Winter is in full force here in northern Utah. It’s time to look around your home at various appliances and determine how you can keep them running properly while reducing your energy consumption. Here are our tips on keeping your appliances in tip-top shape during the cold winter months.
Protect Your Dryer
Did you know dryer lint buildup is the number one cause of dryer fires? This is especially true in the cooler weather when heat is running. This fact alone should help you clean your lint filter after each cycle.
The following are a few warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned:
- The dryer is taking too long to dry clothes.
- Clothes have to be dried twice.
- You can’t see any steam or hear any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.
Prep Your Stove and Oven
The colder months are the perfect time for baked goods, soups, stews, pot roasts, ham – you name it. So you’ll want to give your oven proper cleaning and make sure that your oven thermostat is accurate so your cooking and baking will come out looking, tasting, and smelling delicious. Although ovens typically have built-in indicators that let you know when it’s hot enough, there is a chance it’s inaccurate. We recommend getting a freestanding thermometer to monitor the accuracy of the oven’s temperature controls.
Maintain Your Refrigerator
Winter is an excellent time of year to perform routine maintenance on your refrigerator to ensure it continues working correctly and efficiently. Vacuum the condenser coils regularly to remove the debris caught beneath and behind the fridge. You’ll want to use a brush to clean the coils and remove excess dirt and grime. Be prepared to clean more if you have pets.
Safeguard Your Dishwasher
People tend to stay home more in the wintertime, especially this year. This means you’re cooking more and have piles of dishes. Before turning on your dishwasher, please turn on your kitchen faucet and run the water until it’s hot, so the dishwasher pulls hot water rather than cold water. This will prevent frozen pipes. Don’t forget to use high-quality detergent and rinse aid and clean the filter regularly.
Prevent Frozen Water Lines
When temperatures drop, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets, which can cause thousands in water damage. To beat the cold weather and prevent frozen pipes, follow these tips:
- Keep garage doors closed.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to flow through the plumbing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature throughout daytime and nighttime.
- Set your home’s temperature to 55° F or above when you’re away.
Our professionals can distinguish plumbing problems that could cost consequential costs and headaches later on. Ask for an evaluation and estimate before your appliance repair issue becomes a major plumbing problem.
Contact iFiX for Your Appliance Repairs
This winter, you can’t overlook your appliances. Routine appliance maintenance will go a long way. Not only will it help you avoid costly repairs, but it will also help you reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy bills during the harsh, cold months. Fortunately, it’s simple actions that can make a difference and increase your appliances’ lifespans. Remember, they’re here to make our lives easier, not harder. If you need appliance repair, contact iFiX today to schedule an appointment.
One Response
I’m glad you mentioned using a brush to clean off excess dirt and grime from the coils. My fridge is beginning to leak from the back and I don’t know why. I’ll have to clean it out and find any parts that are going bad to replace them.