Keep Up With Your Appliances – Know When It’s Time for Them to Go
With Memorial Day right around the corner, savvy shoppers everywhere are preparing for some of the year's biggest sales. Any homeowner in need of new appliances can cook up some deep discounts during summer holidays. Homeowners delight especially with backyard BBQs on the horizon.
But, short of a major malfunction, how can you tell if your appliances are on their way out? How do you know when they may need to be serviced? Here is a guide to help you keep up with five of your major home appliances:
1. HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system can last around 15 years—possibly more with proper maintenance. Taking care of your HVAC system requires year-round attention. You’ll want to replace the system’s filters every couple of months. Plus, you may want to call in a professional before the heating and cooling seasons—just to make sure everything is functioning correctly. With this kind of attention, you can preserve the longevity of one of your home’s more expensive operating systems!
2. Washer and Dryer
Feel like you’re constantly doing laundry? Well, these appliances typically last about a decade, so they’ve probably become such a part of your daily routine that you wouldn’t know what to do—or wear—without them! To keep your washer and dryer running smoothly, you need to promptly remove wet clothes once they’ve been washed and clean out the dryer’s lint trap before each use. You also need to pay special attention to your washer’s hoses and your dryer’s filters.
3. Dishwasher
Similar to your washer and dryer, a well-maintained dishwasher can last nearly a decade. What does that mean for you when it comes to maintenance? Well, it means frequently using your dishwasher for starters. In addition to regularly loading, washing and unloading your dishwasher, you also should keep the drain clean and pay attention to the condition of the arms that spin inside to wash your dishes. Noticing any changes in the cleanliness of your dishes could be a red flag when it comes to your dishwasher.
4. Oven
Whether you’re cooking and baking five nights a week or you’re barely able to make a grilled cheese sandwich or scrambled eggs, your range and oven have the potential to last upwards of 15 years! What is the recipe for extending the life of your oven? Try to prevent your baked creations from bubbling over inside your oven. When you do notice a certain amount of build-up—or at least twice a year—be sure to thoroughly clean out your oven. Wipe down your range after each use to keep it looking and working well.
5. Refrigerator
Like many of your household appliances, your refrigerator can last you from 10 to15 years. In order to keep it constantly cooling your food for the long run, you’ve got to take good care of it. This means regularly throwing out old food, wiping down the shelves and even doing some deodorizing. Defrost the freezer and routinely change out the ice maker’s filter to keep your frozen foods in top form.
While it is very probable that your home’s appliances can last you a decade or more, it is also important to recognize when it is time for an upgrade. Even if your aging appliances seem to be functioning properly, they could be costing you. Newer models typically run more efficiently and require less maintenance. So, whether your appliances are on their way out or not, you could save in the long run if you decide to take advantage of Memorial Day appliance sales!
