One of the major problems with refrigerators is failure to cool food. According to appliance repair professionals, the problem comes about due to many reasons that include:

Failure to plug in the refrigerator

you or someone else might have mistakenly unplugged the fridge. since there is no power reaching the refrigerator, it doesn’t cool food. Before you rush to a conclusion the appliance is faulty, check whether the refrigerator is properly plugged in. To fix the problem, you only need to plug in the appliance and continue cooling your food.

Improperly set thermostat

The fridge might also fail to cool food when the thermostat isn’t correctly set at the right temperature. If the appliance is plugged in but not working, check the thermostat. If you have a side-by-side freezer, the thermostat is most likely located at the back. On the other hand, if you have an over-under fridge, the thermostat is located under the refrigerator.

Locate the thermostat and check the temperature settings. You should then adjust it accordingly.

You have a problem with the compressor

From its name, the compressor compresses and pushes refrigerant vapor into the coils outside the refrigerator. The pressure and pushing create heat that forms hot gas that later cools and absorbs heat from the fridge and freezer.

If the freezer fan is running, but the fridge isn’t getting cold, the compressor might be the problem. The compressor is located behind the refrigerator and at the bottom. To access it, pull the refrigerator away from the wall.

To fix the problem, get a new compressor relay then test it with the current compressor. If the problem is with the compressor, you have to replace it. Connect the new appliance to the suction line, process line, and discharge line.

Problem with the evaporator fan

The evaporator fan blows cool air you feel when you open the refrigerator door. The fan pulls air across the evaporator coil, cools it, and then pushes it across the freezer and refrigerator. If the evaporator doesn’t work at the same time as the compressor, it won’t produce cool air.

The evaporator fan is located behind the freezer wall. You need to empty the contents of the freezer and shelving before you access it.

In most cases, if the fan isn’t working, you have a problem with the motor. Install a new motor then insert fan blades. You can do the work by yourself if you have the skills, but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it.

Presence of a lot of food

If you have plenty of food boxes blocking the vents, cool air won’t circulate the fridge as well as it should. To fix the problem, organize the fridge or get rid of any food that could be blocking airflow and preventing the refrigerator from cooling.

This is easy to do, and you don’t even need a professional to help you out.

Problem with the condenser fan

The role of the condenser fan is to cool the compressor and condenser coils. In a properly functioning refrigerator, the fan should run when the compressor is running. If the fan isn’t working correctly, the refrigerator temperature can rise and overheat the compressor.

In most fridges, the condenser fan is located in the bottom cabinet. Only a few refrigerators will have condenser coils here instead of the fan.

For you to fix the problem, ensure the fan is spinning freely, and any objects are not obstructing it. If there are blocking materials, you have to replace the condenser fan motor. All you need to do is to buy a new motor from your local store and install it.

If you have the skills, you can install it by yourself, but if you have never done it before, ask a professional to help you out.

Failure of the air dumper to open and close properly

When the air damper doesn’t open or close properly, it impacts the temperature of the refrigerator. When the damper doesn’t open, cold air doesn’t travel from the freezer to the fridge hence making it warmer.

To fix the problem, remove the old air damper and replace it with a new one. You can remove it by yourself or hire a refrigerator repair professional to help you out.

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A dishwasher is a very helpful appliance – but only if it is working correctly. If you have opened your dishwasher expecting clean dishes, only to discover that the cycle did not complete, then there may be an issue. Keep reading to find out five potential reasons this could happen and then contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 if you need dishwasher repair services.

1. 1. You Have a Blown Fuse or Thermal Fuse

The most common cause of a dishwasher stopping prematurely and not starting again is that you have blown a fuse in your fuse box. If you have lights on your dishwasher, see if they are lighting up. If they are then you have power to your appliance and this is not the issue. If they are not on, push the buttons to see if you can get them to light up. If you cannot, then you are not getting power to the dishwasher.

There is also a fuse within your dishwasher called a thermal fuse. It is there for safety reasons and only trips if the dishwasher gets so hot that it is dangerous. If this happens, the thermal fuse will need to be replaced but more will need to be done as well. There is always another underlying cause if the thermal fuse has tripped.

1. 1. There is a Problem with the Door Latch

If the door latch is faulty then your dishwasher may stop operating in the middle of a cycle. This is really a safety feature because it prevents hot water from spraying out of your dishwasher in the middle of the cycle. If the issue is the latch then you will need to have a replacement part installed.

