If you have a small living space, but still need to be able to do laundry in the comfort of your own home, a washer and dryer combo may be the perfect choice for you. A washer and dryer combo machine is designed to allow you to both wash and dry a load of clothes in the same machine. It’s perfect for small spaces can fit in most closets or even under the counter. So how do find the best washer dryer combo for you? Let’s take a look.

Make Sure A Combo Machine is What You Need

Having two separate machines for your washing and drying takes up more space and more energy, but it does have its advantages. With a separate washing machine and dryer, you’re able to do multiple loads at once, and singular dryers tend to dry much faster than combo machines. But if you have a small space or don’t do more than one or two loads of laundry a week, a combo machine may be perfect for you. A washer/dryer combo fits into very compact spaces, even under a table or counter or inside a closet. They can even be used in some RVs. 

Pick One with the Right Specifications

Make sure you measure your available space precisely. Most washer/dryer combos are made to fit 24″ or 27″ widths, but there are some variations. You should also be aware of the load capacity of your combo machine. Washer/dryer combos have a smaller capacity than separate machines, but these specifications do vary from model to model. Also be sure to choose one with the features that meet your needs, such as water temperature settings and moisture sensors.

Once you’ve chosen the right washer dryer combo machine for you, be sure to have it professionally installed and regularly serviced. Contact Express Appliance Service today if you have an existing washer/dryer combination machine that you think may need repair.

Gas and electric stoves both have their advantages. Besides the obvious difference of heat source, there are also several other things that set them apart. Here’s a closer look at gas vs. electric stoves to help you decide which is correct for your family.

Advantages of Gas

Any chef will tell you that they would choose a gas stove over an electric 100% of the time. As soon as you turn on a burner on a gas stovetop, you get an instant flame. You can easily tell visually how high or low the heat is and there is no waiting for a coil to heat up or cool down, making cooking times much more controllable. Natural gas tends to be less expensive than electricity, so it is also the more cost-effective choice.

Disadvantages of Gas

Although gas stoves cost less to use, the initial cost of the appliance will be considerably higher than an electric. If you don’t already have a gas hookup running through your kitchen, you will have to factor that cost in as well. You also want to consider safety in your choice, since a gas stovetop could be a hazard if a burner is left on accidentally. Natural gas has a sulfur-like smell to alert you to any leaks before it becomes a hazard.

Advantages of Electric

You may not have an open flame with an electric stove, but what you do have is a sleek glass stovetop that is easy to clean and free of clunky metal burners. Most models have lights to alert you when a burner is still hot and are generally less expensive than gas stoves and easier to install.

Disadvantages of Electric

Electric burners take longer to heat up and cool down, making cooking a little trickier, especially to the new or inexperienced cook. Although the glass top is easy to clean of spills, it can stain easily.

If you have any questions about the repair of gas or electric stoves, call Express Appliance Service.

The freezer portion of your refrigerator is an essential part of your kitchen. Ice cream, popsicles, leftovers, meats and vegetables; it helps keeps the essentials for your family ready to go. A problem with your freezer can lead to a problem with your refrigerator. The first sign of an issue is an ice build-up around the edges of your freezer or near your icemaker. If you notice ice or frost build up in the freezer portion of your fridge, contact Express Appliance Service right away. Here’s why you shouldn’t delay:

Clogged Vents

An ice buildup in your freezer usually occurs on or around the vents. Clogged vents cause air circulation problems which could cause the fridge not to cool properly, leading to spoiled food. Clearing off the buildup will help things temporarily, but without fixing the cause, it will build up again. Contact a repair company right away.

Possible Causes

Ice buildup in your freezer is caused when humid air from the outside of the refrigerator blends with cold, dry air inside the freezer. This can happen when the fridge door is left open by mistake or because of an unsealed gasket. If you can’t find the cause of the buildup, don’t try to open up compartments of your fridge yourself, call a professional repair company instead.

Without Repair

There are ways to temporarily solve the problem of freezer ice buildup. Unplugging your refrigerator and emptying it completely will allow the freezer to defrost. After about 8 hours, you can wipe the freezer dry and plug it back in. Chances are the ice will build back up again, so be sure to Express Appliance Service before that happens. 

Ice buildup is a sign of a problem with your refrigerator that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Ignoring a build-up can lead to permanent problems, spoiled food and costly repairs. Call Express Appliance Service right away.

A refrigerator is an essential part of every kitchen. Fridges come in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles and their main purpose is to preserve our perishable foods. Have you ever wondered what the most popular refrigerator styles are? Let’s take a look.

Top Freezer 

This traditional design first introduced in the 1940’s is still the most popular fridge model. Most inexpensive models feature this design, making it affordable and classic. Dairy and perishable products are kept in the lower portion while freezer items are kept above, with both sections having a separate door. This design does not typically contain an ice or water dispenser, which gave some other designs a chance to catch up to its popularity.

