How The Latest Appliances Are Helping The Environment

Did you know that the latest appliances are helping to save the environment? Many brands are embracing the green movement to help in the fight against climate change. Here’s how!

 

Designed With Features That Make Them Easy To Clean

Cleaning appliances by hand with chemicals tends to be less environmentally friendly than using the auto-clean features most appliances have today. When washing an appliance by hand, you tend to use more water and chemicals than necessary. The auto-clean features use only the adequate amount of water and little to no chemicals.

Energy Efficiency

Appliances seem to become more energy efficient every year! This is due to consumer demands for lower utility costs and a smaller carbon footprint. Keep an eye out for appliances awarded with the Energy Star certification. They are more energy-efficient than comparable conventional models and will use less power than earlier ones. This certification’s standards are additional motivating factors for brands to create more environmentally friendly models.

Conserve Water

The invention of appliances like washing machines and dishwashers immediately helped people conserve water. It takes much more water to wash clothes and dishes by hand than with an appliance. However, with the latest advancements in technology, even less water is used by these appliances every year. The less water that is used, the less it will affect your immediate environment.

 

If you’re considering the purchase of a new appliance or you’re not sure if you’re faulty appliance is negatively impacting the environment, then give us a call first! We can help to evaluate the issue with your appliance and provide an honest assessment. When we’re done with our evaluation, you’ll know for sure if a new appliance is the right choice for you. Call us today if you have any questions!

What Type of Fridge Should You Get?

Are you wondering what type of new fridge you should buy? Here is some information that can help you in your search!

 

The First Thing You Need to Consider is the Size of Your Kitchen

If you have a large family, then it’s likely that you will want a larger fridge. How big, though? That depends on how much food your family goes through each week. If you only have a small family, then a smaller fridge will suffice just fine! Keep this in mind when selecting a type of fridge.

Side by Side Refrigerator

A side-by-side refrigerator gets its name from one side being a fridge and the other being a freezer. Some of the latest models have glass doors, so you can see inside easily without opening them up. Side-by-side refrigerators are great for small spaces and kitchens that aren’t very large. However, they tend to be a bit more challenging to organize since the shelves are thin.

Traditional Refrigerator

A traditional fridge usually has a fridge door on the bottom and a freezer door on top. The refrigeration section is typically the lower two-thirds, and the freezer is the remaining upper portion.  Compared to side-by-side refrigerators, traditional refrigerators offer a substantial amount of additional storage space.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

The freezer is typically a drawer on the bottom two-thirds of this type of fridge. The refrigeration section is in the upper two-thirds. This layout makes it very easy to organize and provides a lot of space. In most cases, it can store more items easily than comparable sizes of other fridge types.

 

Keep these things in mind when you are shopping for a new fridge. If you are planning to buy a new fridge because the old one is broken, call Express Appliance Service first! We may be able to help you save money by repairing it.

Safety Tips To Teach Your Kids About Stoves and Ovens

You can help to reduce the likelihood of injuries caused by stoves or ovens by properly teaching your kids some safety tips. Here are a few really important ones!

 

Keep Your Child Away from Stoves and Ovens When They are On

You must make it clear to your child that it is not safe for them to approach the stove or oven when an adult uses them. If it helps, you can tell them that the kitchen is off-limits whenever you cook. This rule will probably help you finish cooking safer and faster!

No Playing or Running in The Kitchen At Any Time

In addition to the stove and oven, a kitchen poses many dangers to children. This is why it’s a good idea to set a rule that kids are not allowed to play or run through the kitchen. When a child gets into “play mode”, they may start to reach for things that aren’t their toys. This can include the knobs on a stove or the handle on the oven door. This can be very dangerous, and they should understand that as well.

Teach Your Child About Fire Safety

Many kid-friendly resources are available online to teach your child about fire safety. In fact, their favorite shows probably have episodes about the topic as well. However, you need to explain to them personally what to do in case of any fire. This includes what they should do and where they should go. Conducting fire drills like they do at school can be very helpful!

 

A simple reminder of the importance of being safe around a stove or oven can help to prevent any accidents. Make sure that you educate your children about these safety tips so everyone can stay safe.

4 Reasons Why Your Washing Machine is Not Working Properly

It’s not uncommon for your washing machine to stop working properly, but sometimes it can be quickly dealt with. In this blog, we will discuss four reasons why your washing machine may not be working and how to reduce the likelihood of it happening.

 

Wrong Machine Settings

This is the most common cause of your washing machine’s malfunction. You may have incorrectly set the temperature or spin speed for your load and fabric type. Since there are so many washing machine settings, mixing them up is very common! Double-check your settings before you start every cycle.

Broken Timer

A malfunctioning timer is one of the most common causes of a malfunctioning washing machine. The timer controls the spin and agitation speeds. When this component breaks, there is no method to control the rate at which the washer spins and agitates. As a result, your clothes will be subjected to excessive agitation and friction, which can damage them. Avoid overloading your washing machine to reduce the likelihood of breaking the timer.

