Do you have a ceramic cooktop in your home? You should take good care of it for it to last for a long time. If you don’t know what to do, here are tips that you should put into consideration:

How To Take Care Of Ceramic Cooktops

When cleaning the cooktops you should never use abrasive cleaners or metal pads which can easily scratch them. Instead of using these cleaners, you should use a soft sponge, clothes and creams that are designed for ceramic cooktops.

If you cook with pots, you should be careful that you don’t drag them on the cooktop.

Sugary substances can discolour your cooktop; therefore, you should be cautious that they don’t land there thus leaving yellowish areas that are impossible to remove.

You should also not place a hot glass bakeware on the smooth cooktop.

How To Repair A Ceramic Cooktop

Although, you might be taking good care of your cooktop, accidents do happen. For example, the ceramic cooktop might get chipped. When this happens you should repair the damaged cooktop.

There are two ways in which you can repair a chipped ceramic cooktop: with the chipped piece and without the chipped piece.

To repair using the chipped piece you should clean the chipped area in order to prepare it for the chipped piece. You should use a ceramic epoxy adhesive in order to glue the piece back into place. For the pieces to stick together, you should apply some pressure on them. After you have replaced the chipped piece you should protect the area with a ceramic sealer and let the area dry for 24 hours.

If you want to repair the area without the chipped piece you should mix the filing compound from the ceramic repair kit. As rule of thumb you should follow the given mixing instructions. Once the mixture is ready you should use a flat edged tool to spackle the filler compound into the chipped area. If there are rough areas you should smooth them with steel wool. You should then wipe the area, seal it and allow it to dry.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to take care and repair a ceramic cooktop. If your cooktop is damaged and you don’t have the skills to repair it, you should hire the services of a ceramic cooktop repair professional to help you out.

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Freezers are very useful in a fridge as this is where you keep beef, chicken, cream and other foods that require very low temperatures to remain fresh. For you food to remain fresh for long you need to take good care of your freezer. Here are tips on how to take care of the freezer:

Clean regularly

Cleaning the freezer regularly not only maintains its elegant look for long, it also improves its functioning. To clean the freezer you should first empty it and remove any food debris that might be there.

In addition to cleaning, it’s also wise to disinfect the freezer at least once a month. For ideal results you should use a 50:50 mix of warm water and white vinegar. This mix will not only disinfect your freezer, it will also aid in cleaning stains and removing frost.

Maintain the coils

Coils are the prime causes of refrigerator problems. They are usually located at the back of the fridge and transfer the coolant. When they are covered with a lot of dust and pet hair they tend to overheat.

Although, most of the fridges require that you check and clean the coils once a year, side-by-side models require that you maintain them twice a year. When they stop working you should contact a freezer repair expert to take a look at them.

Never overstock

This is a no brainer, but many people tend to overstock their freezers when they have many things that they need to be frozen. You should note that overstocking the freezer prevents the food from getting cooled adequately which often results to food spoilage.

An overstocked freezer is also a great threat to the vents. When food is too full in the freezer, it packs itself against the vents. This not only prevents adequate air flow, it also puts the freezer vents at the risk of damage.

Maintain the door seal

Door seals are prone to mould. When a lot of mould accumulates on the seal, it results to distortion which brings about leakage of cold air. You should regularly clean the seals and if you notice a flaw, you should replace them as soon as you can.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to take care of the fridge freezer. If you need to repair the freezer, always ensure that the work is handled by a qualified freezer repair professional.

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It’s common for water heaters to leak due to a number of reasons. It’s good to note that there are many types of water heater leaks with the main ones being:

Condensation leaks

They are common with gas water heaters. The problem presents itself when you put the water heater on for the first time during the cold weather. The good thing with this problem is that it disappears when the water in the tank warms up.

If you notice water pooling or dripping on or near the water heater, you should dry it up and wait for some time. If you come back and find that the area is still dry, the problem was a condensation issue.

Pipes

Loose pipes are bound to leak if they aren’t tightly fitted to the water heater. The most common area where the leak originates is at the top of the water heater where the cold water supply line and the hot water exit line connect to the tank. It’s common for a leak to develop around the anode rod fitting on the top of the tank.

In rare cases, you will find that the thermostat is the source of the leak. If you have an electric water heater, the heating elements maybe the problem.

Tank

If your water heater is old or damaged, it’s bound to leak. You should note that it’s almost impossible to repair water heater leaks on the tank body—you need to replace the water heater.

Points to remember

You should repair a leaking water heater as soon as you can in order to avoid damaging your home and health. Even a small, slow leak has the potential of damaging your floors and sub-floors. Wet floor promotes the growth of mildew and mold which is harmful to your health.

