Refrigerator & Freezer Maintenance
Your refrigerator and freezer work extra hard to keep your food and drinks cold during the summer heat. Performing some simple refrigerator summer maintenance steps can improve efficiency, improve your appliance’s lifespan, and reduce the chances of sudden refrigerator breakdowns.
Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly
You can find the condenser coils behind or under the fridge. Over time, dust and debris collect on the coils. This makes it harder for the fridge to do its job. Cleaning the coils to avoid dust build-up at least two times a year or, at the start of the summer, ensures that your refrigerator not only cools the food efficiently, but also saves on energy.
Check and Clean Door Gaskets
The rubber door gaskets provide an airtight seal, which keeps the cold air inside the refrigerator and the warm air outside. However, when they are dirty or damaged, cool air can escape, resulting in uneven cooling and increased energy costs. To preserve them, the gaskets should be wiped with mild soap and water, and then checked for cracks or looseness.
Keep Air Vents Clear and Avoid Overloading
To maintain proper airflow, keep air vents clear inside your fridge. When the fridge gets overloaded, warm spots can form and spoil food much faster. It is important to leave space for air circulation to prevent warm spots for food.
Adjust Temperature Settings for Hot Weather
During the summer months, make sure the fridge temperature is set between 37°F and 40°F, and keep the freezer at 0°F. These small shifts help the cooling stay steady even if the kitchen heats up.
Watch for Trouble Signs
If you notice warm spots inside your fridge, frost where it shouldn’t be, or the compressor buzzing loudly, it can mean your fridge is not cooling well. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a pro. They can spot the root cause fast.
Seeing one of these signs or thinking it’s time for your seasonal check? Universal Appliance Repair is on the job. Many homeowners opt to combine dishwasher repairs with a fridge tune-up, ensuring the entire kitchen is prepared for hot-summer washing and cooling.
Washing Machine Care
Summer is laundry season. Between wet towels, muddy sports uniforms, and grassy play clothes, the washer works overtime. A few quick washing machine maintenance steps for summer will keep it running well and head off surprises.
Inspect Hoses for Cracks or Leaks
Summer heat can cause rubber hoses to become brittle, increasing the likelihood of leaks. Take a few minutes to look over the hoses for cracks, bulges, or discoloration. Spotting a worn hose early and swapping it out can save you a big cleanup later.
Clean Detergent and Softener Dispensers
Laundry detergent can leave a sticky residue, which can lead to unpleasant smells and reduced cleaning power. To fix this, take out the detergent dispensers and rinse them well. Doing this once a month keeps the washer clean and helps the detergent flow smoothly.
Run a Drum Clean or Vinegar Cycle
Perform a cycle with a drum-cleaning solution and white vinegar every month. This helps keep your washer mildew-free and odorless, especially in the summer months.
Keep the Door Open After Use
To keep mildew from growing in your washing machine’s drum, leaving the door slightly open after every cycle is helpful.
Watch for Warning Signs
Slow drainage, leaks, and odors are bad signs. If you experience these problems, you should make an appointment for laundry appliance repair. Universal Appliance Repair is always ready to help with your washer repair needs and offers fast, dependable washer repair services so that your laundry routine is always a breeze.
Dryer Safety & Efficiency
During summer, your laundry loads might increase, which in turn increases your dryer’s workload and operating time. Routine maintenance and dryer vent cleaning allow the dryer to function to its full potential and protect the house from potential fire hazards.
Clean the Lint Trap Before Every Load
Always keep the lint trap clear before starting a new load. Having clean lint traps enhances airflow and keeps the dryer running efficiently. When the lint trap is clogged, the dryer does not dry well and takes longer to dry the clothes.
Inspect and Clean the Exhaust Vent
The exhaust vent’s job is to push the hot air out of the dryer. A blocked vent can lead to overheating the dryer, which can be a fire hazard. Regular checks for lint and debris accumulation are a must. If it’s been more than a year since the last vent cleaning, book a professional cleaning for safety and better performance.
Avoid Overloading
Putting too many clothes into one load can limit airflow, which can result in uneven drying. Instead, run smaller loads to minimize the strain on your dryer, which also extends the life of your dryer.
