Top 10 Best Ways to Keep Your Appliances Running This Winter

Sai Vishal Kannan 2 years ago
Before identifying a potential appliance issue, homeowners don't pay heed to the situation. This leads to tremendous risks due to wear and tear and technical malfunction. Also, a hazardous situation arises when an appliance functions despite meeting its death sentence. Since winter is in the offing, homeowners will seek ways not to sacrifice their comforts. And the last thing you wish is appliance issues impeding your daily activities. The good news is that we have listed the top 10 ways to ensure you get the most out of your appliances during winter.


Ways to Save Your Appliance from Cold Conditions:

Get a Timely Refrigerator Service
Winter is an ideal time to get a refrigerator service as the coils often get heated due to electric fluctuation. Also, the filter collects debris and dust, and vacuuming them enhances efficiency. Inspecting the drain pans and the door seals is also recommended to ensure they are intact. Some refrigerators placed outside are not designed to combat cold weather, so unplugging and keeping them dry is the safest option. In some cases, refrigerators are left out in the cold, making the unit heat for no reason. These steps can also protect refrigerators; they are,
  • Cool off the food leftovers
  • Ensure the doors are not left open
  • Use an in-door feature to reduce the temperature
  • Declutter the fridge 
  • Regulate the temperature corresponding to the climate
Check the Air Vents and Air Filters
The process is otherwise called outside venting when the cold weather comes calling. Any appliance, like dryers, chimneys, etc., with open vents needs extra attention to prevent blockage due to dust. When the vents are blocked, the airflow reduces, and when mixed with lint, the duct's ability reduces. Homeowners can follow these tips to protect the vents,
  • Often check the duct and clean the openings for a dust-free filter
  • Call for professional duct cleaning services 
  • Ensure the duct clearance is at least 2-3 from the opening
  • Inspect the vents if you suspect blockage due to snow
Pay Attention to Microwave Oven
It's this time of the year when the microwave oven is the most. Since it is the season for baking cookies and cakes, a filthy stove can hinder the process and cause embarrassing moments. It is necessary to have a clean slate oven as it influences dishes' flavors and tastes. There is also a self-clean cycle feature in an oven that activates when the appliance hits high temperatures. 
  • Here are the three ways you can try to clean the oven to welcome the season of baking, 
  • Use baking soda and white vinegar. They are an arsenal of new cleaning solutions. 
  • Empty the oven 
  • Create a paste using baking soda
  • Remove the oven racks for a manual wash
  • Remove the aluminum foil as it blocks the airflow, and the foil could get hot when self-cleaning.

Clean Your Air Conditioner 
If you plan to turn off your AC for extended periods, keep in mind that the main electric panel is also turned off. AC is one of the most affected appliances in winter as it draws moisture to produce fresh air and increases the risk of short circuits. Thus, ensuring the power is turned off when not in use is essential. Beyond prevention, it is also important to clean the appliance for longevity. Clean the AC air filter or replace it if damaged. The filters are prone to accumulate dust particles, leaving wet dust clogs. However, the dust particles can be cleaned with lukewarm water and soap. Sometimes in winter, it is recommended to cover the AC with a dry cloth to prevent dew fall on the AC. 

Use Appliances for their Purpose
Appliances are fragile and prone to cause technical problems if not fended from potential dangers. Especially do not let children near delicate appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, clothes, and dryers. In this way, the appliance can be protected. For instance, do not overload dishwashers with utensils. Instead, give a few rounds to wash dishes. Also, never use high-efficiency laundry detergent for front loading and automatic washing machines.

Minimize Appliance Usage During Winter
Winter is one of the seasons where climate fluctuates, affecting the flow of electricity from the board. Anything mechanical has its life span, and over-usage equals more wear and tear. Preheat the oven before the use it, and turn it off as you remove the food. Also, for refrigerators, planning can reduce the number of times you open and shut your door. Select the shortest dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer cycle for your needs. As soon as the laundry is done, remove it from the dryer.

Don’t Just Heat, Protect
Electric water heaters will last 10 years or more. In comparison, gas heaters can work error-free for 21 years. Though the cables are insulated, these products are prone to catch fire and electrical short circuits, especially in winter and rainy seasons. So, switch off the heater when not in use, as god forbid, if left unused or idle, the power fluctuations can harm the coils leading to heating problems. Thus, a regular examination is the most effective strategy to spot and fix errors. 


Maintain Your Home's Waste System
Home waste disposal can work for up to 12 years. But lack of handling can make the system highly volatile and collapse the space's aura. Maintaining the disposal system needs professional help, but sometimes, taking self-initiative is adequate. Here is how you protect and maintain the waste disposal system, 
  • Cold water garbage dumping system is the best strategy. 
  • Do not use hot water, as it softens food waste and hinders flushing.
  • Clean the blades every day to prevent clogs
  • Reduce the dumping quantity of sugary foods in the disposal as they do not disposal-friendly.
Build a Family Affair with Appliances
An appliance can facilitate any task that seems complex. And building a connection with these products enables owners to protect them like their own. Everyone uses appliances, so it is imperative to know how to use and care for them.

Get Familiar with Technical Instructions
To get the best out of an appliance, it is recommended to read expert manuals, which also help explore ideas to keep appliances running beyond their expectancy. Expert manuals also shed light on how appliances work in different climates and seasons. 

If you want to learn more about the best ways to maintain your appliances’ ship-shape, Visit Sulekha.com and talk to experts.

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