You rely on your home appliances the year round to provide plumbing services, to prepare and preserve food, and to keep your home bright and the temperature just right. In fact, it’s your home appliances that define the comforts of modern living. So it makes sense that the better care you provide your appliances each season, the better your lifestyle will be. Read on to learn great tips to help your home appliances run more efficiently and safely to help you enjoy more time for summer fun.

Washer & Dryer

Wash, rinse and spin, and tumble and dry, what would you do without your washer and dryer? More important, what would you do if your washer spilled hundreds of gallons of water in your home or if your dryer caught on fire? Unfortunately, these disasters aren’t uncommon with nearly 3,000 house fires per year attributed to the dryer, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

To prevent washer floods and dryer fires, replace the washer hose at least every five years. Check it every three months for wear and leaks. Be sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap before each use, and clean the dryer machine and flue pipe once a year.

Kitchen Appliances

Summer activities often include entertaining guests, which usually involves cooking indoors and outdoors. These tips can help make sure your kitchen can handle your next party.

  • Fridge & freezer: Check the gaskets on your refrigerator and freezer doors for a tight seal. To run at peak efficiency, your refrigerator should be checked and cleaned by your home service professional.
  • Stove & cooktop: Your stove and cooktop can be cleaned with a store bought cleaner, or you can sprinkle baking soda and drizzle with hydrogen peroxide to remove burned and baked-on gunk.
  • Dishwasher: If your dishwasher leaks, replace the gasket before the leak causes damage. Clean your dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. Vinegar removes grease, grime and musty odors.
  • Garbage disposal: Clean your garbage disposal by grinding lemon or orange peels. Avoid placing bones, coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit pits, pasta and grease into the disposal.

Water Heater

No one wants to take a cold shower — even in the summer. Your water heater provides an essential service, and it needs your help to do its best job 24/7/365.

  • Drain: Drain about a gallon of water from the water heater every few months. This helps cut down on sediment and mineral deposits. Hold a bucket beneath the drain bib and use a screwdriver to turn it on.
  • Reduce temperature: Water heaters are often set to 140 degrees or higher from the factory. Turn back water heater temperature to 120 degrees to save energy and to help prevent scalding. Check hot water temperature with a thermometer at the most distant outlet, and adjust the temperature dial as needed.
  • Tune up: Call your professional plumber to schedule water heater maintenance once a year. This helps prevent early water heater failure and expensive repair bills.

Air Conditioner

The best do-it-yourself maintenance you can provide your central air conditioner is changing the filter each month. A clean filter protects vital parts from dust and grime buildup and reduces energy usage. In fact, a dirty and clogged filter can increase air conditioning costs by up to 15 percent.

If you are overdue for professional home appliance or plumbing maintenance, contact the professionals at MN Plumbing & Home Services today!