Dave's Appliance Service Blog
Why Hire Repair Services for Your Home Appliances?
You are hungry and in need of a hot meal, but the microwave breaks down. The laundry is dirty, and you put it in the washing machine, but it shuts down. Damaged home appliances can be inconvenient and frustrating.
You may be tempted to have a look yourself to try and rectify the issue, oblivious to the danger you might expose yourself to. This is where professionals come in. Here are some reasons why you need to hire repair services for your home appliances.
1. It is much safer
Trying to fix a damaged appliance by yourself puts you in danger of accidents. These accidents may be severe, especially if you do not have prior basic experience with appliances.
Electrocution may occur, house fires may accidentally start and you would incur more damages. Hiring a professional to fix an appliance would mitigate safety issues because they have access to the right tools needed for the job.
They will ensure the problem is properly diagnosed and rectified correctly from start to finish. Safety should always be a priority.
2. Get work done at your convenience
Having a professional come to your place to fix an appliance can be quite convenient. You save on the cost and hassle of transporting the appliance to a repair shop and leaving it for days or even weeks.
Most professionals offer their services within 24 hours, so you also save on time. All you have to do is contact them and schedule an appointment at your convenience so it does not clash with other activities.
3. Cheaper cost
Repairing a damaged appliance is way cheaper than buying a new one altogether. Fixing an appliance yourself may make the problem worse. In the end, you will end up spending more.
Hiring an experienced technician will not only save you money, but you can also be sure that the job will be done quickly and more efficiently.
This is because the problem will be diagnosed from the root, and even the underlying issues may be brought to light. Hiring repair services would be a long-term solution.
4. Make use of the warranty
Trying to fix an appliance yourself will likely void your warranty, which means the responsibility for future repair costs will be on you. By hiring a professional, the job will be done under the cover of insurance.
This ensures that the repair service is done well and even protects you from unexpected costs that may come up.
Some repair companies offer a warranty when they repair your broken appliance. If damages re-occur during the warranty period, you can contact them to access free repair services.
5. Extend the life of your appliances
When you decide to fix an issue yourself, you may only work on the immediate problem. For example, if the volume button of your radio system is malfunctioning, you may only check to fix the volume problem without finding out what caused it.
Checking for potential underlying issues and prompt repairs can vastly extend the lifespan of your appliances. Hiring a professional repair service provider enables your appliances to keep working for a long time.
6. They offer reliable insights
A professional repair service provider has the needed experience and knowledge, to advise you on how to maintain your device properly. They can also offer you tips to follow so that you can easily pinpoint issues early.
It is one way to ensure that your gadgets are always working optimally, in good condition. You only need to follow instructions as guided.
The good news is that today the market is flooded with appliance repair technicians, who are not only knowledgeable but also experienced. It is important that you hire the right professional to ensure that your work is handled with minimum to no risk. Remember to find out if they are certified.
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Dave's Appliance Service Blog
Finding a Good & Reliable Appliance Repairman
The breakdown of one of your household appliances can mean disruption and distress in your ordinary day. If the appliance is a critical one, like your refrigerator, you may have to stop whatever you are doing to try to save food or cook food, to prevent the loss of expensive grocery items. If the appliance is a washer or dryer, you may have been in the middle of a cycle when the breakdown occurred, which can mean determining what you can do with your clothing while the machines are under repair. Whatever the case, you will have to find a reliable repairman to fix your broken appliance. While this sounds like an easy operation, finding a good repair technician can be more difficult than you expect.
What Makes A Reliable Appliance Repairman?
A good appliance repairman makes this unexpected disruption in home routine less troublesome. You know your appliance problem will be diagnosed accurately and an appropriate solution will be advised. The price you are charged for the repair will be fair and in line with industry standards. If you have a problem after the repair is done, your repairman will be available to resolve the issue to your satisfaction. Although these requirements seem straightforward, finding a repairman who can fulfill them can be a challenge.
