You’ve probably spent a lot of money getting the best appliances for your home. So, you want to keep them in top-notch condition for as long as possible. Taking proper steps toward maintaining your appliances is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they remain in working condition longer. Read on to find out how to care for your refrigerator, HVAC system, stove, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.

1. Keep Appliances Clean

Don’t become so focused on preventative maintenance that you overlook the obvious. Residue from food or just regular dust and dirt can make your appliances work less efficiently. Dirty appliances are also unsightly and cause sanitary issues in your home. Keeping your appliances clean will help prolong the item’s lifespan.

In your kitchen, clean the refrigerator shelves, drawers, and the interior door with warm, soapy water. You need to wipe down the coils on the back or bottom of the fridge each year too. On your stove, wipe away messes as soon as they happen. They are easier to clean up while fresh, before they harden and bake on the surface. Regularly wipe down the entire top of the stove and use products made to scrub the oven clean.

Your HVAC system consists of your air conditioning unit and heat pump. Clean the filters or change them out with a new one when they become dirty. Most professionals recommend scheduling this task every 3-4 months, or just once a season. Clean the condenser on the outside unit too. Make sure you remove leaves, twigs, and grass clippings, which may have entered through the protective grill.

It’s important to clean the lint filter on your dryer before each use too. It can become a fire hazard if left unchecked. You can also use a vacuum to remove lint that has fallen under the lint trap. Be sure to clean the dryer vent, where lint and debris can collect. A dirty vent results in decreased efficiency and potential overheating of the unit. Clean the exhaust hose as well as the outside vent opening.

2. Inspect Them Regularly

You should regularly inspect your appliances and note potential issues. Finding problems when they’re small allows you to make repairs before they escalate into major issues. You’ll want to check all parts of your appliances, looking for signs of wear and tear. Then, promptly address any problem areas.

For your dishwasher, check the spray arms and ensure they are clear of food particles. The heating element should be inspected on your oven. Look for signs of damage. Turn the oven on and verify that the coil glows red. If any section is darkened, it may need to be replaced. For your fridge, look over the door seal to ensure that it is still in place. If it becomes loose anywhere, your refrigerator could leak cold air, reducing effectiveness.

In your laundry room, inspect the lint trap and drains. If you have an older washing machine, you may have a screen on the end of the drainage hose. If it is covered in debris, you may be unintentionally spraying water during the drainage of the machine. Change the screen to a fresh one. For newer machines, you may have a clogged lint trap if you notice a lot of fuzz on your clothing. Clean the lint trap on your washing machine! For your dryer, check the seal on the door for wear. It could leak heat while drying, making it inefficient.

For your HVAC system, check the filter regularly. Monthly checks ensure that nothing is causing the filter to become dirty quicker than usual. Homes in dry and dusty climates and those with pets may require more frequent changes.

3. Maintain Equipment

Performing proper maintenance ensures that your appliances reach their expected lifespan and saves you money. It can mean top performance and fewer breakdowns, as well as maintaining energy efficiency. Plus, regular maintenance can help you find potential problems before they become costly replacements.

For your washing machine, maintenance may include a monthly check of the hot-water hose, cold-water hose, and drain hose. Checking directly after using the washer allows you to tell if there’s a leak. The hoses may crack, grow brittle, or develop bulges without actually leaking. Yet. It’s best to replace the suspect hose immediately, even if water is not escaping.

Dryers require regular maintenance, as well. Mainly, you want to check that there is nothing within two feet of the dryer walls, including on top. This clearance enables the cooling air to circulate and prevents the temperature in the room from increasing.

When you do a checkup of your HVAC system, you should clear the area surrounding interior and exterior units. The indoor system shouldn’t have any boxes, bags, or other surfaces near it. They collect dust, which will lower the air quality within your home. Plus, clutter makes it difficult to service your machine and is a fire hazard. Your outside heat pump and AC unit should not have anything, like tall grass or bushes, near it. Anything within two feet of the system can affect proper airflow.

Top-Notch Appliances

Taking regular care of your appliances ensures that they remain in top-notch condition and live out their intended life cycle. Maintenance on your appliances means that you are improving the safety of your home as well as saving money. The cleaner and better maintained they are, the more efficient they become. So, take care of your appliances and know that they will take care of you.