Before you take a look at the leaking water heater, you should shut off power getting into the appliance. You should also shut off the water supply.

While there are some leaks such as pipe leaks that you can repair on your own, its wise that you hire a water heater repair professional who will not only fix the leaking problem, but who will also ensure that the water heater is safe to use after repair. A water heater repair professional also ensures that the water heater problem doesn’t recur.

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Freezers tend to develop problems every now and then. Here are some of the freezer problems and how to rectify them:

Improper cooling

There are many factors that can cause the freezer to cool improperly. One of the factors is leaking refrigerant. If the refrigerant lines leak the refrigerant may start to flow quickly thus cooling the freezer too fast. In some cases, this may bring about frost problems. If a lot of the refrigerant leaks out, it can cause improper heat transfer.

Malfunctioning fans can also cause the problem. You should open the containing box and confirm if the fan blades are intact and unfrozen. If the fan has frost, you should use a hair dryer to defrost it. You can also use oil to loosen up the fan.

Freezer quits working

In some cases, the freezer can stop working. There are many factors that can trigger this. One of the factors is electrical problems. The electrical problem can be a blown fuse that creates power outage that blocks flow of electricity to the freezer.

The problem can also be a damaged power chord. The chord causes inconsistency in the supply of electricity. To undertake freezer repair you should take a look at the fuse and if it has blown you should replace it. If the power chord is damaged and you don’t have the skills to repair it, you should hire the services of a professional.

Mechanical problems can also cause the freezer to stop working. If you don’t hear noise from the back of the freezer, the motor may have failed.

Dirty condenser coils can also provoke the freezer to stop working. Condenser coils are metal coils that run zigzag across the back of the refrigerator and often fail working properly when they are dirty. You should look at them and confirm if they are dirty. If they are dirty, you should clean them using a brush and then return the back panel. You should note that mechanical repairs are very sensitive; therefore, you should leave them to the professionals.

Conclusion

These are some of the common freezer problems and how to correct them. As mentioned, you should avoid repairing the freezer if you don’t have the right skills. As rule of thumb you should let a qualified freezer repair professional to handle the work.

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A dishwasher is one of the most commonly used kitchen appliances, and it saves you time and effort when dishwashing. 

To keep your dishwasher running smoothly, you must avoid making dishwasher mistakes that households make daily.

The mistakes you should avoid, as given by appliance repair professionals, include: 

You don’t read the instruction manual.

Many people have the impression that every dishwasher is the same. Due to this, they don’t bother reading the manual for their specific model as they think it’s unimportant.

Each dishwasher has a slightly different set of needs and ways of working.

One example is the type of things that each device can handle. When you don’t read the owner’s manual before using the appliance, you won’t know the items you can clean using the unit and those you can’t.

To stay safe, read the instructions before putting the different items in the dishwasher. 

Don’t put anything in the dishwasher if the manufacturer doesn’t say that it can go in.

Failing to run hot water beforehand

You might miss out if you don’t run your hot water tap before using the dishwasher. This might sound strange, but it’s true.

Running hot water before you start to use the dishwasher can ensure that the water going into the dishwasher is already hot, which can help it clean better.

Cold water can leave behind leftover soap and food. To stay safe, turn on the hot water at the sink and let it run for a few minutes.

Failing to leave the door open after a cycle

Just like with a washing machine, you should leave the dishwasher door open after using it so it can dry properly.

This is a great way to avoid mold, especially on the caps.

While this is a great practice, in most cases, many homeowners don’t do it often because they don’t know it’s the right thing to do. Others don’t know that they should do it. 

To stay on the good side, make it a habit to leave the dishwasher door open after running a cycle.

Overusing the eco mode

Eco mode or energy saver mode on your dishwasher can only be good for you and your appliance, right? Well, this is not true. Even if the mode saves energy by running at lower temperatures, setting your dishwasher to only run on eco mode could be a mistake that could hurt you in the long run.

Some people only use the eco or energy saver mode on their dishwashers because they think it would save them money and be better for the environment. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

Running your unit only on eco mode could cause problems because the water might not get hot enough to dissolve all the soap. Soap can build up over time, leading to problems like leaks and damage to the dishwasher.

To prevent this, occasionally use the dishwasher’s highest temperature setting to keep it clean and ensure soap doesn’t build up.

Overloading the dishwasher compartments

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when using their dishwashers is to put too many dishes, pans, glasses, and silverware in them.

Why does this matter so much? If you put too many things in your dishwasher, it won’t clean as well as if you left more room between them. Overloading your dishwasher can make your dishes have a foul smell and less clean.