Finding An Experienced and Reputable Appliance Repairman
The best way to find a reliable repairperson is to ask your neighbors and friends. Your neighbors have probably worked with repair people in the past and have opinions about good ones and bad ones. Friends who live in other neighborhoods may also have experience with repair companies that they like. Ask whether they felt the company had fair pricing and if the repair technician acted in a professional manner. Find out if follow up work was completed properly.
Contact Several Repair Companies and Ask Questions
After getting a few references, call the companies to find out a few specifics about them. Find out if the owner does the actual repairs. This is often a good choice because their reputation is at stake, they are trying to build their business and pricing is likely to be reasonable. Look on the internet to see what kind of website the company has. A clear and informative website is a sign that the company is well run and is an established business. Read any reviews of the company that are available. Call a few of the prospective companies and find out their pricing. Be wary of repair companies that don’t charge a service fee, which is standard for this type of business. Ask about pricing for typical types of repairs. If the answers you get are to your liking, make an appointment to have the repairman come to your home.
Signs You Have A Good Repairperson Working on Your Appliance
You can tell you have made the right decision for a repairman if you are able to make a clear and convenient appointment to have your appliance repaired. They will arrive on time, with the necessary tools available to do the work appropriately. They will have a polite and professional attitude. They will be careful about creating a mess in your home and will carefully avoid doing any damage to home materials. The repairman will inform you of what needs to be done and the cost involved. They will offer payment with a credit card, which is a convenience for customers and offer a way to contest payment for inadequate work. A good repairman will provide a receipt for the work and ask for a good review.
A broken appliance can be a headache, but the repair experience doesn’t have to add to your distress. Take the time to research your repair company, and you will enjoy an easier experience and a successful outcome.
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Dave's Appliance Service Blog
Reasons Your Freezer May Not Be Freezing
Your freezer is more than a convenient way to have ice cream always available. It’s an important part of your family’s health and safety. Improperly frozen food can become contaminated and have an impact on the health of your whole family. Some issues are simply annoying, but can indicate a problem that may become dangerous.
Freezer Not Freezing.
If your food isn’t actually freezing, then you are at risk of illness, in addition to losing food. It may indicate dusty, dirty coils, or it may be a problem with the evaporator fan motor, or the starter may not be working right. If you want to deal with the issue right, contact one of the experts at Dave’s Appliance.
Frost Buildup.
Frost buildup can be irritating. It decreases storage space in your freezer, and it may trap odors, or encourage freezer burn. Frost buildup can indicate a number of issues. It may result from improper fridge position, poor seals, dirty coils, or clogged freezer drain. Too much frost buildup results in improper freezing of food, so it’s best to deal with it right away.
Freezer Runs Constantly.
When your freezer runs all the time, it is definitely working too hard. It may result in variable freezing of the food, and it is certainly costing you money in the electricity used. The easiest solution is that the temperature is set too low. Otherwise, it could be the condenser fan motor or evaporator fan motor. Those repairs need the expertise of Dave’s Appliance.
Clicking Sound.
A clicking sound from your freezer means that you should call Dave’s Appliance. Almost certainly, it’s not something that can be easily rectified. It may be a malfunctioning starter relay, or it could indicate that coolant is not moving through the coils properly. In any event, it is an issue that requires professional attention.
Defrost Drain Issues – Leaking Water
If it is only the freezer and not the refrigerator that is leaking water, it is probably a clogged or frozen defrost drain. It is possible for you to remove the cover to expose the freezer drain and check if there is an obvious clog. If you can do so easily, extract it. If the drain is frozen, you may want to contact Dave’s Appliance.
Defrost Drain Issues – Frozen Drain
If you’re uncomfortable removing freezer covers to expose the defrost drain, or are worried about what you may find once you do, just call Dave’s Appliance. In addition to the typical issues with the defrost drain outlined above, there’s the possibility that the drain strap may have fallen off or deteriorated. If so, Dave’s Appliance can fix or replace it.
Like any appliance, your freezer benefits from regular maintenance. If you’re having issues, try these maintenance tips to see if the problem disappears.
