As a homeowner, there are many responsibilities and costs that you manage. Roofing repairs, gutter cleaning, sidewalk replacements, and broken pipes are common things you can expect. The list goes on and on. When your refrigerator or dishwasher stop working, it can throw a monkey wrench into your entire schedule. This article covers some of the best ways to help your appliances continue running efficiently. It also provides tips for getting the most life out of your big-ticket items.
Follow manufacturer's instructions for use
Whether you install a new water heater or a top-of-the-line refrigerator, you want to get the longest life out of the product. One excellent tip from experts is to read the instruction manual and select the proper settings and directions for use. For example, water heaters run efficiently at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This Old House says you can expect a five percent return for dropping the temperature ten degrees.
Owner's manuals have efficiency tips, troubleshooting assistance, and maintenance guidelines to help homeowners extend the life of home products. These manuals offer customer service numbers and information about faulty items. The warranty coverage and details are also in these manuals.
Routine cleaning makes a difference
Appliances need regular cleaning inside and out if you want them to run smoothly. The more efficiently the equipment operates, the better your energy bills will be. One common area people forget is the back of the refrigerator. The coils collect dust and debris because the fridge never gets moved unless your kid loses a pacifier or toy behind it. When you have pets in the home, the fur and hair add more debris causing your refrigerator to heat up. A quick cleaning with the vacuum and a brush attachment or a long-handled duster is all you need to remedy dirty fridge coils.
Preventative maintenance helps your appliances run efficiently
U.S. News says maintaining your home equipment can help you avoid the hassle of replacing big items at inconvenient times. It will also keep more money in your pocket. When you use repair firms and service specialists to inspect and clean essential home items like furnaces and HVAC units regularly, you find small problems before an emergency arises. These services also extend the life of your equipment meaning you pay fewer replacement costs over the length of owning the home. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment running efficiently saving you on utility costs too.
Insurance and warranties
A home warranty is not the same thing as homeowners insurance. This protection is like a service agreement for times when your stove or ceiling fan goes kaput. There are many levels of coverage that you can purchase extending to your washer and dryer or larger items like furnaces and central air units. New homes and appliances often have warranties for buyers, so choosing a plan to cover your equipment after the initial coverage runs out can help you save money and maintain protection seamlessly.
Preparing for natural disasters will protect appliances in emergencies
Sears Home Services says homeowners can utilize flood and disaster insurance to protect appliances and save money on replacement costs in the event of an emergency. They offer other tips like moving appliances to higher levels when you have advanced warning of an impending flood or massive storm surge. Simple things like unplugging appliances ahead of electrical storms and adding a shut-off valve for each gas appliance can save your equipment from catastrophic damage.
Keeping up with home maintenance tasks with a checklist is a good idea when you purchase a new home. You can extend the life of your appliances and home equipment with regular cleanings, inspections, and maintenance. Appliance coverage and insurance policies can protect your wallet when equipment fails. Nothing lasts forever, but you can extend the life of your home systems and reduce up-front replacement costs with these plans and tips.