To avoid this, load your dishwasher correctly, leaving enough space between the dishes so the water and soap can move around properly during the cleaning cycle.

Failing to clean the dishes

Some experts advise that you don’t need to clean your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, but this is controversial.

You should know that your dishwasher isn’t a trash can or a garbage disposal. This means that you shouldn’t allow all the trash to get there. 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when using the dishwasher is failing to scrap off bigger bits of stuck-on food or sauce, as these leftovers could linger.

Even though dishwashers are made to clean dishes, you should still scrape and rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. If you don’t do this, bits of food will get stuck in your dishwasher and won’t clean your dishes.

This means you’ll have to clean your machine more often in the long run.

You don’t need to pre-rinse your dishes, but you should scrape off any stuck-on food. This way, you have fewer food particles getting into your dishwasher. 

Failing to clean the filter

It’s easy to forget or not even know that the dishwasher has a filter, but it does, and it does a great job of keeping your dishes clean by filtering out dirt and waste.

A dirty filter could be why your dishes come out of the washing with a film on them, and your glasses look cloudy.

Because of this, you need to clean it regularly. How often you clean it will depend on how often you use your machine. Once a week is suitable for some homes, but once a month is good for others.

You should research and find out the best time to do it. It also doesn’t hurt to consult an experienced dishwasher repair Springfield professional.

Failing to clean the dishwasher deep

Even though you should clean the filter often, you should also deep clean the dishwasher every so often.

You can do this by running a dishwasher cleaner or a bowl of white vinegar on the bottom shelf while the dishwasher is empty.

Doing this eliminates the limescale, food, and grime that have built up in your dishwasher.

It will keep your dishwasher from getting smelly, make sure your dishes get clean, and make the machine work better.

For the best outcome, deep clean your appliance at least once a week. You can do the cleaning yourself, but if you don’t have the time or aren’t sure about your skills, let an expert do it.

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Has your electric oven stopped working and wondering what the problem could be? Here are some of the common electric oven faults:

Power problems

When your oven has power problems, it fails to start. If there’s power in the socket and the appliance isn’t starting, the fuse may have blown. The electrical supply may also have been interrupted; therefore, you should check the main fuse board and ensure that everything is okay. If your oven has a digital timer, it might have stuck in automatic. You should reset the timer using the given instructions.

Oven has power, but not heating up

This problem is brought about by a number of factors such as faulty thermal fuse or thermal switch. It can also be brought about by a faulty oven element. You should check the two parts and ensure that they are intact. You should carefully take a look at the element and ensure that there are no broken pieces on it. If there are any pieces, you should consider replacing the element.

Oven burns food

This happens when the temperature is too high. You should check the thermostat sensing bulb and ensure that it’s intact. Sometimes, the bulb comes loose and ends up on the floor of the oven or heating element. If the bulb is in the right place, you should consider recalibrating the thermostat. Recalibration is a sensitive process; therefore, you should seek the services of a qualified electric oven repair professional.

Door and control knobs get too hot

This is common when the cooling fan is faulty or is blowing air out from the top of the appliance. You should check if your oven has a fan. If the fan isn’t working, you should replace it.

Oven door doesn’t close or has fallen off

The main causes of this problem are faulty hinges. Here the hinges might have broken or become misaligned. It’s also possible that the door seal might have perished on become loose. In this case, you only need to replace the seal.

Electric oven repair costs

Electric oven repair costs depend on the part of the oven that you want to repair. For example, if you want to replace the heating element you will need to part with $20-$30.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about the common problems with electric ovens. To avoid problems, you should avoid undertaking electric oven repair on your own—you should hire the services of a professional.

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A refrigerator is an important unit to have in your house. The unfortunate thing with refrigerators is that they tend to develop problems over time. To help you out here are some of the common refrigerator problems:

Failure of the fridge to cool

There are many factors that can prevent your refrigerator from cooling. Some of these factors include: defective fan, bad compressor, capacitor and overstocking the fridge.

When your fridge fails to cool food, you should look at the condenser coils and dust them off. You should also look at the refrigerator door seal and ensure that isn’t broken. Finally, you should take a look at the thermostat and ensure that it’s set correctly. For ideal results, you should ensure that it’s set between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaking

It’s common for water to leak in refrigerators especially if there is a condensation build up. To repair the problem, you should check the lines to your dispenser. If the lines are broken or damaged you should replace them. You should also take a look at the drain pan. If there are holes or cracks on the pan, you should replace the pan.

Fridge freezing food

This happens when the thermostat isn’t set properly. The problem can also happen when the circulating fan blows cold air through the freezer. You should look at the fan and ensure that it’s working perfectly and blowing air the right way.

