MaintenanceMaintenance
| Refrigerator/Freezer Maintenance |
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Jul 7, 2009 System & Appliance Maintenance - Refrigerator/Freezer Clean Coils Generally your refrigerator's condenser coils are underneath a pop-off panel, at the bottom of the unit. Some are on the back of the refrigerator. These need to be vacuumed at least annually. Most kitchens catch all the traffic, so check them regularly during the year to get a feel for how often yours need to be cleaned. You can save money on energy doing this and extend the life of your refrigerator. Clean the Inside Regularly Even if it doesn't require defrosting, cleaning your refrigerator inside reduces orders and helps you keep food rotated and used before spoiling, saving you money! Turn off the unit and remove all food and any interior shelves or parts that are removable to clean separately and thoroughly. Wash with a simple solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of warm, NOT hot water. Rinse with clean water in a bucket and sponge or rag. Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive scouring techniques. You can scratch the surface of the unit with these. Make sure your food is not out long enough to spoil. Don't forget to turn unit back on once you're finished and have returned your food to the refrigerator. Freezer If you have frost in your freezer or ice-maker, defrost it properly, according to your manufacturer's instructions. You should never allow more than a ¼" buildup of frost. NEVER use sharp tools or scrape off frost or you may damage your refrigerator. You can clean the inside of the freezer with a baking soda and water solution too as described above. Defrosting will improve the efficiency too. Frost/Temperature Problems Sometimes you may have problems with the unit forming frost quickly or temperature fluctuations. If you have lots of family members opening the door often, try to lessen the length of time it is open and the frequency. You could also have a leak in the door seal and it may need cleaning or replacement. This seal can get cracks in it or become brittle. Check your seal. Refrigerator Not Operating Check for a damaged fuse or tripped circuit breaker first. Check to make sure it is plugged in properly and the plug/cord did not get damaged. If this doesn't work, call for repair. Refrigerator Door This door should close by itself. Adjust the support feet appropriately for proper closure. |
| Title | Description |
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| Ceiling and Exhaust Fan Maintenance | Clean the blades of the fan every week. This ensures the best possible flow of air, besides consuming less electricity. Generally the top portion above the blade is the dirtiest one. |
| Built-In Microwave Maintenance | Turn off the oven and remove the power plug from the wall socket before cleaning. |
| Sump Pump Maintenance | Five to seven years is the typical life span on a sump pump, but this will vary based on usage. The pump may fail unexpectedly or be unable to keep up during periods of heavy rain leaving your basement vulnerable to costly water damage. |
| Roofing Maintenance | You must keep your roof clean, pressure washed and treated to greatly reduce the chances for moss, dry root, and fire during the dry summer season. |
| Trash Compactor Maintenance | By cleaning both the exterior and interior of your trash compactor with an antibacterial soap you can eliminate odor and keep mold from growing on and in your appliance. |
| Burglar and Fire Alarm Systems Maintenance | Test and calibrate alarm sensors per the manufacturers specifications. |
| Whirl Pool Bath Maintenance | Drain and replace spa water every 60-90 days, depending on usage. |
| Garage Door Maintenance | Do not leave the garage door partially open. This creates strain on the cables, pulleys, and springs on the door and increases natural wear and tear of the system. |
| Fall Home Maintenance Guide | With the fall and winter months upon us, now is the time to do some routine maintenance around your home to prepare for the changing weather ahead. |
| Refrigerator/Freezer Maintenance | Clean coils, clean the inside regularly, shut refrigerator door, check your seal. |
| Oven Maintenance | Keep your hood and fan/filter clean. They catch the grease and moisture from your cooking and need regular cleaning. Do not clean exposed metal with abrasive pads or powders. |
| Garbage Disposal Maintenance | You can easily sharpen the blades in your unit and clean them by placing a few ice cubes in, grinding them and flushing the disposal with cold water. |
| Clothes Washer Maintenance | It is a good idea to check your washing machine for leaks, examine the hoses and clean filters about once a year to make sure you do not experience damage from any water leaks. |
| Clothes Dryer Maintenance | Keeping your dryer entirely lint free is easy, improves energy efficiency and safety from lint fires. |
| Water Heater Maintenance | It is important to maintain your water heater for efficiency, safety and the life of the unit. It is a fairly expensive and important piece of household equipment. |
| Heating System Maintenance | You need to have your furnace serviced annually by a competent professional for efficiency and safety. It is if not the most expensive, it's one of the most expensive and important systems in your home and complicated. |
| Air Conditioning System Maintenance | Your central air conditioning system needs to be maintained regularly not only for your comfort, but safety and efficiency. It is an expensive system and contains several components, using a significant amount of energy. |
| Plumbing System Maintenance | Drain piles can clog and valves and fittings develop leaks. Small leaks usually grow and can cause major water damage in your home. Fixing leaks right away and keeping an eye and ear out for them is critical. |