Position. The refrigerator needs to be located away from the wall slightly to allow enough room for the air to circulate. The heat from the compressor needs to have sufficient room to dissipate.
Temperature. Sometimes the temperature setting becomes moved by mistake. Your freezer should be set to 0º to keep food properly frozen. It’s a good idea to keep a thermometer in your freezer to monitor the temperature.
Door seals. The seals of the freezer should be clean and in good repair. Simply use soapy water and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to maintain the seals.
Coils. The condenser coils can become dirty and dusty. Use a vacuum to clean the debris off.
You should be able to enjoy the food from your freezer without fear. You don’t want to take chances with your family’s health, so If you have any concerns about your freezer working properly, call the experts at Dave’s Appliance, and we’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem.
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Most Common Refrigerator Problems
Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home. You use it multiple times every day, and a malfunction could mean losing all the food in it. If your refrigerator isn’t working right, it could also mean health problems for your family. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common problems refrigerators have, and what you can do about them.
Refrigerator Leaking Water
One of the most common problems with refrigerators is the appearance of water on the floor near the fridge. Most people assume that the fridge is leaking water. Sometimes that’s the case, but sometimes it’s not. Refrigerators are designed so that condensation accumulated in the interior of the fridge drains through a drain hole and then into a drain pan underneath where it evaporates. So the water is a symptom, but you need to find the cause. There are several possibilities:
Refrigerator’s Position
If the refrigerator is completely level or tipped slightly forward, the water may not be able to flow into the drain. All you have to do is adjust the front legs so that the refrigerator tips back slightly. That tilt also makes the door swing closed after you turn away from the refrigerator. Be careful when adjusting your refrigerator, though. It is designed to be nearly level, and tipping it too much can create significant problems with other systems.
Refrigerator’s Seal
When your refrigerator doesn’t seal properly, it runs constantly causing excessive condensation on the coils, and water overflows the drain pan. Check the rubber door seals on your fridge and freezer to make sure you’re getting a proper seal. If you find a problem, wash the seals with warm water and soap and apply a thin film of petroleum jelly.
Damaged Drain Pan
The problem could be as simple as a cracked or damaged drain pan. Remove the drain pan from underneath your refrigerator where it is located. If it has a crack or is otherwise damaged, contact Dave’s Appliance about getting a replacement as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Freezing Instead of Chilling
Another common problem is when food is freezing instead of cooling. Most often, you can determine the reason for this problem and perform the refrigerator repair yourself.
Temperature Gauge
If the milk is suddenly frozen, then the most likely cause is that the temperature gauge has been accidentally bumped and is set too low, or too cold. That’s easily rectified. Just set the temperature to medium or 5. If you can designate an actual temperature, set it to 40ºF.
Freezer Seals
If the freezer is part of the refrigerator unit (either above or below) rather than a side-by-side design, it may be that the freezer seals are not functioning properly. The same techniques outlined above for dealing with the seals of the refrigerator doors will fix this problem, too; warm soapy water and some petroleum jelly.
Dirty Coils
If the coils on your fridge are dirty or dusty, then the compressor needs to work harder and longer to keep the freezer temperature constant. When this happens, the refrigerator can overcool and freeze food and drinks.
These are the most common issues with refrigerators, and you can deal with many of them yourself. If the trouble persists or your particular problem isn’t described here, it’s best to call Dave’s Appliance. Importantly, if you think your fridge might be leaking refrigerant rather than water, call Dave’s Appliance immediately. Refrigerant is a toxic material and you need to address this issue as quickly as possible in order to avoid subsequent health risks to you and your family.
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Dishwasher Repair & Maintenance
Dishwashers are such a welcome part of your kitchen. Not only do they virtually eliminate the tiresome task of washing dishes, cutlery, pots and pans by hand, they also ensure that germs are eliminated as well. So it’s a real problem when your dishwasher isn’t working right. In this post, we’ll look at some common dishwasher problems and what you can do about them.
