Friday, February 6, 2015

Left unattended, a burst washing-machine hose can spill hundreds of gallons of water an hour. Likewise, a dryer can erupt in flame if lint is allowed to build up inside the machine or its ducts. In 1999, dryers caused 14,600 fires, 20 deaths, and $86.8 million in property damage in the United States.



Preventing such mishaps is as easy as replacing a washer's old rubber hoses, ideally with steel-jacketed ones that can't split open. Or discarding the dryer's flimsy — and flammable — vinyl duct and putting a metal one in its place. (Regular lint-trap cleaning, while necessary, won't keep lint from collecting in the duct.)

Once you've made those two major upgrades, as shown on the following pages, get in the habit of checking hoses and cleaning ducts every six months or so. Hoses should be replaced every five years; tag them with the date you installed them so you won't forget. Your appliances will last longer, run better, and use less energy.
Be good to your washer and dryer and those costly machines will be good to you. Here’s how to keep your washer and dryer humming along safely and efficiently.
Before/After Every Load
Clean out dryer lint filter to maximize efficiency.
Dry the washer’s door and gaskets after using, and open the door on top-loaders to foster air circulation and prevent mold.
Always ensure that the washing machine is level and on firm footing.
Always use the proper type and amount of detergent for the machine and load. You can actually damage some models by using the premeasured pods. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Remove damp clothes from washers immediately to prevent mold or mildew buildup.


Every Month
Inspect the dryer exhaust duct for crimps, obstructions, and unnecessary bends.
Inspect washing machine hoses for tight fittings, bulges, cracks, and leaks. Burst washing machine hoses could spill hundreds of gallons of water an hour, flooding your home. Tighten loose fittings. Replace hoses every five years; replace immediately if damaged.
Clean rubber gaskets and drums on washers and dryers with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
Check and clean drain pump filter on front-loading washers. Consult your owner’s manual for location.
Every Three Months
Wash dryer lint filter with detergent to remove invisible chemical residues that can restrict airflow.
Every Year
Remove and clean out the entire exhaust duct line from dryer to exterior. Clogged ducts cause thousands of house fires every year, with an average of about $10,000 worth of damages per fire.
More Tips
Replace vinyl dryer exhaust ducts with metal ductwork to reduce fire hazards.
Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided-metal ones to reduce the risk of bursting.
To prevent rusting, fill nicks and scratches on the outside of machines with touch-up paint.




All Done Appliances can give you the peace of mind that comes when you know everything is working properly. When you know chores can be done easily, you can spend more time thinking about the more important things in life. Visit their website for more information regarding their appliance services and call (904) 339-3122 now to schedule an appointment.
A broken refrigerator can cost more than the price to replace it; it also results in the loss of food in the refrigerator The American Average is $200-300.00 worth of food in a given refrigerator. A refrigerator typically cycles on and off as it maintains a set temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. It's easy to assume the refrigerator has cycled off when it is broken, if you do not pay attention to the temperature inside the refrigerator. Install a thermometer inside both the freezer and the refrigerator compartments to alert you of changes in the temperature.



Not Running
Warm food or a defrosting freezer are the obvious signs a refrigerator is malfunctioning. Check for power lights on the water or ice dispenser, if the refrigerator is so equipped. Open the doors and check for lights inside. Listen for sounds of the fan running. Adjust the thermostat inside if there is power, but the refrigerator does not seem cold enough. Unplug the refrigerator and plug a light or lamp into the outlet to ensure it has power. Check the circuit breaker or fuse that powers the electrical outlet for the refrigerator.
All Done Appliances can give you the peace of mind that comes when you know everything is working properly. When you know chores can be done easily, you can spend more time thinking about the more important things in life. Visit their website for more information regarding their appliance services and call (904) 339-3122 now to schedule an appointment.
www.All-DoneAppliances.com