Most homeowners with stainless steel door fridges have little magnets on their refrigerators meant to decorate the fridge or pass a message.

They bring convenience but is it ok to put magnets on a refrigerator? One popular myth is that the magnets will affect the functioning of the refrigerator, but is this true?

According to refrigerator repair professionals, the magnets used to attach photos or notes on the fridge don’t have a lot of force or power to damage the refrigerator, so it’s okay to have them on your appliance.

While this is the case, you can harm your appliance when you mishandle the magnets. For example, if you are too rough when attaching or removing the magnets from the refrigerator, there is the risk of scratching the refrigerator surface.

Some women have long nails that can scratch the refrigerator surface as they are placing and removing the magnets.

If you want to retain the new look of the fridge, you should avoid using regular magnets. Instead, use plastic or vinyl coated magnets that would scratch the surface.

If you can’t find these magnets, use plastic suction cups with hooks in them and use them to hold up the notes, photos, or anything else that you might want to display on your fridge.

Other refrigerator myths

Besides the myth that magnets are harmful to the fridge, there are plenty of others you should be aware of. They include:

You don’t need a thermometer if the dial is working

While the dial comes in handy at helping you set the temperature in the fridge, it doesn’t mean that the figures shown in the dial are the real temperature in the refrigerator.

Plenty of factors can affect the internal temperature of your appliance, and the only sure-fire way to know the exact temperature inside is to use a thermometer. The ideal cool temperature inside the fridge is 3 and 4 degrees Celsius.

You can place anything anywhere in the refrigerator

If you have been researching about refrigerators, you know that you should place certain items in specific areas of the fridge. For example, you should place the meat and other highly perishable items in the freezer.

The reason for this is because the temperature in the fridge isn’t equal throughout. Certain areas, such as the fridge doors, are warmer, and you should place juice, water, beer, and other items that can withstand high temperatures here.

For your items not to go bad, you need to store them in the right compartments. If you aren’t sure how to go about it, here is a guide to help you out.

You can lock the cold air inside even with the power out

You must have heard that you don’t have to worry even if the power goes out, as the food will be safe as long as you don’t open the fridge and freezer doors. Well, this isn’t true.

If the power is out for less than four hours, most of the food will be okay, but even then, it’s safe to toss the dairy, meat, and leftovers as bacteria might have already started growing on them.

Veggies, bread, hard cheese, and fresh fruits should be alright.

You can keep leftovers in the fridge for as long as you want

The refrigerator is meant to extend the lifespan of the food you put there, but not keep it fresh forever. A good rule of thumb is to keep the leftovers in the fridge for a maximum of four days. If you can’t remember the last time you made the food or had it delivered, it’s time to toss it.

The produce bin doesn’t need cleaning.

Since the produce bin only carries fruits and vegetables, some people believe that it doesn’t get dirty and should not be cleaned.

Appliance repair Springfield professionals advise against it. When you store fresh fruits and vegetables, after some time, you are bound to have some bacteria growing there, and there is the risk of cross-contamination in your refrigerator.

To avoid this, make it a habit to clean the produce bins before loading a fresh batch of fruits or vegetables.

The post Is It OK To Put Magnets On A Refrigerator? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Water standing in your dishwasher is one of the most common dishwasher problems you will encounter as a homeowner. As you can tell, it’s annoying and unsanitary for the dishwasher to have standing water. Besides the water being a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, it also gives off smelly odors that are off-putting.

How do I get rid of standing water in my dishwasher? Well, there are plenty of ways to go about it without requiring special tools or skills. These ways, as given by dishwasher repair professionals, include:

Run the garbage disposal

Sometimes a full garbage disposal or an air gap in a connecting hose can prevent water from properly draining out of the dishwasher. To drain the stagnant water, run the disposal for about 30 seconds.

Clean or replace the filter

If you have gone without cleaning the dishwasher’s filter for a long time, the dirty filter might prevent the water from draining. Refer to the owner’s manual and see where the filter is located on your dishwasher and instructions on removing and cleaning it.

In most dishwashers, you will find the filter on the inside bottom of the appliance. Some will require you to unscrew them, while others won’t.

