Want to Do Some DIY Appliance Repair? Here Are a Few Tips…
When a household appliance malfunctions, you can either reach out to a local technician or choose to repair the appliance yourself. Though most homeowners are not qualified to perform major repairs, the following DIY appliance repair and maintenance techniques can save you a few dollars.
Cleaning Refrigerator Coils
You can increase your fridge’s function by regularly cleaning its coils. Clogged coils not only raise your energy bills but also shorten the compressors’ lifespan. Ideally, you should clean your refrigerator coils every year, but you can increase the frequency if your fridge is exposed to too much dust or grease.
Depending on the type of your fridge, you need to either detach the grill at the bottom or roll your fridge out from the wall to access the coils. Use a soft, bendable brush and a vacuum to thoroughly clean the coils, including the hard to reach places.
Replacing or cleaning HVAC filters
Statistics show that replacing or cleaning a clogged air filter can minimize your unit’s energy consumption by up to 15%. Some filter types are reusable, while others need to be replaced. To clean or replace your air conditioner’s filters, turn off your unit and locate the service panel. Remove the air filters from beneath the service panel. If you have reusable filters, clean them with running water and make sure your reusable filters are completely dry before reinserting them. Insert the new (or cleaned) filter back into the service panel.
Keeping Your Stove Grease-Free
When cooking oil reaches boiling point, it emits a flammable vapor. Therefore, when that oil is left to solidify, not only is the resulting grease accumulation messy and unsightly, but it can become a danger as well, particularly for gas stoves. Clean your stovetop regularly by spreading baking soda across it. Then spritz it with vinegar. Let it sit about 15-30 minutes. After letting the cleaning solution sit, scrub it and wipe it clean with a wet rag. Make sure that when you are cleaning a gas range, that you also thoroughly clean the burner and remove any grease build-up from the gas ports (where the flame comes out). You should also regularly have the stove vents professionally cleaned, as grease vapors can accumulate there.
Before commencing with your DIY repair project, check whether your appliance’s warranty will be compromised. Most manufacturers void a warranty if an appliance is opened by an unauthorized person or one without a license. Ensure you are safe by first disconnecting the appliance from the power source. Never try to move a heavy appliance by yourself as this might hurt you or cause further damage to it.
If you have an appliance that isn’t operating smoothly and you’d like some professional help, give us a call at 505-835-1927 and we’ll get it running efficiently right away.
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