Sensor Malfunction

Modern washing machines have several sensors that help them with the washing process. Pressure sensors tell how much water is in the tank, force sensors tell how much weight is in the tank, and proximity sensors tell if the door is open or closed. If any sensor isn’t working correctly, it can disrupt the entire process. This is another type of malfunction that can potentially be avoided by not overloading the machine.

Electrical Issues

Many people don’t realize how elaborate the electrical system is in a washing machine. This system has many parts – including wires, fuses, grids, microchips, and much more! Because so many parts make up this system, just one flaw in one part could cause many issues. Be sure to review the care and maintenance portion of your owner’s manual. There should be some helpful tips on how to reduce the likelihood of experiencing an electrical issue.

 

If your washing machine is still not operating correctly, don’t waste any more time. Call a professional technician at Express Appliance Service today!

Why Should I Repair My Dishwasher Instead of Just Getting A New One?

Are you tired of washing dishes by hand because your dishwasher isn’t working? If so, you are probably deciding between having it fixed or purchasing a new one. Before making a decision, you should consider a few factors. Here are some things to keep in mind.

 

Happy with Your Current Dishwasher or Not

If you enjoy the features of the dishwasher you have, then getting it repaired is something you should consider. Otherwise, you should consider purchasing a new dishwasher.

Warranty

If your dishwasher is still under a brand warranty, fixing it is probably your most economical option. This could be complicated depending on the wording and policies of the warranty provided by the dishwasher’s manufacturer. However, a repair is probably your best option if it is covered under a warranty.

Cost

Repairing a dishwasher can be less expensive than purchasing a replacement. New dishwashers can be pricey, so repair may be your best option if you can’t afford a brand-new one. Contact a professional to diagnose your issue and get a quote to repair it.

Life Expectancy

Most dishwashers are built for longevity. Manufacturers test them thoroughly because they know that some will need to handle multiple cycles daily. However, they do eventually break down. If you purchased a brand-new model that malfunctioned within the first few years, it’s probably best to pursue a repair. However, if it is an older model, it may be at the end of its life expectancy – and purchasing a new one may be the best option.

 

Unless your heart is set on a new machine, getting a professional diagnosis and quote to repair your dishwasher is probably worth your time. Contact Express Appliance Service today to start the process!

How To Get The Most Out of Your Appliances

How well-informed are you about your appliances? We’re not referring to how to use them; instead, we’re referring to how to maintain them. Most appliances don’t experience their full potential lifespan because of poor maintenance. However, with a bit of knowledge, you can optimize your appliance’s lifespan. Here are some pointers and tricks for maximizing the life of your appliances.

 

Keep It Clean

What one thing can resolve numerous future appliance issues? Simply keep it clean! Dirt and dust can build up over time and cause long-term damage. Most appliances should be cleaned regularly, depending on how frequently you use them. Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.

Keep It In A Location That Makes Sense

You should keep your appliances in a location that makes sense. Also, ensure it has an adequate amount of space around it. Each appliance requires a different amount of space so be sure to check your owner’s manual.

Keep An Eye On It

The majority of modern appliances include electronic controls that display information and error codes in the event of a malfunction. You should become familiar with their displays to recognize when something is wrong. For instance, if the display on your dishwasher begins blinking lights when it usually doesn’t, there might be a problem. If you’re unsure what the lights mean, consult your owner’s manual — or do some research online. Along with identifying a malfunctioning appliance, monitoring its display can help you determine how much energy it consumes and whether there is anything you can do to reduce that consumption.

Prepare A Maintenance Schedule

If this is a significant issue for you — for example, if you have an expensive dishwasher — consider hiring a professional maintenance company to inspect your appliances on a regular basis.

 

Take care of your appliances, and they will take care of you! Contact Express Appliance Service if you have any questions about your appliances.

Common Fridge Issues You Will Need Professional Help With

Even if there is a “how-to” article you found online, that doesn’t mean you should attempt to fix these issues on your own. Here are some common ones you’ll probably need professional help with.

 

Leaking Water

If your fridge is leaking water, it could be due to any of the following reasons:

  • The freezer drain tube is clogged
  • Your defrost drain may be blocked
  • The gasket seal on your refrigerator door may be damaged or dirty
  • You have a hole in your water line or tubing from a pinhole, crack, or other damage

Identifying the issue and repairing it on your own can be difficult. Contact a pro instead.

Running All The Time

If you notice your refrigerator running all the time, there could be several causes. However, the most likely cause is that it is having a hard time keeping itself at the selected temperature. Contact an expert to investigate this further.

Isn’t Cold Enough

Most likely, the issue has something to do with the coils. These coils are responsible for cooling down your refrigerator and keeping it at a consistent temperature. So if they aren’t working correctly, you’re going to end up with a fridge that’s just not cold enough. A experienced fridge repair specialist can help to inspect these coils and replace them if necessary.

The Fridge Is Cold, But The Freezer Has Stopped Working

The freezer should keep its temperature at or around 0°. If your fridge is maintaining it’s normal temperature, but the freezer isn’t, then something needs to be repaired. Contact a pro to help you diagnose it.

 

Express Appliance Service can help you solve your refrigerator issue. We know it can be tough worrying about food spoiling in a non-working fridge, so we will take care of the problem for you as quickly as possible. Please contact us with questions about your specific fridge issue.