Maintenance – Clean the Filter
The filter sits at the base of the inside of the dishwasher and traps large food particles that might otherwise get into the mechanisms and cause significant issues. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning it once a month, and it’s really worth it to follow that schedule. A dirty filter can cause noxious odors, and it’s hard to believe your dishes are actually clean when they come out of a stinky unit. Cleaning the filter isn’t hard; it’s designed to be clipped in and out. Simply take it out and give it a good clean with hot, soapy water. If it’s been damaged, it’s probably replaceable.
Maintenance – Spray Arms
Spray arms are the longish, flattish plastic arms that spray and rinse the dishes and other items you put in the dishwasher as they spin about. If your dishes are coming out with food particles still in place, it probably means that the spray arms are clogged. These, too, are designed to be removed easily, cleaned, and reinstalled. And remember to clean the mounting too. This maintenance job doesn’t need to be done monthly; 3 or 4 times a year should do the trick.
Repair – Bottom Basket Wheels
If getting the bottom basket out is difficult or it is unstable, it may mean that you should replace the wheels. They are designed to snap on and off, and most models have parts readily available at any reputable appliance store. Certainly, Dave’s Appliance would be able to help you source them.
Repair – Hoses
The fill hose brings water into your dishwasher, and the drain hose removes the wastewater. In time, these can corrode, degrade, or get clogged, reducing the performance of your dishwasher. It’s usually possible to get replacements and not too hard to install them yourself.
Repair – Door Seals
A leaking dishwasher may indicate an issue with the door seals. Depending on which seals are not working, it may be an easy fix. Check the upper door seal, the one that goes from one side around the top and down the other side of the door. If it is cracked or damaged, you can replace it. Usually a new seal costs $30 or so, and it’s a repair you can do yourself. If it’s the lower seals, though, that’s another matter. It involves disassembling the entire door, and is best left to the professionals at Dave’s Appliance.
Repair – Door Hinges
Another reason the dishwasher may be leaking may be faulty door hinges. If the door drops heavily or seems misaligned, that’s a sign that something’s wrong with the hinge. This is another repair where it’s probably best to call the experts at Dave’s Appliance. If you choose to do it yourself, you’ll need to remove the side panels. It’s a good idea to watch a video on replacing the mechanism and remember to find one that deals with your specific make and model. Additionally, if you replace one side, you should do the other too.
Repair – Detergent Dispenser
Sometimes the detergent dispenser gets damaged and needs to be repaired. While this is something you can do on your own, it is a more complicated repair, so you might want to ring the experts at Dave’s Appliance. If you decide to do it yourself, you’d be well advised to view an online video, especially if it treats your specific model, and to have all the tools you need immediately on hand. The front panel of your dishwasher is going to have to be unmounted, electrical connections undone, and everything replaced.
Repairs that Require Professionals
If there’s still a lot of water in your dishwasher when it’s completed its cycle, there’s probably an issue with the drain pump. It probably needs to be disassembled and cleaned. If the water isn’t heating up, that’s a serious problem since the intense heat kills the bacteria on your dishes and cutlery. It might be that the heating element has burned out. Here again, you should contact the experts at Dave’s Appliance. If the dishwasher isn’t filling, it’s another case where experts will need to remove wires, check everything with a multimeter, and replace the faulty parts.
Remember, a dishwasher that’s lasted 10 years may just be done. It might be time to get a new one.
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Is It Worth Repairing a Stove?
The calculation of whether to repair or replace a stove is not terribly complex, but it involves a number of considerations. In most cases, repairs are rather simple, especially when they don’t involve the electronics of a stove. In other cases, though, you may want to consider how much life is still left in the appliance, and how much you would like to have a newer one that may have different features or a higher efficiency, especially considering rising costs of gas and electricity.
As a general rule, a well-manufactured stove or range or oven is going to last about 13 to 15 years. Whether the appliance actually reaches that age depends on a lot of things, though, including the size of the family that it is serving (i.e., how frequently it is used), how well it is cared for (keeping the oven reasonably clean will make it operate more efficiently and put less wear and tear on it), and what features it has. For example, a fan oven operates more efficiently than a non-fan oven, because hot air is circulated within the oven. Therefore, lower temperatures can be used to perform the cooking, and this reduces strain on the heating elements, and also conserves energy. Similarly, an induction stove top operates more efficiently than a traditional stove top, in that the cooking pan is itself used as the heating element, thereby losing less energy in the process of heating.