1. 1. It Could Be an Issue with Your Electronic Control Board

As the “brains” of your dishwasher, it makes sense that an issue with it could cause serious issues. The control board is supposed to last as long as your dishwasher does and if it does not then you may be replacing your dishwasher sooner than you expected. One of the signs that it could be going is that your unit could cut out in the middle of a cycle. However, if this is the cause then it is very likely there are other issues happening at the same time.

1. 1. Your Dishwasher May Not Be Getting Enough Water Pressure

Turn on any faucet in your home to see if the water is running. If it is not, then you may not have water at all and it could be due to an outage. If you do have water then it could be that the water pressure in your home is so low that it could not continue to power your dishwasher. This is something a plumber would need to look at.

1. 1. It Needs to Be Replaced

No one wants to hear this but it may be that your dishwasher has come to the end of its lifecycle. Before you give up on it though, contact American Appliance Repair to see if we can fix it.

The post Did Your Dishwasher Stop in the Middle of a Cycle? 5 Potential Reasons appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

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If you have oven is dirty to look at, is not running as well as it once did, or is simply worse for wear then it may be time to clean it. At American Appliance Repair we can provide a wide range of oven repair services but in some cases, a deep cleaning is what’s needed. Keep reading to learn our tips on how to get your oven back in great shape.

Avoid Using the Self-Cleaning Feature

Your oven may be equipped with a “self-cleaning” feature and it may get rid of some of the stuck-on, burnt-on grime. However, this can be a bad choice. The high heat could actually damage components in your oven such as wires, fuses, etc., which could lead to more costly oven repairs. This is why we recommend doing the cleaning yourself – not with the self-cleaning feature.

Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is a popular natural cleaner – and for good reason. It can get through tough grease and grime and there are no nasty chemicals involved. To use this method, put together one-half cup of baking soda, one tablespoon of dish soap, and one tablespoon of white vinegar. After it is mixed together, coat your oven inside and let it sit for a few hours. You’ll then just wipe it clean with a sponge or cloth.

Use Ammonia to Clean Your Oven

Though this cleaning method is not used as often as it once was, ammonia can be a powerful cleaner. Take about one-half of a cup of ammonia and put it in an oven-safe bowl. Put it in your oven when the oven is completely cool and is off. Let it sit overnight and in the morning you will find the gunk much easier to wipe out of your oven.

Try a Vinegar Steam

Start this one by wiping out any loose debris or burnt food you can see on the bottom of your oven. Then find an oven-safe dish and mix together one part white vinegar and one part water. Put the dish on the bottom rack of your oven and turn the oven on to 250F. Let it sit for a few minutes once it gets to temperature. Then turn the oven off, take the dish out, and spray vinegar solution inside your oven. Close the door and let it sit for half an hour. Once it’s cool enough, wipe it out and you’re done!

If your oven is truly too dirty to do anything with consider having it replaced. You can also consider having American Appliance Repair repair it. Depending on the issue, our exceptional appliance repair services could have it running as good as new again.

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As a restaurant owner, the commercial oven is the heart of your business. Without proper oven maintenance, you will significantly reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the appliance. No matter the brand of commercial oven you own, you need to take good care of it. Here are tips given by oven repair professionals on how to go about it:

Have a strict cleaning schedule

Although, commercial ovens come with a cleaning feature, it’s not enough to keep the appliance in pristine condition—you still have to get your hands dirty. Come up with a strict cleaning schedule. Cleaning the appliance at the end of the day is a good start.

Create a cleaning duty plan for your employees. If the employees are new, teach them how to clean the appliance.

In addition to cleaning the appliance every day, it’s also beneficial to clean it at the end of every month. This is to help you catch the areas you might have missed in the daily routine. Of course, the monthly cleanings must be thorough than the daily ones.

If you come across areas that you are unsure how to clean, consult the manual or supplier.

Calibrate the buttons

Oven buttons are one of the most used parts of the oven. The constant “ON” and “OFF” movements throw the oven off balance. The continuous use also leads to loss of efficiency and even affects how the oven functions.

At least once a month, inspect the buttons and recalibrate them if not working as well as you would want them to.

Pay attention to the heating elements

The constant use of the oven affects the heating elements. Worn out parts influence the efficiency and performance of the stove. Inspect the components using a multimeter. A high reading means there is a problem with the heating element, while a low reading such as 100 ohms, says everything is running optimally.

Inspect the elements if you have the skills, but if you have never done it before, let an experienced expert handle it

Consider the intake fan

Convection ovens have intake fans that lead to severe oven problems if you don’t take good care of them. The presence of particulate matter in the stove is the most common cause of fan problems. At least once a month, inspect the intake fan and ensure that it’s clean. If dirty, clean it.

