A Guide to Using Your Dryer Efficiently

Your dryer is a staple in your house that offers the convenience of fast and efficient clothes drying, especially during those rainy or winter months. Because of this, it’s essential to understand some key factors that will help you get the most out of your machine, both in terms of performance and energy efficiency.

 

Proper Loading

While it might be tempting to stuff your dryer to save time, overloading can reduce efficiency. Clothes need space to tumble freely. An optimally sized load allows garments to dry faster and reduces wrinkles. Not only does an overloaded dryer run less efficiently, but it could lead to mechanical break downs.

Clean the Lint Filter

Cleaning the lint filter in your dryer is a small task that goes a long way for efficiency. A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow, causing the dryer to use more energy and potentially becoming a fire hazard. Be sure to clean the filter after every single cycle.

Use Sensor-Based Cycles

Most dryers made in the last ten years come with moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry, stopping the cycle automatically. This not only conserves energy but also prevents over-drying, which can damage fabrics. Some dryers have an option to turn this censor off, so make sure yours is set to ON.

Choose the Right Cycle

Not every garment requires the same heat level. Use lower heat settings for delicate items and higher heat for thicker materials. This ensures clothes are not exposed to unnecessary heat, which can help them last longer. Using an unnecessarily hotter cycle will waste energy.

 

Remember, regular maintenance can also help your dryer run more efficiently. If your dryer starts to show signs of breaking down, strange noises, or any other issues, call Express Appliance Services right away. We’re here to make sure every appliance in your home is running smoothly and efficiently. Call today!

How to Get Spotless Dishes Every Time

Dishwashers have transformed our kitchens, promising gleaming dishes with minimal effort. But sometimes, the dishes aren’t as shiny as you had hoped. Here are some insights into getting those spotless results every time.

 

The Right Detergent Matters

Not all dishwashing detergents are created equally. To maintain the longevity of your machine and ensure clean dishes, it’s crucial to invest in a high-quality detergent. Modern formulations now cater to hard water, ensuring that limescale and water spots become a thing of the past.

Load with Care

Properly arranging your utensils can significantly impact their cleanliness outcome therefore it is best not to overcrowd your utensil holder. As a rule, you should always face the dirtiest side of your dishes towards the water jets. For example, angle pots and pans downwards so the spray hits them directly.

Regular Maintenance

Like any appliance, your dishwasher needs regular care. Once a month, remove any trapped food from the filter, check the spinning arms for clogs, and run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner. This will not only enhance performance but also extend the life of your machine. If there’s ever an issue, don’t try to repair it yourself. It’s always best to leave appliance repairs to the professionals.

Rinse Before Loading

While modern dishwashers are powerful, rinsing off significant food particles can make a difference. This prevents the filter from clogging, ensuring optimal water flow and better cleaning results. It doesn’t have to be much, just a quick rinse!

Understand the Cycles

Dishwashers come with several different cycle options, from eco to intensive. Familiarize yourself with what each cycle does. Sometimes, a longer, more thorough cycle is more energy-efficient than a quick wash that doesn’t get dishes completely clean, requiring a second run.

 

Following these tips can help you achieve spotless dishes every time. But, if you ever face issues with your appliance, it might be time to call in the experts. Call Express Appliance Services for all your dishwasher and appliance needs.

The Importance of Seasonal Appliance Check-ups

Just like you adjust your lifestyle with the changing seasons, your home appliances also require some tweaking and checking. Whether it’s the soaring temperatures of summer or the chilling embrace of winter, seasonal variations can affect the efficiency and longevity of your appliances. Regular check-ups can prevent sudden breakdowns, save energy, and enhance the lifespan of these essential household tools. Here are some quick tips!

 

Refrigerator

Summer’s intense heat can strain refrigerators and air conditioning units. When these appliances work overtime to maintain desired temperatures, they can consume more electricity and wear out faster. A simple seasonal check-up is to ensure the area around and under the fridge is clean and nothing is leaking out of it. If you notice any leaks, it’s important to contact a professional right away.

