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Large appliances aren’t cheap. They take a lot of space in your home or office, but they create some ‘space’ in your back account too. It’s definitely not worth the spend if you wouldn’t do whatever you can to make them last longer than average.
Here are 8 maintenance tips to make your large appliances last longer:
1. Opt for quality appliances
This is an obvious starting point. Quality large appliances are naturally built to last very long. Trying to maintain a product of bad or low quality is always an effort in futility. You have to go for something already built to last before you can decide to keep it to last.
Going for the cheapest option isn’t always a good idea when it comes to buying large appliances. Always consider your preferences, your budget, and product quality.
2. Follow the instruction manual
Instruction manuals aren’t merely included as part of a product; they are meant to be read and the content followed for installing and maintaining appliances.
It has become normal practice to not go through instruction manuals until we encounter a problem with our appliances. You could then find out – if not too late – that the problem could have been prevented if the manual was read and instructions followed.
3. Get professional help when in need of major repair
When there’s a major fault with your large appliance, seek the help of a professional in fixing it. Trying to do a refrigerator or washer repair by yourself when you’re not an expert could damage your product further.
4. Fix minor problems quickly
If it’s a minor problem you can fix by yourself, then do it immediately and not allow the condition to worsen further. Be however careful to be sure the problem isn’t something that’s beyond your ability.
5. Ensure safety in electricity use
When using your appliance with electricity, ensure you adhere to safety rules.
For example, when using power outlets, ensure you follow the one-to-one rule: plug only one large appliance into each outlet. Do not cram too many plugs into one outlet. This will also prevent blown fuses and fires.
Also, do not use extension plugs for large appliances. Plug each appliance directly in a different wall socket.
Finally, ensure to conform to specific power requirements. Give a 220V appliance a 220V outlet, for example; not less, not more.
6. Clean appliances regularly. A regular deep cleaning is necessary for some appliances, to keep them in peak condition. Put off the appliance and remove the plugs from the socket and clean inside-out. Be mindful of the surface of the appliance, that should give you an idea what material to use to clean it.
Clean the rubber gaskets that seal the doors of your appliances too – on a regular basis, in order to retain lifespan and efficiency. Warm, soapy water and a sponge will get the work done perfectly.
Finally, clean out filters too…for appliances that use filters: washers, dryers, dishwashers, etc. This will help put less stress on those parts of the appliance that use filters, and make them last longer.
7. Proper ventilation. Large appliances generate a lot of heat while they are in use, and therefore need enough room to dispel the heat. They also need a lot of air, so make sure that your appliances aren’t crowded together and there’s enough air where they’re kept. Also ensure there’s some space between your large appliances and the wall.
8. Keep doors closed. Opening the doors of your large appliances while in use will gradually reduce their lifespan and efficiency.
Keeping the doors of your refrigerator open can overheat the compressor and burn it in the long run. Opening your oven door releases about 25 degrees’ heat and might overwork the oven while trying to heat up again.
Conclusion
Other than making your large appliances last longer, the above maintenance tips will also help you avert the various significant risks posed by large appliances when not properly maintained. And trust me; fire is only one of these.
What other maintenance tips do you have to make large appliances last longer? Kindly share in the comments.