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Dishwashers-
We get calls with various complaints of Dishwasher clean-ability such as cloudy glassware, spots and general poor cleaning. Most of these problems can be solved by using a high quality detergent, and the use of Rinse Aid is CRITICAL. Rinse Aid breaks the “surface tension” of the water, allowing for better drying and lessens “spotting” on your glasses and dishes.
Another good practice is to run the hot water at your sink before you start the Dishwasher. That way the first water that enters the Dishwasher is already hot so the unit does not have to work extra hard trying to heat the water up to the temperature that it needs to clean dishes.
Dryers-
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), over 14,000 Dryer fires are reported in the US each year. Most of these fires can be prevented by cleaning the venting and keeping it as short and straight as possible.
Computer- Controlled Appliances and Dirty Power-
In today’s modern appliances you will be hard pressed to find one without some kind of Computer in it. In fact many of these new appliances have more than one. Case in point- a modern front load washer many times uses a three-board system- a User Interface Board (UI), a Central Control Unit (CCU) and a Motor Control Unit (MCU). These control boards rely on clean power being delivered to them. But the fact is that the power being delivered to our homes is dirty- it contains spikes, lags and surges. All these can create havoc for these sensitive electronic control boards- they can’t communicate with each other, they burn up or the memory gets corrupted and they need to be replaced.
One inexpensive way to help combat this is to install a Surge Supressor on any appliance that has an electronic control board- refrigerators, washers, gas dryers, etc.
We carry Belkin single- unit surge suppressors on the truck if you would like to purchase one. If you would like to purchase your own you can find them at any Ace, True Value, Lowes, etc. They are inexpensive insurance.
How long do Appliances last?
How long do today’s modern Appliances last? One thing is for certain- that new washing machine or fancy refrigerator is NOT going to last 20-25 years like they used to. 15 years ago a consumer could buy a new washer for $500.00- $600.00. Today, you can still purchase washers for $500.00- $600.00. How do the manufacturers accomplish this? By using smaller motors, plastic parts instead of steel and thinner sheet metal to name a few.
I do not blame the manufacturers entirely- in my opinion the United States Environmental Protection Agency plays a major role. Their Energy Star mandates put a strain on the design of modern appliances- top load washers must use less water- typically around 7 inches- dishwashers must use less energy- now they have smaller motors and take twice as long to accomplish the same results as past models. Is this good for the environment? Probably. But now we have 5 year old appliances clogging up our landfills.
There are still good appliances on the market. Just spend a little bit more for a better model and I believe that the extended warranty is a wise purchase on appliances.
Here is the average life expectancy of appliances-
Refrigerator- 13 years
Washer- 10 years
Dryer- Electric and Gas- 13 years
Dishwasher- 9 years
Electric Range- 13 years
Gas Range- 15 years
Microwave- 9 years
Freezers- 11 years
Garbage Disposal- 12 years