Appliance Maintenance Tips
Homeowners often don’t think about their appliances until something goes wrong, and they are no longer able to use them. Repairs usually end up costing you more money. Avoiding appliance problems is not always possible, but there are ways to help prolong the situation as much as possible. This is why performing regular maintenance on your appliances is vital.
Benefits of Maintaining Your Appliances
Think of regular maintenance as the best way to protect your investment. Good maintenance habits will not only decrease the risk of negative surprises and safety hazards, but they will also:
- Prolong the Life of Your Appliance
The better you maintain your appliances, the longer they will last. Maintenance involves cleaning appliances regularly, inside and out.
- Lower Your Utility Bill
Maintenance will prevent any filters or pumps from messing up. When these get clogged, the devices have to work twice as hard and end up using draining much more electricity. While you’re at it, track your usage so you can identify ways to reduce your bill. It’s always a good idea to browse through the many energy companies in Dallas, as choosing the right deal can save you several hundreds of dollars from your annual bill.
Maintenance Tips
Believe it or not, some straightforward tips can make a big difference in how your appliances perform and the length of their lifecycle.
- Place Your Fridge Away From the Wall
Your fridge runs more efficiently when it has airflow behind it.
- Clean the Fridge and Prevent Ice Buildup in the Freezer
Doing this every once in a while will keep your fridge running more efficiently. Moreover, it will also work better if you fill your freezer.
- Clean Your Kitchen Appliances With Lemon and Vinegar
Just by microwaving it for a few minutes, you will loosen the stains that you can easily wipe afterward and keep your microwave running optimally. As for the oven, it’s best to make a paste with baking soda and leave it overnight to work its magic. You can use the same ingredients to clean your kitchen elements, kitchen sink, etc. You don’t have to worry about any toxic cleaning agents.
- Change the AC Filter Once a Year
A clogged AC will not only run less efficiently but also consume twice as much electricity. However, most importantly, you do not want to inhale the polluted air.
Other Ways to Practice Energy Efficiency
- Eliminate Leaks
Check your faucets and caulk leaky windows. If you live in an older building, you likely have single-paned windows that are much less effective in insulating your home from exterior temperatures than their double-pane counterparts. If replacing your windows is not an option, at least get dark and thick drapes, which will help a bit.
- Insulate the Water Heater
If you cannot afford to insulate the entire place, you can at least get a water heater jacket and install it yourself. It will reduce the time and energy it needs to heat the water.
- Wash Your Laundry in Eco-Mode
Don’t worry; your laundry will be just as clean in cold water as eco-mode goes up to 30 degrees Celsius max. Today’s detergents do all the work.
Consider Replacing Your Old Appliances
Energy Star certified appliances have been created to help consumers save money on operating costs by reducing energy use, yet without sacrificing performance. For example, an ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer could cut your energy costs by about a third and your water costs by more than half. So, it is a no-brainer as these investments practically pay for themselves.
Takeaway
The more love you show to your device, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. Just like changing the oil is essential to maintain your car’s engine, appliances need to be maintained to function optimally. It’s always better to prevent than cure. Bad habits will cost you, and good habits can save you thousands of dollars.