If the filter is too dirty or worn out, the best way out is to replace it. When getting a new unit, ensure that it’s the right size for your appliance. It also should have a high-energy star rating to function efficiently and last for a long time.

Check for blockages

If the filter is clean and functioning correctly, check the bottom of the dishwasher for items or pieces of food that might have fallen from the rack to block the water flow. If these items are present, get rid of them immediately.

Inspect the drain hose

Check the drain hose connecting to the sink and garbage disposal. If there are any kinks, straighten them, and hopefully, the problem will go away. Besides straightening the kinks, also blow through the hose or poke a wire hanger through to check for clogs. You also should ensure that the seal is tight enough.

Take a look at the supply line.

You need to locate the supply line under the sink and place a bucket underneath to catch any falling water. Then disconnect the plumbing line feeding into the main drain.

While allowing the water to drain into the bucket, inspect the line for clogs and run a snake through the pipe to dislodge it. After removing all the clogs, attach the plumbing line again and run an empty cycle through the dishwasher.

Try vinegar and baking soda.

Mix one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar and pour the mixture into the standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes and see what happens.

If the water starts to drain, rinse it with hot water, then run the dishwasher’s rinse cycle. This will loosen the clogs or any debris that might be preventing the dishwasher from draining properly.

How do you prevent standing water in the future?

Prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid having to get rid of the water now and then, there are several things you should do. Some of these things include:

Always use the correct dishwashing detergent

As much as they look the same, different dishwashers require different detergents. Whether your dishwasher uses powder, pods, or liquid detergent, ensure that you use that specific detergent to avoid clogging the drains.

Load the dishwasher properly

According to appliance repair Alexandria professionals, improperly loading the dishwasher can make it hard to drain during a complete cycle so ensure that you properly load it. If you don’t know how to go about it, read the manufacturer’s manual.

Pay attention to your dishwasher.

Most appliances, including dishwashers, give you signs that they are about to malfunction. If there are buzzing, humming, or clicking sounds, these might indicate that your appliance has an underlying problem, and it’s time to look into it.

The post How Do I Get Rid Of Standing Water In My Dishwasher? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Your garbage disposal is an important kitchen appliance. It allows you to deal with food waste quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of ants or other pests attracted to food. If your garbage disposal makes a sound, that indicates that there is power coming into the unit but the blades are not turning. The sound can be a buzzing or a humming, and sometimes the garbage disposal will stop on its own even if you did not turn the unit off. In this post we’ll examine what some of the causes might be and what you can do about it.

Foreign Object

Maybe somebody put something down the disposal other than food. It’s easy to drop a spoon or other utensil, and if it isn’t immediately retrieved, it can cause a blockage. Maybe a child threw something down the disposal and didn’t mention it. In any event, the foreign object could certainly cause the impeller blades to jam, causing the unit to seize up.

Poorly Ground Food

Garbage disposals work by grinding up the food waste and washing it down; sometimes, though, it is not ground up as thoroughly as necessary. It is not uncommon that large bits of food or bone become stuck between the impeller blade and the drain hole causing the unit to jam. When you hear the garbage disposal making an odd sound, don’t immediately assume that somebody put something down the disposal that shouldn’t be there. It could be poorly ground food.

Tripped Power Breaker

Garbage disposals are usually on a separate circuit breaker known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCI circuit breakers and outlets protect people from electrical shock. If they detect an energy leak of even a thousandth of a milliamp, they will shut down the circuit. If your garbage disposal suddenly seized up, it could be due to a tripped breaker. This lack of electrical current to turn the motor may be the problem.

Motor Bearings

Sometimes, the motor bearings in a garbage disposal get frozen or seized up. If this is the case with your garbage disposal, you’ll likely need a professional to look at it. And it may be time for a new one. The experts at Dave’s Appliance can guide you here.

What to Do?

Reset the Unit

If the problem is a tripped breaker, simply press the reset button and see if normal disposal operation is restored. The reset button can be found at the bottom of the unit. Since this is an easy fix, it’s a good idea to start with that. If the garbage disposal is still seized up, you’ll need to investigate further.

