Home appliances are always an investment, but a lot of owners don’t realize what is needed to maintain their appliances to make sure they are making them last.
As the vice president of operations at Platinum Home Warranty, we try and educate our customers when we interact with them on the best way to get the most life out of your higher end appliances in the home. Neglect is a surefire way to not only lose money, but also create health and safety hazards in and around your house. The top three appliances that should be regularly checked and cleaned (to avoid hefty replacement bills) are water heaters, ovens and refrigerators.
1. Flushing a water heater once a year should be common homeowner practice. Sometimes more flushes are necessary if there is a big weather change. Water heaters are known to attract sediment and minerals from the tap water that courses through. This build up can break down the linker in the tank and wreak havoc on other components in the appliance. If left untouched, then the water heater is forced to work harder and can malfunction.
2. A dirty oven is not only a problem but can also be an issue and an eyesore. It not only impacts how well it works, but can also change the way your food tastes. Proper heat distribution from the appliance is important to prevent kitchen fires. If debris or leftover food is blocking the heat source, safety becomes an issue. Cleaning your oven should be done consistently but the areas that often are overlooked are the fan and hood. The more often you clean these areas, the better your oven will function and the longer it will last.
3. Refrigerators—one of the most used appliances in the house. Next to the AC unit in the middle of summer in Phoenix, it is a top priority to keep running efficiently. If a food spill happens in and around a refrigerator make sure to clean it right away to prevent anything from spoiling. Often times the cool air inside a refrigerator will mask a rotting smell, making it hard to notice even though it might be contaminating other food on the shelf. A simple solution of ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda and one gallon of water in a spray bottle can replace any expensive cleaning solution. Make it a habit to remove any expired or old items before adding new food. Two to four times a year vacuum the refrigerator coils which are typically in the back part of the appliance. Preventing dust and debris from accumulating and negatively affecting the performance of the refrigerator will make it run that much better.
