Although household appliances are not built to last forever, homeowners hope to get the most out of their investment. With proper maintenance and precautions, it is possible to protect and extend the lifespans of household appliances.

Ways to Extend the Lifespans of Household Appliances

Refrigerator and Freezer

To care for your refrigerator and freezer, clean the gasket regularly so the door can seal properly. If your fridge can’t close completely, the appliance will for forced to work harder and use more energy to maintain a cold temperature. The coils behind or underneath your fridge collect dust over time and should be cleaned every 3-6 months to keep the machine operating efficiently.

Dishwasher

Scrape food off plates before loading them into your dishwasher. Food debris, even tiny particles, clog the dishwasher spray arms and its filter. This stresses the motor in the machine and can lead to dishes not getting completely clean. Clean the filter regularly so the appliance can drain correctly. The dishes will be cleaner, and you’ll help prevent mold growth inside the machine. If you see signs of mold, schedule mold inspections ASAP.

Microwave

A microwave typically lasts between 5 and 10 years. Never run your microwave when it’s empty. This can lead to overheating and damage. Keep the microwave clean, removing food spills and splatters after each use.

Extend the Lifespans of Laundry Appliances in Your Household

On average, a washing machine will last around ten years. To help extend the machine’s lifespan, keep the appliance perfectly level, as an uneven surface strains the appliance’s internal components. When using the device, don’t overload it. Filling the tub with too much laundry strains the motor, belt, and tub bearings and can shorten the appliance’s lifespan.

Electric and gas clothes dryers have an average lifespan of around 13 years. To extend the lifespan of your dryer, clean the lint trap screen between every load. This improves air circulation in the dryer to allow it to run efficiently. Have the dryer’s exhaust system cleaned every year to avoid clogs and fire.

The Furnace

Oil furnaces can last 20 years, while gas and electric furnaces last between 18 and 15 years. Have the system serviced every year to help the furnace or boiler last longer. Clean the filters every few months. If your furnace uses disposable filters, replace these as instructed, usually every 30 to 90 days.

Apart from your heating unit, you also need to maintain the efficiency of your cooling appliance. You may contact an air conditioning company in Tucson, AZ to service your AC unit and help extend its operational lifespan.

Extend the Lifespans of Household Appliances: Oven

Deep clean the oven every three months or so. Some ovens have a self-cleaning feature but if not, clear away buildup with a soft sponge and cleaning solution. If you place aluminum foil on the lowest rack, this will catch food drips and keep the oven cleaner for longer. Don’t place the foil on the bottom of the oven, as it can cause heat damage to the appliance.

Low Keys Home Inspections offers inspections to home buyers and sellers in the Florida Keys. Contact us to request our services.