Identify and Remove Blockage

Whether it is a large bone or a fork, an object stuck in the impeller blades needs to be removed. Since this involves some danger, it may be something you want the experts at Dave’s Appliance to do. If you want to attempt it yourself, you need to follow these steps:
Cut the power to the garbage disposer by unplugging the unit and cutting the electrical circuit. This prevents the motor from burning out and more importantly ensures that you do not get electrocuted; Under the sink you will find the breaker socket at the bottom section of the garbage disposal. You need to insert a hex head Allen wrench in that breaker socket;
Start moving the wrench back and forth to get the flywheel to turn and set free the jammed particle in the impeller blades; Return power to the garbage disposal unit and check if normal function has been restored.

When your garbage disposal seizes up, you want to deal with it right away. Hopefully, a simple reset eliminates the problem. If a blockage is the issue, you might want to contact us at Dave’s Appliance. And if you identify and remove a blockage yourself, but the humming or buzzing persists, you should definitely give us a call.

The post What Causes a Garbage Disposal to Seize Up? appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

A typical dishwasher should last about 10 years, according to Consumer Reports. But that doesn’t mean you won’t need to spend money on repairs during that time. In fact, Consumer Reports surveyed its members and found that 30% of all newly purchased dishwashers are likely to have issues within five years of installation. Does that mean you should replace your dishwasher when it starts requiring repairs? The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no.

The 50% Rule

As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your dishwasher is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodeling and want something that’s a better fit either in style or dimension, or if you want something more efficient than what you’ve been using.

New Dishwasher Costs
There are two factors to consider here: the cost of the appliance itself and the cost of installation. Dishwasher prices vary wildly, depending on the quality and design features you desire. You can get a dishwasher for under $500, but it will be noisy and have a plastic tub. Those between $500 and $1000 will be quiet, have a stainless steel tub, and more versatile racks. Over $1000, dishwashers will be virtually silent, with design features and wifi. So that’s the first decision you need to make. Then, there’s the installation cost. In the Milwaukee area, those vary from around $150 to $300 (again type of dishwasher is a factor here). So if you have a high quality dishwasher that will cost almost $1000 to replace, then a $300 repair becomes a much more attractive option. Likewise, if you have a dishwasher that was inexpensive to begin with, you may want to replace it.

Repair Costs
Obviously, the cost to repair your dishwasher will depend on what is wrong with it. If it’s a simple thing like door seals, it could be as little as $50. If it’s major, it could run into hundreds of dollars. Many dishwasher repairs arise from neglected maintenance, so it’s a good thing to have a maintenance contract with a reputable appliance place, like Dave’s Appliance. That way, your dishwasher will get regular servicing, minimizing the need for high-cost repairs.

Prevention
There are simple things you can do to prevent dishwasher repairs being necessary. For one thing, make sure to remove debris from plates and bowls before loading them into your dishwasher. Small chicken bones, for example, can clog your dishwasher’s drain hose or damage its other components. Use your dishwasher appropriately—don’t run it when it’s half full, and don’t overfill it either. Beware of forcing dishes into positions on the racks that strain the construction. And always use proper automatic dishwashing detergent, not dish soap made for hand washing.

If treated right, your dishwasher could last beyond 10 years, but that’s the general life-span of a dishwasher. If you have any questions about whether your dishwasher should be replaced or repaired, reach out to the experts at Dave’s Appliance. We’ll give you a straight answer.

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Stoves are crucial to your family’s health. If food isn’t cooked properly, it can lead to more than unhappy family members; it can cause illness. If your oven or stovetop isn’t working the way it used to, you need to make a decision whether to repair or replace. When only one burner on the stovetop functions, or the oven is taking forever to preheat, it’s time to consider your options.

The 50% Rule
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, you’d be well advised to replace it. You can expect most stoves or ovens to give good service for at least 15 years. That time length varies depending on the quality of the stove. Another factor that affects this general rule is the availability of repair parts. Some brands have parts that are harder to replace, or are otherwise not as well supplied by manufacturers. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodelling and want something that’s a better fit either in style or dimension, or if (in the case of an electric oven, particularly) you want something more efficient than what you’ve been using.