Owners with basic mechanical skills and tools can perform a lot of repairs on their own, depending, of course, on the availability of parts. For example, it’s a pretty straightforward thing to replace the heating element on an electric stove top, provided you are able to find the right heating element. This can often be done by consulting the owners manual, or by performing a web search for the part. It’s always best to bring the part with you to the parts supply store, or to double-check with an online expert at a web store before purchasing the part. In many cases, there will be an aftermarket equivalent available. Fixes to doors and their simple sensors and thermostats that are easily replaceable can also generally be managed by owners with basic mechanical skills and tools, keeping in mind that it is essential that circuit breakers be switched off and appliances unplugged in the case of electrical appliances, and that gas be switched off and care exercised with conduits in the case of natural gas or propane stoves. What is more difficult is electronic parts, although again people with basic electrical skills may be able to replace parts. If you have any doubt at all of your ability to perform a repair, it is worth calling in a professional just for your own safety and peace of mind. If you do want to give a repair a go yourself, YouTube is full of helpful videos that will guide you step-by-step, and in some cases may even show your exact model.
If your stove is still under warranty, of course, you will want to have the repair done by whoever is approved by the manufacturer, particularly if both parts and service are covered. This may involve a bit of a wait, and some adjustment on your part. You can cover the gap by looking for a counter-top stove in FaceBook marketplace or a local charity or second-hand shop to get you by while you wait. Some self-repairs may void your warranty, too, so it’s best to check before you begin. If you’ve been aching to replace your stove for any reason, of course, then it may be worth your while to just go ahead and do it, particularly if you calculate that you can save a lot of time or money in the long run purchasing the one that you want. During lockdown, it was often hard to get ahold of new appliances, but even though supplies aren’t where they ought to be yet, the availability of new major appliances is improving.
Meanwhile, if efficiency really is one of your major concerns, there are some things that you can do to save money on electricity or gas:
– Thaw foods before cooking, unless instructions indicate that they should be cooked from frozen. This requires a little foresight, but reduces the amount of energy needed to cook considerably.
– Using tempered glass or ceramic pans will often reduce the amount of energy needed to cook an item.
– Keep the oven door closed to prevent heat from escaping, when possible, though sometimes the door must be kept open when using an oven as a grill. Also, it is worthwhile making sure that the seal to the door is tight. Damaged seals can be easily replaced, and there are a lot of online videos that will help you with the process. Also, use of a thermometer will cut down on the amount of checking you will have to do by opening the oven door.
– Use the self-cleaning function once in a while to remove material that is cutting down on heat transfer efficiency, and perform a manual cleaning periodically, too.
– On the stove top, flat bottomed pans with tight-fitting lids will cut down on the amount of time and energy needed to cook.
– Consider taking some of the load off of the oven by using more efficient kitchen gadgets, especially for smaller tasks. An InstaPot or similar stand-alone pressure cooker, for example, will use less energy to cook many meals than heating up the whole area of a full-sized oven.
If you decide your repair may be beyond your comfort zone, give Dave’s Appliance a call. Our experienced technicians will give you their best advice, and we sell and service all the best value lines. Our agents are happy to consult with you, and we will steer you to the best solution for you.
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Dave's Appliance Service Blog
6 Signs Your Washing Machine Is Broken
When your washing machine isn’t working right, it can make your whole life much more difficult. In this post, we’ll explore some common washing machine issues and what you can do about them.
Loud Noises
If it sounds like something is trying to break out of your washing machine, it needs immediate attention. Loud noises, particularly combined with machine movement, usually indicate an imbalanced load or a problem with the position of the washer drum. Open the lid of the washer to interrupt the cycle and try to rearrange the clothing inside. If that doesn’t fix the problem, call the experts at Dave’s Appliance. We’ll evaluate the drum and make any repairs necessary.
