Appliance Maintenance: Keep Your Home Gear Running Smoothly

Got a dryer that’s taking forever to dry? Or an oven that won’t heat up? Most of the time the fix is right under your nose. With a few regular habits you can stretch the life of these appliances and avoid costly calls to a technician.

Extend the Life of Your Tumble Dryer

First thing – clean the lint filter after every load. A clogged filter makes the dryer work harder, which wears out the motor faster. Next, check the dryer vent. If you hear a whistling sound or the dryer feels hot on the outside, the vent could be blocked. Pull it out and vacuum any lint or debris. It’s a quick job and can improve drying time by up to 30%.

Another easy habit is to balance the load. Overloading forces the drum to strain, while a tiny load can cause the drum to wobble. Aim for a medium‑size load and spread the clothes evenly. If you notice the dryer shaking, stop it and rearrange the items.

Finally, give the dryer a quarterly deep clean. Unplug it, pull it away from the wall, and wipe the drum, door seal, and back panel with a damp cloth. A little maintenance now saves you from a broken dryer later.

DIY Oven Repair: When to Tackle It Yourself

Electric ovens are built to last, but they do develop quirks. If the oven won’t heat, start by checking the heating element. Turn the oven off, remove the element, and look for breaks or black spots. A visual inspection often reveals the problem.

Next, test the thermostat. Most ovens have a simple twist‑knob thermostat you can remove and test with a multimeter. If the reading is off, replace it – it’s usually under $20 at a hardware store. While you’re in there, clean any food crumbs or spilled grease; they can cause uneven heating.

Another common issue is a faulty door gasket. If the door doesn’t seal properly, heat escapes and the oven takes longer to reach the set temperature. Feel around the edge for gaps or cracks, and replace the gasket if needed. It’s a cheap fix that makes a big difference.

When the problem is more complex – like a broken control board or a weird error code – it’s safer to call a professional. Those parts require special tools and knowledge. Trying to fix them yourself could cause an electrical hazard.

In short, regular cleaning, quick visual checks, and a few simple replacements can keep both your dryer and oven humming along. Stick to these habits, and you’ll spend less time waiting for repairs and more time enjoying a warm shirt or a tasty roast.