Watch for Warning Signs
If you notice issues such as extended drying times, unusual heat, or the smell of burning, your dryer requires servicing. Universal Appliance Repair offers washer and dryer repair services that guarantee your appliances and laundry routine function optimally.
Dishwasher Tune-Up
During summer vacation, cooking and baking are regular routines, which result in extra dirty dishes. Regular dishwasher maintenance helps avoid issues with leaks, dishwasher smells, and keeps dishes clean.
Clean Filters and Spray Arms
Over time, greases or oils will build up around filters and spray arms. This will make cleaning much more difficult. Remove the filter and spray arms, rinse them under warm water, then scrub any remaining gunk off. This will make the cleaning process much smoother.
Run a Vinegar Rinse Cycle
Vinegar is very effective for breaking down grease, soap scum, and any other sort of gunk build-up. Once a month, scrub the inside of your dishwasher and put a cup of vinegar inside. This will keep your dishwasher smelling fresh as well as enhance its durability and utility.
Inspect the Door Gasket
Make sure the rubber gasket, which prevents water from leaking, is not cracked or torn and is free of debris. If the door gasket is damaged, you run the risk of leaking water, so replace it if necessary.
Use Full Loads to Save Energy
Running partially filled cycles during hot weather is inefficient with both water and energy. Ensure that the dishwasher is fully loaded to improve its efficiency in cleaning the dishes.
Watch for Warning Signs
Cloudy glass, leaks, and strange sounds could point towards a problem. For comprehensive repair work and scheduled seasonal checks, trust Universal Appliance Repair’s dishwasher appliance repair services to make sure your whole kitchen is running efficiently.
Oven & Range Maintenance
With more family dinners and holiday baking, summer tends to be the busiest season for cooking. To ensure your gas range functions optimally, both your oven and range should be kept in top condition for safe operation. Performing a little gas range maintenance can go a long way in preventing more serious issues.
Clean Spills and Food Residue
Burners and oven interiors accumulate food residues over time, which can lead to smoke, odors, and uneven performance issues. To maintain a strong and even flame, deep clean burners and regularly clean and wipe spills.
Check Oven Door Seals
Loose or cracked door seals can increase your oven’s energy consumption, as well as increase cooking time, due to heat escaping during cooking. To keep heat consistent, check the gasket for cracks or gaps and replace if needed.
Test Temperature Accuracy
Overshooting the temperature in the oven can spoil a meal. Checking the oven’s temperature with a thermometer is a good practice. When an oven is not heating properly or shows temperature issues, it is best to call a professional.
Avoid Self-Cleaning During Heatwaves
Self-cleaning cycles can generate a lot of heat, making your kitchen oppressively hot. This function is best reserved for cool days, or leave it for professionals, if you wish to do a deep clean safely.
Watch for Warning Signs
Uneven cooking, ignition issues, and gas smells are all signs that something is wrong and should be dealt with immediately. If you require professional help, book our reliable oven repair services to keep your kitchen safe and operational all summer.
Microwave & Small Appliance Checks
Small appliances and microwaves are utilized for quick meals and snacks throughout the summer. Practicing small appliance summer care can help make them more efficient and safer during peak heat kitchen hours.
Clean Vents and Interior Regularly
Dust and grease can accumulate on microwave vents over time, impacting airflow and coolant systems. To maintain efficiency and prevent odors, regularly wipe down the vents and the microwave’s interior. Additionally, any food splatters inside the microwave must be removed, as they can burn and cause microwave sparks, damaging the appliance and posing safety risks.
Never Run the Microwave Empty
If you run the microwave without food, you can damage the magnetron and other key parts. If you need to check the microwave’s functionality, always ensure a cup of water is placed inside.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Make sure that ventilation for installed units remains open and clear. Especially in warm kitchens, poor ventilation can trap heat, leading to reduced efficiency.
Watch for Warning Signs
Do not overlook warning signs such as buzzing sounds, uneven heating, or sparks as these problems need to be addressed immediately. This issue requires immediate professional attention. For fast and dependable services, contact Universal Appliance Repair and safeguard your kitchen appliances.
Garbage Disposal & Kitchen Sink Area
With the summer season, more food scraps can lead to unpleasant garbage disposal smells. However, the kitchen can remain fresh and the disposal can work well by following a few simple kitchen tips.
