A man repairing a dishwasher.
If you’ve bought a major appliance in the last decade or so, you know they’re not cheap. Your refrigerator, washer, dryer, and dishwasher work hard for you every day.
And with a little extra TLC, they can keep humming along for years. This isn’t just about saving you the hassle of unexpected breakdowns, but instead, keeping more money in your pocket long term. 92% of homeowners have outstanding repairs (including to appliances) on their to-do list but just haven’t yet tackled them due to cost.
Luckily, keeping your appliances running smoothly doesn’t have to mean a ton of work or spending a lot of money. With a mix of preventive care, smart usage, and knowing when to call in the pros, you can get the absolute most out of your trusty appliances.
Not sure where to start? That’s where Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC comes in. Read on for practical tips to keep your appliances in top shape and avoid costly replacements down the road.
The Golden Rule of Appliance Longevity
A lady in conversation over the phone.
Appliances are a lot like cars: they’re machines with moving parts, so they need maintenance to stay in their prime. If you ignore a strange noise or assume that a clogged filter will “work itself out,” you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Little issues snowball into big (and expensive) problems surprisingly fast.
Take your dryer, for example. Did you know a clogged lint trap not only makes your dryer work harder but also jacks up your energy bill? Over time, it can lead to overheating, leaving you with a busted appliance and a sweaty trip to the laundromat. No thanks.
Key takeaway here? Small, regular maintenance tasks can dramatically extend the life of your appliances.
1. Keep Things Clean
Appliances aren’t a set-it-and-forget-it thing. To make them last, they need to be clean inside and out. Dust, debris, grease, soap scum…over time, all these seemingly small offenders can cause damage.
Here’s what you can do to keep things squeaky clean (and running like a dream):
Your Refrigerator’s Secret Weak Spot
It’s easy to think of your fridge as a maintenance-free fortress for your leftovers. But those condenser coils at the back or bottom? They need some TLC.
When coils are dusty or clogged, your fridge works overtime to stay cold. That strains the compressor and can burn it out.
Fix it in minutes. Once or twice a year, slide the fridge out, unplug it, and vacuum the coils (or use a coil cleaning brush). With this simple step, you’ve just added years to your fridge’s life.
Be Kind to Your Dishwasher
If there’s one appliance that sees daily abuse, it’s your dishwasher. Make its job easier by cleaning the filter regularly (usually found near the bottom inside) and running a vinegar rinse cycle once a month to clear out grease and buildup.
Want to go pro-level? Scratch the idea that your dishwasher will handle every crusty pot or pan you throw at it. Give your plates a quick rinse, since that 10-second effort can save your dishwasher a lifetime of struggle.
2. Don’t Overwork Your Machines
Appliances have limits. Treat yours like they’ve got a breaking point (because they do!). Overloading or using them in ways they weren’t designed for takes years off their lifespan.
Addressing Your Laundry Room
Stuffing your washing machine until it looks like you’re prepping for a world-record load? Bad idea. An overloaded machine wears down the drum, motor, and even the suspension system, leaving it wobbling like a wobbly cafe table.
The fix? Stick to the manufacturer’s weight limits for each cycle.
And while we’re on the topic, try to avoid overdoing the detergent. Too much soap equals residue buildup, which means more wear and tear over time.
Paying Attention to Your Dryer
Damaged clothes? Overheating? If your dryer is taking forever to dry your loads, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a red flag. Most likely, lint and debris are choking the airflow. Instead, clean out your lint trap after every load and clear the vent pipe once a year.
Roughly 28% of dryer fires are sparked by lint buildup. Don’t risk it.
3. Don’t Ignore Weird Noises or Odors
A white clean kitchen at its finest.
No appliance speaks “I need help!” louder than one making a racket or smelling off.
- Is your fridge buzzing or clicking? It could be the compressor.
- Dryer making screeching sounds? Those drum bearings might be wearing out.
- Oven suddenly smelling funky? That probably isn’t just yesterday’s lasagna. Burnt wiring or gaskets could be to blame.
Weird noises or odors aren’t a “wait and see” kind of deal. Call in a pro from Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC sooner rather than later. Not only is early intervention more affordable, but you’ll probably save yourself from a total breakdown.
4. Take Energy Efficiency Seriously
Inefficient appliances cost you extra both in utility bills and wear-and-tear. Running an unclean, clogged, or overworked appliance consumes significantly more energy than you’d expect.
ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers can save you up to 3,870 gallons of water over their lifetime, compared to older or less efficient models.
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient models when it’s time to replace an appliance. They pay for themselves in savings over time. But if the appliance you’ve got now is still kicking, regular maintenance will keep it running as efficiently as possible.
5. Know When to Call the Pros
Restoring a dishwasher to top condition.
Sometimes, your DIY fixes and good intentions can only go so far. That’s when the experts come in. Attempting complex repairs solo can turn an issue into a full-blown disaster, not to mention some repairs (like handling refrigerants) need a trained and licensed technician.
Plus, regular professional servicing can catch little problems you wouldn’t even know to look for. For example, did you know a pro can test the freon levels in your fridge or recalibrate your oven for accurate temperatures? Those tweaks make a real difference in extending your appliances’ life.
As a good rule of thumb, if your appliance is more than halfway through its expected life span and the repair cost is more than half the replacement price, it’s probably time to look for something new.
Still not sure what to do? A quick call to Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC can help you make the right decision.
Your Next Steps
Here’s the bottom line. You don’t need to overhaul your life to make your appliances last. You just need to get into some solid maintenance habits. Clean regularly, don’t overwork your machines, and don’t wait until something breaks to address an issue. Simple as that.
And if you need a trustworthy repair crew for your appliances? Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC has your back. Whether it’s squeaky dryers, leaky refrigerators, or anything in between, our expert team serves Edmond, OK, with fast, reliable service.
Why wait until something breaks? Visit Appliance Repair Services Edmond, LLC to schedule your appliance checkup today! Investing in maintenance now means years of worry-free performance later. And who doesn’t want that?
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