​Do you want your fridge to operate efficiently and perform optimally at all times? If so, it is of paramount importance for you to maintain your fridge properly and frequently. Doing so can not only get your unit to perform exceptionally but can also help prevent breakdowns. Without further ado, here are the top maintenance tips for fridges.  

• Inspect the door seals

It is necessary for you to check the door seals. A loose seal causes cool air to seep out. When this happens, your fridge is forced to work harder than required; this also causes a waste of energy. You should also check to see if there is any food residue on the seals. You can clean the door seals with a toothbrush and a mixture of water and baking soda.  

• Ensure that the coils are clean

Your fridge will not be able to operate efficiently if the condenser coils are covered with dust. Therefore, it is advisable for you to clean your coils at least twice a year. You can even vacuum the area with a brush attachment.

• Keep your fridge full

Scientific reports indicate that fridges require “thermal mass” to maintain low temperatures. On this occasion, “thermal mass” can refer to anything that can be kept in the fridge. Basically, cool drinks and food help absorb warm air that streams in when you open the door. If you don’t have plenty of food to store in the fridge, you can always keep your fridge full of bottles of water. 

Here´s what you need to understand—the dishwasher has been specifically manufactured and designed to only clean glasses, pots, pans, silverware, and dishes. And, that´s about it! Therefore, you need to be careful with what you put in your dishwasher. Anyway, without beating about the bush any further, here are some of the items that you shouldn't put in your dishwasher.

• Wooden spoons, bowls, and cutting boards

Well, wooden spoons, bowls, and cutting boards are utensils; but, why can´t you put them in the dishwasher? Well, that´s because dishwasher detergents can play an atrocious role in stripping the natural oils of the aforementioned utensils. When the natural oils are stripped, the wood begins to crack. Wooden utensils and items should only be hand washed with a mild detergent.

• Don´t put kitchen knives in the dishwasher

Knives are sharp and the edges can nick the protective coating on the baskets and racks, causing rust to form. The harsh detergent of the dishwasher can also dull the knife edges and cause the wooden handles to split.

• Aluminum pans and cookware

It is in your best interest to avoid putting aluminum cookware and pans in the dishwasher. Doing so can dull and darken the pans and cookware. In addition to that, if the aluminum hasn´t been anodized properly, the harsh detergent can cause corrosion and pitting. It is always better to hand wash aluminum pans and cookware even if they have been labeled as “dishwasher safe.” 
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​Dealing with malfunctioning home appliances can be frustrating. Sometimes, the unit will be destined for the recycling bin as it may be beyond repair. Other times, an inexpensive repair can do the trick. If you want to repair an appliance, it is first important for you to diagnose the problem. Anyway, let´s talk about some of the common appliance problems and what you can do to repair them.

• Lights

If your light stops functioning, you shouldn´t proceed to change out the switches and light bulbs immediately. You should first check the main electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. You should also check to see if a GFCI outlet has tripped. If it has, you will only need to push the reset button on the GFCI to get the lights to function.

• Fridges

More often than not, fridges stop functioning because of a dirty or debris-filled coil. Hence, you should keep the coils of the fridge as clean as possible. A coil, basically, helps cool the fluid in the compressor. When it is dusty and filled with debris, it stops doing its job, causing the compressor to heat up and trigger the overload switch.  

• Dishwasher

Is your dishwasher no longer cleaning your dishes properly? If so, you may need to check the filter of the dishwasher. If the filter is clogged and filled with food, it won´t be able to transfer the water to the spray arms to clean the dishes. You can easily solve this problem by using a wet vacuum to get rid of the unwanted food ingredients in the filter. 

​Deciding between repairing an appliance and replacing it with a new unit can be a rather confusing task. Contrary to popular opinion, repairing broken appliances isn't always the best way to save money. Luckily, you don´t need to be worried if you feel conflicted; we are here to help you identify if it is better to replace your unit or repair it. Here are some questions you must ask yourself first;

• What will the repair cost?

The general rule of thumb implies that you should proceed to replace an appliance if the repair cost is more than 50 percent of the cost of a new one. Of course, you also need to factor in the cost and logistics of installing a new unit. However, if your unit experiences a major failure and requires huge expenditures in labor and parts to fix it, it is in your best interest to purchase a new unit.  

• How old is your appliance?

Well, experts indicate that you should consider replacing an appliance that is more than halfway through its expected lifespan rather than have it repaired. How old is too old then? Well, according to reliable reports, the average lifespan of common appliances such as a dishwasher is 9 years, disposal is 12 years, freezer is 11, and exhaust fan is 10 years.

• Are you looking to cut down on your energy consumption?

If you want to cut down on your energy consumption, the breakdown of your appliance may actually be a blessing in disguise. You can finally get the energy efficient appliance you have always dreamed of. The new appliance will save you plenty on electrical bills in the long run.