With care, appliances get shot at longer life.
That ancient hand-crank washing machine may have been an enormous pain for our great-grandmothers, but it was built to last.
Today's modern appliances are built for energy efficiency and convenience for the user, but they also have a shorter lifespan.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers says today's washers need to be replaced about every 12 years, and most other appliances don't last much longer.
And as far as specific brands, none lasts significantly longer the others, according to Consumer Reports. Their studies show that, across the board, appliances from a wide variety of manufacturers carry similar life spans.
All appliances can break down before their optimal end dates or fail to work at peak performance if not properly maintained. To make the most of the life they do have, follow the maintenance suggestions in the user manual or try these tips from Consumer Reports:
Refrigerator
Life expectancy: 14-17 years
• Clean the compressor coils every few months or so (typically, coils are at the bottom of the unit).
• Keep gaskets on the refrigerator and freezer doors clean with mild detergent and water, not bleach, to ensure a good seal and prevent wasted energy.
• Check the gasket seal by closing the doors on a dollar bill; replace the gasket if the bill falls out or can be easily removed without opening the door.
Stove
Life expectancy: 17 years
• Place heavy pots and pans gently on smooth-top models to avoid breakage.
• Never cover drip pans and bowls with foil; it can short-circuit the burner.
• Keep reflector bowls (beneath burners) shiny and clean, which affects how efficiently they reflect heat up to the pan or pot. Replace them when they can no longer be cleaned.
• Gas stoves: periodically clean burner ports with a needle and don't poke the igniter or spray it with oven cleaner.
Wall oven
Life expectancy: 17 years
• Check door seals for damage.
• If heat is escaping from an older oven, adjust or replace the gasket.
Washing machine
Life expectancy: 11-14 years
• Remove grit from the screens where the hoses attach to the water supplies.
• Don't overload the washer beyond its manufacturer-recommended capacity.
• Install the washer on a level and well-supported subfloor to prevent vibration and banging.
Dryer
Life expectancy: 13 years
• Clean lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely.
• Each year, clean the entire exhaust duct to keep it from clogging and creating a fire hazard.
Microwave
Life expectancy: 9 years
• Avoid turning on when empty and avoid putting metal inside.
Dishwasher
Life expectancy: 11 years
• Replace a dish rack with worn or rusted tines.
• When loading, make sure silverware and dishes don't catch the spray arms to avoid damaging the arms.
• Inspect the spray arms for paper, glass or other debris, which can clog holes. Remove any obstructions. If you find glass, inspect the pump housing for glass, as well as any seals that it might have punctured.
• If your dishwasher has a manual-clean filter, clean the filter regularly, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Projection TV
Life expectancy: 30,000-60,000 hours, about 3½ to 7 years if used 24/7
• Screens can scratch easily, so be careful when cleaning them.
Conventional tube television
Life expectancy: 30,000 hours, about 3½ years if used 24/7
• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Remove dust from screen and vents. Keep screen brightness (contrast settings) low to prolong picture life and reduce chance of "burn in," a permanent disfiguring of areas of the screen.
Showing posts with label Fridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fridge. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fridge efficiency tips
· New refrigerators can be as much as 50% more efficient then older refrigerators; therefore, if you have a second fridge that is older and not being used as much you can save up to $100.00 per year in energy bills by unplugging the older fridge.
· The temperature reading in a fridge should be about 38 degrees fahrenheit in fresh food section and 0-5 degrees in freezer section. Any cooler means your fridge will be running longer and using more energy.
· Refrigerators are more efficient with air circulation, so do not overload it. If there is a lot of empty space use a jug of water or loaf of bread which will retain the coolness of the fridge better than empty space.
· Have the refrigerator away from any heat source such as a dishwasher, range or direct sunlight.
· Test the door seal to make sure that it is sealing properly.
· Try to limit how often the refrigerator door is opened.
· Do not place hot items into the refrigerator until they have cooled down.