Drum Doesn’t Turn
If the drum doesn’t turn while the machine is in operation, the problem is one of two things. The most likely cause is an issue with the belt. It may be damaged, loose, or missing. The other possibility is that the lid sensor may be damaged. Either way, the friendly repair people at Dave’s Appliance will be able to fix it quickly.
Water Not Draining
Almost always, water in the drum is an indication that a small piece of clothing has gotten jammed into the drain line or associated hoses. If you can see the blockage and reach it, remove it, and it’s fixed. If you can’t see it, call Dave’s Appliance. While this is not a difficult repair, it does require specific tools and expertise in using them.
Leaking Water
Washing machines can leak from a variety of places. Usually, the leak comes from the drain line. If the problem is a loose drain line, your owners manual should be able to guide you through the repair. If it is the result of a crack in the hose pump or a poor seal on your washer drum, the experts at Dave’s Appliance will be able to assess and repair it quickly. If the leak comes from another area, we’ll be able to evaluate the problem and talk through all your options with you.
Door Won’t Unlock
Front-load washing machines are superior in many ways when compared to older top-load models; however, most front-load machines use computerized sensors to operate a door locking mechanism. If your door remains locked post-wash, it’s likely that the computer needs work or the washing machine door is obstructed—in some cases this problem can also arise in conjunction with a draining issue, as water present in the drum will keep the machine from allowing the door to open. No matter what the cause may be, this is a case for the professionals at Dave’s Appliance.
Washing Machine Trips Breakers
Today’s washing machines may be more efficient than the ones of even ten years ago, but they still demand a significant amount of power (an average of 500 watts). This means that electrical issues can cause breaker trips. If it happens once, then just flip the breaker and restart your machine. However, if it happens again, that indicates that there is an electrical issue that needs immediate attention. Call Dave’s Appliance and we’ll deal with it.
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Why is Water Coming out of My Dishwasher Air Gap?
When your dishwasher does its job right, it provides convenience and cleanliness. It also contributes to your family’s health. One way it does that is by draining away wastewater through the air gap. When your air gap leaks, it indicates a problem. The last thing you want is for wastewater, with the bacteria it contains, to flow back into your dishwasher. You need to eliminate that air gap leak, and the obvious way to start is to figure out why it’s happening. The most likely answer is that it is clogged, and the way you deal with it depends on the severity of the clog.
Is the Air Gap Obviously Clogged?
Most of the time, you can make this dishwasher repair yourself. First remove the metal casing from the air gap and then take off the plastic top. Depending on the make and model of dishwasher, this plastic top may unscrew or it may lift off after pinching the sides. Once you have access to the air gap itself, check if you can see any material clogging any part of the air gap. If so, simply remove it with tweezers.
Is There A Hidden Clog?
If there is no clog visible, try blowing the clog away. Simply place a roll of paper towels over the air gap and blow hard through your end of the tube. You’ll be able to tell how significant the clog is from the air resistance. Hopefully, a couple of powerful blasts will dislodge any clog. Finally, pour hot water down the air gap to deal with any greasy particles. If you can’t get any air movement or a clog is still present, you may need to snake it out.
Are There Dangers In Snaking Out the Clog?
Forcing a tool through the pipe must be done carefully. Traditional snakes are too big, so you’ll need to use something else. A long bottle brush works well, or a length of cable. Push the tool slowly and carefully through the larger hole at the bottom of the air gap outlet, and work it back and forth as you progress. Don’t exert too much force; you could puncture the tube, creating an entirely different problem. Watch the drain in the sink or garbage disposal, and when you see the end of the tool emerge there, you know you’ve dislodged the clog.
What About Vacuuming a Clog?
Another strategy when your dishwasher is clogged is to vacuum the clog away. This eliminates the possibility that you’ll damage or destroy the tube with the snake. Take your wet/dry shop vac and put the hose end on the air gap outlet. Be sure the switch is turned to suction. Fill the sink or disposal area with hot water, then turn on the shop vac. The force of the suction should dislodge the clog. Allow about a gallon of water to run through after the clog is cleared, about 30 – 40 seconds.