Intangible Considerations

Every stove is slightly different, and you may know just how your particular stove works for you. Those who like to bake understand that times and temperatures need to be modified to their appliance, and it is perfectly understandable to want to preserve your stove as long as possible. Likewise, if your stove is an integral part of your kitchen decor, you might be motivated to repair it rather than have something that clashes with the other appliances. These intangible considerations are just as important as the cold monetary calculations.

 

At-home Repair
Stoves and ovens are a little tricky because of the temperatures they heat to and the electrical or gas elements they use. If you feel confident about tackling an issue yourself, you can check out our DIY guide on gas stoves here, and our DIY guide on electric stoves here. However, if you are at all hesitant about performing your own repairs, skip those and call the helpful, knowledgeable folks at Dave’s Appliance now.

Local and Warranty Repairs
Consumer surveys indicate that on average people are happier with repairs performed by local repair services over factory repairs. Having a local repair company means that they’re really dedicated to you, not the manufacturer. If your warranty is still in force, you should check whether the manufacturer uses local agents.

Additional Costs and Fees
Before deciding to replace your current stove, you should be aware of unintended costs and fees. Beware of stoves with settings or extras you’re unlikely to use. Every addition adds to the cost. And the “smarter” the oven, the more learning for you! Don’t forget that installation costs can be significant for major appliances. At Dave’s Appliance, any quotes we give you include everything, so you’re not going to be unpleasantly surprised: No Hidden Costs, Ever.

If your stove or oven can be safely and cost-effectively repaired, Dave’s Appliance will get it done for you. And if not, they’ll let you know and help you find something new. Give them a call.

The post Is It Worth Repairing My Stove? appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

Your freezer is an important part of your family’s health and safety. If you’re finding the food from your freezer has freezer burn, or isn’t properly frozen, you’ve got a problem. Likewise, if your freezer is leaking water, or has frost buildup, something is definitely wrong. In this post, we’ll describe some symptoms your freezer may be displaying, and the reasons for them.

Frost Buildup.
Frost buildup can be very annoying. It decreases storage space in your freezer, and it may trap odors, or encourage freezer burn. Frost buildup can indicate a number of issues. It may result from improper fridge position, poor seals, dirty coils, or clogged freezer drain.

Freezer Not Freezing.
If your food isn’t actually freezing, then you are at risk of illness, in addition to losing food. Check the coils. If they are clean, it may be a problem with the evaporator fan motor, or the starter may not be working right. Those issues will require one of the experts at Dave’s Appliance.

Freezer Runs Constantly.
If you’re hearing your freezer run all the time, then your freezer is working too hard. That is costing you money in the electricity used. Check the temperature setting; it may be too low. Otherwise, it could be the condenser fan motor or evaporator fan motor. Those repairs need the expertise of Dave’s Appliance.

Clicking Sound.
A clicking sound from your freezer means that you should call Dave’s Appliance. Almost certainly, it’s not something that can be easily rectified. It may be a malfunctioning starter relay, or it could indicate that coolant is not moving through the coils properly. In any event, it is an issue that requires professional attention.

Freezer Leaking Water. If it is only the freezer and not the refrigerator that is leaking water, it is probably a clogged or frozen defrost drain. You can remove the cover to expose the freezer drain and check if there is an obvious clog. If so, extract it. If the drain is frozen, you can choose whether or not to deal with it yourself.

Frozen Defrost Drain. If you’re uncomfortable removing freezer covers to expose the defrost drain, or are worried about what you may find once you do, just call Dave’s Appliance. In addition to the typical issues with the defrost drain outlined above, there’s the possibility that the drain strap may have fallen off or deteriorated. If so, Dave’s Appliance can fix or replace it.

All of these problems are symptoms of an underlying issue. Here are five reasons your freezer might not be working right.

1.Refrigerator position. The refrigerator needs to be positioned away from the wall slightly to allow enough room for the air to circulate. The heat from the compressor needs to have sufficient room to dissipate.

