Have You Looked Under Your Refrigerator Lately?
If your refrigerator looks like this one, it needs to be cleaned. Appliance cleaning should be performed by a qualified professional. This should not be expensive and will most likely increase the life of your appliance and reduce energy costs.
Most major appliances generate heat during operation and need proper air flow to keep cool. Accumulated dust and dirt can block airways and trap heat causing undue stress on components and premature failure. Appliances like refrigerators, freezers, air and heating systems, should be professionally cleaned annually. Clothes dryer ducting should be checked annually and cleaned if necessary. A local appliance repair shop can perform these services for you at a reasonable cost. This pays for itself because your appliances will have a longer service life and cleaner appliances run more efficient.
Appliances Have To Breathe
Airflow is important in maintaining the health of your major appliances. Proper clearances from walls, cabinets and other objects should not be ignored. The appliance owner’s manual will specify minimum clearances.
Shrubs and other plants should be kept away from heating and air conditioning units. Do not allow weeds and brush to grow around your AC units. Not only will this increase the efficiency and lifespan of the unit, it will result in lower energy costs.
Electrical Hazards
NEVER use an extension cord with an appliance or window air conditioner. Not only is this a fire hazard but it will kill your appliance quicker than anything else. If the cord provided with the appliance is not long enough, you should have a qualified electrician to install an outlet for you.
NEVER break off the ground prong on the plug. If your appliance or window air conditioner has a three pronged plug and your outlet only has two holes, you should call an electrician. NEVER use an adapter to solve this problem. An appliance that is improperly grounded is severely dangerous!
Water Heater Mainenance
An annual flushing of your water heater tank can significantly increase it’s lifespan and lower energy costs. What happens is sediment builds up in the bottom of the water tank and takes up space. This is space where water is supposed be. If your water heater is filling up with sediment, you won’t have as much hot water available. Some might say this is not worth fooling with, but there are other reasons for having your water heater flushed. The sediment buildup can cause tank corrosion leading to premature failure and leakage. A leaking water heater tank could flood your home before you know it.
Water heater flushing should be performed by a qualified professional and should be part of your annual routine home maintenance plan.