Buying an appliance for your home is an investment. However, many homeowners are faced with appliance repairs when their machines break down without any reason. There are practical ways to extend the life of your appliances to keep costs down. Below are some tips to help your household gadgets run longer.

Tips for Extending Your Appliance’s Lifespans

Refrigerators

A fridge and freezer working at peak efficiency will help you save on energy while keeping your food cool. Conversely, poor refrigerator maintenance will put your family at risk of harmful bacteria and other foodborne illnesses. Keep your fridge in good shape without calling a contractor by cleaning it regularly and being mindful of how much food you store. Don't overstuff your refrigerator, since the machine needs airflow to ventilate properly. Additionally, you can inspect the gaskets and condenser coils for any leaks or gunk buildup, which will wear down your fridge faster. 

Dishwashers

Using a dishwasher is a clean alternative to handwashing, but your appliance isn't capable of breaking down food. After each meal, scrape leftover food off the plates before placing them inside the dishwasher. Leaving food on the dishes you wash will damage the appliance’s internal components and require eventual appliance repairs. Check your dishwasher trap and filter to see if bits of food have collected inside. You can clean these out to ensure food debris doesn't make its way down the drain. A regular check-up by a contractor is also an excellent way to gauge the health of your machine.

Washers & Dryers

Buying a washing machine and dryer is one of the more expensive purchases for your home, and proper care from the first day will help you get the most out of your investment. Periodically check your washer for any hoses which need replacing. It's recommended that you replace your hoses every five years. Avoid overloading your machine with laundry with every wash cycle. Your washer and dryer will have to work twice as hard, which will lower the life expectancy of the motor and tub bearings. Don’t forget to clean the lint from your dryer after every cycle. This helps keep consistent airflow throughout the machine and prevents lint from clogging your drainage pipes. 

If you have a faulty household machine, the appliance repair experts at Brian Doehler's Appliance Service in Fairport, NY, are here to help. Their factory-trained technicians provide timely and affordable appliance repair services from refrigerators and dishwashers to washers and dryers. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (585) 425-4510 to speak with a team member today.