Your home appliances make life easier, but without regular care, even the best models can wear out faster than you’d like. Taking a little time to maintain them can go a long way in keeping your appliances running smoothly for years.
Here’s a simple guide to appliance maintenance so you can save on costly repairs and replacements while enjoying a more efficient home.
Refrigerators are one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh. Regular maintenance will keep it running efficiently and help you avoid breakdowns.
Key Maintenance Tips:
• Clean the Coils: Dusty coils make your refrigerator work harder than it needs to. To keep your fridge efficient, clean the coils every six months.
• Check the Door Seals: Worn-out seals let cold air escape, causing the fridge to use more energy. Inspect them regularly and replace them if they’re cracked or loose.
• Set the Right Temperature: Keep your fridge at 37°F and your freezer at 0°F. This ensures your food stays fresh without overworking the appliance.
• Don’t Overfill: Give your fridge space to breathe. Overloading it blocks airflow, making it harder to keep things cool.
Recommended Product:
GE French Door Refrigerator (Model: GNE27JYMFS)
• LED Lighting: Bright, crisp lighting makes it easy to find everything you need at a glance.
• Spill-Proof Shelves: Adjustable shelves with spill-proof design keep cleanup quick and easy while offering flexible storage options.
• Two Humidity-Controlled Drawers and Full-Width Drawer: Perfect for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh, while the full-width drawer is ideal for wider items like party platters or sheet cakes.
• Quick Space Shelf: Slide this shelf out of the way to make room for tall items like bottles or large containers.
• Internal Controls with Actual-Temperature Display: The digital display makes it easy to set and monitor precise temperatures inside the fridge and freezer.
Dishwashers make clean-up a breeze, but if you don’t maintain them, they can become inefficient or even break down.
Key Maintenance Tips:
• Clean the Filter: Most dishwashers have filters that trap food particles. Clean them regularly to avoid clogs and ensure your dishes come out spotless.
• Check the Spray Arms: If the spray arms are blocked, your dishes won’t get fully clean. Remove any debris to keep water flowing freely.
• Use the Right Detergent: Using a detergent designed for dishwashers prevents soap buildup, which can damage your appliance.
• Run a Cleaning Cycle: Every few months, run an empty load with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner to get rid of any buildup inside.
Recommended Product:
800 Series Dishwasher (Model: SHX78B75UC)
• PrecisionWash®: Intelligent sensors and precision spray arms ensure every dish is thoroughly cleaned so you can start the cycle and walk away.
• 10-Year Rust-Through Warranty: Bosch offers a special 10-year warranty against rusting-through of the dishwasher cavity, providing peace of mind about its long-term durability.
• CrystalDry™ Technology: Patented technology transforms moisture into heat up to 176°F, making dishes 60% drier, even plastic items.
• Quiet 42 dBA Operation: The quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S., so you can run your dishwasher anytime without disrupting your home.
Washing machines are essential, but they can face issues if you don’t take care of them. Keep yours running smoothly with these tips.
Key Maintenance Tips:
• Avoid Overloading: Overloading puts strain on your washer’s motor and drum. Stick to the recommended load size for the best performance.
• Clean the Drum and Gasket: A buildup of detergent and dirt can cause odors. Run a cleaning cycle with hot water and vinegar once a month.
• Check the Hoses: Inspect the hoses for any cracks or leaks, and replace them every five years to prevent water damage.
• Use the Right Detergent: High-efficiency (HE) washers need HE detergent. Using regular detergent can create too many suds, which could harm your machine.
Recommended Product:
gle Unit Front Load LG WashTower™ with Center Control™ Washer and Electric Dryer (Model: WKE100HVA)
• Built-in Intelligence: AI-powered sensors detect fabric texture and load size to automatically adjust wash motions and drying temperatures for optimal fabric care.
• Allergiene™ Wash Cycle: The steam-powered Allergiene™ cycle removes up to 95% of common allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen, making your clothes cleaner and safer.
• Sensor Dry Technology: Built-in sensors monitor moisture levels and adjust drying time to save energy and reduce wear on your clothes.
• Space-Saving Design: Streamline your laundry space with a vertical design that fits in half the space, offering room for additional storage or a folding station.
Whether you’re cooking dinner for the family or baking a batch of cookies, your oven and stove need regular maintenance to keep working well.
Key Maintenance Tips:
• Clean the Burners: Food spills and grease buildup can block the burners, causing uneven heating. Clean them regularly for better cooking results.
• Check the Door Seals: Damaged seals let heat escape, making your oven work harder. Replace worn seals to keep your cooking times consistent.
• Self-Clean Sparingly: While it’s convenient, self-cleaning puts a lot of stress on your oven. Clean spills as they happen, so you don’t need to use it as often.
• Calibrate the Temperature: If your oven isn’t cooking food evenly, it might need recalibration. Check the manual for instructions or call a professional.
Recommended Product:
Signature Kitchen Suite 30-inch Gas Slide-in Oven Range (Model: UPSG3014ST)
• ProHeat™ Convection: With ProHeat™ Convection technology, the heating element is positioned in the back wall of the oven and consistent cooking results.
• RapidHeat™ Burners: High-powered 18,500 BTU burners quickly reach and maintain high temperatures.
• Easy Swivel Handle™: The inventive handle design rotates as you pull, making it easier and safer to open the oven door without risking burns from the bottom.
• WiFi-Enabled Technology: With remote preheating control, Smart Diagnosis, and Clean Alert, you can monitor and manage your oven from anywhere.
Taking care of your appliances is the best way to keep them running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. If it’s time to upgrade or you’re just looking for expert advice, Mountain High is here to help. We offer a huge selection of top-quality appliances that fit your lifestyle and home needs.
Contact us today or visit us at one of our appliance store locations in Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Littleton, Louisville, or check out our clearance center in Denver. Our team of experts is ready to guide you in finding the best brands like Kitchenaid, Maytag, Cafe Appliances, and Frigidaire. Contact us today, and let us help you find the perfect appliances for your home!
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• 5 Most Reliable Appliance Brands in 2024
• 5 Luxury Kitchen Appliances: Trends and Innovations in 2024
How often should you check your appliances?
You should check your appliances at least once every three to six months. Look for signs of wear and tear, clean filters, and inspect parts like hoses or seals to catch any issues early.
What is the average lifespan of household appliances?
Most household appliances last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type. Refrigerators and ovens can last up to 20 years, while dishwashers and washing machines typically have shorter lifespans.
How can I make my appliances last longer?
Regular cleaning, proper usage, and timely maintenance are key. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, clean filters, and coils, and avoid overloading machines like washers and dryers.
What appliance breaks down the most?
Dishwashers tend to break down the most due to frequent use and food debris buildup. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help prevent common issues like clogs and leaks.
When should I consider replacing an appliance instead of repairing it?
If your appliance is more than 10 years old, frequently breaks down, or the cost of repairs is more than half the price of a new one, it’s probably time to replace it. Newer models are often more energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run.