Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF AN APPLIANCE?
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Appliance Lifespan in Years
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Refrigerator 10-15
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Electric Range 10-15
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Gas Range 10-15
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Wall Oven 10-15
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Stovetop 5-10
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Appliance Lifespan in Years
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Dishwasher 5-10
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Microwave 10-15
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Freezer 10-15
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Washer 5-10
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Dryer 5-10
Is it time to REPAIR or REPLACE?
How do you know when to repair an appliance vs. when it is better to replace?
A good general rule is: if the appliance is past 50% of it’s projected lifespan and if the repair is more than 50% a new purchased unit – Replace.
After reviewing this rule of thumb, if you are still unsure, give us a call and we will accurately diagnose the issue and give you a repair estimate.
SIGNS IT IS TIME TO CALL YOUR APPLIANCE
REPAIR PROFESSIONAL...
COMMON PROBLEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
WASHING MACHINES
- Washer won’t turn on/start
- No agitation
- Washer isn’t spinning
- Machine is vibrating too much/more than usual
- Machine is not draining
- Spots or soap left on clothes
- Water is leaking
DRYER
- Dryer is getting too hot
- Dryer isn’t heating
- Dryer won’t run
- Drum isn’t spinning
DISHWASHER
- Cycle runs too long
- Dishwasher doesn’t start
- Doesn’t fill with water
- Dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes
- Dishwasher hums and then turns off
- Water is not properly draining out
- Unit is leaking water
ICE MACHINE
- Not making or dispensing ice
- Water leakage
- Water freezes before getting in to the ice maker
- Strange smells
- Strange noises
- Internal water tubes are discolored
REFRIGERATOR
- The fridge freezes instead of just cooling
- Ice is building up in ice maker
- Refrigerator doesn’t turn on
- Refrigerator not cooling
- Refrigerator constantly cycles
- It leaks water
- The water dispenser isn’t working
- Ice maker is overflowing
- It is making loud noises
FREEZER
- Freezer temperature doesn’t stay constant
- Door doesn’t seal
- Freezer isn’t cooling
- Freezer is cooling too much – frosting, etc.
- Making Noises
RANGE / OVEN / STOVETOP
- Oven is not heating / heating poorly
- Erratic temperatures
- Oven is not baking or broiler won’t work
- It is not cleaning as it should
- Oven door won’t open
- Burners get too hot
- Burner won’t light/ come on
- Range won’t turn off
MICROWAVE
- Microwave isn’t working
- Turntable isn’t rotating
- It isn’t heating food
- Problems with the touch keypad
Avoid Unnecessary Repairs
by Taking Care of your Appliances.
APPLIANCE CARE TIPS
WASHING MACHINES
- Don’t overload the machine
- Keep machine at least 4 inches out so hoses don’t get crinkled
- Inspect your water hoses for cracks and bulges
- If your having low water pressure or water issues, check the water line on the back of the machine
- Clean your machine as directed by your manufacturer
- Keep washing machine level (balanced)
- Measure detergent. Too much can leave residue on your clothes and damage your machine over time
- On front loading machines, leave the door open to reduce odor and mildew
On front loading machines, clean and inspect the seal on the door - Consider a drip pan under your washer (as leaks could damage your floor)
DRYER
- Don’t overload the dryer with clothes
- Clean the lint filter after every use
- Clean your dryers interior monthly (unplug, then clean with a warm, soapy cloth)
- Clean behind/underneath dryer
- Clean the venting system, especially if you notice it drys less effectively
- Inspect exterior exhaust and remove any debris clogging up your ventilation
DISHWASHER
- Clean your dishwasher as best directed by manufacturer as least every 6 months
- Regularly inspect the racks for chips
- Replace or cap rusty tines on rack, so rust doesn’t damage your dishes
ICE MACHINE
- Clean bin unit
- Clean and sanitize water system using instructions from manufacturer
- Inspect air filters
- Inspect external filters and replace regularly
- Inspect water valve inlet screen
REFRIGERATOR
Perform regular cleaning on your refrigerator to reduce repairs.
- Clean condenser coils bi-annually
- Defrost
- Clean the inside
- Clean & replace gasket (as needed)
- Replace the filter for the ice maker/water dispenser
- Handy Tip: If there is a bad odor, put a piece of charcoal, wrapped in a paper towel, on a plate and leave in for 1 to 5 days or until smell is gone.
FREEZER
- Defrost
- Clean the inside
Handy Tip: If there is a bad odor, put a piece of charcoal, wrapped in a paper towel, on a plate and leave in for 1 to 5 days or until smell is gone.
RANGE / OVEN / STOVETOP
- Clean your oven regularly
- Inspect your gaslike and replace as needed
- Inspect your burners regularly. If you see red spots, replace the burner, as it could short out
- Inspect your door gaskets (which seal the doors)
MICROWAVE
- Keep the microwave clean
- Cover your food
- Use only microwavable containers
- Never put any kind of metal inside your microwave as this can damage your unit
- Make sure the door closes and is undamaged