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Home appliances play a key part in making our daily life more comfortable, efficient, and convenient. Just think of the time that features such as a washing machine, dishwasher, air fryer, or quality oven save you! However, these appliances also often represent a significant investment, which you’ll want to protect in the best way you can.
This is understandable - but, often, appliances get left behind when trying to keep up with your maintenance checklist. Fortunately, there are just a few easy steps that you can take to keep your appliances in the best possible shape, which extend their lifespan and can even reduce your utility bills.
In this quick-start guide, we’ll look at a few easy strategies to maintain your appliances, but don’t forget that the best strategy is always to partner with an expert!
Schedule Regular Inspections
First and foremost, be sure to schedule regular inspections. To do so, work with a specialist or even check whether your appliances are still under warranty. If that’s the case, you can take advantage of regular check-ups from the manufacturer or qualified technicians.
If they are no longer under warranty, working with a local expert can be the smartest move. These experts have all the supplies required for fridge repairs, dishwasher maintenance, and oven clean-ups. They also understand how to fine tune your appliances for better energy-efficiency and can recommend when it’s time to upgrade or replace your appliances.
When scheduling your annual inspections, keep in mind seasonality. For instance, for your HVAC unit or air conditioner, you’ll want to check it before the hot season comes around. So, fall or spring are the ideal times.
Clean Appliances Frequently
Next up, let’s focus on the importance of keeping your appliances clean. Grease and debris build up can affect how efficiently they work, causing them to use up more energy or even create hazards. If you are in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your appliances or use natural and mild cleaners to avoid harsh chemicals.
It is particularly important to avoid practices that can cause safety hazards, such as using excessive water near electrical components, blocking ventilation openings, or using abrasive tools that might damage surfaces. This simple routine ensures that your appliances can continue working safely and efficiently.
Use Energy-Efficient Settings
If you are in the process of repairing, upgrading, or replacing your appliances, pay special attention to models that are energy efficient and offer eco modes. These offer a wide range of benefits, including:
They contribute to lowering your monthly utility bills
They significantly reduce the environmental impact
May help extended appliance lifespan
Eco modes can offer improved performance
Eco modes are often more silent and use less heat
They are compliant with modern energy standards
Last but not least, they can increase the value and appeal of your home - especially if you are in the process of selling!
Use Appliances as Directed
It is essential to use your appliances according to the instructions to avoid safety hazards and issues down the line. If you are unsure how to use a new piece of equipment in your kitchen, the first step is to consult the instruction manual. However, you can also find plenty of tutorials online or even contact the manufacturer’s customer service. Don’t be afraid to ask for help - this simple step can improve the performance of your appliances, keep them safe, and even extend their lifespan!
Unplug When Not in Use
If sustainability and energy efficiency are your top priorities, be sure to unplug your appliances when they are not in use. This is essential to avoid wasting electricity, and it may even make your home safer, preventing accidents and electrical fires. Learn how to safely unplug appliances when you don’t need them, or check for safety locks and shut-down buttons for those appliances that cannot be unplugged.
Monitor for Unusual Sounds or Smells
Sometimes, the best way to spot hidden issues with your appliances is to look out for unusual sounds or smells. These may indicate that something isn’t working well with the appliance. This doesn’t mean that repairs are always needed! Sometimes, it is a matter of cleaning the filter, adding salt to the dishwasher, or cleaning up the build up of grime that may have accumulated over time. In any case, start with a thorough clean up and, if the problem isn’t resolved don't hesitate to get in touch with a local technician to fix the issue early on, before it turns into a more significant - and costlier! - problem.
Make Cleaning Part of Your Home Maintenance Checklist
Keeping your appliances and systems clean isn’t just a matter of having a clean and healthy home. It is also essential to protect your investment, safeguard any warranty that you may have, and extend the lifespan of your appliances. For this, be sure to make cleaning your appliances a key part of your home maintenance checklist. You can choose to clean one each month, so that you have a clear schedule of what needs to be addressed. This may seem like a lot of work to do, but it makes it easier to look after your home equipment - especially as the number of appliances we all have is increasing!
Know When to Upgrade or Replace
Last but not least, know when it’s time to upgrade or replace your appliances. It isn’t always easy to make this decision, but it can be a savvy investment that can save you more than one headache down the line. The first step is to consult with a technician. They’ll be able to help you calculate your future savings and may even offer you discounts to upgrade your appliances when you return your old ones. Be sure to research the market for new models that are certified as energy-efficient and are bound to last you for years to come.
Don’t skip this part: research and due diligence ensures that you are making a smart choice for your home, lifestyle, and finances, allowing you to choose with confidence. You’ll be glad that you did your research!
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