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

How much does my refrigerator or freezer cost me each year to run?

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to run your refrigerator or freezer? Here’s your chance to find out thank to energystar.gov which has created an easy-to use refrigerator energy use calculator.

Before you calculate your costs, you will need to know a few things like the storage capacity of your refrigerator or freezer, model and approximate year. You will also need to know your state’s electricity price per kilowatt hour. Don’t worry, the site will help you figure that out or provide you with an “average” you can use.

If your current refrigerator was built before 1993, a new ENERGYSTAR refrigerator will require half as much energy to run, according to the ENERGYSTAR website. If your refrigerator is a 2001 model a new ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator will use 40% less energy than your 2001 model.

“Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months,” according to the energystar.gov.

Here are some things you can do to make sure you are saving as much money and energy from your current refrigerator.

• Position your refrigerator away from heat sources such as your over, dishwasher or direct sunlight.
• Make sure there is adequate space for the coils in order for them to properly cool. The coils are usually located on the back of a refrigerator.
• Keep the condensing coils of your Frigidaire Refrigerator Parts clean.
• Make sure all the refrigerator seal parts are tight and working properly. Replace any appliance parts that appear to be broken or worn out.
• Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit

And don’t forget about any old refrigerators or freezers in your garage or basement; follow the suggestions above for those freezer parts as well. Consider replacing or recycling fridges or freezers that are over 20 years old, as they require twice as much energy to run.

If you are interested in recycling your old appliance, the ENERGYSTAR website offers a number of ways to find appliance recycling programs on their website. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=recycle.pr_refrigerator_rec to read more about programs available through local utilities, retailers, scrap metal merchants and local municipalities.