Tips to Make your appliances last

While we all know appliances won't last forever, there are some tricks you can apply to make sure you get the longest life out of yours.

If you clean your coils, your fridge won't have to work as hard to stay cool. And if you've got pets, you can be sure the coils and fan are collecting their share of fur.

The coils & fan are usually located at the bottom of your fridge or on the back, depending on the age and model. Unplug the appliance first, then use a vacuum to remove excess dust and dirt, and then wipe the coils with a towel dipped in dish soap and water. Make sure the coils and fan are completely dry before you plug in your refrigerator again.  

Of course you wash your stovetop after a spill, but what about regular cleaning? Food debris, grease and grime can create a fire risk, and wiping it all away will help keep your stovetop and oven working their best. Many ovens have a self-cleaning function which is often helpful in removing caked-on debris inside the oven. 

Dishwashers can wear down over time due to the cumulative effects of hard water, detergent exposure, food scraps and grease.  Cleaning your dishwasher filter will get you cleaner dishes, plus it's a great way to extend the life of your appliance. To prevent the dishwasher’s door from leaking, regularly inspect the perimeter rubber gasket. With regular usage of the dishwasher, the gasket should stay semi-flexible due to water. 

Washing machine hoses have a notorious history of leaking at some point. The rubber hose variety (often black, red, or blue) typically have a 3 year life span whereas the braided steel hoses generally last much longer.  

Clothes dryers definitely need maintenance on a regular basis. The first is cleaning the inside of your dryer vent; twice a year is suggested. Dryer lint is very flammable and can start a fire inside the vent which can then spread to your home.  

Heating & cooling equipment should be professionally inspected and serviced annually, but there are things you can do as a homeowner on your own. Air filters in furnaces, heat pumps, and central A/C systems should be replaced regularly. How often depends upon the type of filter installed: fiberglass air filters every 30 days whereas 1” pleated filters every 3 months. If you have a larger media filter (often 4.5~7” thick), those can often last 1 year.