Simple appliance fixes - How long should your appliance last?

Two excellent articles on simple appliance repair that could help you save some money.

The first is from Popular Mechanics and offers some repair tips for small appliances. If a simple and easy fix repairs your vacuum or blender then it is worth doing and saving the extra money. Many of these tips come from their book, “When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough.”

Problem: Blender blades not spinning but motor is making noise

Solution: Syrup and gooey liquids can cause the blades to get stuck to the housing. Soak the entire blade assembly in hot soapy water for about fifteen minutes and rinse with hot water.

Problem: Vacuum has suction, yet nothing is being vacuumed up and you have company coming!

Solution: Check the belt, it is probably broken. A quick fix, use a nylon stocking stretched tight around the rollers and knotted securely for a makeshift belt. Be sure to order a new vacuum belt to replace this temporary fix.

Problem: Countertop Microwave –Microwaves can be dangerous to fix yourself as even a small unit can hold several hundred volts as part of its power supply. However, it might be worth calling in a professional as it might need something as small as a microwave oven fuse.

Solution: Cosmetic fixes such as scratches on the microwave paint and replacement of the circular glass plate that you set food on (aka the cooking tray), are microwave oven parts you can order online and replace yourself. Microwave Oven Repair Help and Replacement Parts

So what if one of your appliances breaks? How do you know when to replace or repair it?

A good rule of thumb is, if the repair costs more than half the cost of buying a new version of the appliance, then replace it. Keep in mind, more expensive appliances with extra features will be more costly to replace.

So how long should your appliance last?

This article from the SouthTownStar.com, has some good advice on the lifespan of your appliance which they gathered from appliance experts:
10-15 years for refrigerators and freezers
10-20 years for ovens and ranges
10-15 years for dishwashers
10-15 years for clothes washers/dryers
10-20 years for water heaters
15-20 years for central air-conditioning unit

Simple repair tips for appliances

If your appliance is not working, always check the simple things first:

Is the appliance plugged in? Turned on?

Is there power going to the circuit? Test the outlet by plugging in another appliance that you know works.

Has the surge protector gone bad, or do you have a tripped circuit?

If power is getting to your appliance, make sure there is nothing blocking any door switches. Such switches appear on dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines, and microwave ovens. These are often safety measures and if the doors switch is broken or obstructed, the appliance will not operate. In many cases you can buy replacement lid switches for washers and clothes dryers and make this repair yourself with a little help.

For more information or to read the articles quoted in this story in full:

“Appliances: Repair it or replace it?” from the SouthTownStar.com.

“Fix it or Ditch it? A PM Guide to Home Appliances” from Popular Mechanics.

Washing Machine Repair help and Replacement Parts

Dishwasher Repair Help and Replacement Parts

Clothes Dryer Repair Help and Replacement Parts

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• Pack comes with 2 straps
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10 simple ways to save energy with your appliances!

1. Make sure that your refrigerator has a few inches of space behind it so air can circulate around the condenser coils. The appliance that uses the most energy is the refrigerator.
2. Dusty condenser coils cause your refrigerator to work harder, leading to higher bills, and a shorter life for the fridge. Clean them with a vacuum, duster, or a cleaner every three months to ensure it is running efficiently. If you have pets clean it every month. You can find vacuum attachments, dusters, and cleaner at AP Wagner
3. How cold is your refrigerator? Having it too cold can be a waste of energy. It is recommended that the temperature for the refrigerator is 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the freezer is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Is your refrigerator full? A fuller fridge ensures the temperature is evenly distributed. If you have a lot of room in your refrigerator, fill some containers with water, and fill in the space. If that doesn't work, consider a smaller fridge.
5. Make sure your fridge gasket is clean and does not have any holes or cracks in it. The gasket's job is to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If it is not working properly the refrigerator will work harder keeping the air cold, and thus lead to a larger energy bill.
6. Wash clothes in cold water if possible. Most of the energy used for machine-washing clothes goes to heating the water.
7. Is the lint screen on your dryer clean? A clogged lint screen makes the dryer use more energy. In addition to that it can also become a fire hazard.
8. Dry one load right after the other. This will reduce warm-up and drying times.
9. Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on", rather then "auto". Doing this will circulate the air constantly, leading to a more evenly distributed temperature throughout the house.
10. Maintain your central air conditioner by cleaning the compressor with a garden hose. Make sure the power-flow is off before you do this.If your appliance is broken, don't replace it, visit AP Wagner for all your appliance part needs, and detailed repair help!

Washer won’t finish the cycle. Washing Machine will not agitating and/or spinning?

If the washer won't finish a cycle, it probably means that your timer went bad or stalled. You can take the control panel off and look at the contacts for scorching or corrosion on any Washing Machine Parts.

Why is the washer not agitating and/or spinning?

Make sure the lid is closed. There is a switch inside that completes the connection. Your washer may not spin or agitate if this connection is not completed. Make sure that the speed selector switch is not between speeds. Verify that the washer is not in a soak cycle. You can also reset the water level up or down to make sure that the water level control switch isn't stuck. If you hear a humming sound when the washer is full of water, you may have something stuck in the drain pump.

If one of above mentioned washer parts is not the problem, check the belt. The main drive motor has two distinct functions. The first function is to spin the basket; the second function is to reciprocate your agitator. Inside your washer's transmission is a crank type gear and connecting rods that are used to agitate the washer, with the spinning coming from the washer motor itself. This usually entails some sort of clutch mechanism. Some things to check if your washer is not agitating and/or spinning are:

If you notice weak or no agitation, the splines connecting the agitator to the drive shaft may be stripped and need to be replaced.

