Your refrigerator is the biggest energy consumer in your home. Older fridges generally use more electricity than new models. When a fridge starts to break down, it will use more energy as it tries to maintain a consistently cold temperature. Basically, a broken fridge will work harder than it should have to. You may think you are saving money by keeping your old refrigerator instead of buying a new one, but the opposite may be true. Here is how you may be paying monthly for a broken fridge.

The Struggle to Stay Cold

The sole purpose of a refrigerator is to keep your food cold. There are a lot of components in the appliance to make this happen. A condenser, evaporator, fans, timers, and thermostats all work together to keep your fridge at the temperature you set. All these components use electricity. In addition, your fridge is heavily insulated to keep the cold air inside the appliance. It uses door gaskets to do this. If any of these components are beginning to break down or fail, they will use even more energy to keep up. Sometimes the working components will work twice as hard to make up for the work not being done by the failing component. This can add quite a bit onto your monthly energy bills.

A Faulty Thermostat

Whatever temperature you set your fridge to is controlled by its thermostat. It operates as an open switch that closes when the temperature gets too high. This causes the cooler air to be forced through fans to the freezer. It is possible for your thermostat to fail and get stuck in the closed position. This can eat up quite a bit of energy until it is replaced.

If you suspect your refrigerator has become an energy sucker, it may be time to replace it entirely. The experts at Express Appliance Repair can assess your current fridge and let you know if it is fixable, or time to upgrade. Give us a call today!

If you have spent your entire life with just one oven in your kitchen, it may seem like the only way. Any more would just be overkill, right? Not quite. In fact, you may be missing out on a world of culinary possibilities. Read on to learn about the benefits of owning two separate ovens.

Make the Home Cook’s Life SO Much Easier

The assumption is that multiple ovens are only necessary if you entertain often. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, if you are a social butterfly and find yourself constantly hosting dinner parties, then owning two separate ovens does indeed make preparing for guests a whole lot easier. However, even if you are just used to cooking for you and your partner or your family, two ovens completely changes the game. Take a good old American classic, for example, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. Those root veggies roast best at a high temp like 425. However, meatloaf would burn in an oven that hot. Instead of having to time things out and cook them separately, imagine roasting the veggies in one oven, while you are cooking the meatloaf and boiling the potatoes in the other. So much easier! It cuts cooking time in half as well.

Increase the Sellability of Your Home

Two ovens equal a fancier kitchen. It is just a fact. Even though a second oven is not a significant investment financially, it could increase the sellability of your home if you ever decide to sell. Besides the monetary benefit, it is just a big upgrade that turns your kitchen from ok to amazing. There are so many models and styles of ovens to choose from, you are sure to find something that works perfectly for your kitchen.

Own two separate ovens or are thinking about adding another one? Express Appliance is here for all your oven and home appliance needs. Give us a call today!

Our dishwasher is a lifesaver. What would we do without them? If you are like the average American who owns a dishwasher, you probably use it often. But do you use the same setting every time? Maybe you are not even aware of what the other settings do. Because if the tried and true “Normal” setting works every time, why try the others? Well, the truth is, you may be wasting perfectly good washing power. Your dishwasher has those other settings for a reason. Let us explore them a bit more.

Quick Clean

Most dishwasher owners probably shy away from this setting because a thorough clean is always best, right? Well let’s say you had a small gathering where only drinks were served, do you really need to wash a load of mainly glasses and mugs for an entire normal cycle? Probably not. The “Quick Clean”, or “1 Hour” on some models, is designed to sanitize dishes that are lightly soiled. This feature is great after a night of drinks and appetizers, but not so great after a Sunday dinner.

Heavy Duty

The “Heavy” cycle lives up to its name and is meant for dishes that are heavily soiled. Think cheesy casserole dishes or spaghetti sauce covered plates. This is the setting to use if you have a mix of plates and cookware to wash. It uses high temps and extra wash cycle times to get all those little bits of food and gunk off your dishes.

Air Dry

This setting is perfect for those looking to conserve energy but still want to utilize their dishwasher. Instead of using high heat to dry your dishes after a wash cycle, it just finishes. We recommend cracking the door open to speed up the drying process. Also, keep in mind that plastics do not dry as well with this method – so you may have to towel dry those dishes yourself.

Is something wrong with your dishwasher settings? Then give Express Appliance Repair a call today!

Repairs are sometimes necessary, no matter how well you take care of your appliances. It is best to know what clues to look for, so you can call before a little issue becomes a big problem. Here are some signs that it is time to call a pro to repair your appliance.

Your Energy Costs Have Gone Way Up

Sometimes there are no funny noises or big obvious signs that something is wrong with a major appliance. That is why it is essential to keep an eye on your energy bills. If suddenly, your water bill jumps up significantly, a water-using appliance could be the culprit. Or if your electrical bill doubles, your refrigerator could be working overtime to make up for a malfunction. If you notice an unexplainable jump in your energy costs, call an appliance repair pro.

