Household appliances have transformed life as we know it by saving labor and time. However, they wear out with time and need repairs. Doing minor DIY repairs and maintaining your appliances can increase their lifespan and ensure smooth functioning.
Here are some DIY tips you can follow for keeping your home appliances in good shape and preventing repair costs from adding up.
Dishwasher
The dishwasher saves the trouble of cleaning the dirty dishes after a meal is prepared. But, constant use may lead to debris buildup. To keep your dishwasher functioning well, be sure to change the filters at least once per year.
If you don’t maintain and repair your dishwasher regularly, it might stop working. Therefore, always replace the dishwasher components like the dishrack, silverware basket, and detergent dispenser before they start rusting.
Refrigerator
Refrigerators are vital to preserving food, and they last for years when cared for well. If you make sure they are loaded correctly, you can extend their lifespan even further and reduce the need for frequent repairs.
You must also keep an eye on the seal/gasket of your refrigerator, as it can wear out over time. Make sure you replace it whenever necessary. It would help if you also kept changing the refrigerator’s drawers, shelves, and light bulbs.
You can further reduce the chances of being surprised by a significant unexpected breakdown by getting a home warranty. A home warranty may reduce the costs of repairing and replacing your appliances. Check out the top home warranty companies in the market and then choose one according to your needs.
Washing Machine
Appliances that have a large number of moving parts wear out more quickly. Washing machines contain a motor and drum that spend a great deal of their functional life in motion, thus accelerating the rate of wear and tear.
It’s also important to check the washing machine’s user manual to know the exact loading limit for a washing machine if you want it to last a long time. Make sure the washer is not overloaded. An overfilled washing machine will not have enough space to mix detergent and clean water adequately and remove stains. It will also break down quickly.
Air conditioner
To increase the lifespan of your air conditioner, keep an eye on the air furnace or air handler and the air filter. You should change them if they are broken or show any defects. You can also purchase an appliance extended warranty to cover manufacturing defects long after the original manufacturer’s warranty term has expired.
Oven
Repairing the door springs or the silicone or rubber gasket around the oven door at least twice a year can help it last longer. However, do not spray cleaning fluid directly on control panels, as this may cause short circuits. To clean the surface, use a damp rag with a safe cleaning solution.
Oven seals tend to decay over time, letting in moisture and allowing heat to escape. Therefore, make sure to check them at least twice a week. Replace your seal as soon as you notice it loses its durability or has cracked or broken sections.
Conclusion
You can make a significant difference to your home finances by performing simple DIY repairs. If you use these DIY repair tips regularly, you can extend the life of your appliances and reduce operating costs.