What If There Is No Clog At All?
If you have determined that there is absolutely no possibility of a clog, then there’s one last thing to check before calling the experts at Dave’s Appliance. If you have just had a garbage disposal installed, and suddenly your dishwasher is backing up all over the place, the likely culprit is the small insert where the hose connects to your garbage disposal. This knock-out insert should be removed at installation, but sometimes it isn’t. Obviously with nowhere to go, the wastewater goes everywhere. Simply disconnect the hose, hold a screwdriver against the insert and tap the end of the screwdriver with a hammer until the insert is pushed into the disposal tank. Once this blockage is removed, your dishwasher air gap should work perfectly.
Keeping your air gap in good working order is important for your dishwasher’s proper function, and more importantly, for your family’s health. If you have concerns about your dishwasher air gap leaking that you’re not comfortable dealing with, call the expert’s at Dave’s Appliance.
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Does Room Temperature Affect My Refrigerator?
With the kind of heat and humidity we’ve been dealing with in Wisconsin this summer, the temperature inside your home may vary greatly. Or maybe you have a fridge in your unheated garage or uninsulated shed outside. Does room temperature affect your refrigerator? That’s an important question, and while refrigerators generally work fine in spaces that have a wide range of temperatures, there are certain considerations you should know.
Extremes Damage Refrigerators
The temperature of the room that a refrigerator is in should be between 60ºF and 95ºF. That’s a really wide range, and you might think there’s no way your refrigerator could be in a situation where the ambient temperature is either that high or that low. But you live in Wisconsin. If you don’t have AC, or you do and it breaks down, the inside temperature can easily get above 95ºF. In the winter, having a refrigerator in an unheated space simply turns it into a freezer. Extreme temperatures can damage the compressor or sealed system. Below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the oil could become thick and not circulate properly. Above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, the oil could overheat and break down.
Fridges in Hot Temperatures
If the refrigerator is located in a room where the temperature is over 90ºF and it is opened frequently, then the efficiency will decrease significantly. When the outside temperature is so warm, it can cause other problems, too. The consistency of the cooled temperature inside the unit may vary widely and your food may spoil more quickly.
Fridges in Cold Temperatures
Having a refrigerator in a partially heated space might seem like a good compromise. While the unit may not actually break down, you might reconsider that choice. Refrigeration systems rely on the boiling of refrigerant under pressure and heat. When the ambient temperature is below 60ºF, it takes more energy to make the refrigerant boil and change into a vapor. And the energy consumption increases with the decreasing temperature until at 32ºF, there’s no cooling capacity at all. So even when it continues to cool, you’re spending a lot more money than you need to.
Other Considerations
Remember that the room temperature can be quite different from the outside temperature. Your well insulated garage can be 10 – 20 degrees colder or hotter than outdoors. If you do decide to have your refrigerator in a place that isn’t ideal, take steps to mitigate the loss of efficiency. Your refrigerator placement can help with that. Your fridge shouldn’t be pushed against the wall. It needs a little space behind it so that air can circulate freely and the heat from the condenser can dissipate. Keeping the grill clean and the door seals tight ensures that it’s working at peak efficiency too.
If you’re wondering whether room temperature affects your refrigerator, the answer is yes. You probably don’t have it in a space where the extreme temperatures will cause a breakdown, but you should be aware that its efficiency will be affected by the ambient temperature. If you have any continuing concerns, call the experts at Dave’s Appliance; we’ll be glad to help.
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Common Dishwasher Problems
Your dishwasher does more than clean your dishes; it is an important part of maintaining your family’s health. That means that it’s a real problem when your dishwasher isn’t working right. In this post, we’ll look at some common dishwasher problems and what you can do about them.
Unpleasant Odor
It’s probably the filter. The filter sits at the base of the inside of the dishwasher, and traps large food particles that might otherwise get into the mechanisms and gum up the works. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning it once a month, but if that maintenance job has slipped your mind, it’s easily dealt with. It’s designed to be clipped in and out, so take it out and give it a good clean. If it’s been damaged, it’s probably replaceable.
