We use our home appliances every day so naturally, we expect some wear and tear, but our biggest fear is our beloved appliance breaks down when we need it the most. Luckily there are ways you can keep your appliance working hard.
At Heat and Cool Service Group, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with quality services and recommendations to improve the lifespan of their appliances. In this article we will talk about the top ways to maintain your appliances and when you should get your appliance serviced.
Top 5 Appliances You Should Maintain
1. Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers need regular maintenance, after all, their job is to clean your dishes and they cannot perform this function if there is hard water blocking the drain or the filters are dirty.
If your dishwasher is blocked, you first need to switch off the water and disconnect it from electricity to avoid flooding your kitchen. From there remove the drain and clear any blockages that may be preventing hard water from draining out. After you have cleaned it out and reconnected, run a clean cycle to ensure there are no further issues.
You can avoid blockages in your dishwasher by running a clean cycle and replacing the filters at least every six months. It is recommended if you use your dishwasher frequently that you clean it more often to ensure maximum performance.
You need to get your dishwasher serviced when:
- The dishes aren’t coming out clean
- The door doesn’t extend or shut properly
- It is leaking or the floor dishwasher is covered in water
2. Your Oven
Your oven is the heart of the kitchen and it can be extremely inconvenient if it was to break down. Ovens are actually quite easy to maintain and prevent from needing to be repaired. One of the best ways you can maintain your oven is by wiping it out after every use to remove debris. Most ovens also come with a self-cleaning feature which can be extremely helpful when you choose to deep clean your oven.
The other way to maintain your oven is to recalibrate the temperature once a year. Your user manual will have instructions on how to do this but our recommendation is that you have a good quality thermometer that is able to stand convection heat.
You need to get your oven serviced when:
- The oven light goes out
- The control panel on the oven isn’t working
- Your food is not being cooked evenly
3. Your Air Conditioner
During the Australian summer, your air conditioner is the most important appliance in your household. But it does require regular maintenance to ensure that no major faults arise. Energy Safe Victoria recommends servicing your air conditioning every 12 months to extend its lifespan. A technician is able to pick up on small faults that you might not notice and remedy them before your air conditioner blows up.
But one easy way to keep your air conditioner in peak condition is to keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and wipe down the vents.
When you should get your air conditioner serviced:
- Reduced Airflow
- Strange noises or Smells
- Water or Moisture coming from your air conditioner
- Unexplained rise in your energy bill
4. Cooktops and Stoves
When your cooktop and stoves become worn down they become more expensive to run and majorly impact your energy or gas bill. However, you can extend their lifespan by doing a few simple things each year.
Firstly, check the coils for any red spots. When your coils have red spots, it can be a clear indicator that your cooktop will short and potentially cause a housefire. Secondly, clean all of the debris off the stove after washing up to avoid it falling down into burners and causing a blockage.
When you need to have your cooktop serviced:
- Electric Burner won’t heat
- You suspect a loose connection
- Gas burner won’t light or keeps clicking
5. Space Heaters
Space heaters are a more common appliance in our households following the pandemic and the adoption of working from home. But they require regular maintenance to avoid any costly issues and potential health harm.
To maintain your space heater you should regularly clean or change the air filters. If left for too long the filter will become completely clogged with dust and will result in low airflow or a complete breakdown. You should also only use your space heater in a decluttered zone to maximise the airflow and prevent it from becoming a fire hazard.
When you should have your space heater serviced:
- The walls or heater becomes discoloured
- The pilot light makes loud noises or starts flickering
- Soot stains or the heater begins emitting a sooty flame
Get in touch with The Heat and Cool Service Group
The Heat and Cool Service Group is the best appliance repair technician service in Geelong and surrounding areas. Within the team there is a collective 130 years of experience repairing, maintaining and restoring beloved home appliances. If you are concerned about your appliances give us a call on 0434 004 490.
