It’s a shame how nowadays very few people care about learning how to maintain their own homes. Now, we’re not of course talking about cleaning, but rather, about DIY maintenance and repair on your home appliances.
When people have even the slightest issue with their cars, they immediately go visit a mechanic. When the plumbing is a bit shifty, they call a plumber… You get our point.
And while this is all well and good for the repairmen, like the fine folks over at https://www.MapleValleyApplianceRepair.com, who fix easy issues and earn some money, it’s a shame how the DIY spirit is slowly fading away.
However, if you yourself do have the urge to fix things yourself, you’ve come to the right place.
This specific article will deal with how you can maintain your home appliances. You may get some tips, learn how to greatly extend the lifespan of your appliances, and save some money as well.
Air Conditioning
We all know how hot it can get in many parts of the world, and we all know that air conditioners are worth their weight in gold.
So it stands to reason that you would want to learn how to maintain them. Namely, the main issue here is the filter.
We suggest you put a reminder on your calendar on when you should replace and clean the filter.
Also, around the outside area by your AC unit(s), trim back plants away from the vents and coils. We suggest you place an awning above it (just try not to block the heat exhaust).
Washing Machine
As far as your washing machine is concerned, you should check the hoses.
These are the most likely culprits whenever something goes wrong with your machine. Check if there are any bulges or bare spots on them and whether the seals at both ends are ok.
Keep in mind that most hoses need to be replaced every five years or so.
We also suggest you shut off the water if you’re not gonna use them for some time. There is constant water pressure running through them that, while still part of normal functionality, put a strain on the machine.
Finally, clean up the rim regularly. It accumulates filth after some time, which can make it both nasty, and incapable of being closed.
Dishwashers
We suggest you periodically clean the dishwasher out by setting it to high heat, with a rinse setting.
This will clear white calcium deposits, as well as removing some of the spotting that may occur due to hard water.
Also, measure it from time to time and see if it’s level. Finally, clean out the drain often, so as to have the water flow freely, and to avoid the occurrence of foul smells. Learn more over at DishwasherFAQ.com.
General Tips
Now, finally, we have some general tips for you. Always remember to unplug any appliance you are fixing up.
We also suggest you stick to the 50% rule.
That simply means if your appliance is already several years old, and/or if the costs of repairs and maintenance parts are more than half its original price, it’s just better to buy a new one.
And on the topic of parts, we always suggest you go local.
Conclusion
And there you have it folks, some quick tips on how to maintain your home appliances.
Whether it’s a refrigerator, dishwasher, or air-conditioning unit, you should that at least some level of maintenance can be done alone.
As long as you know what you’re doing, and have the soundness of mind to call a professional when you really need one, you can expect to save a solid amount of cash, all the while improving and practicing your skills.
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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. Besides writing about home improvement, he works as a consultant for Total Appliance Repair Centre, the best appliance service in Sydney. He also loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.