Oven/Stove

Your oven/stove is a great asset for any household. To reduce the likelihood of a breakdown, make sure to perform routine maintenance at least once per season. For instance, you may not use one of the burners as often as the rest so you should test it. Furthermore, inspect for any damage you may not have noticed – especially on the door’s glass and seal.

Washer and Dryer

When’s the last time your dryer vent had all of the lint properly removed? How about the last time you cleaned your washing machine? The change of the seasons is a great reminder to keep up with these appliance maintenance tasks!

 

Every household appliance, large or small, plays a pivotal role in ensuring our comfort. Regular seasonal check-ups are a proactive approach to maintaining this comfort without disruptions. Ready to give your appliances the attention they deserve? Contact Express Appliance Service for all your appliance repair needs and let our experts ensure they are in top shape, no matter the season.

Oven Tips and Tricks for Even Cooking and Longevity

The oven, often considered the heart of a kitchen, plays an essential role in cooking family meals. Ensuring it operates efficiently and lasts long is extremely important. So, how can you improve your oven’s performance and increase its lifespan? Let’s dive into oven tips and tricks.

 

Achieving Even Cooking

One common grievance among bakers and chefs is uneven cooking. Whether it’s a roast that’s charred on one side or cookies that brown too fast, uneven cooking can be a real bummer. To prevent this:

  • Rotate your dishes: Halfway through the cooking time, turn your tray or dish 180 degrees.
  • Use the right bakeware: Light-colored metal pans or glass dishes help in evenly distributing heat.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Give your dishes space. Overlapping or crowding can lead to steam build-up and uneven cooking.

Maintenance is Key

A well-maintained oven not only ensures consistent cooking but also prolongs its lifespan. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your oven:

  • Regular cleaning: Avoid letting spills sit for too long. Using natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar can keep your oven sparkling without the harmful fumes of chemicals.
  • Door seal checks: Ensure the door seal is intact. A loose or damaged seal can let heat escape, affecting cooking and energy efficiency.
  • Test The Temp: An oven thermometer can help you check if your oven’s temperature matches the set temperature. If not, it might be time for calibration or repair.

 

With these tips, you can improve the likelihood of an even cooked meal and a long-lasting oven. For any oven issues or maintenance needs, contact Express Appliance Service. Our experts will ensure your oven and other appliances are functioning properly. Many repairs can be completed in the same day!

 

Eco-Friendly Appliance Practices: Saving Energy & Money in New Jersey Homes

Today, more homeowners in New Jersey are hopping on the green bandwagon, looking for ways to make their households eco-friendly. While solar panels and composting get a lot of attention, one aspect often overlooked is the role of our appliances. Implementing eco-friendly appliance practices can be a significant step towards a greener home, saving energy and money.

 

Energy-Efficient Choices: A Long-Term Investment

When shopping for new appliances, you should keep an eye out for the Energy Star label. These appliances may sometimes come with a higher upfront cost, but the long-term energy savings make them a worthy investment. On average, Energy Star-rated devices can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.

Maintenance Matters: The Green Connection

Regular appliance maintenance isn’t just about prolonging the life of your washer or dryer – it’s also about efficiency. Dusty refrigeration coils or a clogged dryer vent can lead to increased energy consumption. By scheduling routine checks with professionals, you ensure that your appliances run optimally. It’s a smart way to reduce waste!

Smart Usage: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Being smart about how and when you use your appliances can significantly impact energy consumption. For instance, waiting to use your washing machine or dishwasher until you have a full load will reduce the amount of times it is used. Also, if you upgrade an appliance but your current one still works well, reach out to friends and family to see if they can reuse it. If it’s time to retire an old appliance, consider recycling programs in New Jersey that can help dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.

 

Your path to an eco-friendly home doesn’t have to be challenging. With conscious choices, regular maintenance, and a bit of technology, you can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption.

How Long Should Fruit Last in The Refrigerator?

