Archive for the ‘clothes dryer’ Category

Repair or Replace My Dryer?

September 14th, 2021

Your dryer is making a strange noise; or your dryer is taking ages to dry the clothes properly. Maybe it’s filling the entire room with moist heat. In any event, it is apparent that something is seriously wrong with your dryer. Now, should you repair it or replace it? That’s a big decision, and in this post, we’ll examine the various factors you should consider.

The 50% Rule

As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodelling and want something that’s a better fit or are concerned about energy efficiency.

Kind and Cost

Is your dryer a vented or ventless dryer? Your house is set up for one or the other and the kind you currently have will impact your choice of repair or replace. Vented dryers are common, so they are also the least expensive to purchase. You can get a vented dryer for as little as $300 and as much as $1500. A condenser dryer can be anywhere from $600 to $2000. Heat pump dryers were only introduced to the U.S. market in 2015, and are the most expensive. They can cost $1300 and up. These are just initial costs, however. Over time, condenser dryers can save you money, especially the heat pump dryers. When there’s no vent to the outdoors, the energy efficiency of your home naturally increases. Also, the ventless dryer recycles the air it uses, thereby creating a potential savings (especially during Milwaukee winters).

What’s The Environmental Impact?

Often, the environmental impact of repairing or replacing isn’t considered at all. But perhaps you should think about it. If your appliance is old and inefficient, it may be using a lot of electricity. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your utility bills. If your appliance was made after 1992, it should have an Energy Star Rating to let you know how efficient it is. You can compare it to current appliances’ efficiency. On the other hand, your old appliance can’t just be thrown out. Major household appliances are banned from landfills in Wisconsin and the state urges that they be reused or recycled. In many places in Wisconsin, appliances are not picked up at the curb with other recyclables, nor are they accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. It may be the more environmentally-responsible choice to repair rather than replace.

Warranty Issues

Although consumer surveys indicate that on average people are happier with repairs performed by local repair services over factory repairs, you’ll want to call on your warranty if it’s still in force. If it’s not, the experienced repairmen at Dave’s Appliance can help. A telephone consultation is free.

Installation Fees

Don’t forget that installation costs can be significant for major appliances. Those are included in any quotes that Dave’s Appliance gives you, so you’re not going to be unpleasantly surprised: No Hidden Costs, Ever.

If you’re still wondering whether you should repair or replace your dryer, give the experts at Dave’s Appliance a call and we can advise you based on your specific situation.

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Is Your Appliance Worth Repairing?

May 13th, 2021

Appliances help us keep our lives on track. Where would we be without our refrigerator/freezer, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal? When any one of these stops functioning, it can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a disaster. Your immediate impulse might be to replace the appliance that is broken. But is that always the right option? Here is a quick guide to help you decide whether your appliance is worth repairing.

How Much Would It Cost?

Generally, the larger the appliance the costlier it is. So if your stove breaks, you’re looking at a major investment to buy a new one. But if your microwave goes, you can purchase one for under $75. Consumer Reports advises that if the cost to repair your appliance is greater than half the cost of a new one, it makes sense to replace it. Obviously you won’t know how much the repair would cost without consulting an appliance repair service. At Dave’s Appliance, our experts can diagnose your appliance’s problem and give you an estimate for the repair. With all of that information, you can make an informed decision.

Which Appliance Is it?

Other than cost, you have to consider how much you value your current appliance. Your refrigerator/freezer may have external ice and water dispensers, pull-out shelving, and other features you really appreciate. Your washer and dryer may fit just perfectly into the space in your utility room. Maybe you love to cook and bake and your stove suits you perfectly. It might even be that your appliances coordinate with your decor. These are definitely legitimate reasons to hesitate about replacing them when they break. Again, a visit from one of the friendly members of Dave’s Appliance team will help you understand the extent of your problem.

How Old Is It and Is It Still Under Warranty?

Major appliances like refrigerators or chest freezers often last from 10 to 20 years. Other appliances like trash compactors have an average life span of about 6 years. Most appliances also come with warranties, and often those can be extended if you choose to do so. When an appliance breaks down, it would be a good idea to find out if its warranty is still in force. If it’s not, check to see what the average life span is for your brand of that particular appliance.

What’s The Environmental Impact?

Often, the environmental impact of repairing or replacing isn’t considered at all. But perhaps you should think about it. If your appliance is old and inefficient, it may be using a lot of electricity. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your utility bills. If your appliance was made after 1992, it should have an Energy Star Rating to let you know how efficient it is. You can compare it to current appliances’ efficiency. On the other hand, your old appliance can’t just be thrown out. Major household appliances are banned from landfills in Wisconsin and the state urges that they be reused or recycled. In many places in Wisconsin, appliances are not picked up at the curb with other recyclables, nor are they accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. It may be the more environmentally-responsible choice to repair rather than replace.

Whatever your appliance concern, the experts at Dave’s Appliance will be able to tell you what the problem is and help you decide whether or not it’s worth repairing. Give us a call.

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Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washer: Which is Better?

April 17th, 2020

A washing machine is a major purchase, and before you buy, you should be fully informed. Not only are there a lot of different brands, there are different types of machine, so the first decision is whether to get a front-load or top-load machine. Which is better? That depends on what you’re looking for. In this blogpost, we will look at a number of different factors that you should consider. Then you can decide what is best for your family.

Cost

The majority of washing machines in the U.S. are the top-loading type, including the newer GE models that don’t have the center-post agitator. Unsurprisingly, top-loaders are usually less expensive than front-loaders. However, because of other factors, front-loaders may well save you money in the long run. So if your major concern is the initial outlay, a top-loader would be your choice, while if you want long-term savings, a front-loader is best.

Time

Traditional top-loading washers have run times between 35 and 65 minutes, and the newer HE top-loaders have cycles from 60 to 80 minutes. Front-loader cycles are substantially longer, between 75 and 120 minutes. That’s because the laundry needs to rest in the shallow pool of water and detergent periodically rather than being immersed in water constantly.

Cleaning Effectiveness

Front-loaders are better at cleaning fabrics in general, and in getting stains out of clothes without pre-treating. That’s true even when compared to the newest models of top-loading machines. The reason is simple: front-loaders work with gravity. The clothes in a front-loading machine are pulled up by the rotation of the drum, then fall against each other as they come down. This tumbling action is much more effective than the twisting motion of top-loading machines. But you should think, too, whether you require intensive cleaning action. Are your clothes regularly very dirty? Do you hate pre-treating stains? If cleaning effectiveness is your main objective, the answer is easy; if not, read on.

Water Conservation

Top-loaders work by filling the drum with water (and detergent) and then agitating the clothes in a twisting motion. There needs to be enough water in the drum to fully immerse all the material. In a front-loading machine, there is a shallow pool of water at the bottom of the drum and the clothes are dragged through it repeatedly by the action of the drum. Compared with a typical HE top-loader, front-loaders use about 5 fewer gallons of water per cycle, or around 2,000 gallons per year based on estimates for average use. That’s a lot of water you can save by having a front-loading machine.

Energy Use

Front-loaders are more energy efficient. Obviously using less water translates into less energy since that means less water needs to be pumped in (and out) and heated. Also, front-loaders extract a lot more water out of the laundry, so if you use a dryer rather than hanging your clothes out, that translates into an energy savings since you’ll need a shorter cycle on your dryer. Overall, front-loaders use less than half the electricity of a standard top-loading machine.

Maintenance

The maintenance of a top-loader is easier than that of a front-loader. Front-loaders have been known to smell, and unless maintained properly you can have a problem with mold in your machine. Front-loaders

have a tub-clean feature that should be run on a regular basis and some basic cleaning habits can mitigate this issue.

Design

Finally, you should consider what design works better in your house. Front-loading machines are usually stackable, so your washer and dryer take up less floor space.

Think about all of your family needs when choosing whether to go with a front-loader or top-loader. Once that decision is made, you can begin comparing brands.

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Be Aware of the Signs Your Clothes Dryer Might Need a Repair

July 26th, 2019

For many people, a clothes dryer is an important part of their laundry routine. When your dryer starts to experience trouble, life at home can become a bit more hectic. Here are signs that it’s time to call an appliance repair specialist.

Clothes Are Too Hot

If your clothes are extremely hot to the touch, this likely indicates a big problem with your dryer. The issue could stem from a few different things. A bad thermostat can cause overheating. You also shouldn’t rule out a defective heating element. Clogged ductwork can also lead to higher than normal temperatures. (more…)

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Add Your Home Appliances to Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

April 23rd, 2019

Springtime is an excellent time to clean your whole home. With fresh air blowing through your windows, you have an excellent opportunity to get rid of odors, dust and dirt that may have built up on your rugs, upholstery, hardwood floors and furniture. In addition, be sure to take your cleaning to the next level by including your home appliances on your spring cleaning checklist.

Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is probably filled with bits of food as well as hard water deposits from frequent use. Thoroughly clean the screens and filters on the bottom of the dishwasher and also wipe down the sprayer arms. You may even want to use a shop vac to get rid of food debris. For very difficult-to-remove lime or calcium deposits, consider cleaning with a commercial cleanser, such as CLR or Lime-Away. (more…)

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Why Cleaning The Vent Of Your Clothes Dryer Is Important

March 18th, 2019

Most people depend on their clothes dryers so that they can do their laundry in the convenience of their homes rather than having to cart it to a laundromat. Clothes dryers have reduced the hassle of this universal household chore. However, making certain that your dryer is properly maintained and in good repair is crucial. If you do not regularly clean your clothes dryer vent, your dryer may cause a devastating fire.

Prevalence of clothes dryer fires in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 fires that start with clothes dryers are reported each year. An average of 100 people are injured and five people are killed in fires caused by clothes dryers, and the fires cause an estimated $35 million in annual property losses. At 35 percent, the leading cause of clothes dryer fires is failing to properly clean the clothes dryer vent. (more…)

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Why Your Dryer Might Take Too Long to Dry Clothes

January 11th, 2019

Clothes dryers work pretty simply, so there are only a few reasons why they don’t work right. The biggest problem is that too many people try to fix dryers themselves. Although the reasons for failure are simple, dryer repair takes some skill. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional. It will save you money in the long run and ensure a faster, long-lasting repair.

The Most Common Dryer Problems

The most common reasons that your clothes aren’t getting dry fast enough include these issues: (more…)

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Common Signs It’s Time to Repair Your Clothes Dryer

January 17th, 2018

Most people never give their dryer a second thought until something goes wrong, but following that path can make the issue worse than needed. Catching maintenance problems and hiring a dryer repair team at the first sign of trouble can save you time and money over the long run. When you learn the things for which you should look, you can stop problems from progressing, and you might even save money on your energy bill. While many things could go wrong with your clothes dryer, some issues are more common than others: (more…)

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Understanding the Dangers of Lint In Your Clothes Dryer

May 2nd, 2017

Your clothes dryer performs the miraculous job of fluffing and drying your fabrics in record time. There’s no longer a need to hang the clothes outside, which saves you time. However, your appliance still requires some maintenance on a daily basis. Take a moment to understand the dangers of the clothes dryer when it comes to dryer lint accumulation. Taking a few seconds out of your day to keep it clean can stop a fire from beginning in the first place.

How Lint Gets Trapped

(more…)

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Simple Tricks to Keep Your Appliances in Good Shape During the Winter

December 15th, 2016

Looking outside at a cold winter day might encourage you to cuddle up on the couch, but there are household chores calling to you. However, completing any outdoor chore might be impossible right now. As an alternative, concentrate on your indoor appliances. These mechanical workhorses seem to go for months without any maintenance, but it’s critical to pay close attention to your washer, dryer, refrigerator and other appliances during the cold, winter months. Use some of these simple ideas to maintain your appliances and preserve their normal lifespans. Calling a Milwaukee microwave repair professional can go a long way in maintaining all of your appliances. (more…)

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