Homeowners know that appliances are expensive and don’t last forever. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your appliances last longer. Keep the machines in your house in better condition by completing regular maintenance for home appliances.

Maintenance for Home Appliances: HVAC Servicing

The most expensive appliance is the HVAC system. It is critical for your home’s comfort, especially during summer and winter. Professional maintenance for home appliances includes seasonal HVAC servicing. Have a professional HVAC technician come to the home twice a year to service the furnace and AC unit. It will increase the lifespan of the system, help it run more efficiently, and keep it from malfunctioning.

Keep the Washing Machine Running Well

Clean out your washing machine once a month with a cleaner specifically made for this purpose. After running a load of laundry, leave the lid of the washer open to prevent mildew from growing inside. The hoses of the washing machine will deteriorate over time and may leak. Inspect the hoses and if they are worn or cracked, replace them. Braided, stainless steel hoses are durable options.

Clean the Dryer Trap and Vent

Ongoing maintenance for home appliances includes cleaning out the dryer lint trap after each load of laundry and cleaning the dryer vent periodically. Letting lint build up in both the trap and the vent creates a fire hazard. Lint is highly flammable, so it is not safe for it to come into contact with extreme heat.

Maintenance for Home Appliances Includes Cleaning the Refrigerator

Cleaning the refrigerator inside and out keeps it in good condition. Don’t overload the fridge and clean up spills promptly. Remove the base grille and clean the coils with a brush. Vacuum over the coils and then vacuum up any debris that fell on the floor. Check the waterline to make sure it’s in good condition. Change the water filter as needed if you have one built into the fridge.

Flush the Water Heater

If you have a water heater with a tank, it will eventually accumulate sediment that needs to be flushed out. Have a plumber come out to flush the water heater every year, or learn to do it yourself.

MN Pro Home Inspections provides inspection services to the Twin Cities. Contact us to schedule an appointment.