Make appliances last longer

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  • user warning: Incorrect key file for table './bedrupal/cache_filter.MYI'; try to repair it query: UPDATE cache_filter SET data = '<p><img width=\"170\" height=\"128\" vspace=\"5\" hspace=\"5\" border=\"0\" align=\"right\" class=\"ibimage\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://billeater.com/imagebrowser/view/image/1957/160%2520pixels\" />Appliances will never last forever, but the way that we care for our major appliances has a direct impact on how long the appliances last. Properly caring for appliances is the key to making them last for a very long time. It also helps you to save money on your monthly bills as well as on appliance replacement costs. The following guide for appliance care will have your appliances looking great and running efficiently for many years to come.</p>\n<p>\n<strong>Refrigerator</strong></p>\n<p>Avoid stuffing too many items in your refrigerator, but be sure to fill it to a reasonable level as well. Packing items in your refrigerator keeps the air inside of it from circulating normally. This can cause food to spoil quickly. Leaving too much space causes an increase in the amount of your electricity bill since your machine is working harder to cool the empty space each time you let in warmer air. Check that all seals and magnets that close the refrigerator are never cracked. These seals should be replaced frequently. Also, vacuum the condenser coils in the back of the refrigerator. Not doing so will cause it to get clogged with dust and dirt. Condenser coils should be cleaned every two months.</p>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<strong>Freezer</strong></p>\n<p>First, you always want to put your freezer and a cool and dry spot. There should be adequate circulation in the room that the freezer is in. Do not place your freezer next to a radiator or any household source that gives off heat. This will drastically reduce how well your freezer functions, as well as increase your electricity bill since your freezer will have to work harder to cool your items. Also, vacuum the condenser coils just as you would with your refrigerator.</p>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<strong>Dishwasher</strong></p>\n<p>To care for your dishwasher, regularly check for residue and food particles that may be caught in the food trap. Clogged food traps will cause your machine to work harder and can cause your dishwasher to not clean as efficiently. Also, make sure that the doors seal properly, and replace any weak or tattered seals. Clean the seals regularly; built up dirt on the seals will cause mold. It is also a good idea to do an interior wash. Periodically, run the machine on its own without any dishes inside of it. You can use a cleaning solution to clean the inside of the machine if you choose to. This is a great way of making sure that all of the parts on your machine are working properly.</p>\n<p>\n<strong>Washing Machine</strong></p>\n<p>First, you never want to overload your washing machine. Putting too much weight inside of the machine can throw off the balance which directly affects how well your clothes get cleaned. This also puts additional wear on the washer. Washing machine knobs and buttons tend to be very fragile, so be careful with how much force you to use when operating the machine. Those knobs and buttons are required in order for the machine to run and are very expensive to replace so use them gently. You also want to clean out the inside of the machine regularly. You can do this by running the machine on an extra large cycle and adding 1/3 cup of baking soda.</p>\n<p>\n<strong>Dryer</strong></p>\n<p>Clean the dryer lint filter after every wash. Not doing so will block the airflow to the clothes making it more difficult for the clothing to dry. At least once per year, clean out the exhaust vent of the dryer. You do this to make sure that it does not get completely clogged up. After each wash load, check your dryer for small items such as change, hair pins, or small toys that your kids may have left in their pockets. Be sure to remove these items right away. Be careful when drying clothing that have wax or heavy plastic designs. These combined with high heat can cause a fire.</p>\n<p>\n<strong>Air Conditioner</strong></p>\n<p>Change your air conditioning filter regularly. This is the easiest way to prolong the life of any air conditioner as well as one of the best ways to save money on your electric bill. Depending on how often you use the air conditioning in your home, the filter should be changed every 2 to 6 months. Also, check the evaporator coil one time per year. The evaporator coil is located inside of the air handler. This area is prone to dust build-up, which can effect how well your air conditioner runs as well. It is also important to keep your unit free of debris, dead bugs or pollen that can clog up the surface of the condenser. Spraying the condenser surface with water will clear it up nicely without causing any damage to the unit.</p>\n<p>It is only normal for appliances to wear down after repeated use. There are certain steps, however, that you can take to prolong the life of major appliances. Taking these steps will save you money while allowing you to enjoy your appliances for as long as you desire, only replacing them when it is time for an upgrade.</p>\n', created = 1328772932, expire = 1328859332, headers = '', serialized = 0 WHERE cid = '2:66f7bfd82a8d91c9c0d9afd024d985bd' in /var/www/billeater/includes/cache.inc on line 109.
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Jul 2010
8