Side by Side

The side by side refrigerator model usually features a freezer portion on the left and a fridge portion on the right which is slightly wider. The benefit to the side by side design is having both frozen and refrigerated foods on the same level as opposed to a top to bottom design. The double doors, which open to opposite sides, give it more clearance room making it perfect for smaller kitchens or for a fridge placed behind an island. Side by sides are slightly more expensive than the top freezer model but almost equally as popular.

French Door

The French door style fridge is a more modern design that has gained rapid popularity over the last decade. It features a refrigerated section on top with two side swinging door and a pull-out freezer portion on the bottom with several different compartments. Most of the newer state of the art designer refrigerators feature this design. The wide shelves of the refrigerator portion make it perfect for storing large platters or pots while the freezer portion has convenient pull out drawers.

Express Appliance Service has experience repairing all kinds of refrigerator models, so no matter which style you have in your home, we’ll be able to have it working in no time.

When you think of washing machines, there tends to be certain brand names that come to mind. These companies have fought hard and long to make their brands household names and have produced quality appliances to back their reputation. Let’s take a look at some of the leading washing machine brands in the US and why they have staying power.

LG

According to Consumer Reports, LG washing machines are rated by consumers as the most reliable. It was the only brand to get an “Excellent” rating for its top loading model, specifically pertaining to reliability. LG makes a variety of different washing machine models in a variety of sizes, models and price points, all of which are highly rated.

GE

GE is one of the most well-known appliance brands in America. They make several different washing machine models, all of which rate highly on Consumer Reports for dependability, reliability and overall lifespan.

Maytag

Maytag has been a household name for over a hundred years. They make just about every appliance you can think of but are most well known for their larger household appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators. Maytag washing machines rate high among consumers and the brand also produces many inexpensive models, making them a top choice for homeowners on a budget.

Whirlpool

Washing machines made by Whirlpool are made to last. According to Consumer Reports, Whirlpool washers last the longest compared to other brands and have high ratings for reliability. Like the previous brands listed, Whirlpool makes washing machines in a wide variety of models and price points, including modern designs and stackable combination washer/dryers.

No matter which brand of washer you have in your home, be sure to take care of it with regular service appointments. Express Appliance Service is equipped to repair any of the brands listed above as well as any other you may have. Call with any questions or to make an appointment today.

Everyone’s least favorite chore is washing the dishes, especially after a big gathering or holiday dinner. We all know dishwashers save time, but are they more efficient than handwashing? Let’s take a closer look.

Water Usage

One of the biggest myths about dishwashers is that they use more water than washing a sink full of dishes, when in reality, the opposite is true. According to Reviewed.com, when you handwash a sink full of dishes, you’re using about 3.5 times the amount of water the dishwasher uses in one load. A load, by the way, is usually twice the amount of a full sink of dishes. This is not including the amount of energy it takes to heat the water, or the amount of time you’re wasting washing those dishes, which don’t always get as clean as they do in the dishwasher.

Energy Usage

Modern dishwashers are designed to use a small amount of energy to do a lot of work. Studies have shown that running a load of dishes through the dishwasher uses about half the energy it would to handwash the same amount. Every time you turn your faucet off during handwashing, which you would presumably do to save water, it requires energy to heat it back up. A dishwasher is designed to have a very hot stream of water filtered through the machine quickly; it is not constantly using a fresh stream of water.

Soap Usage

Speaking of efficiency, what about the soap you use to handwash a sink full of dishes? An extra greasy pot or casserole dish could easily use several pumps of dish soap. A dishwasher is designed to work with a small amount of detergent, no matter the amount of grease on the dishes, whereas with handwashing you might need more.

If you are concerned with the efficiency of your dish washing experience, a dishwasher is a wise choice. For questions about dishwasher or repairs, contact Express Appliance Service.

Your refrigerator is the hub of your kitchen. It’s where everyone hovers at meal times, and it contains all the things that fuel your family. When it’s not working properly, it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Throwing out food that has spoiled due to a broken refrigerator is a huge waste of money, so it’s best to call a repair company at the first signs of malfunction. Here are some signs that will help you know if you need a refrigerator repair.

Food Not Cold Enough

If you notice your beverages aren’t very cold when you open them, or fruit is spoiling faster than usual, your refrigerator may not be cooling efficiently anymore. Turning up the cooling setting dial might help temporarily, but you will end up using more energy and put more stress on an already weak appliance. It’s best to call a repair company at the first sign of a cooling problem.

Frost Buildup

If you notice ice or frost build up in your refrigerator, or the freezer portion of your refrigerator, this indicates a problem with the evaporator coils. Make sure you have it checked by a professional repair technician as soon as possible.