Poor Cleaning
If your dishes are coming out with food particles still in place, it might be time to unclog the spray arms. These are the longish, flattish plastic arms that spray and rinse the dishes and other items you put in the dishwasher as they spin about. These, too, are designed to be removed easily, cleaned, and reinstalled. And remember to clean the mounting too. Occasionally cleaning the spray arms can significantly improve the performance of your dishwasher.
Unsteady Bottom Basket
If it’s a struggle to get the bottom basket out, or if it is so unstable you hold your breath pulling it out, you probably need to replace the wheels. They are designed to snap on and off, and it’s certainly worth avoiding the hair-pulling frustration of trying to coax the thing in and out if it’s bothering you.
Damaged Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser can be easily replaced, if your unit isn’t too old. However, this is definitely a more involved repair, and you may want to call the experts at Dave’s Appliance to make sure it’s done correctly and quickly. If you want to do it yourself, you may want to view an online video, especially if it treats your specific model, and to have all the tools you need immediately on hand. The front panel of your dishwasher is going to have to be unmounted, electrical connections undone, and everything replaced. While it is rather involved, it’s still a simple repair.
Leakage
If your dishwasher is leaking, it could be any of a number of issues. You need to do some diagnosing.
Hinges
It may be faulty door hinges. If the door seems to drop heavily or seems misaligned, it could well be a hinge. If so, you might want to call Dave’s Appliance. If you choose to do it yourself, you’ll need to remove the side panels to get a good look. It’s a good idea to watch a video on replacing the mechanism and remember to find one that deals with your specific make and model. Also, it’s probably a good idea to replace both at the same time.
Door Seals
The problem could be door seals, and depending on which seals are acting up, it may be an easy fix. Check the upper door seal, which goes from one side, around the top, and down the other side of the door. Usually a new seal costs $30 or so, and it’s not a hard job to replace it. If it’s the lower seals, though, that’s another matter. It involves disassembling the entire door, and is best left to the professionals.
Hoses
The fill hose brings water into your dishwasher, and the drain hose removes the wastewater. In time, these can corrode, degrade, or get clogged, reducing the performance of your dishwasher. It’s usually possible to get replacements and not too hard to install them yourself.
Not Draining Properly
If there’s still a lot of water in your dishwasher when it’s completed its cycle, there’s probably an issue with the drain pump. The drain pump is located at the bottom of the appliance, and pushes wastewater out of the dishwasher and into the adjacent sink drain. Bits of food, chips of dishes, slivers of glass, and other material can get caught in the pump and prevent it from working efficiently. That means that the drain pump needs to be disassembled and cleaned. While that’s possible for you to do yourself, it’s a better idea to call the professionals at Dave’s Appliance since the whole machine needs to be tilted onto its back and the baseplate needs to be removed.
Water’s Not Hot
If the water isn’t heating up, that’s a serious problem since the intense heat kills the bacteria on your dishes and cutlery. It might be that the heating element has burned out. Here again, you’re best advised to contact an expert (like those at Dave’s Appliance). If not, you’re going to need a multimeter for this one. You will need to lay the unit on its back, remove the baseplate and anything else that might be blocking the element, remove the wires to isolate it and then check it with your multimeter by touching it to the terminals. If a fault is indicated, you need to replace the heating element.
Dishwasher Not Filling
This issue is very similar to the heating element problem. This time, though, you’ll need to check the water valve, located behind the back plate, near to the fill hose. Remove the wires, check with a multimeter, and replace if faulty.
No Bleeping Sounds
Disqualify the obvious first. Check to make sure it’s properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If that’s not the issue, you probably want to call Dave’s Appliance. However, if you know your way around a multimeter, you may be able to track down the problem on your own and fix it.
And remember, a dishwasher that’s lasted 10 years may just be done. It might be time to get a new one.
Posted in appliance repair, dishwasher, disposal | Comments Off on Common Dishwasher Problems
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