· Cover liquids and wrap foods that are stored in the refrigerator - uncovered foods release moisture and can cause the unit to run longer.
· For refrigerators with a manual defrost, they should be defrosted whenever ¼ of an inch of frost builds up on the walls of the freezer.
· Refrigerator models that have a moisture switch will cost you approximately 5% more to run if left on all year; this switch needs to be on only when moisture is present on the exterior.
· Have the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator cleaned every six months - 1 year (the crevice tool on a vacuum works). Your refrigerator will run for shorter periods with cleaner coils.
· The temperature reading in a fridge should be about 38 degrees fahrenheit in fresh food section and 0-5 degrees in freezer section. Any cooler means your fridge will be running longer and using more energy.
· Refrigerators are more efficient with air circulation, so do not overload it. If there is a lot of empty space use a jug of water or loaf of bread which will retain the coolness of the fridge better than empty space.
· Have the refrigerator away from any heat source such as a dishwasher, range or direct sunlight.
· Test the door seal to make sure that it is sealing properly.
· Try to limit how often the refrigerator door is opened.
· Do not place hot items into the refrigerator until they have cooled down.
· Cover liquids and wrap foods that are stored in the refrigerator - uncovered foods release moisture and can cause the unit to run longer.
· For refrigerators with a manual defrost, they should be defrosted whenever ¼ of an inch of frost builds up on the walls of the freezer.
· Refrigerator models that have a moisture switch will cost you approximately 5% more to run if left on all year; this switch needs to be on only when moisture is present on the exterior.
· Have the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator cleaned every six months - 1 year (the crevice tool on a vacuum works). Your refrigerator will run for shorter periods with cleaner coils.
Fridge maintenance tips
Manual-defrost refrigerator/freezers:
Manual defrost refrigerator/freezers require very little maintenance. When frost has accumulated on the inside walls of the freezer to a thickness of ½ inch or so, remove the food from the refrigerator/freezer, turn off the thermostat or unplug the unit, and allow all of the frost to melt. Once the frost has melted completely, turn the unit back on, wait for it to reach its operating temperature, and restock it with food.
Self-defrosting refrigerator/freezers:
You don't need to manually defrost your self-defrosting refrigerator/freezer. Every 6 to 8 hours, it heats up its cooling coils slightly and melts any frost accumulation on the coils. The resulting water drains into a shallow pan at the bottom of the refrigerator/freezer. There's no need to empty the pan. The water in it will evaporate. But it may begin to smell bad over time. You may be able to remove it for periodic cleaning by detaching the lower grill and sliding the pan out the front of the refrigerator/freezer. Note: When mold grows in the drain pan, it is sometimes considered to be a health concern. If your drain pan is removable, and if you're sensitive to mold, consider cleaning the drain pan periodically.
Under your refrigerator/freezer is a set of coils and a cooling fan that you need to clean at least once a year. The coils may look like a grate or like a wide radiator. Unplug the refrigerator/freezer and use a Refrigerator Condenser Brush, and your vacuum cleaner to clean any lint, pet hair, and so on from the coils.
Manual defrost refrigerator/freezers require very little maintenance. When frost has accumulated on the inside walls of the freezer to a thickness of ½ inch or so, remove the food from the refrigerator/freezer, turn off the thermostat or unplug the unit, and allow all of the frost to melt. Once the frost has melted completely, turn the unit back on, wait for it to reach its operating temperature, and restock it with food.
Self-defrosting refrigerator/freezers:
You don't need to manually defrost your self-defrosting refrigerator/freezer. Every 6 to 8 hours, it heats up its cooling coils slightly and melts any frost accumulation on the coils. The resulting water drains into a shallow pan at the bottom of the refrigerator/freezer. There's no need to empty the pan. The water in it will evaporate. But it may begin to smell bad over time. You may be able to remove it for periodic cleaning by detaching the lower grill and sliding the pan out the front of the refrigerator/freezer. Note: When mold grows in the drain pan, it is sometimes considered to be a health concern. If your drain pan is removable, and if you're sensitive to mold, consider cleaning the drain pan periodically.
