Five Appliances That Break the Most Often

High end home appliances enable a smooth running of our homes, saving us a lot of time and energy. At some point, however, these home appliances will require repairs, especially when they are getting older. Most home appliances, including freezers, dishwashers, machine washers, and dryers, have an average lifespan of 10 -13 years.

However, some of these appliances work harder than others, meaning they have an increased likelihood of breaking down. But, which appliances break down more easily than others? Well, here are the top five home appliances that are prone to constant repairs. We have also shared with you some of the tips to prolong the lifespan of each of the appliances.

Refrigerators

A broken refrigerator can lead to many inconveniences in your kitchen. Without immediate repair, your grocery and food will spoil. You may also be forced to eat out, which can be expensive. One of the reasons the fridge breaks down is that it is constantly running to ensure that the food stays frozen or cool. Refrigerators can last for 10-15 years, depending on the model and brand. To help you extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and enhance its performance, follow these simple tips.

• Clean the grime and dust from the condenser coils regularly
• Ensure that the fridge is well stocked. An overstocked or empty fridge works harder than it should
• Keep the fridge door closed all the time. A common mistake for most people is standing by the open fridge door as they try to contemplate what to cook for dinner.
• Never load extremely hot dishes into your refrigerator

Washing Machines

A washing machine is another workhorse for every home. Although most people report getting 10-12 years of solid performance from their washers, it is not easy to estimate when the machine will require repair. The unfortunate thing is that the washing machines tend to break down at the worst time when the closets and hampers are full. Washers tend to break down more often because of their work nature. Most components are exposed to water, and the spin cycle causes wear and tear, especially with heavy loads. Here are some of the tips that can help prolong the life of your washing machine.

• Do not overload your washer.
• Do not wash heavy beddings that need to be laundered in a commercial machine.
• Perform maintenance regularly, such as cleaning the drum
• Install your washer on a flat surface to ensure that it is stable
• Never launder items that have the potential of damaging the machine
• Follow the manufacturer’s specified maintenance tips

Dryers

Clothes dryers go hand in hand with your washer. When your washer starts running, the dryer will follow soon. Like the washing machine, the dryers tend to fail at the worst moment. One of the reasons why your dryer often requires repairs is overloading. Running a dryer with a clogged vent or lint trap also leads to various problems, including fire risks. Follow these tips to keep your dryer in top condition for years.

• Clean the lint screen before and after every load
• Schedule dryer vent cleaning from professionals at least twice annually, especially if you run several laundry loads every week
• Do not put items made from prohibited materials, such as plastics

Dishwashers

Running your dishwasher regularly is a great way to ensure it stays in good condition. Regular use helps prevent the dry rot that affects the dishwasher seals, leading to leaking problems. However, just like any other machine exposed to water, your dishwasher is still prone to breakdowns despite running it regularly. Most dishwashers have an average lifespan of twelve years.

Water leaks are the most common problems that affect a dishwasher. Since the moisture can lead to flooding damage, a leaking dishwasher is something that needs quick fixing. Dry rot is the biggest threat to dishwashers as it affects the gaskets, seals, and hoses. You can prevent the dry rot from ruining the gaskets and seals by running the dishwasher regularly.

Garbage Disposal machines

Garbage disposal comes in a tough design designed to work hard. While this might be so, it does not give you the license to overwork these machines. One of the main problems is that most people overestimate the grind-up capacity of their garbage disposal. Some also put in items that do not belong at the disposal, leading to stuck or clog problems. You can avoid most of the garbage disposal problems with planning. Ensure that you put down things that are safe for the garbage disposal. Using your garbage disposal well will give an average lifespan of up to 20 years.

However, putting in nonfood items or things too tough for the disposal to grind leads to clogging and breakdowns. Some of the items that can damage your garbage disposal include bones, fruit pits, and corn combs. The stringy fiber from celery stalks can also wrap around the grinding parts, causing clogs. It can offer solid performance for more than twenty years when you treat your garbage disposal right.

Get in touch with the appliance repair experts

Although your home appliances are not built to last forever, calling the professionals whenever you encounter issues is a good way to prolong the appliance’s lifespan. Appliance repair technicians charge a fraction of the cost to repair the appliance. At Appliance Cowboys, we ensure that all your home appliances run the time smoothly. We have provided professional service for more than decades for our clients in Houston and surrounding areas. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with our technicians.