There’s no question about it – appliances can be expensive to buy upfront and maintain. Maybe more expensive than you even thought they were when you went to the store to buy your washing machine, dishwasher, dryer, or refrigerator.
The problem with all of this is that very few people know how to service and maintain the home appliances they buy. Most especially those high-end ones because they aren’t sure where to look when they face common problems that crop up with those appliances.
To help you avoid unnecessary spending, we have a list here of common home appliance issues and their respective solutions. Keep reading!
1. Buildup of Ice in the Fridge
The build-up of ice in a refrigerator can be a common, yet sometimes difficult home appliance problem to deal with. Usually, this build-up is caused by a malfunctioning defrost system or a blocked drainage hole.
Removing the access panel in a refrigerator to perform an inspection will help in understanding what the problem is and how to best solve it. If a defrost problem is found, then it may be best to reset the system and check for loose wiring or other issues that could be causing problems.
If the drainage hole is blocked, then melting the ice in the tray can help to allow water to drain out of the compartment.
When nothing seems to be working as you try to troubleshoot the problem, then you can check the following page for reliable appliance repair services.
2. Oven Not Heating Up Effectively
This can lead to uneven baking and disorganized meals. To determine if the oven is not heating up effectively, check the temperature setting is correct and that the element and fan are clean.
If the temperature setting is incorrect, simply adjust the setting to the desired temperature. If the element or fan is dirty, clean them with a damp cloth.
If the problem still persists, check the fuse box and reset the fuses if necessary. If cleaning and resetting the fuse box are unsuccessful in rectifying the problem, it may be best to call a professional to avoid any further damage.
3. Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly
Common causes for this problem include improper use, clogged filters, build-up of food particles, and excessive detergent usage. If the dishwasher isn’t cleaning as expected, it’s important to first thoroughly check the user manual and ensure it has been set up properly.
Clogged filters should be regularly checked and cleaned to ensure that water can flow freely, while the gasket (the seal around the door) should be regularly checked for cracks or damage.
If the problem persists, consider using a lower detergent dosage, or try a different brand of detergent altogether. For more persistent cases, it may be necessary to replace the dishwasher completely.
4. Appearance of Mold on Front-Load Washers
If mold appears on the front-load washer, it means that too much moisture was present in the machine and the water was not properly dried. To clean the mold from the surface, a mixture of bleach and water should be applied to the exterior of the washer and left for about an hour.
After the time has elapsed, the mixture should be wiped off with a cleaning cloth. Additionally, the rubber seal around the machine should be examined for any water or grime buildup and cleaned, if necessary.
Finally, the washer should be run through a cycle regimen to ensure that any remaining mold spores are washed away. If the mold issue persists, it might be a sign of a larger issue and the washer should be serviced by a professional.
5. Water Leaking from Washer
To address water leaking from a washer, check for a block in the drainage system. If the machine is not properly draining, the water has no place to go and may spill out onto the floor.
In addition, a blocked filter or clogged hose from the washer are potential sources of water leaking. If these check out, inspect the water supply hose for kinks or a loose connection.
Make sure the water valve in the wall is turned on as well. These repairs should help to seal the leak and stop the water from coming out of the washer.
6. Rangehood Fan Not Working
Rangehood fan is often used to remove smoke, steam, and odors that can accumulate when cooking. The fan may not be working due to a power outage, dirty filters, loose or burnt-out parts, or a switch failure.
If a power outage is the cause of the fan not working, resetting the power will usually fix it. Otherwise, the filters need to be cleaned or replaced, any loose or burnt-out parts should be replaced and if the power switch fails, it needs to be replaced.
Depending on the type of rangehood fan, it may need an authorized service technician for a full repair. Problems with the rangehood fan need to be taken seriously and a fix should be attended to as soon as possible to ensure effective ventilation.
7. Aircon Not Too Cold
If your aircon is not providing enough cold air, the first thing to check is that the filters are clean. Dirty filters restrict the airflow into the air conditioning system, which reduces the unit’s cooling capacity.
It is also important to check that the settings are at the desired temperature and you haven’t accidentally pressed the power button, shutting the unit off completely.
If the settings look correct, the next step is to replace or clean the fan coils, followed by the condenser and evaporator coils. If the fan isn’t running, the fan motor might need to be replaced or serviced. Lastly, it could be that the refrigerant has gone down, which affects the cooling capacity.
Make Sure to Fix Your Home Appliance Problems Right Away
Common home appliance problems are often easy to diagnose and repair. Knowing common problems and solutions can save homeowners time and money.
If the problem is out of your skill range, contact an appliance repair professional to help properly diagnose and fix the appliance. Don’t wait until you have a problem! Get your appliances serviced and checked regularly to ensure a long life.
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