Under your refrigerator/freezer is a set of coils and a cooling fan that you need to clean at least once a year. The coils may look like a grate or like a wide radiator. Unplug the refrigerator/freezer and use a Refrigerator Condenser Brush, and your vacuum cleaner to clean any lint, pet hair, and so on from the coils.
Fridge FAQ
NOTE: When experiencing problems with any appliance, the first thing the customer should do is check to see that there is power going to the unit by checking the breaker box.
Can I put a refrigerator/freezer out in my garage?
Yes. But, if the refrigerator is self-defrosting, don't let the garage temperature drop to much below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the oil becomes thick and causes premature compressor failure.
How full can I pack my freezer?
Full. There is generally no limit to how full it can be. Just take care not to block air vents. For best efficiency, try to keep it at least half full.
How full can I pack my refrigerator?
Refrigerators work best if they're not packed full, because the air flow becomes restricted, which limits cooling capability.
How cold should my refrigerator/freezer be?
Your refrigerator should be 36 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer 0 to 8 degrees.
Can I change the doors from one side to the other?
Usually, yes. You can reverse the doors on most refrigerators. Consult the owner's manual for your refrigerator/freezer to get the proper instructions. If you no longer have the manual, but do have the model number of your refrigerator, you can order the manual.
How do I dispose of my old refrigerator/freezer?
New federal laws make it illegal to send a refrigerator to the dump without first removing the refrigerant. Contact a local appliance repair company to remove the refrigerant. And be sure they show a valid license and give you a certificate of compliance. Some local municipalities will pick up units and properly dispose of them, though often for a nominal fee. Check with yours to find out what to do.
Is it easy to add an ice maker to my refrigerator/freezer?
Yes, if your freezer has the necessary internal wiring (most do). If you have the model number of your refrigerator/freezer, you can order an ice maker kit.
How much clearance do I need behind my refrigerator/freezer?
If the unit has a large black, grid-like device on the back, you should leave at least 1 inch of space between the grid and the wall, and avoid "building-in" the appliance. If there is no grid on the back, you may push the unit all the way to the wall.
Can I change my manual defrost refrigerator to frost-free?
No. There are numerous component, internal wiring, and design differences.
How do I change the seal around the door?
Follow the instructions that come with the seal. A person with moderate repair skills can replace the seal.
How do I pull the refrigerator away from the wall to clean?
Virtually all refrigerators made in the past 15 years stand on built-in rollers. Often you need to retract the front leveling legs before trying to move the unit. Unloading the food from the unit first, really helps too. Grab the refrigerator near the bottom and pull it straight out, taking care not to damage your floor.
Can shelves be added to the refrigerator/freezer?
Usually. If there is room in your unit for an additional shelf, and the necessary hardware in the walls and/or ceiling, you can add a shelf. To order the shelf from our parts order center, you will need the model number of the unit.
How often should I clean the coils under the refrigerator?
At least once a year.
How do I prevent shelves and brackets from breaking?
Many of the plastic parts in your refrigerator/freezer are fragile. Take care not to load--or force--too many items onto the shelves or slam the door.
Does the freezer get warmer during self-defrost?
Yes. The freezer temperature increases by about 20 degrees during the defrost cycle. This is normal and doesn't affect the quality of the food in your freezer.
What is freezer burn, how can I prevent it?
Freezer burn is dehydration caused by food being exposed to the air in the freezer. Often the wrappings used in supermarkets don't prevent dehydration. Re-wrapping foods in airtight containers or wrappings usually avoids this problem. It's not unsafe to cook and eat freezer-burned food, but the resulting meal is often tough and tasteless!
My refrigerator seems to run constantly. Is that normal?
It's generally not normal. If your refrigerator/freezer runs constantly it may:
· Have a dirty condenser coil.