A well-stocked refrigerator can be a great convenience, especially when it’s filled with fresh, colorful fruits. However, a common concern for many homeowners is determining how long these fruits should last in the refrigerator. Here are some ways to help you maintain the freshness of your favorite fruits and prevent unnecessary waste.

 

Berries in the Fridge

Let’s start with berries. Due to their delicate nature, most berries, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – typically last about a week in the refrigerator. To extend their life, avoid washing them until you’re ready to eat them, as excess moisture can promote mold growth. Keeping berries in a glass jar with a lid can also help extend their fridge life.

Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are hardier and can last up to three weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to store them in a mesh bag or a loosely closed plastic bag to allow for air circulation.

Apples in the Fridge

Apples are known for their longevity. Stored in the refrigerator, they can keep fresh for up to a month. However, keep them away from other fruits. Apples release a gas called ethylene that can hasten ripening in other fruits.

Don’t Put Your Fresh Bananas in the Fridge

Bananas, on the other hand, prefer room temperature. Refrigerating them can lead to a blackened peel, though the fruit inside will stay fresh. However, once they’re ripe, you can put them in the fridge to slow down further ripening.

Keep an Eye on The Temperature

Remember that refrigerator temperatures can play a significant role in fruit preservation. The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your fruit spoiling faster than usual, it could indicate a problem with your refrigerator’s temperature control or cooling mechanism.

 

Regular maintenance and timely fridge repairs can ensure optimal temperatures and the longer-lasting freshness of your produce. If you suspect an issue with your fridge’s temperature, call Express Appliance Service today!

Why Isn’t the Top Rack of My Dishwasher Coming Out Clean?

Have you ever opened your dishwasher post-cycle to find that everything in the bottom rack is sparkly clean, but your top rack dishes are still dirty? This common dishwasher issue can be baffling and frustrating. Here are some of the most common reasons why this happens and how to address them.

 

The Proper Loading Technique

Firstly, check the placement of your dishes. If dishes on the lower rack are blocking the water spray, the top rack may not get cleaned properly. A rule of thumb: tall items should be placed in the back, while smaller items are better off upfront.

Is there a problem with your spray arm?

Another possibility is a blocked or malfunctioning spray arm. Over time, small food particles can clog the tiny holes in the spray arm, hampering the water flow. Regularly inspect and clean the spray arm to ensure it’s not blocked. To clean the tiny holes on the spray arm, use the bristles of an old toothbrush to brush them out.

How is your water pump?

Sometimes, it’s not about the dishes or the spray arm; the issue might lie with your dishwasher’s water pump. The pump is responsible for supplying the right amount of water pressure. If it’s malfunctioning, the water might not reach the top rack effectively. If you suspect there may be an issue with your water pump, call a professional appliance repair company.

What detergent are you using?

Last but not least, check your dishwasher detergent. Some detergents might not dissolve properly, especially in cold water, leading to ineffective cleaning. Run your hot water tap for a few minutes before starting the dishwasher, ensuring the water entering the machine is hot right away.

 

It’s important to remember that while some issues can be fixed at home, some might require professional help. Repeated problems with top rack cleaning could indicate a more significant issue that needs expert attention. If your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they should, call Express Appliance Service today!

Tips and Tricks for Your Laundry Appliances

Doing laundry might seem like a mundane task, but there are some tips and tricks that may make the chore feel less like one! Some of these can potentially extend the life of your washer and dryer as well. Let’s explore some valuable insights to enhance your laundry routine.

 

First Rule of Laundry – Don’t Overload!

Let’s start with the basics – overloading your washer. It’s a common mistake that can lead to undue wear and tear. Always leave about 25% of the drum empty to protect your appliance and ensure efficient cleaning. It might mean an extra load now and then, but it’s a small trade-off for extending the lifespan of your washing machine.

What’s the right temperature for your washer?

Next, we should talk about temperature. Did you know that 90% of a washing machine’s energy goes towards heating water? To save on energy and protect the lifespan of your appliances, consider washing your clothes on a cold or “cool” setting. Most modern detergents work just as effectively in cold water.