During the inspection, also be on the lookout for any defects the fan might be having. To keep the oven in pristine working condition, fix the fan problem immediately.

Recalibrate the thermostat

The thermostat controls the working temperature of the oven. When it has problems, it gives the wrong signal to the stove leading to an improperly-working appliance.

Keep a close eye on the thermostat. Compare the readings of the internal thermometer with the set temperature. If there is a discrepancy, recalibrate the unit.

If you have had your oven for a long time, the thermostat might have gotten old. In such a situation, recalibrating it won’t fix the problem—you have to replace it.

Get rid of spills and boil-overs immediately

Spills come about every day. While they might not look like a big deal, they significantly affect the performance of the oven, if you don’t clean them early enough. To keep your kitchen looking great and your appliance running in tip-top shape, get rid of the boil-overs as soon as they happen.

A good rule of thumb is always to have a moist piece of cloth in the kitchen. Use the towel to remove the spills immediately they happen.

Make use of the manual

Many people throw the manual in the trash bin as soon as they install the oven. Don’t do this as the manual has valuable information. Before you tend to any part of the appliance, commercial appliance repair professionals recommend that you first consult the manual.

If you have an area you don’t understand, read what the manual has to say. It’s common to fail to get the information you are looking for. Contact the supplier and ask them about it. Don’t rush to make any adjustments on your own as you might cause more problems than were originally there.

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Don’t Want to Use Chemicals to Clean? No problem!

It’s pretty much a never-ending task to keep a home sparklingly fresh at all times! It can be especially difficult in the kitchen, where you want cleaning products to be non-toxic as well as effective for a variety of different surfaces and stains.

The good news is that the best cleaning options might be the DIY solutions that use products from your own pantry. Get back to basics and use what generations of “Grandmas” have recommended. Here are 5 non-toxic surface cleaners you might give a shot:

Vinegar and Lemon

Add lemon rind and fresh rosemary to equal parts of white vinegar and water for an all-purpose cleaner with the bonus of a fresh scent. Keep it handy in a spray bottle to clean:

• Hard water stains in the sink or bathtub
• Eliminate wall smudges
• Freshen your kitchen trash can
• Eliminate tracked-in footprints

It’s great for glass and safe for most kitchen surfaces, although it shouldn’t be used on marble or granite.

Sudsy Ammonia

Win the battle against grease with sudsy ammonia — mix 1/2 cup with enough water to fill a gallon jug. Use it to fight buildup on oven racks and doors, to clean spatter from cooktops, counters, and backsplashes, for the undersides of vent-hoods and the removable filters of over-the-stove microwaves. Simply dip your sponge in the suds, wipe each surface and rinse with clear water. Soak oven racks or outdoor grill grates in the liquid if necessary to remove baked-on grime.

Baking Soda

Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water for a great stainless steel cleaner. Shake well and use the solution to clean your refrigerator, oven doors, cooking surfaces, and kitchen sinks with ease. Pour it on a clean sponge to shine and deodorize at the same time.

Castile Soap

If you haven’t yet discovered this amazing vegetable-based soap, you should! You can use it on your face, your clothes, your pets, and all-around your home. It fights grease and grime, germs and dirt. Plus, it’s available in bar or liquid form, scented or unscented.

Salt and Lemon

Used together, this pair will shine up brass cabinet hardware, sanitize cutting boards and help out in other ways. Lemon alone fights germs on wooden cutting boards and helps keep the disposal smelling fresh. Sprinkle coarse salt in dirty frying pans or on spills in a warm oven to speed clean up and eliminate the grime. For tough jobs, use both.

We hope these non-toxic surface cleaners will help keep your home sparkling clean! When your kitchen appliances need repair rather than cleaning, be sure to contact us!

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The handle on your oven is meant to last longer than the lifespan of your appliance. It is very sturdy and unlikely to be damaged. However, over regular use, the handle is prone to becoming very dirty and stained. If you can no longer clean it sufficiently, you may want to replace it so your appliance looks nice again. Yet while it requires a bit of disassembly, it isn’t difficult to do so.

Start this repair by opening your oven door fully. You will want to move the locking tabs on the hinges to the up position on both sides. Once done, you can close the door until it stops then lift it right up and out.

Once on a work surface, you will want to remove the screws located at the top and bottom of the oven door. Once the bottom screws are removed, you will want to remove and set aside a piece of bottom trim.

Now you need to remove the front cover by pulling it up. You may need to use a putty knife to break through some adhesive tape on the sides before you can actually pull it up. As this cover is positioned in three slots at the top, you will want to work it down a bit before pulling it upwards.