A Burning Smell or Smoke

As soon as you smell something burning or see smoke coming from an appliance, turn it off and unplug it immediately. Do not attempt to fix the appliance yourself. Burning usually points to an electrical problem, so it is best to leave this major repair to a professional.

Funny Noises

Noises are usually the first sign of trouble when it comes to appliances. Every single household appliance can make strange noises if it is malfunctioning. Sometimes those noises can give you clues about the problem. For example, if your dishwasher is making a loud humming noise, it could be an issue with the motor. Or if your dryer is making a clunking noise, it could be a broken belt. Whatever the noise may be, it is time to call the repair pros.

Excess Moisture

Moisture around the appliance or the wall nearby the machine is a major sign of trouble. This could signal a leak or an issue with the humidity settings. Excess moisture can lead to mold or mildew, so do not ignore it.

For all these signs of problems, and any others, Express Appliance Repair has got you covered! Give us a call for all your appliance needs.

What is a sweater dryer cabinet? Well, it is a cool new feature on some new dryers. Let us look at what this unique dryer feature is capable of.

What is a dryer cabinet?

A dryer cabinet, like the one featured on The Neptune Drying Center, combines a dryer with a new feature on top. This top drying cabinet gently dries, prevents shrinking, reduces wrinkles, eliminates clutter, and saves you lots of time and energy. You can use the dryer under the cabinet as normal but have the option for much more specific features.

How does a dryer cabinet work?

The concept of a dryer cabinet is a lot like the old school method of hanging your clothes outside to dry. You hang your garments in a compartment where they are gently dried to avoid wrinkles and shrinkage. The cabinet uses fans and heating elements that use a very small amount of energy, so your clothes are dried gently while saving on utility costs. A humidity sensor alerts the system when the garments are dry, and the heating element is switched off.

What garments should be dried with a dryer cabinet?

The friction from a tumble dryer can be rough on some fabrics. A dryer cabinet works well with delicate fabrics and special garments like suits and gowns. They also work amazing on sweaters that you normally must lay flat to dry to avoid shrinkage. Anything you would normally take to a dry cleaner can be dried in a dryer cabinet.

Does a dryer cabinet take up a lot of space?

If you plan on purchasing a dryer with an included dryer cabinet, you will need some overhead space. A combined dryer and dryer cabinet unit takes up about 7-8 feet of vertical space. If you have room, a standard washer can still be installed next to it.

Have a dryer cabinet? Express Appliance Repair can repair that too, as well as all your other home appliances. Give us a call today!

Here are some appliance maintenance tasks the average person thinks they can handle but unfortunately, they are usually mistaken.

Clouded Glass Oven Door

How can you possibly get that oven door clean if you must clean in between the glass panels? It is a lot more difficult than you think. The proper way to accomplish this task involves carefully removing the door from the oven and placing it on a surface that will not damage it. Then, screws connecting the door and panel need to be removed so the door can be taken apart. Finally, the glass can be very delicately cleaned but all those parts need to go back together in perfect order again after everything is complete. One misstep can cause you to have a cleaner glass oven door, but a nonfunctional oven.

Dryer Lint Buildup

Dryer lint buildup not only could hinder the performance of your dryer, but it could also be a fire hazard. Built-up dryer lint causes over 15,000 fires every year. To prevent any problems caused by lint, it is a good idea to know how to clean your dryer’s lint drawer yourself. However, anything further than this step is more complicated than one would think. Besides checking the lint drawer before and after a load, you will also need to check your outdoor dryer exhaust frequently for buildups. Depending on the location of this exhaust you may need a ladder to reach it. During this process, many individuals forget to shut off the gas and detach the hook up prior to diving into the project of deep cleaning the dryer lint and exhaust system. This can cause many dangerous issues.

Do not try to accomplish appliance maintenance tasks that may seem easy prior to contacting a professional. If you need some guidance or would like some help with maintenance tasks, then give us a call!

Refrigerators have come quite a long way in the last few decades. There are so many new features that make fridges more convenient than ever. But some do require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Here is a look at some new fridge features that may need regular maintenance.

Special Side Doors

There are several new fridge models with specialty drawers and side shelving. These doors work with the help of seals and levers. Some of these can become loose or unhinged with regular use. To make sure your food stays as fresh as possible, check the sealing often. Sometimes sealing can be replaced easily. However, we always recommend hiring a professional for the job.

Different Temperatures

Some new fridge features include compartments with different temperature settings. To ensure the temperatures stay where you want them to, keep the coils clean. The refrigerator’s coils are in the back near the bottom. When neglected, coils can become coated with dust, dirt, and debris. Around twice a year, pull your fridge out from the wall and clean off the coils. This will ensure more accurate temperature settings.

Water Dispensers

Water dispensers are super convenient but can become clogged or dirty without regular maintenance. Make sure you are cleaning the components of your ice and water dispensers. Also, change the filters when required.