2.Temperature. Sometimes the temperature setting becomes inadvertently moved. Your freezer should be set to 0º to keep food properly frozen. It’s a good idea to keep a thermometer in your freezer to monitor the temperature.

3.Freezer door seals. The seals of the freezer should be clean and in good repair. Simply use soapy water and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to maintain the seals.

4.Coils. The condenser coils can become dirty and dusty. Use a vacuum to clean the debris off.

5.Defrost drain. The defrost drain may become clogged or frozen. To deal with this situation, unplug the refrigerator and remove freezer covers so you can get at the drain. Then pour hot water down the drain until it is dripping into the drain pan under the refrigerator. That will deal with any ice, and may dislodge a clog. If necessary, use soapy water with some ammonia.

You don’t want to take chances with your family’s health. If you have any concerns, call the experts at Dave’s Appliance, and we’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

The post 5 Reasons Your Freezer Might Not Be Working Right appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

If you live in an area with hard water, you must be wondering, does hard water cause dishwasher problems? Unfortunately, it does. Some of the common problems as given by dishwasher repair professionals include:

Residues on the dishes

Here the clear glassware and dishes have a strangely cloudy or chalky residue after removing them from the dishwasher. The cloudy appearance is usually from the mineral deposits in the water.

Although, the glasses and utensils coated with the residue are technically safe to eat with, they can send the wrong picture to the guests. The cloudy dishes also don’t look good sitting in your kitchen.

Residues coating the insides of your dishwasher.

Besides the minerals in the dishes, you are also bound to have the minerals coating the insides of your dishwasher so that you have a cloudy dishwasher.

While the residues on the dishes aren’t of much concern, you have a reason to worry when you have the minerals on your dishwasher, as it’s a matter of time before your dishwasher gets damaged when large deposits build up.

To prevent the minerals from building up too much, make it a habit to clean them with cleaning vinegar. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or grass with a cup of cleaning vinegar and place it in the dishwasher. Let the dishwasher run once on a short cycle, and the buildup will go away.

This works because vinegar contains acid that breaks down the minerals on your water and helps the dishwasher flush them out on its own.

Rusting of the dishwasher

When your dishwasher is exposed to hard water for too long, it’s bound to start developing rust patches. There is nothing good about a rusty dishwasher—it’s not sanitary to clean your dishes in the rusty water, and it’s a matter of time before the dishwasher becomes too rusty and breaks.

Hard water causes rust because some of the minerals in hard water are salts that begin corroding the dishwasher when exposed to water and oxygen.

The dishwasher fails to clean the dishes.

It’s one thing for the dishes to come out of the dishwasher with mineral residues on them and an entire ballgame for them to continually come out dirty with bits of food still stuck to them.

When you allow a lot of mineral deposits from the hard water to build up inside the water lines of your dishwasher, they restrict water flow, which significantly reduces the ability of the dishwasher to clean the dishes.

How do you deal with the hard water problem?

To avoid the problems that come with hard water, there are several things you can do. Some of these things include:

Soften the water

Softening the water takes care of the problem from the source. To soften the water, you need to install a water softener that will lower the levels of calcium and magnesium in the water and provide your entire house with softer water.

Use more detergent

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of installing a water softener, consider adding more detergent when running your dishwasher. To tell how much is more, refer to your user’s manual.

Run the dishwasher with vinegar

As mentioned above, vinegar does an excellent job at clearing out hard water stains in the dishwasher. As soon as you notice a calcium scale on the bottom of your dishwasher, fill a cup with vinegar and run a cycle with the cup on the top rack.

Add a rinse aid

The purpose of the rinse aid is to get rid of the spotty and streaky dishes. Upon adding the aid, the dishes come out clean—they aren’t cloudy. When using the detergent, consult your user’s manual to find out the amount of rinse aid you can add to your dishwasher without causing any damage.

There you go

As you can see, hard water is not only harmful to your dishes, but the dishwasher as well. While there are plenty of temporary solutions to the problems brought about by hard water, it’s better to fix the problem once and for all. Work with an appliance repair Springfield professional and find out the best way to go about it.

The post Does Hard Water Cause Dishwasher Problems? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair