Archive for the ‘seasonal’ Category

Are Small Home Appliances Worth Repairing?

November 28th, 2023

Many people tend to get rid of broken home appliances and buy new ones. However, before throwing it away, opting for a repair would be more economical. Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether the equipment needs a repair or replacement. Therefore, we will offer professional guidance based on certain home appliances. This guide will enable you make the right decision.

Is It Worth Repairing a Microwave?

There are several factors considered before opting for the repair or replacement of a microwave.
When to Repair

During repair, the depreciation of the existing microwave and the cost of replacement is key. If the repair cost is less than the cost incurred to buy it, the repair can be worth it. Moreover, if you paid more money for the microwave, you can repair it if it’s still under warranty. This should be a period of at least 5 years or less.

There are also some minor damages that are worth the repair. When there is an interior light malfunction, you can seek a microwave repair rather than a replacement. Door switch problems are also a minor problem that needs repair. Also, when you have a broken touchpad, a microwave repair can be better.
When to Replace

When your microwave is more than five years old, a microwave replacement is essential. Furthermore, a microwave repair can include hiring trained personnel. In such cases, the cost of repair becomes very high. Therefore, you can opt for a quick replacement.

Other factors that can require a replacement can include loud noises while cooking. When there is a loud buzzing when you hit the start button, this calls for a replacement. Moreover, when the cooking time extends, this can mean that your microwave is old. Therefore, it needs replacement.

Should I Opt for a Dishwasher Repair or Replacement?

A dishwasher is an important equipment in the kitchen. It helps to avoid washing dishes by hand. It is therefore crucial to make the right decision when it comes to a dishashwer repair or replacement. Below are some of the factors you can consider.
Your Dishwasher’s Age

If your dishwasher is more than nine years old, it can be worth replacing it. An old dishwasher will break down more frequently. Therefore, it can be quite costly paying for the repairs.

However, if your dishwasher is less than nine years old, a dishwasher repair can be worth it. At this time, minor issues can be easier to repair at a lower cost. Some of these minor issues can include clogs, broken doors, and door leaks.

Cost

When the cost of a dishwasher repair exceeds the price of a new one, a replacement is economical. This will help minimize the amount of money spent on frequent repairs. A dishwasher repair can be a good choice when its cost is less than that of buying a new one.

Damage of Major Parts

When major parts of a dishwasher break down, this can reduce its efficiency. Therefore, you should opt for a dishwasher replacement. A new dishwasher is more efficient saving on water and energy bills. Some of the features to look at include damage to the energy-efficient motors. Damaged sensors that adjust wash cycles can affect its efficiency. Damaged Eco-modes increase energy consumption reducing the performance of your dishwasher.

Oven Repair or Replacement?

Choosing between an oven repair and a replacement can be challenging. However, understanding the advantages of each of them will help you choose the one you see fit for your oven.

Advantages of an Oven Repair

It can be very cost-effective. In most cases, it is normally cheaper to repair an oven than buying a new one. An oven repair can also help maintain your preferred oven features. Replacing your oven means you will have to adjust to new features and lose your preferred ones.

Advantages of an Oven Replacement

A newer oven is more energy efficient. This helps to minimize utility bills. The more oven repairs done, the less efficient it becomes. Therefore, for an efficient oven, replacement is crucial.

Moreover, a new oven comes with a warranty. This provides you with free oven repairs if anything happens within the specified period.

Finally, both the repair and replacement of your home appliances need qualified personnel. Avoid doing it yourself as this can cause more damage. An expert in the field will ensure that your appliances are working properly. They will also advise on the right time to go for a repair or a replacement.

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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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Does Room Temperature Affect My Refrigerator?

August 4th, 2020

You may be considering putting a second refrigerator out in your unheated garage. Or you might worry about your refrigerator’s efficiency in the hot, humid Wisconsin summers. Whatever your situation, it’s important to know whether room temperature affects your refrigerator.

Extreme Temperatures Can Damage Fridge

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. 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.

Refrigerator Function 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.

Refrigerator Function 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.

