Terry Mehilos
Read the Full Article Here: Sears Home Services
1. Clean the Refrigerator Condenser Coils
The condenser coils at the bottom of the refrigerator collect dust during normal use. When dust coats the condenser coils, the coils can’t release heat into the surrounding air, so the refrigerator has to work harder to stay cold. The result is decreased efficiency and poor cooling performance in the refrigerator. Don’t neglect this important maintenance task.
The coils get dirty because the refrigerator pulls in air from the surrounding environment, which contains dust, pet hair, and other particles that accumulate on the coils. Additionally, in kitchens with heavy cooking or baking activities, grease and food particles can also settle on the coils. Clean the coils at least twice a year—more often if you have pets that shed.
2. Clean the Dishwasher Filter
Most dishwashers have debris filters in the bottom of the tub. Failing to clean these filters regularly can cause dingy and unsanitary dishes. You may also notice awful smells coming from your dishwasher when you open the door.
Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher filters at least twice a year – more often if your owner’s manual recommends it. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for your dishwasher to pull out and clean the filters in your model.
3. Clean Out the Clothes Washer Drain Pump Filter
Many front-load washers have a drain pump filter tucked behind a small access door at the bottom, left corner of the front panel. Failing to clean that drain pump filter can prevent your washer from draining properly and foul smells can build up inside the washer.
4. Replace the AC or Furnace Air Filter
Air filters are vital for maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency and performance. They trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles, keeping the air clean. Neglecting to replace air filters regularly can lead to poor indoor air quality and put additional strain on your AC or furnace.
How often you should replace your air filters depends on factors like the type of filter, the number of occupants, and the presence of pets. Generally, it’s recommended to replace air filters every 1 to 3 months. If you have pets or allergies, more frequent replacement may be necessary.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing air filters. Turn off your HVAC system before replacing the filter. Most filters are located in the return air duct or near the air handler unit. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one matching the size and type specified by the manufacturer.
5. Clean the Oven
Grease build-up and spills inside the oven cavity can cause awful smells when cooking. The fumes can irritate family members or house guests that have allergies or breathing problems. Oven smoke can also irritate birds and pets in your home.
Cleaning your oven is relatively easy when your model has a Self-Clean mode. Just follow the directions in your owner’s manual for preparing the oven and your home for the process. Protect pets and family members with breathing problems before starting the self-cleaning mode because smoke will typically billow out of the oven vent during the oven cleaning session. After running the Self-Clean mode, you’ll simply need to wipe ash from the bottom of the oven and you’re done.
Follow a regular cleaning schedule. The frequency depends on usage and cooking type.
6. Clean the Dryer Exhaust Vent Duct System
Neglecting to clean the dryer exhaust vent duct system going to the outside of your home can cause lint and debris clogs. Your dryer will take longer to dry clothes. Additionally, clothes that is tumbling inside the dryer also can overheat when the vent system is clogged.
Clean the dryer exhaust vent duct system at least twice a year or when you notice the dryer overheating and clothes taking a long time to dry.
7. Replace the Refrigerator Water Filter
Continuing to use an expired water filter for a couple of weeks won’t have any significant effect on water quality or safety. Refrigerator water filters have the capacity to effectively filter water slightly beyond their rated capacity. Reasonable leeway in safe and effective filtering is expected for fridge water filters.
Don’t keep using a refrigerator water filter more than a few weeks past its expiration. Several weeks after its expiration, a refrigerator water filter can begin losing its ability to safely and effectively reduce water contaminants.
Eventually, the filter can get clogged and reduce water flow through the refrigerator.
Replace your water filter every 6 months or as directed by the owner’s manual for your fridge. If your fridge has an air filter, replace that filter at the same time that you replace the water filter.
Read the full article below, it lists the details with the steps for each task.
https://www.searshomeservices.com/blog/7-diy-appliance-maintenance-tasks-that-you-shouldnt-neglect
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