Frost buildup

This happens when there is a thick layer of frost that blocks the freezer. To undertake refrigerator repair you should empty and unplug the fridge temporarily in order to allow the ice to melt. To speed up the defrosting process you should consider using a hairdryer.

Excessive noise

Excessive noise in refrigerators is brought about by a number of factors including: unlubricated motors and malfunctioning fan. To fix the problem you should lubricate the motors. You should also replace the fan if it’s the one causing the problem. If you replace the fan and the problem persists, you should check its position and ensure that you haven’t placed it too close to the compressor.

Conclusion

These are some of the common problems with refrigerators. While there are some minor problems that you can rectify by yourself, you should avoid trying to rectify problems that you don’t understand. If your fridge develops complex problems you should hire a refrigerator repair professional to help you out.

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Sometimes some homeowners go for a long time without cleaning their dishwashers, which is wrong because it not only makes the appliance work too hard than it should but also brings many other problems. 

How do you tell that you have ignored your appliance for too long and it’s time to show it some love? Here are things you should look out for as given by dishwasher repair professionals. 

Your dishes come out dirty and cloudy.

It’s annoying to wait for a washing cycle to finish and then find that your dishes are still dirty or have a white, cloudy film. 

Dirty and cloudy dishes can be a sign that you need to clean your dishwasher more or use dishwasher soap made for hard water.

Residue on dishes or other items can also be a sign that your dishwasher needs some attention. In some cases, it can also be a sign of other problems. To be safe, check on your dishwasher and clean it at least once a month.

In addition to checking the filter and racks once a week for buildup, you should take the racks and filter or screen out and clean them with warm water and dish soap.

You also should look for a film or rough coating on the inside of the dishwasher. Here check to see if the holes in the spray arms are clogged, and give the arms a push by hand when the machine is off to see if they spin easily.

The dishes come out with a weird smell.

If you don’t keep an eye on your dishwasher filter and clean it regularly, it’s easy for it to get full of food bits. These food pieces give off an awful smell that makes your house uncomfortable to live in. The food pieces can also cause bigger, more expensive problems. 

To prevent these problems, check and clean the filter after every use and sanitize your dishwasher at least once a week.

You also should consider filling a bowl with white vinegar, putting it on the top or bottom rack, and running a normal clean cycle with hot water. 

When done, use a simple mixture of water, dish soap, and white vinegar to clean the door locks and the inside of the dishwasher. 

The dishwasher doesn’t drain as well as it should

If you’ve ever seen a pool of water at the bottom of your dishwasher or water spilling into your sink, this may not only be a sign of a clog that needs clearing but also that your dishwasher might need to be replaced altogether.

Bring in the experts if you’ve cleaned out the filter basket, and there is still standing water, or your dishwasher continues to be slow-draining.

A step-by-step guide to cleaning your dishwasher

To prevent the issues that come with poor care, you should regularly clean your dishwasher. To help you out, here are the steps you should follow:

Remove all the dishes and pans.

Empty out your dishwasher of lingering plates, pans, cups, or utensils. You want to avoid getting in the way of deep cleaning, especially if you haven’t cleaned your dishwasher in a while.

Remove and soak the removable parts.

If you’re overwhelmed by cleaning your dishwasher, remove the removable parts first. Cleaning the utensil holders and dishwasher racks is a great place to start. 

Give them a good rinse with a paper towel or damp cloth first. If these parts look extra dirty, you can soak them in your sink with warm water and 2 cups of white vinegar while you take care of the rest.

Get rid of food debris.

You should put on those cleaning gloves if you haven’t already. Get a paper towel and start picking up any food still stuck. You should remove all the debris before you take the next action. 

Run a hot cycle

Again, distilled white vinegar comes to the rescue. Pour 1 cup of pure white vinegar into a bowl that can go in the dishwasher. Put it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher with the right side up. Run your dishwasher on the hottest setting and leave the door open when it’s done.

Clean the drains

Most of the time, the drain will be on the bottom of your dishwasher. It can also cause clogs, water back-ups, and food bits to stick around. 

To clean it, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of warm pure white vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. After about 15 minutes, slowly pour hot water over the mixture to clear it.

Clean the filter

Every dishwasher is different. Some modern appliances have screens that clean themselves. Check your manual to see if yours has a filter that cleans itself. If not, your dishwasher’s manual will tell you how to remove the filter for cleaning.

Once the filer is off, clean it out with a wet paper towel or microfiber. You should then clean it with warm water, soap, and a toothbrush. The purpose of doing this is to ensure that you scrub and get even into the small areas.

