How to avoid common appliance problems

Have your appliances decided to stop working? Did they go on strike? Try these four quick and easy tips to help avoid common problems with finicky machines:

Check your cords. The most common cause of appliance breakdown is worn-out wiring. Experts suggest examining exposed household electric cords at least once a year for signs of wear and tear. An old extension cord will not only cause your appliances to malfunction, but it can also potentially lead to a serious accident. Be vigilant, and check and replace them regularly. And don’t forget to unplug them first!

Don’t overwork your outlets. Now that you have brand-new cords for all your appliances, check to make sure you haven’t overwhelmed the outlets with too many of them. A single household outlet is not designed to support a multitude of different appliances at the same time. Experts suggest limiting each outlet to a maximum of three machines at any given time to avoid overloading your home’s circuits or damaging your appliances’ motors.

Keep everything clean. Just like everything else in your home, appliances are exposed to dust. The difference is that while you can see the dust on your coffee table, you can’t easily see the dirt that accumulates behind your refrigerator or in the vents of your dryer. Be sure to always keep those hidden parts of your appliances clean. Check your refrigerator coils (usually located in the back or at the bottom, behind a screen), and use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of all the dust. Your dryer vents can also be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, as can the lint screen and the exhaust vent that pumps the hot air outside. Keep in mind that those outside vents are perfect places for birds’ nests as well as dust, and if they are not cleaned regularly, they can cause fires.

Replace filters. Your heating and air conditioning unit, refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher all have filters. Make sure you check and replace them regularly. The filter is an important component to the appliance since it traps dust and debris and prevents them from getting to the essential parts of the machine. Read the instruction manuals for all of your appliances to learn their recommended maintenance schedule, and don’t hesitate to contact a professional to help you if the job is bigger than you expected.

For more useful tips, explore our homeowner’s blog. And to take control of protecting your home, invest in a Cinch home protection plan today. 

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<p><em>The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.</em><br />
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