Is Your Oven Causing You Trouble? Here Are A Few Common Reasons for Oven Failure

A broken oven can be extremely frustrating. It is a vital appliance in any kitchen and one you use often. There are some reasons that your oven might be failing. Identifying why your oven is giving you trouble will help you identify the issues and possibly prevent them from happening again.

 

Oven Thermostat Not Working Correctly

The thermostat regulates the temperature inside an oven. If it is not working correctly, the oven will heat too much or not enough. A faulty thermostat can also be the explanation for uneven cooking, failure to heat up at all, or taking a very long time to reach the selected temperature. If you notice your food is taking longer to cook or it isn’t cooking evenly, then it is time to contact a professional.

Oven Control Board Issues

An oven control board displays the current time and regulates the bake, broil, self-cleaning, and other features. It’s usually where the buttons are to turn the oven on and set the temperature. It is susceptible to short-circuits and other problems like any electrical component. However, a defective control board will usually cause more than one of the following issues:

  • The buttons to control the oven stop working correctly, but the stovetop still works fine
  • The oven turns on by itself
  • The oven doesn’t turn on at all
  • Some oven features aren’t working properly when they are selected

 

The inability to use an oven because it is not functioning properly can be very annoying. If you’ve had any of the problems listed above, you should probably contact an expert as soon as possible to prevent the issue from getting worse. Make sure to get in touch with Express Appliance Service today!

Five Simple Ways to Maintain Your Appliance

Have you ever wondered how to properly care for and extend the life of your appliances? You are not alone! Appliances can be costly to replace, so it is important to properly maintain them. By taking care of your appliance correctly, you can extend its life. The following are five tips for extending the life of your appliances:

 

Consult the Manual

While we frequently disregard the manual when setting up new appliances, these guides can provide critical information about how to care for your appliances properly. If you’ve misplaced your appliance’s manual, the majority of manufacturer websites will have downloadable PDFs available online.

Regularly Clean Your Appliances

The majority of appliances require routine cleaning and maintenance to perform optimally. For instance, after each use of your dryer, clean the lint trap and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth before reusing it. Additionally, you should vacuum beneath and behind your refrigerator every six months to ensure that dust does not accumulate around the coils in the back. Cleaning on a regular basis will assist in preventing future problems.

Test All Features

Before using a new appliance, take the time to test every feature you may eventually use. For example, if you’ve purchased a new washing machine, try to test out the different settings. This helps ensure that all parts are working correctly from the start. You should also do this every so often to ensure the features are all working as expected.

Do Not Overload Your Appliances

Whether it’s your dishwasher or dryer, overloading can lead to less-than-satisfactory results. This goes for all major appliances like your oven, washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, etc.

Allow Professionals to Handle It

Even if you take excellent care of your appliances, they will require a repair or replacement at some point. When it comes to repairs, leave it to the professionals.

 

With proper care and maintenance, your appliances will last longer, perform more efficiently, and ultimately save you money. While breakdowns are inevitable, you can prolong its lifespan with some timely repairs that are completed by Express Appliance!

Common Ways People Misuse Their Appliances

There are many ways appliance owners are misusing them without even knowing it. Here are some common errors.

 

Using The Oven’s Warming Drawer For Storage

You might see the warming drawer in your oven and think, “Oh, what a great place to store all my pots and pans.” But the warming drawer is not a storage space—it’s meant to be used for warming plates, keeping food warm while you finish cooking, or even proofing bread. Storing items in there, especially ones that aren’t heat resistant can cause damage to the items and the oven itself.

Using The Dishwasher With The Wrong Settings

For example, if you put something like plastic Tupperware in the dishwasher with heated dry, it could melt the plastic. This type of mistake can potentially damage the dishwasher itself. Another common mistake is overfilling it. If there’s too much stuff in there, water won’t be able to reach everything, and some things won’t come out clean. The best bet is only to run it when it’s adequately full but not over filled—there should be plenty of space for water to reach all the surfaces of your dishes.

Using The Wrong Temperature Settings on Crisper Drawers

Your refrigerator’s crisper drawers have separate temperature settings on them, which is great if you’re trying to keep certain foods fresh for as long as possible. Most people don’t know how to adjust the settings or what they should be set at. Ensure high humidity settings on leafy greens and low humidity for thick skins or peels like apples and carrots.

Over-Dry Clothes In Dryer

Over-dried clothes can come out of the dryer full of wrinkles and shrink. This is because the heat from the dryer draws out all of the moisture from the clothing fibers. When this happens, your clothing is also left stiff and very wrinkled. Some fabrics such as cotton and denim will be especially prone to developing wrinkles when over-dried in this way. To avoid this, make sure that lighter materials are always dried on lower heat settings while heavier fabrics can be dried on higher settings.

Improperly Using A Washing Machine

Here are some common ways people misuse their washing machines:

  • Doing too many loads at once
  • Using the wrong water temperature
  • Over-Filling It
  • Not cleaning it regularly
  • Leaving wet items in the machine for too long

 

Keep these precautions into mind when using your appliances at home. For any repair needs, give us a call!