Clean the Blades Naturally
Cleansing garbage disposal blades using ice cubes and citrus peels is one of the simplest garbage disposal maintenance tips. This not only sharpens blades, but also freshens the kitchen.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Though it may not seem problematic at first, grease will eventually solidify and create clogs in your pipes. Remember to clean excess grease from pans into the trash before rinsing the pans in the sink.
Run Cold Water During Use
When using the disposal, cold water should be running before, during, and after usage. Cold water helps in keeping the grease and food bits moving through the pipes.
Watch for Trouble Signs
Constant humming without grinding, persistent clogs, and unpleasant stale smells can indicate Issues. Early intervention can save the kitchen from expensive maintenance and ensure it operates efficiently.
With proper use and regular care, the performance and odors can be controlled, ensuring the garbage disposal stays in good condition for the entire summer.
Air Conditioner Filters & Surrounding Appliances
In summer, your appliances might have to work harder, which can lead to appliance overheating and excess energy consumption. There are some simple ways to keep your appliances running smoothly and your home safe during hot weather.
Clean or Replace AC Filters
Always check the filters on your window AC units. During summer, the heavy dust or debris can restrict airflow, forcing the unit to work longer. To keep the air fresh and the cooling performance strong, make sure to clean or replace the filters during peak usage months.
Maintain Proper Space for Airflow
Large appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers need adequate space around them to operate optimally. Ensuring proper air flow around appliances not only reduces their energy consumption and wear, but also makes them efficient. Even a few inches can make a difference and ensure peak performance.
Stacking small appliances like microwaves and toasters on top of other devices will trap heat and put extra strain on the motors and electrical components of the devices. Keeping small appliances separated, as well as the surfaces around the appliances clear, will ensure better airflow.
This will minimize the risk for sudden failures in the appliances, improve energy efficiency, and extend the overall lifespan of the appliances.
When to Call a Professional Appliance Technician
Even with regular maintenance, appliances tend to develop issues that call for specialized attention. Abnormal sounds like humming or grinding often indicate damage to internal components. If appliances are consistently lagging behind on their cycles or energy costs are inexplicably rising, then an investigation is needed.
Worse, overheating and issues like electrical smells may indicate more serious issues with motors and wiring. Ignoring these signs is unwise as they may impact functionality and safety. These problems can be more costly if preventive measures are not taken.
Providing reliable appliance repair Los Angeles residents need, Universal Appliance Repair’s trained technicians are reliable when it comes to servicing all major brands. With fast and trusted solutions, your appliances can be running smoothly in no time.
Don’t delay scheduling appliance service when these issues are noticed. With professional help, your appliances will not only perform better, but they will also prolong their longevity, ensure the safety of your home, and give you peace of mind all summer long.
Why Customers Trust Universal Appliance Repair
When an appliance breaks down, homeowners want to restore their household operations smoothly with reliable, quality repair service. Universal Appliance Repair, with same-day service, is one of the trusted appliance repair companies that LA residents trust.
Our same-day service minimizes disruption to your home, ensuring all appliances function seamlessly. All team members are properly qualified and have the know-how to diagnose and fix appliance problems swiftly and accurately.
As an appliance repair Los Angeles expert, we are able to service key brands like Sub-Zero, Thermador, Miele, SKS, Samsung, Whirlpool, and many more. This means nearly any appliance in your household can be fixed.
When best appliance technician near me, we expect a mix of flexibility and dependability. In this case, Universal Appliance Repair does not disappoint. Apart from providing professional care, we also offer dependable repairs and peace of mind to residents in Southern California.
Schedule Your Summer Appliance Check-Up Today
Refrigerators work longer hours during the summer, and dryers get extra busy as well. Everything from unexpected damages to pricey repairs can be avoided with some summer prep. That’s why scheduling appliance maintenance during the off-peak season is a lot smarter.
An efficient summer appliance tune-up will save you energy costs and unexpected problems during peak season. At Universal Appliance Repair, we perform a full check-up on all the appliances to ensure that no issues arise later on, and that all the appliance’s parts are safe and operational.
A small, simple issue can escalate into a much larger one if you are not careful, so be proactive and avoid running into problems during the summer. You can schedule booking online and be confident that your appliances are in top shape to handle the summer heat.