Loud Noises

If your fridge is making loud whirring or buzzing noises, or just sounds like it is working harder than usual, this is a sign of a problem. There could be a number of different things causing your refrigerator to be making unusual noises, so you should call Express Appliance Service right away to have them help diagnose the issue.

Addressing a problem with your refrigerator right away instead of putting it off can save you a lot of money in the long run. Most minor problems are easy and inexpensive to fix but putting off a refrigerator repair can lead to more costly issues down the road. Call Express Appliance Service at the first signs of any issues with your refrigerator.

Your oven is a valuable appliance in your kitchen, one that you may not truly appreciate until it stops working correctly. There’s nothing more frustrating than putting in a turkey or roast in the oven for dinner and realizing it’s not cooking. That’s why it’s always best to have your oven checked by a professional repair company at the first signs of a problem. Here are some common signs that you need an oven repair.

Taking Longer Than Usual to Heat Up

If you usually wait 10 minutes for your oven to preheat but it’s been taking progressively longer and longer to reach the desired temperature, chances are there is a problem. Call Express Appliance Service right away.

Strange Smell

If there is an unusual odor coming from your oven when you turn it on, like a gas-like smell or burning rubber, turn it off immediately and call a repair company. Smells coming from your oven could indicate warped wiring or leaking gas lines which is extremely dangerous and could lead to fires.

Food Not Cooking Evenly

If part of your food ends up burnt or not cooked through, this is a sign that your oven’s heating element is not working sufficiently. Call Express Appliance Service right away.

Strange Noises

If your oven is making whirring or buzzing noises when you turn it on or at any point during cooking times, it could be a sign of a failing heating element or warped wiring. Call a repair service right away.

Not Turning On

If your oven is showing no signs of working at all and you’ve already checked the obvious things like power cords, it could be a sign of a broken wire or a weak current. You should never try to fix electrical problems on your own, so call Express Appliance Service right away.

If you notice any of these signs, you most likely need an oven repair. Call Express Appliance Service right away.

Washing your clothes is a weekly chore, or much more often than that if you have small children or a large family, and the kind of laundry detergent you use makes a big difference. Bargain detergent may be tempting, but it may end up costing you more money in the long run due to having to use more or having to throw away stained clothing. Let’s take a look at some different kinds of laundry detergent and the benefits of each.

Free from Dyes and Perfumes

If you or a family member have sensitive skin, you’re probably using a “free” detergent. Soaps that are free from colored dyes and fragrances work just as well as other kinds, but they have fewer synthetic ingredients. Many major laundry brands like Tide and All make “free” versions of their best-selling soaps, so experiment with different brands until you find one that works for you.

Natural

People are becoming more aware of products that are better for the environment, so natural soaps and detergents have become very popular in the last decade. Natural brands can be very expensive, so it may not be within your family’s budget to use them. More common brands are coming out with natural versions of detergents that focus more on sustainable ingredients instead of chemicals that are more cost-efficient than strictly natural brands.

Pods

Detergent pods are a convenient way to do laundry. They also are very cost effective since they are pre-portioned, meaning there’s no risk of measuring out too much soap for a load. Be sure to keep your laundry pods (and any detergents) in a child-proof area since they are colorful and appealing to small kids.

Your choice in laundry detergent is mainly about personal preference. We recommend experimenting with different types until you find one that works for your family. If you have any questions about which laundry detergent to use with your washer, call Express Appliance Service.

We tend to take our washing machines for granted. We load them up week after week, day after day, full of dirty clothes expecting them to come out squeaky clean. We don’t realize how important they are until they are suddenly not working properly. All washing machines have issues eventually, ranging from simple fixes to complicated repairs. Let’s take a look at some common washing machine issues you may be experiencing.

Won’t Turn On

Nothing is more frustrating than hauling a load of dirty clothes to the washer only to have nothing happen when you turn the dial. There could be a very simple solution to this problem such as a loose power cord or a blown circuit. Once you’ve checked the obvious and it still won’t turn on, you might have one of several possible issues. An overheated motor can cause the machine to shut down or a broken lid switch could be preventing it from turning on. If you can’t find an easy fix for this issue, call a repair company right away to have your machine looked at.

Not Draining Properly

If your washing machine is full of water at the end of a washing cycle or water is on the floor by the machine, you have a draining issue. This could be as simple as a clog or a bad pump, but an appliance repair professional should be called if you can’t find the source of the problem.

Won’t Spin

The spinning or agitating feature on your washer is how it cleans your clothes, so when this isn’t working properly, your clothes aren’t getting clean. First, check to make sure you haven’t accidentally set the washer to a “soak” cycle and make sure the clothes are evenly distributed in the basket. If this didn’t fix the problem, it could be a more pressing issue like a broken belt or an issue with the motor.

If you’re experiencing any of these common issues with your washing machine, call Express Appliance Service right away.