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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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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Fall Into Autumn: Prioritize Your Appliance Maintenance Now

October 18th, 2016

Cool weather in autumn prompts residents to bake comforting food and to enjoy loved ones at home. Fall is also a great time to concentrate on your household appliances. Summer’s fun has passed, and those loyal appliances may be in need of some professional maintenance. Take a deeper look at your basic appliances and their preventative maintenance needs. You want them to run smoothly into winter and beyond.

The Hidden World Behind the Refrigerator

Listen to your refrigerator with a quiet household. It should have a low-level hum that’s barely noticeable. However, a refrigerator that has a loud sound will require some maintenance. A repair professional will pull the refrigerator out from the wall, and he or she will vacuum out the coils as an initial task. Clean coils will only improve the appliance’s heat-transfer process while quieting the humming sound too. Your professional will also examine other core areas on the refrigerator’s rear side. Any water leaks or hose cracks will be noted and repaired before the appliance is pushed back against the wall. (more…)

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Summertime and Your Appliance’s Upkeep

May 17th, 2016

Your heater made it through the winter, and now you’re looking forward to warm days and relaxing afternoons without any appliance problems. Although summer is a time for vacationing and playtime, you shouldn’t overlook your appliances’ care either. In fact, it’s a good time to contact a Milwaukee refrigerator repair professional for their evaluation of your appliances. Put your appliances’ maintenance schedules ahead of everything else in order to avoid any costly repairs.

Clean Your Appliance Now

You may have vacuumed the house during spring cleaning, but your appliances aren’t always part of that project. Before the summer heat really kicks in, completely clean out the refrigerator’s interior. Make a mental note of any unusual stains or broken pieces. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall too. Wipe off the coils that reside across the appliance’s backside. These coils help the refrigerator remain cool on the inside by transferring heat to the exterior. If the coils remain dirty, they’ll overheat and possibly cause a cooling malfunction in the appliance. (more…)

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Don’t Make These Holiday Mistakes Near Your Appliances

December 17th, 2015

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the holidays are in full swing with loved ones pouring in and out of your front door. Cooking during this time period is traditional, and it also serves a functional purpose. You might have to turn the thermostat down a bit because your oven and stove provide significant heat! The holidays are fun and busy, but they’re also fraught with potential problems. Pay attention to everything going on around your appliances because certain mistakes can culminate into a huge repair bill.

Decorating Near Your Oven Or Stove

Garlands, paper snowflakes and other decorations are often draped over every surface in the home. Although you want the household to be festive, avoid any decorations near the stove and oven. In fact, don’t decorate within a few feet of this area. Both of these appliances are extremely hot during their operation, and they can ignite your pretty decorations, and may start a house fire! (more…)

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Setting Your Oven Temperature Perfectly for Holiday Cooking

November 6th, 2015

Whether your oven is a few months old or reaching 10 years old, you need a reliable temperature to cook and bake properly. Nothing is worse than burning those scrumptious cupcakes or scorching that chicken casserole. You might have had a Milwaukee oven repair person in recently to check your other appliances, but you can adjust the oven’s temperature on your own with a few tips from the experts: (more…)

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Protecting Your Indoor Appliances From Winter’s Fury

October 16th, 2015

It may be still warm outside, but winter’s cold will soon be upon every household in the region. In fact, you might have just completed a refrigerator repair for your home, so you want to keep it as pristine as possible even when howling winds take over outside. Protecting and winterizing your appliances involves plumbing and pipe care to reduce possible leaks from cracking materials. (more…)

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How to Save Money This Fall

September 12th, 2014

Everyone loves to save money, but how can you save money without leaving home? By spending an hour inspecting home appliances, you can potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars. A few simple tips and keen investigating are the only things you need to get started.

Why Is Fall Important For Your Home?

Fall is very important for several reasons. First, fall is convenient because it is just before winter and bad weather, so it pays to get ready. Fall is early enough to beat rodents and birds looking for a warm home, perhaps using your dryer vent. Since most people thoroughly clean their homes in the spring, why not schedule an hour for appliance inspections in the autumn to spread your home chores over the course of a year? Finally, it is always a great time to tune up appliances, so you can save more money all year round. Making replacements and repairs before a busy laundry season like winter is a great way to save money over the long-term. (more…)

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