Help Your Appliances Live Longer

Home inspections include many different things, including some appliance.  Many of the problems we find with appliances are from maintenance or rough use issues.  Here are some suggestions to help you better maintain your appliances:

Range

• Place heavy pots gently down on smooth tops to avoid breaking the top.
• Never put foil in drip pans which can short circuit the burner.
• Keep reflective bowls beneath burners which helps reflect heat.
• Periodically clean gas burner ports with needle.
• Do not poke or pull on the igniter or spray with cleaner.

Refrigerator

• Clean dust from compressor coils every few months.
• Clean gasket with mild detergent like dish soap.
• Check gasket seals by closing the door on a dollar bill.  Replace gasket if dollar bill falls out.
• Keep door opening to a minimum.  Every time you open your door, cold air escapes and is replaced by warmer more humid air.

Oven

• Check door seals for damage.  If heat is escaping, adjust or replace the gasket.

Dishwasher

• When loading, make sure the dishes to not touch the sprayer arms.
• Inspect sprayer arms for debris like food that can clog holes.
• If dishwasher has manual, clean filter and clean regularly per manufacturer's instructions.

Washing Machines

• Most home inspectors do not test these
• Remove grit from screens where the hose attaches to the water supply.
• Do not load beyond the washer's recommended capacity.
• Install the washer on a level, well-supported floor.
• Install screen on discharge hose to keep lint from going down the drain - replace as needed.
• Read and follow detergent directions.

Dryer

• Clean lint trap after each use to keep air flowing freely.
• Each spring clean the exhaust duct to prevent fire.
• Do not put screen over outside vent, it will clog from lint.