How to Optimize Your Dryer Use

Using your dryer efficiently is key to reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of your appliance. Here are some tips on how to do this:

  • Always sort your clothes before drying – similar fabric types dry at the same rate.
  • Avoid overloading the dryer, as this can restrict the airflow and cause the machine to use more energy.
  • Use the high-speed or extended spin cycle in the washer; this reduces the amount of moisture the dryer has to remove.
  • Make full use of your dryer’s moisture sensor if it has one, as this will automatically turn off the machine when your clothes are dry, saving energy and reducing wear and tear on your clothes.
  • Regularly clean the lint filter and the dryer vent to improve air circulation and efficiency.
  • Consider air-drying heavier items like towels and blankets, as they tend to consume more energy.

 

At Express Appliance Service, we understand the value of laundry appliances. If you’re facing any issues with your washer or dryer, give us a call today!

What to Do If Your Ice Maker Stops Working

There’s nothing like a chilled beverage on a hot day, or any day really. And the hero behind this simple pleasure is often the ice maker in your refrigerator. But what happens when the ice maker suddenly stops working? Before you start investigating with a toolbox in hand, let’s explore the safest and most efficient way to tackle this problem.

 

How do ice makers work?

Ice makers are complex devices. If yours has stopped producing ice, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Often a malfunctioning water inlet valve, a blocked fill tube, a faulty thermostat, or even a disrupted water line is the source of the issue. Rolling up your sleeves and attempting a DIY repair might be tempting. After all, the internet is full of guides and video tutorials. But tread with caution. Ice maker repair requires specialized knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair the issue. A misstep could lead to more severe damage or even void your warranty, leading to costly repairs or an entirely new fridge.

Calling in the Pros to Fix Your Ice Maker

It’s always a good idea to call a professional repair company like Express Appliance Service when your ice maker stops working. Our expert technicians have the training, tools, and experience to diagnose and fix most ice maker issues. We can ensure that the repair is done safely and correctly – saving you the hassles, risks, and potentially higher costs of DIY repairs. We’ll get your ice maker working again in no time.

 

Remember, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals when it comes to appliance repairs. Don’t let a faulty ice maker put a damper on your day. Call Express Appliance Service for help with the ice maker on your fridge!

To Self-Clean or Not to Self-Clean: Making Sense of Your Washer’s Self-Clean Function

We live in a world where technology is designed to make life easier. One of these innovations is the self-cleaning feature on many modern washing machines. But is it a magic solution to complete a chore most of us would rather avoid, or is it too good to be true? Let’s take a closer look.

 

What is the self-clean feature?

The self-cleaning cycle on your washing machine promises to make maintaining your appliance a breeze. It’s designed to flush out detergent residue, dirt, and any lingering odors by running a wash cycle without clothes. Some models even have special drum-cleaning detergents or use higher temperatures for a more thorough clean.  However, while this feature can seem convenient, it doesn’t mean your washing machine will take care of itself entirely.

How does the self-clean feature work?

Despite its name, the self-cleaning cycle doesn’t tackle details like cleaning the door seals, dispensers, or external surfaces. These areas are prone to collecting mold, mildew, and detergent buildup. In order to prevent this, manual cleaning and regular checks are needed. It also should be noted that continuous usage of the self-cleaning feature may lead to premature wear of certain components. This is due to the high temperatures and vigorous drum movements often used during these cycles.

So what’s the verdict?

The self-cleaning feature can be a great supplemental tool for appliance maintenance, but it shouldn’t replace manual, comprehensive cleaning. Regular washing machine maintenance ensures it stays in top working condition, keeps your clothes cleaner, and allows you to catch issues before they become costly repairs. If you notice any problems with your appliance – such as unusual noises, poor performance, or leaks – call a professional repair company right away.

 

Express Appliance Service is just a call away for all your washing machine woes. Our experienced technicians can tackle any issue, big or small, ensuring your appliance runs smoothly. Give us a call today!