· Not have adequate clearance around the appliance for proper air flow
· Have a bad seal on one of the doors
· Have a light bulb that is not going off when the door is closed
· Have excessive frost build-up on the internal evaporator coils
· Have a defective thermostat
· Be low on refrigerant
How long can I expect my refrigerator to last before I replace it?
The average life of a refrigerator is 14 to 17 years. Some last many more years, others many fewer.
Can I put a refrigerator/freezer out in my garage?
Yes. But, if the refrigerator is self-defrosting, don't let the garage temperature drop to much below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the oil becomes thick and causes premature compressor failure.
How full can I pack my freezer?
Full. There is generally no limit to how full it can be. Just take care not to block air vents. For best efficiency, try to keep it at least half full.
How full can I pack my refrigerator?
Refrigerators work best if they're not packed full, because the air flow becomes restricted, which limits cooling capability.
How cold should my refrigerator/freezer be?
Your refrigerator should be 36 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer 0 to 8 degrees.
Can I change the doors from one side to the other?
Usually, yes. You can reverse the doors on most refrigerators. Consult the owner's manual for your refrigerator/freezer to get the proper instructions. If you no longer have the manual, but do have the model number of your refrigerator, you can order the manual.
How do I dispose of my old refrigerator/freezer?
New federal laws make it illegal to send a refrigerator to the dump without first removing the refrigerant. Contact a local appliance repair company to remove the refrigerant. And be sure they show a valid license and give you a certificate of compliance. Some local municipalities will pick up units and properly dispose of them, though often for a nominal fee. Check with yours to find out what to do.
Is it easy to add an ice maker to my refrigerator/freezer?
Yes, if your freezer has the necessary internal wiring (most do). If you have the model number of your refrigerator/freezer, you can order an ice maker kit.
How much clearance do I need behind my refrigerator/freezer?
If the unit has a large black, grid-like device on the back, you should leave at least 1 inch of space between the grid and the wall, and avoid "building-in" the appliance. If there is no grid on the back, you may push the unit all the way to the wall.
Can I change my manual defrost refrigerator to frost-free?
No. There are numerous component, internal wiring, and design differences.
How do I change the seal around the door?
Follow the instructions that come with the seal. A person with moderate repair skills can replace the seal.
How do I pull the refrigerator away from the wall to clean?
Virtually all refrigerators made in the past 15 years stand on built-in rollers. Often you need to retract the front leveling legs before trying to move the unit. Unloading the food from the unit first, really helps too. Grab the refrigerator near the bottom and pull it straight out, taking care not to damage your floor.
Can shelves be added to the refrigerator/freezer?
Usually. If there is room in your unit for an additional shelf, and the necessary hardware in the walls and/or ceiling, you can add a shelf. To order the shelf from our parts order center, you will need the model number of the unit.
How often should I clean the coils under the refrigerator?
At least once a year.
How do I prevent shelves and brackets from breaking?
Many of the plastic parts in your refrigerator/freezer are fragile. Take care not to load--or force--too many items onto the shelves or slam the door.
Does the freezer get warmer during self-defrost?
Yes. The freezer temperature increases by about 20 degrees during the defrost cycle. This is normal and doesn't affect the quality of the food in your freezer.
What is freezer burn, how can I prevent it?
Freezer burn is dehydration caused by food being exposed to the air in the freezer. Often the wrappings used in supermarkets don't prevent dehydration. Re-wrapping foods in airtight containers or wrappings usually avoids this problem. It's not unsafe to cook and eat freezer-burned food, but the resulting meal is often tough and tasteless!
My refrigerator seems to run constantly. Is that normal?
It's generally not normal. If your refrigerator/freezer runs constantly it may:
· Have a dirty condenser coil.
· Not have adequate clearance around the appliance for proper air flow
· Have a bad seal on one of the doors
· Have a light bulb that is not going off when the door is closed
· Have excessive frost build-up on the internal evaporator coils
· Have a defective thermostat
· Be low on refrigerant
How long can I expect my refrigerator to last before I replace it?
The average life of a refrigerator is 14 to 17 years. Some last many more years, others many fewer.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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