Do Not Overfill or Underfill

Refrigerators are designed to keep food at low temps when full. If you do not have much in your fridge, it can throw off the balance. Too much food can also make it harder to keep everything cold. If you do not have much to store, throw in a couple of jugs of water to help evenly distribute the temps. If you tend to be a food hoarder, make sure you are checking your stash at least once a week and throwing away old items.

Remember, Express Appliance Repair is here for all your fridge maintenance needs!

Cleaning the kitchen can be a bit tedious. There are so many nooks and crannies everywhere, and it is hard to clean every one of them. Appliances can be especially tricky to keep clean. We have compiled a list of tips for each appliance to make it a little easier. Here are some basic cleaning tips for your appliances.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

To deep clean your dishwasher, start with an empty machine. Pull out the racks and use a damp soapy cloth to clean it off. Use the same cloth to clean off the inside of the door. If your dishwasher model has a removable filter, it is usually located at the bottom. Twist it out and soak it in vinegar. Then, use a sponge to wipe off any stubborn particles. Lastly, run an empty cycle using vinegar in the soap dispenser area. You can also pour about ½ cup of vinegar in the bottom before running an extra cleaning cycle. While it is running, use your favorite cleaning spray to wipe down the outside.

How to Clean Your Stovetop

It is easiest if you clean your stovetop after every use. Otherwise, built up messes get reheated and dried again and again, making them nearly impossible to remove. For an easy deep clean, fill your sink with hot soapy water and place any removable burners and knobs inside to soak. Use a dust buster or vacuum attachment to suck up any crumbs or food particles. Using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, scrub the stovetop with a sponge to remove stains. Once everything is clean and dry, replace burners and knobs.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator

We should always give ourselves a few days to tackle the fridge. It makes it easier and less stressful if you go for one shelf at a time. Remove all items and the shelf itself if possible. While the shelf is removed, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the fridge and any crevices where the shelf connects. Wipe down the shelf with soap and water and replace when dry. Check all expiration dates of food items before placing them back on the shelf.

Remember, Express Appliance Repair is here for all your appliance needs!

Your dishwasher is probably the most convenient appliance in your kitchen. Nobody wants to wash a sink full of dishes! So you definitely want a reliable brand that you know is going to get the job done right and have a long lifespan. Here are some of the best dishwasher brands.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool is one of the most popular brands of kitchen appliances. The company has been around since 1911 and has built up a strong reputation over the last hundred years. Their dishwashers are known for their reliability, long life, and efficiency. They have high quality models with all the latest features and cycles for well under a $699 price point.

LG

LG dishwashers are a customer favorite. The brand is known for their 5-star reviews on online forums and is always a strong competitor with all the other name brands. Their models are known for having the latest technology, as well as a long life. The brand carries dishwashers at many different price points, so most customers can find one in their budget.

Samsung

Samsung may be somewhat new to the kitchen appliance game, but they are a strong contender. Samsung is known for their technology, and this counts for their appliances as well. If you are looking for a Smart Dishwasher, you cannot beat Samsung. On the other hand, Samsung also offers basic models at a much lower price point than other brands.

Bosch

Bosch is another reliable brand with many different dishwasher models on the market. They are known for their surprisingly quiet wash cycles and sleek designs. You can also find quality models as low as $450, making it great for families on a tight budget.

Whether you have one of these dishwasher brands or another, Express Appliance Repair can repair it! Give us a call for all your home appliance needs.

Do you have a smart home system? Or are you thinking of getting one soon? If so, you will be happy to know that you can connect your Google Home or Amazon Alexa to your appliances. This allows you to do all sorts of fun and convenient things. Let us take a look.

Smart Refrigerators

When you connect your fridge to your smart home system, you will be able to open a whole new world of cooking and food planning. Your smart fridge can send updates to your phone about products you are running low on, or products that are expiring soon. It can even send you recipe suggestions so fresh produce does not go bad! This can make planning for weekly meals and grocery shopping a whole lot easier. Smart refrigerators work on a barcode or RFID system. They collect the batch and manufacture details directly from the internet and update your system accordingly.

Smart Ovens

Once you hook up your smart oven to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa system, you will be able to control the appliance through an app on your phone. Your oven will use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology to connect to your smart system. You will be able to set automatic functions on your oven, or even connect it to your smart fridge. This way, your oven can prepare itself for a recipe your fridge suggests.

Smart Laundry Appliances

Perhaps the most convenient of the smart appliances are the smart washers and smart dryers. Once these are connected to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa system, life gets a lot easier. Your washer will alert you when a load is ready to be transferred to the dryer. Or you can program it to start at a later time, so you won’t have wet clothes sitting in the washer while you’re out of the house.

Remember, even if you have Smart appliances, they still occasionally need repairs. Keep Express Appliance Repair in mind for all your home appliance needs.