How To Increase The Longevity Of Your Appliances

Fixing or replacing appliances can be VERY costly, which is why it’s important to have an emergency fund for this reason! You can read about how to build an emergency fund here. You can’t expect to have the same appliance forever. Every appliance has an expected life expectancy meaning it’ll eventually have to be replaced. How can you prolong the inevitable? By doing preventative maintenance, you can improve your appliances’ lifespan.

Preventative maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your household appliances. Here are some tips on how to perform preventative maintenance for each specific household appliance:

Washing Machine

• Check the water hose and drainage for leaks and cracks, and replace them if necessary. The last thing you want is water damage on your floors and baseboards!
• Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can cause damage to the motor and transmission. If the washing machine is working harder, this will cause faster wear on those parts.
• Using too much detergent can cause buildup and gradual damage to the machine.
• From my discussions with appliance technicians, fabric softener causes considerable damage overtime due to its viscosity. Fabric softener has a waxy coat that can cause faster buildup in your machines and also in your drain pipes, which can lead to clogs.
• Periodically use a washing machine cleaner (I use this brand, which was recommended to me by an experienced appliance repairman) to thoroughly clean your machine.

Dryer

• Clean the lint filter after every load to prevent clogs and reduce the risk of fire.
• Clear your dryer vent periodically as a buildup is a fire hazard.
• Avoid overloading the dryer, as this can cause strain on the motor and reduce efficiency.
• Use the appropriate setting for the load size as using the wrong setting can damage the machine.

Dishwasher

• Clean the dishwasher filter regularly to prevent buildup of food particles, which can cause clogs and damage to the dishwasher pump.
• Periodically use a dishwasher cleaner (like this one) to thoroughly clean and descale your machine. 

HVAC/Furnace

• Get your HVAC serviced prior to summer and winter to ensure it’s properly working when you need it. If that’s too much, at least annually. Technicians do many checks on a HVAC system such as cleaning the coils and condenser, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, checking electrical connections, checking for optimal temperature, and calibrating the thermostat to operate properly. 
• Change your air filter based on the schedule to improve efficiency. Filters are rated for either monthly or quarterly use. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to work harder and reduce its efficiency. A clogged filter can also lead to poor indoor air quality and cause damage to the system. Buying a bulk pack of 3M air filters helps with the cost! Make sure to measure the size of your air vent!

Final Words

In conclusion, performing regular preventative maintenance on your household appliances is essential to ensuring their longevity and efficiency. By following these tips, you can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs, as well as save money on energy bills. It’s cheaper to maintain your appliances than to pay for the repairs.

Remember, each appliance has its own specific maintenance needs, so it is important to refer to the user manual and technicians guidance on how to properly maintain them.