Now you have access to the brackets that hold the top trim and the handle on. Remove the screws and the top trim and handle will lift right up. Turning the trim upside down will give you access to the screws securing the handle. Once unthreaded, your new handle can be installed and your oven door can be reassembled.

While this repair is pretty easy as far as oven repairs go, appliance repairs can get pretty difficult. If you aren’t comfortable making this replacement or any other appliance repairs, contact us today so Jerry’s Appliance Repair can get it done.

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As you shop for the perfect washer and dryer for your home, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important choices to make is whether to pick a top-loading or front-loading washing machine. Keep reading to find out which one may be best for your particular needs. If you need help repairing an older unit, give American Appliance Repair a call at 800-640-9934.

What You Need to Know About Front-Loading Washers

First and foremost, you should know that front-loading washers are generally more energy-efficient and quieter than a top-loading machine. They use less power and less water, and they even need less detergent. This makes them a great choice if you have your washer in an area where you will hear it often, such as just off the living room in a bathroom.

However, they are not perfect. While they may use less energy, water, and detergent, they are also more expensive upfront. The investment may make it worth it to you, and you may simply like the convenience of a front-loading washer, but it will be more expensive. Finally, many people like that front-loading washers are stackable which allows them to be used in smaller spaces.

What You Need to Know About Top-Loading Washers

The main difference between the two is the initial cost. You will find that top-loading washers are considerably less expensive than side-loading washers. While they are cheaper initially, they are generally more expensive to run on a month to month basis as they use more power, water, and detergent.

That said, you can find high-efficiency top-loading washers that will reduce the water and power usage and even need less detergent. They are still unlikely to be as efficient as your front-loading washers but they may be an option.

Which Washer is Best for You?

There are many things to consider. As you can see, much of it comes down to the price. Do you want to invest today and then save money every time you use your washer and dryer? Or do you need a budget option that will cost less upfront but cost more in the future?

We Could Help You Afford the More Expensive Option

If the only reason you are not choosing a certain washer and dryer is that you cannot afford it, consider that perhaps you can simply have your current washer and dryer repaired by a professional appliance repair person. This could give you the chance to save money for a few years to get what you really want.

No matter what you buy – or what you wait on – one thing is true: American Appliance Repair is here to help you. Call us now at 800-640-9934 if you need assistance with appliance repair.

The post Top Loading and Front Loading: Which is the Best Washing Machine Type for Your Home? appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

The reason you invested in a dishwasher is that you want to have an easy time cleaning your dishes. There is nothing more aggravating than opening the dishwasher door after a cleaning cycle and find the dishes still dirty. This happens when you improperly clean the dishes. Do you want to have cleaner dishes after every cycle? Here are tips to follow as given by dishwasher repair experts:

Keep the dishwasher clean

There is no way you are going to have clean dishes if the dishwasher is dirty. At least once a week, inspect the dishwasher for dirt and clean it if dirty. Start with examining the drain filters as the dirt and grime from the dishes goes here.

When you go for a long time without cleaning the filters, they can clog up, preventing the dishwasher from cleaning as well as it should.

You also should pay attention to the spray arms. Use a cable, steel wire, or wire hanger to poke the arms and remove any gunk that might be there.

Over time, it’s common for gunk to build up around the interior of the doors. Clean the door seals by wiping them down with a damp piece of cloth or paper towel.

Run the right cycle

Dishwashers come with a variety of cycles that allow you to adjust the washing levels depending on what you are washing and the amount of washing you need:

• Rinse cycle: Appropriate for light cleaning
• Quick cycle: The cleaning ranges vary from half an hour to an hour. They are made to tackle light cleaning jobs.
• Normal cycles: These are the most ideal for day-to-day cleaning of the dishes.
• Pots and pans cycle: Ideal for large and more heavily soiled cookware.

Some dishwasher models have more specialized cycles, such as anti-bacterial and semi-rinse. For you to choose the right cycle, use the care manual as the guide. If you have lightly soiled dishes, a normal or quick wash will be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you have stuff that has baked or dried on the plates after a normal meal, go for the auto cycle.

Do you have baked-on stuff or cookware? Go for the pots and pans cycle. Choosing the right cleaning cycle is vital as a failure to do it will lead to dirty dishes at the end of the cycle.

Use the right temperature

For the best dishwashing results, the temperature of the water should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is hot enough easily dissolves and activates the dishwashing detergents. It also dissolves grease leaving the dishes spot-free.

