. The lint trap is typically located right inside the dryer door. Pull it out, clean the lint out of the trap, and replace it prior to starting the cycle. 

Not only can clogged lint traps increase fire risk, but they can also cause your clothes to dry much slower, reducing the dryer’s performance.

Deep Cleaning the Lint Trap and Filter

In addition to removing lint from the trap, it’s a good idea to wash it every month or so to remove residue from fabric softeners and dryer sheets. While you clean it, check for tears or damage to the screen. 

Vacuuming and Cleaning the Dryer Interior

The lint trap isn’t the only component of your dryer that needs attention. You also need to remove lint buildup from inside the dryer drum and vent areas. If you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY maintenance, you can also clean around the motor and heating element. 

Checking and Cleaning the Dryer Vent Duct

The dryer vent duct — the tube that carries hot air, moisture, and lint from a dryer to the outside of your home — needs to be cleaned at least once a year. Signs it’s clogged include your clothes taking longer to dry, excessive heat in the dryer, or a burning smell during use. 

Each model is different, so check the owner’s manual for recommended cleaning methods. There are vacuum attachments and dryer vent cleaning kits available to make the job easier. You can also call an appliance repair specialist for help. 

Experts recommend avoiding plastic or foil accordion-style hoses, as they tend to trap lint. Instead, opt for a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct to ensure better airflow. Keep the vent hose as short and straight as possible for proper ventilation.

Checking the Exterior Vent Flap

Finally, check the exterior vent flap to ensure it opens properly and is free of debris. Remove bird nests, leaves, lint, and other obstructions. 

Safe Dryer Usage Practices

In addition to maintenance, there are things to keep in mind while you use your dryer to prevent fires. First, never overload the dryer, as it restricts airflow and increases wear on the motor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading to ensure you’re not increasing your risk of a dryer fire. 

Furthermore, avoid running the dryer unattended. It’s important to monitor the dryer for unusual noises and smells, so you shouldn’t use it while sleeping or away from home. Finally, ensure you use the right dryer settings. Avoid excessive heat settings that could overwork the dryer. 

Knowing When to Call a Professional

If you notice any of these signs, your dryer may need professional service:

• Your clothes take too long to dry, even after vent cleaning
• Burning smells
• Excessive heat.
• Unusual noises, such as grinding, squeaking, or rattling

Technicians can inspect and clean hard-to-reach areas and check for damaged or failing components, ensuring you’re not at risk of a devastating dryer fire. 

Clothes Dryer Maintenance by Appliance E.M.T.

If your dryer is in need of repairs, inspection, or maintenance, call the experts at Appliance E.M.T. Our highly trained technicians are here to provide the reliable service you need to protect your home from dryer fires. 

Picture this: You take your time carefully loading the dishwasher after dinner, then sit back and relax for the rest of the evening. When the dishwasher has finished its cycle, you open it to find stubborn food still stuck to your frying pans and spots clouding your glassware.

If your dishes aren’t getting clean, you may find yourself asking why you even have a dishwasher in the first place if it’s not going to do its job. You may have to wash them by hand to ensure they’re ready to be used again, which defeats the purpose of a dishwasher. 

At Appliance E.M.T., we understand the frustration that comes when your dishes aren’t getting clean in the dishwasher. While there are some steps you can take to help your dishwasher work properly, certain issues require professional attention. In this blog post, we’ll explore six possible reasons your dishes aren’t getting clean to help you find the most effective solutions.

1. Loading Issues

The first thing to check is whether loading issues are the reason your dishes aren’t getting clean. When you load the dishwasher, it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines, ensure spray arms can spin freely, and avoid overlapping dishes and utensils. It may take a bit of extra effort, but the results are worth it in the end. 

Check to make sure the spray arms aren’t blocked by bulky dishes. If there’s something in front of them, water may not be able to reach every dish. Furthermore, nesting dishes together keeps detergent from reaching all surfaces. Avoid overcrowding to make sure every dish gets thoroughly cleaned.

2. Detergent Problems

Another possible reason your dishes aren’t getting clean is your detergent. The type, amount, and age of your detergent can have a significant impact on the cleanliness of your dishes. 

The solution: Make sure you use high-quality detergent that’s suitable for your water type. You may have to use more of it if you have hard water. Follow the dishwasher manufacturer’s guidelines on what type of detergent to use, whether it’s powder, liquid, or pods. Avoid old or expired detergent, as it’s not typically as effective, and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency. 

3. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. These minerals, while fine in moderation, can cause a lot of issues, including leaving spots and cloudy residue on your glassware. Hard water can also reduce the effectiveness of your detergent and lead to mineral buildup on the dishwasher’s spray arms and filter.

Many homeowners install water softeners to remove excess minerals from their water. However, if hard water is only an occasional problem, you may be able to use a rinse aid to prevent spots and help your dishes dry clear. It can also help to regularly clean the dishwasher with vinegar or a specialized dishwasher cleaner to prevent mineral buildup. 

4. Clogged or Dirty Filter

Your dishwasher may have a clogged or dirty filter that’s making it so your dishes aren’t getting clean. Telltale signs that your filter needs attention include standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher and bad odors from trapped food debris. 

If you suspect the filter is behind these issues, check the dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance. Generally, you want to remove and rinse the filter weekly to prevent buildup. Use warm water and a brush to clean stubborn debris. Getting in this habit can do a lot to help your dishes come out clean as a whistle.

5. Water Temperature Problems

Water temperature is another factor that contributes to clean dishes. The ideal water temperature for your dishwasher is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water doesn’t dissolve detergent properly and may cause grease and food particles to not break down completely. 

To ensure the water is hot enough, try running hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher. Check your water heater settings, and if it’s set to below 120 degrees, bump it up. Furthermore, avoid using hot water in multiple places (like the washing machine or shower) at the same time. 

6. Broken or Worn-Out Dishwasher Components

When none of these DIY solutions fix the problem, it means broken or worn-out components may be the reason your dishes aren’t getting clean. 

Potential mechanical failures include:

• Faulty inlet valve preventing adequate water flow
• Worn-out pump or motor reducing water pressure
• Defective heating element failing to dry dishes properly
• Loose, misaligned, broken, or damaged spray arms not distributing water properly

Be on the lookout for unusual noises or leaks that may signal something wrong. If you encounter any issues, contact Appliance E.M.T. for expert diagnosis and repair. We’ll ensure your dishes come out clean and shiny, every time.