After a lot of use, belts can become worn or damaged. Replace any worn or damaged belts immediately. If you have a broken belt, replace it and check the pulley to make sure it's not seized.

Sometimes the drive pulley can wear out and it won't turn the drive belt. Look for wear marks, pits, or uneven spots. It's best to just replace it with a new pulley. To insure a successful repair, be sure to use quality appliance parts. If you have a Whirlpool Washing Machine or a Sears Washing Machine, be sure to use Whirlpool Washing Machine Parts or Sears Washing Machine Parts. Be careful to buy your parts from a reputable dealer and make sure you are ordering and buying the correct parts for your make and model.

Many washers use a reversing motor. Sometimes it will continue to work in one direction even if it won't spin in the other direction. If your washer has a drive motor issue, you probably need to replace the motor with a new one. Call a professional appliance repair person to verify this first.

The lid switch is a safety device that's there to protect you from sticking your hands into a spinning washer. If this switch goes bad, the washer will not work. You will have to replace it. It is inside the main housing for the washer, and located near the door frame.

The coupler connects the motor to the transmission. After lengthy use, this plastic and rubber coupler can wear out. If this happens, you need to replace it.

Transmission and clutch assemblies can cause agitator and spinning problems They are fairly complex, so if you suspect you have transmission or clutch issues it's probably in your best interest to call a professional appliance repair person.

Advice when purchasing new appliances

Buying a new appliance can seem like a daunting task. It’s a lot of money and a big investment that you hope will last you for many years. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go shopping for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine.

Look at the base model or ask to see the most basic model the store has in stock. Like supermarket’s, the basics you need (like bread and milk) are at the back of the store, out of sight to consumers once they enter the store. The same theory applies to places that sell appliances, the latest and greatest and sometimes, most expensive models are out in front. Even so, just looking at the most expensive models will make the ones more in your price range seem pale in comparison. Start at the base models and work your way up.

Read the energy efficient rating on the machine. This will tell you how much energy the machine uses and how much money it could save you. Don’t buy more than what you need. If you have a small family, you might not need a huge refrigerator or washing machine.

Be careful about buying extended warranty plans. According to an article by ConsumerReports.org, they are not the “great investment” that salespeople make them out to be. Ask about when the warranty would start and what it covers. In recent years major appliance makers like Maytag, and Whirlpool have shortened the warranty period for new machines, but not always. Be sure to check how long the manufacturer’s warranty lasts and what is covers such as replacement appliance parts.

Ask to buy the floor model or offer to purchase appliances with cosmetic damages (scratches and dings)

Buy last year’s model (best time to shop: September and October) and see if you can trade-in your old appliance (check with appliance dealers in your area.)

Be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is the cost of appliance delivery?
• What is the cost of appliance installment? Do you need to purchase any additional appliance parts, or do they provide those for you?
• Will they haul your old appliance away for free of for a price? If they charge you for this, contact a recycling center or call your local sanitation department to see if they offer appliance recycling programs. Use the internet to look up local places that might buy your appliance for scrap metal.
• Ask about rebates. The government is offering some rebates for the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances. Check your state’s website to see what rebates are available.

How to extend the life of your appliance and find the right part

Even if you have a brand new appliance, using it correctly and taking care of it will insure you get the most value for your money. Maintaining and caring for your appliance will make it function better, last longer, and run in a more energy-efficient manner.

Make sure that screens on washing machines (there is a screen located where the hoses attach to the water supply) and clothes dryers (lint screen) are cleaned regularly. This is especially important for clothes dryers, as dangerously levels of lint can build up over time in your clothes dryer and dryer hoses. If this happens, you run a higher risk of a fire breaking out.

Make sure that oven and refrigerator door gaskets fit properly, so they seal correctly. If you do not have a tight seal on these appliance parts, then the cold air from your Frigidaire refrigerator leaks out and the hot air from your Whirlpool Gas Oven escapes as well. This causes your appliances to work harder in order to maintain their proper temperatures, which causes wear and tear on your appliance and also costs you more in energy bills.

Inspect the seal around your Maytag oven’s door. If the door around the oven is dangerously hot when in use, it might be a sign that the seal is faulty and heat is escaping from the oven. Replace the seal at once as it can be a burn hazard to you and your family.

Clean your dishwasher spray arms and filter. Food and other debris get stuck in the dishwasher filter preventing water from getting to the spray arms. To clean your dishwasher filter, pull out the lower dishwasher rack and remove the filer cover located inside the bottom of your dishwasher. Remove debris off the screen (or use a wet vacuum if you have one). Test the float switch by sliding it up and down to make sure nothing is stuck to prevent it from working properly. If it sticks, clean it with water.

Clean the coils on your refrigerator. Check the coils for pet hair and debris buildup. The coils are the black tube-and-wire grid that cools the fluid in the compressor. Dirty coils will cause the compressor to overheat and trigger the overload switch. Your coils will be located in one of two places: open the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to get to the coils or pull out your fridge to get to the coils on back. Use a coil cleaning brush to brush off the coils and a vacuum to clean.

Despite your best efforts, your appliance will eventually break down. Sometimes a repair is easy to do and you can order the appliance replacement parts you need online. They will arrive quickly (most often in 1-2 days) and you can be on your way to fixing your own appliance.

Finding the right appliance part can seem daunting, but it is actually very easy. First, locate the model label for your appliance. This is where the company or make of the appliance is stated like Maytag, General Electric and so on. Under that it will list the Model Number. This is an important piece of information that you will need to copy down before you order your part. You can order your appliance parts online or over the phone. It takes a few days to get your part, but you will probably have them in one to two days if you order Monday-Friday and your part is in-stock and does not have to be specialty ordered by the company.