With continuous evolution in technology, modern household appliances have become smarter and more capable than ever before. Despite these technological advancements, many household appliances often lack durability in comparison to their old counterparts. According to professional appliance repair experts, there has been a growing need for repairs across various appliances. In a 2021 survey conducted by Allstate Protection Plans, nearly 95% of homeowners reported experiencing a major appliance breakdown at some point, with over 40% encountering issues within a single year.
Most major appliances today can last a decade or longer. However, that depends on how you maintain and care for them. This article will provide proper care tips to extend the service life of your household appliances and avoid frequent breakdowns.
Conduct Routine Cleaning and Maintenance
No matter how clean is your home, dust and debris will accumulate over time in vents, filters, or coils of your appliances. This can eventually slow down their performance and make them less effective. Dirt and grease can also cause their materials to rust or decay.
Routine cleaning and maintenance are two factors that will help you keep your household appliances in top condition and prolong their lives. Regular cleaning of appliances prevents dirt build-up and unexpected damage. You also need to use some effective cleaning solutions.
When cleaning an appliance, you need to wipe down the exterior, clean the interior, and remove dust or debris. In appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, you should clean them regularly to prevent bacterial growth. As for air conditioners, you need to keep them tidy to stop growth of black mold, which can be risky for health.
You also must remember that appliances may need different care as the weather changes. For example, you may have to prepare your air conditioner for summer and the heater for colder months. Regular cleaning will ensure they function at their best year-round. Furthermore, regular maintenance of appliances will help you catch any minor issues before they get worse.
Look for Indicators of Wear and Tear
Household appliances are not immune to wear and tear. While that’s inevitable, the wear and tear you can expect in your appliances should be easy to handle if you use them within the product’s specifications.
As your appliances get older, they may show telltale signs that they’re not working correctly and need maintenance or repairs. Thus, make it a habit to look for wear and tear signs or any changes in how your appliances perform.
Typical warning signs include frayed cords, unusual smells, leaks, strange noises, etc. A sudden increase in energy bills despite regular usage is also an indicator that your appliance needs repair. You should address these malfunctions to prevent major breakdowns and potential safety hazards.
Replace Faulty Parts Promptly
Any worn or damaged component in your home appliances can lead to more problems, reducing efficiency. If you do not want this situation, ensure to make repairs or replace faulty parts post-haste. Doing so can minimize the risks of accidents and increased energy bills.
It’s also crucial to use genuine or manufactured-approved parts. For example, if a component of your GE appliance needs fixing or replacement, consider using only authentic GE appliance parts for optimal performance and compatibility. Genuine parts are made with great precision to meet the unique standards of particular appliance models, allowing your appliances to run and last as the manufacturer intended.
Stick to Appliance’s User Manual
Every appliance comes with a user manual that details about its maintenance and care. Such guidelines will give you safe insights into the appliance’s specific needs, including how often you should maintain it and what products to use for cleaning.
Sticking to the appliance’s user manual helps minimize the chance of damage or malfunction caused by incorrect usage and maintenance. It also preserves the warranty coverage, protecting you from having to pay for sudden repair costs.
The manual is your valuable source of information for ensuring your appliance’s optimal efficiency and maximizing its lifespan. Refer to it whenever you have questions or concerns about your machine.
Also Read: Guide to Washing Machine Maintenance
Additional Considerations to Make Appliances Last Longer
Your appliances at home will be less prone to breaking or causing accidents if you care for them properly. While doing so helps maintain their optimal condition, you can take more precautions to make them last even longer. Consider the following points:
Invest in High-End Appliances
Buying high-end appliances is a good investment in the long run. They are usually made with the best quality materials and advanced technology, ensuring they are less prone to breaking. You can expect them for better reliability and durability than their cheaper counterparts.
Moreover, high-end appliances undergo rigorous testing to ensure they last long, even under heavy usage. That means you will not need to fix and replace them as often. With less need for repairs, you can save more money and feel confident that your appliances will withstand the test of time. If you spend less on appliances, you may lose cash on repairs and early replacements later. You need to buy appliances after researching about their future maintenance.
Install Appliances Correctly
Correct installation of home appliances is important to help them last longer. When poorly installed, an appliance may not work efficiently, resulting in costly repairs. Worse, it can stop working altogether sooner than expected, which can be more expensive to replace.
For better results, it is recommended to hire a qualified professional to avoid installation mistakes that can cause your appliances to break down or malfunction. Although you can get help from the appliance’s manual, a professional has the expertise and the proper tools to install it in the right way. It will be helpful, particularly for household appliances that are complex to set up, such as water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and garbage disposals.
Ensure Proper Usage of Appliances
Proper use of appliances is essential as it not only affects their performance and efficiency but also plays a key role in extending their lifespan. When using any appliance, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Avoid overloading them more than their capacity or using them for unintended purposes. Otherwise, it can result in premature wear and tear, affecting the appliance’s longevity.
Also Read: 10 Simple Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
Final Words
Each household appliance has a predefined lifespan. Yet, with some effort, you can make them last longer and enjoy better long-term value. Regular and proper care is necessary to keep your appliances efficient and prevent issues that can make them stop working sooner.
It is an indirect way to save money on repairs or buy new ones in the long run. You must keep in mind that necessary repairs and replacements can still happen even if you take good care of your appliances.
The cost of appliance repair varies depending on the type of appliance and repair needed. Getting a warranty can help lower these expenses and avoid surprises. In addition, it often costs less than paying for repairs on multiple appliances.
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