Pay attention to the inside door.

Clean that toothbrush, swirl it around in hot water, and then use it to wipe and scrub around the inside of the door.

Allow your dishwasher to air dry.

If your dishwasher still feels wet after the run, let it dry completely before closing it. Put back the parts that you had taken off. 

For a fresh-smelling dishwasher, repeat this process at least once a month or as needed.

Parting shot

These problems come from failing to clean your dishwasher as often as possible. To prevent the issues, make it a habit to clean your unit at least once a month. 

In most cases, you must clean the appliance by yourself, but if you encounter a problem, let a professional appliance repair Springfield look at it. 

When hiring a repair professional, ensure they are experienced and know what they are doing. 

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Among all the home appliances, refrigerators are the one of those that is taken for granted. It is because of the fact that refrigerators are the most reliable and durable appliance. It is not extraordinary to get years of trouble-free service from a refrigerator. Eventually, every appliance needs repair or replacement. But the reliability of refrigerators makes it difficult for homeowners take decision at the right time.

Repair or replace your refrigerator

It is not easy to choose between refrigerator repair and replacement. The decision of whether or not to replace an old refrigerator depends on multiple things, including the condition, impact on the environment and your own personal requirements.

How to Decide When to Replace a Refrigerator?

Age: How old is your refrigerator? In general, refrigerators have 10 to 20 years of life span. No matter which brand of refrigerator you are using, it will not work with the same efficiency after 20 years. If your refrigerator is less than 15 years old, and it is showing problems, then consider appliance repair. But if it is more than 18 years old and not working properly, opt for replacement.

Type of Refrigerator: Some refrigerator types are more complex and expensive to repair than others. Built-in refrigerators are easy to repair while refrigerators with bottom freezers are expensive to repair. Thus, if your refrigerator is making you pay expensive repair bills, then it is better to replace it.

Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency is important thing associated with the electronic appliances. In case, your refrigerator is consuming a lot of energy and hiking your electricity bill, then it is better to replace it with new energy efficient refrigerator. Do remember to check the energy star rating whenever you purchase your next electronic appliance. Electronic engineering is progressing at rapid pace. The newer appliance you purchase, the more energy efficiency you get. Energy efficient appliances are expensive but they provide long-term benefits.

Condition: Condition of refrigerator depends on usage. If you have used your refrigerator properly, then your appliance may provide some more years of services. On the other hand, if you haven’t paid any attention over appliance maintenance, you may need early replacement.

So, these are some beaming signals that say that you need a refrigerator replacement. You can also discuss this matter with appliance repair technician before actually replacing it. You may get some good advice.

 

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A refrigerator is the only electrical appliance that runs continuously day and night to keep your food cold. But sometimes on rare occasions, your refrigerator stops working and puts you in a situation where you need to pay high repair bill and in few cases the cost of the replacement of fridge. So, it’s better to follow refrigerator repair tips to prevent the high cost of repairs on your refrigerator. The reality is that some of the repairs are so easy and require simple knowledge about the appliance and patience to fix the problem at home.

Why Hire a Refrigerator Repair Company

Before fixing any problem, you must know about the internal arrangement of your refrigerator. All type of freezers and refrigerators consists of two components. One is a condenser coil and another is evaporator coil. A liquid coolant passes through both these coils with the help of a compressor and the electric motor. The liquid present in the refrigerator then cools down inside the condenser and passes to the evaporator. The amount of air present in the unit gets cooled off after developing a connection with the liquid-filled coil. Condenser coil is placed outside the unit while evaporator coil inside the unit and the coolant circulates through the entire system with the help of a compressor.

These days, refrigerators are frost free and heater gets turned on automatically as per the timer and melt the frost present inside the refrigerator. When melting of the frost completes then the thermostat resort to a cooling cycle to preserve the standard temperature of freezing. This automatic process rules out building up of frost.

A capacity type motor runs the compressor system and leads the coolant to pass through the coil system. Other parts used for cooling or defrosting system include thermostats, heaters, condensers and fans. If you want to fix the problem in any of these components then you must know the internal functioning of all these parts of the refrigerator and freezers. A DIY(Do it yourself)helps to save money on repair but there are exceptions and best to contact a professional refrigerator repair company to fix the problem and follow refrigerator repair tips to minimize the amount of repairs.

Before starting any repair on your refrigerator or freezer, make sure to unplug it. After unplugging, check the presence of a motor/compressor with a capacitor. Capacitors store electricity and supplies power even after power is off. So, ensure to discharge the capacitor before starting any DIY repairs to prevent a severe shock.

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