We hear many common questions about household appliance repair. So, we wanted to spend a little time going over some of these frequently asked questions. In this article, you can find responses to the following questions:
- Is repairing an old appliance really a good investment?
- Should I repair or replace my existing appliance?
- I bought a new refrigerator/freezer and I was planning to move my old one out to the garage and use it for additional cold storage space. Will it damage the unit if I store it in the garage?
- I have an old refrigerator/freezer that doesn’t work anymore, and I need to get rid of it. What can I do?
- Can I put my refrigerator all the way up against the wall?
- Why would my washer be using cool water during the warm cycle?
- Why do I have suds left over in my washer after I am done washing a load of clothes?
- Why does my gas oven glow like it is hot, even when it is not heating?
- What makes my oven smell so bad when it is cleaning itself?
- What is the average amount of time it takes for a load of clothes to dry?
- Is it bad to use softener sheets?
Q. Is repairing an old appliance really a good investment?
A. When thinking about the cost of a new appliance, you need to consider both the quality of appliance you can afford as a replacement and the option of having your existing appliance properly repaired by a competent professional. We’re happy to evaluate your current appliances to give you some advice as to whether repairing it would be a good idea, or whether you should bite the bullet and buy a new one.
Q. Is repairing an old appliance really a good investment?
A. When thinking about the cost of a new appliance, you need to consider both the quality of appliance you can afford as a replacement and the option of having your existing appliance properly repaired by a competent professional. We’re happy to evaluate your current appliances to give you some advice as to whether repairing it would be a good idea, or whether you should bite the bullet and buy a new one.
Q. Should I repair or replace my existing appliance?
A. If you are comparing having your existing machine repaired or replacing it with a machine that is comparable in price with what you paid for your machine 10 or so years ago, you will not be making a valid comparison. The machines are neither similar in quality nor durability for the same price. If you were to merely replace your existing appliance with one that costs about what you paid a decade ago, you’ll be repairing or junking the new machine every three to four years. You’ll either have to pay more up front for a new, high-quality machine that will give you another 10 years of trouble-free operation or you pay less up front for a low-end machine and then pay-as-you-go for repairs.
Q. I bought a new refrigerator/freezer and I was planning to move my old one out to the garage and use it for additional cold storage space. Will it damage the unit if I store it in the garage?
A. Only if it is a self-defrosting refrigerator and the temperature in your garage drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, it is possible that the oil could thicken and cause premature compression failure.
Q. I have an old refrigerator/freezer that doesn’t work anymore, and I need to get rid of it. What can I do?
A. The best option is to take it to your local landfill. However, the law does require that you have the refrigerant evacuated first. Your local appliance repair company should be able to do that for you.
Q. Can I put my refrigerator all the way up against the wall?
A. Yes you can, as long as there is not a metal grid on the back of it. If there is, you should make sure you leave 1” of space between the unit and the wall.
Q. Why would my washer be using cool water during the warm cycle?
A. Your washer is actually combining hot water and cold water to create the warm water and during certain times of the year cold water gets colder. So, during the colder months, you can expect your warm cycle to run cooler. You might also want to check to see if there is anything blocking the hot water coming into your machine.
Q. Why do I have suds left over in my washer after I am done washing a load of clothes?
A. It is very possible that you are using more detergent than is necessary for the load size you are washing. Double check the detergent instructions to ensure you are using the correct amount.
Q. Why does my gas oven glow like it is hot, even when it is not heating?
A. The glow is caused by a “glow-bar” igniter that is used to ignite the gas in your oven. It glows as it is heating up, but unless it reaches the correct temperature, the gas valve will not open and the gas will not ignite. Therefore, your oven will not heat up. If your igniter is not heating up to the proper temperature, you may need to replace it.
Q. What makes my oven smell so bad when it is cleaning itself?
A. The smell is caused by the grease and food that your oven is burning off. When possible, it is a good idea to create additional ventilation in the kitchen when cleaning your oven, perhaps by opening windows and/or doors.
Q. What is the average amount of time it takes for a load of clothes to dry?
A. On average, a large load of clothes should only take around 45 minutes to dry completely. If you are noticing that your clothes are averaging more than 1 hour to dry, you might want to have your dryer vent system checked.
Q. Is it bad to use softener sheets?
A. Softener sheets won’t cause any damage to your dryer, but they can lead to clogged lint filters or the coating of your moisture sensor. If you use them, be sure to periodically clean the screen of your lint filter and wipe off your sensor.
These are only a few frequently asked questions when it comes to household appliance repair, but there are many more we hear on a regular basis! In the meantime, if you need our help in any way, whether it’s to repair or install new or used household appliances, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bell’s Appliance Service.
At Bell’s Appliance Service, we want your home to be your happy place. We want you to be able to buy the appliances that you want the most while also saving as much money as you can. Call our Jacksonville, NC office at 910-939-2090 or our Greenville, NC office at 252-364-2482 to schedule appliance repair or installation services with Bell’s Appliance Service. We’re looking forward to helping you with all your household appliance needs! Contact us today.