Appliances will never last forever, but the way that we care for our major appliances has a direct impact on how long the appliances last. Properly caring for appliances is the key to making them last for a very long time. It also helps you to save money on your monthly bills as well as on appliance replacement costs. The following guide for appliance care will have your appliances looking great and running efficiently for many years to come.

Refrigerator

Avoid stuffing too many items in your refrigerator, but be sure to fill it to a reasonable level as well. Packing items in your refrigerator keeps the air inside of it from circulating normally. This can cause food to spoil quickly. Leaving too much space causes an increase in the amount of your electricity bill since your machine is working harder to cool the empty space each time you let in warmer air. Check that all seals and magnets that close the refrigerator are never cracked. These seals should be replaced frequently. Also, vacuum the condenser coils in the back of the refrigerator. Not doing so will cause it to get clogged with dust and dirt. Condenser coils should be cleaned every two months.

 Freezer

First, you always want to put your freezer and a cool and dry spot. There should be adequate circulation in the room that the freezer is in. Do not place your freezer next to a radiator or any household source that gives off heat. This will drastically reduce how well your freezer functions, as well as increase your electricity bill since your freezer will have to work harder to cool your items. Also, vacuum the condenser coils just as you would with your refrigerator.

 Dishwasher

To care for your dishwasher, regularly check for residue and food particles that may be caught in the food trap. Clogged food traps will cause your machine to work harder and can cause your dishwasher to not clean as efficiently. Also, make sure that the doors seal properly, and replace any weak or tattered seals. Clean the seals regularly; built up dirt on the seals will cause mold. It is also a good idea to do an interior wash. Periodically, run the machine on its own without any dishes inside of it. You can use a cleaning solution to clean the inside of the machine if you choose to. This is a great way of making sure that all of the parts on your machine are working properly.

Washing Machine

First, you never want to overload your washing machine. Putting too much weight inside of the machine can throw off the balance which directly affects how well your clothes get cleaned. This also puts additional wear on the washer. Washing machine knobs and buttons tend to be very fragile, so be careful with how much force you to use when operating the machine. Those knobs and buttons are required in order for the machine to run and are very expensive to replace so use them gently. You also want to clean out the inside of the machine regularly. You can do this by running the machine on an extra large cycle and adding 1/3 cup of baking soda.

Dryer

Clean the dryer lint filter after every wash. Not doing so will block the airflow to the clothes making it more difficult for the clothing to dry. At least once per year, clean out the exhaust vent of the dryer. You do this to make sure that it does not get completely clogged up. After each wash load, check your dryer for small items such as change, hair pins, or small toys that your kids may have left in their pockets. Be sure to remove these items right away. Be careful when drying clothing that have wax or heavy plastic designs. These combined with high heat can cause a fire.

Air Conditioner

Change your air conditioning filter regularly. This is the easiest way to prolong the life of any air conditioner as well as one of the best ways to save money on your electric bill. Depending on how often you use the air conditioning in your home, the filter should be changed every 2 to 6 months. Also, check the evaporator coil one time per year. The evaporator coil is located inside of the air handler. This area is prone to dust build-up, which can effect how well your air conditioner runs as well. It is also important to keep your unit free of debris, dead bugs or pollen that can clog up the surface of the condenser. Spraying the condenser surface with water will clear it up nicely without causing any damage to the unit.

It is only normal for appliances to wear down after repeated use. There are certain steps, however, that you can take to prolong the life of major appliances. Taking these steps will save you money while allowing you to enjoy your appliances for as long as you desire, only replacing them when it is time for an upgrade.

 

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