Proper Maintenance Can Extend Your Appliances’ Lifespan

With our cars, we make sure to get oil changes every few months, washes every few weeks, and general servicing every year. However, many of us do not take care of our appliances in the same way. While good appliances are fairly sturdy, it’s important to still maintain them - before something goes wrong. Repairs can often cost much more than the cost of maintenance, but most homeowners do not think of their appliances often. The most basic form of maintenance for an appliance is cleaning. This goes beyond wiping down with a Clorox pad, and instead includes changing out filters, replacing pumps, and checking electrical wires. Another factor you should consider when trying to increase the lifespan of your appliances is efficiency. Not only do appliances that are not energy efficient rack up your electric bill, but because they do not perform as well, something is more likely to go wrong. An appliance that is inefficient and overworked is at a higher risk of needing repair than an energy efficient appliance of the same group. Have a dishwasher that takes a couple runs to get your dishes cleaned? It’s worth having a mechanic take a look at it. The more you have to run the dishwasher to get one clean load, the more energy you use, and the higher the likelihood that a problem is on the horizon. In our opinion, it’s best to get your appliances checked regularly rather than replace them every five years. Whether you’re shopping for a new appliance or keeping your stove on for another ten years, we hope you keep these tips in mind the next time you’re in the kitchen.