If the temperature is too low, the dishwasher doesn’t clean the dishes thoroughly. On the other hand, if the water is too hot, the ingredients in the detergent don’t function properly. Some of the soils might also fail to get adequately removed.

To check the temperature of the dishwasher, turn on the faucet nearest to the dishwasher. Place a thermometer in a cup under the faucet and let the water run into the cup. If the temperature isn’t around 120 degrees Fahrenheit,  adjust the water heater.

Load the dishwasher properly

How you load the dishwasher not only determines how efficiently the dishwasher functions, it also determines how clean the dishes get. Before loading the machine, scrape off as many excess foods from the dishes as much as you can.

Some homeowners go to the extent of rinsing the dishes, but you don’t have to. If there are bits of food that have crusted over and stuck on the dishes, don’t worry about them as the dishwasher will get rid of them when you run the appropriate cycle.

When arranging the dishes, do it by how dirty they are. Group the ones that need a heavy wash together and those that require light or standard cleaning by themselves. Doing this prevents you from having some of the dishes cleaner than others. It also prevents you from running two heavy cycles.

Keep the dishwasher in top shape

Cleaning the dishwasher isn’t enough. You also need to repair it regularly to keep it in top shape. When you notice a problem with the unit, ask an appliance repair professional to give it a look and fix the problem.

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Microwaves are a life-saver for busy people and families who do not have the time or interest in cooking three meals a day every day. However, microwaves don’t last forever. If you have noticed that your microwave has started turning off in the middle of being used, we recommend that you troubleshoot by following these tips. If you end up in need of appliance parts please contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934.

There May Be an Issue with the Keypad Membrane

If maybe that the keypad membrane is old and/or malfunctioning, which can activate the controls without you doing anything. Some membranes are heat activated so if your microwave is located above a stove it could be that the heat from the stove is affecting your microwave. If that is the issue then it can likely be solved simply by moving your microwave so that it is not above your stove.

In other instances in which the membrane is causing the issue, you may be able to take the membrane off and replace it. In other instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire control panel. You can look up info about your particular brand of microwave to determine what to do.

There Could Be an Issue with the Control Board

Think of the control board as the brains of the microwave. It is the place from which all signals are received and from which they are relayed. As a result, if there is an issue with your control board then there could be many potential symptoms – one of which could be that the microwave has turned itself off in the middle of working.

As is true of membranes, it may be that you cannot buy just the part of the control board that is not working but must instead buy an entire control panel and replace it. If you can get to the control board then you can replace it – but some microwaves have control panels that are sealed and self-contained. These, unfortunately, cannot be repaired and it is likely time for a new microwave.

You May Have a Stuck Switch

Another potential issue is that your switches are stuck. This may be the case if you have a light that won’t turn off, or the turntable in your microwave continues to move even when the rest is not working. This is not as serious as it seems, since neither of those parts uses heat-producing parts of your microwave. However, it will be aggravating and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your microwave.

The post Why is My Microwave Turning Off in the Middle of Being Used? Troubleshoot This Problem appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

A dishwasher is an essential appliance in helping keep on top of dirty dishes without spending a lot of time washing them, but if the soap isn’t dissolving in the dispenser, are they really getting clean? It could be that your dishwasher isn’t getting the right amount of water into the system to dissolve the soap. You will need a drill bit or screwdriver of 1/4 inch and an electrical current meter.

Removing the Front Panel

To check to see if this is the problem, remove the bottom front panel. You’ll need to use a ¼ inch drill bit or screwdriver to remove the 4 screws. Once the screws are out you can remove the panel. You should see the motor, thermostat, and other parts of the dishwasher.

Testing the Appliance

Once you have the panel off, turn the dishwasher on to a rinse cycle and wait to see if you hear water running into the dishwasher. If you are unsure if the water is circulating or not, you can open the dishwasher. If it is dry, water is not entering the appliance. Water should be in the appliance by the time the wash motor turns on.

Checking the Connections

If there is no water, drain the dishwasher. While it is draining, check the water valve to see if it is getting 120 volts ac electricity using an electric meter. If this is receiving the right amount of voltage, then the valve is not opening properly to allow water into the machine. This means it will need a new water fill valve.

Calling a Professional

It is best to call a certified repairman at this point, to assure that the right part is used and that is installed correctly. Contact us with any questions.

Putting it Back Together

To put the panel back on, line the screw holes on the panel up with the holes on the machine and then use the drill or screwdriver to put the screws back in. Do not screw one completely in at a time, it’s best to put them partially in until you make sure they are lined up correctly.

This repair suggestion is for an MDB6650AWB Maytag Built-In Dishwasher.

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