Calls to our service company for dryers failing to dry clothes is common. In many cases there is a true problem with the dryer but in many cases the problem is not with the dryer.

The two most common causes for long dry times (not due to a fault of the dryer) or not drying at all is usually a clogged vent or incorrect power supply.

Some customers have actually purchased a new dryer only to find out the new dryer did not solve the problem. Before calling for service or buying new follow these steps.

I received a call that this Kitchen Aid side by side refrigerator was not cooling properly. Upon arrival I found the temperature in the freezer was minus 18 degrees and the refrigerator side was 55 degrees. I verified all components were functioning especially the operation of the evaporator fan motor. Upon further inspection I found frost accumulation built up on top of the icemaker, icy frost build up at the channel leading to the meat drawer as well as some frost build up at the bottom of the freezer door.

Many of us purchase warranty contracts to avoid unexpected expenses. Paying a level monthly or annual payment is preferred by some over paying for a repair out right. Pros: 1.Level monthly payment. 2.Prequalified/Prescreened Contractors 3.Usually one number to call for service. Cons: 1.Premiums adjust over time. 2.Up front deductible (usually between $50.00 and $75.00) 3.Live person seldom picks up phone. Cust. will have to move through telephone prompts. 4.Contractors are required to complete jobs as cheaply as possible in order to maintain call volume status.

1. Unplug the unit at the wall. Step 2AStep 2
2. Remove the two screws securing the console to the cabinet.
   

Many years have past since I popped corn in an open fire or over a gas stove. Many of us probably remember buying popcorn (ready to pop) in a small round foil type throw away container. I can remember grouping with friends around a campfire or in front of a wood burning fireplace, sharing stories and watching in amazement as the vessel of popcorn began to grow. The container was designed with a handle so one could hold the vessel over an open flame. The top would swell as the kernels were heated and popped. Popping the corn was more fun than eating the soft popped kernels.

Buying aftermarket parts for your appliance may save you some money upfront but may end costing more money in additional repairs. I purchased an aftermarket drain pump for a Whirlpool direct drive washer. The unit was difficult to install due to some molding imperfections compared to the OEM part. It was also noisy. Not trusting the part I removed it and installed the OEM part. The OEM part is about three times more expensive than the aftermarket product but I find it worth the added cost.

Relatively small and mostly out of sight the garbage disposal is more a convenience than a necessity when compared to a washer, dryer or refrigerator, for residential use that is. Many people like this convenience though. John W. Hammes invented the garbage disposer in 1927, nicknamed (The Electric Pig) because he wanted to make clean up in the kitchen easier for his wife. After several years improvement he opened a company named In-Sink-Erator in Racine, Wisconsin, now a division of Emerson Electric. For a look at the first disposer type the following URL into your internet address line.

ARE YOU READY TO BUY A NEW WASHER?

• AVOID KINKING EXHAUST VENT BEHIND DRYER; THE SHORTER THE BETTER.
• EXHAUST DUCTING SHOULD BE OF A METALIZED SEMI RIGID/ FLEXIBLE MATERIAL. DO NOT USE VINYL AS IT CAN BE EASILY CRUSHED. VINYL WILL NOT WITHSTAND HEAT AS WELL AS METALIZED DUCTING.

On so many occasions I have heard a customer exclaim, “You don’t know how important it is until it’s broken”. How true that is. When it’s working we tend to take it for granted, whatever it is. In this case it just so happens to be our washer.

The following tips can help keep your deserving washer up and running.