But wait. Before pulling the air conditioner out or turning it on for the first time, it is important to take a few minutes to get the unit ready for the cooling season. Some of these steps may apply to your particular model and some may not. Consult the use and care manual for help.

• Clean the filter. Every air conditioner will have a filter that is designed to catch dust and whatnot as it circulates the air in the home. As this filter becomes clogged the unit will need to work harder to move air and may even shut off if it becomes to clog so remove it and vacuum off last years dust.
• Make sure the drain holes are clear. The byproduct of the air conditioning process is water as it is removed from the hot outside air. This water will drain from a hole that may have become blocked since used last. Locate the hole and make sure it is clear for water to flow.
• Check for a good air seal around the cabinet. Air conditioners that are mounted part-time in open windows need to have good air separation between the warm outside air and the cooler inside air. If some of the foam seal has seen better days, it may be time to head to the hardware store and pickup a new roll.
• Clean the condenser coils. Just like on your refrigerator, the condenser is where the heat removed from the inside is released to the outside. These coils can become blocked with dirt, bugs, cobwebs, leaves or anything else that happens to fly around the yard. Give the coils a good cleaning using a vacuum and a coil brush. Yes I know the pressure washer does a great job, but it’s not a recipe for long air conditioner life.
• Make sure it can breathe. While cleaning the condenser, make sure the bush growing outside the widow hasn’t had a growth spurt and is not surrounding the outside portion of the unit. Air conditioners need to breathe and move a lot of hot air, usually outside where it is already hot. Having to deal with branches and leaves isn’t going to help the situation.
• And if you have a remote control, remember to change the batteries.

Well I hope this helps with keeping things cool and working all summer long. Be sure and consult the units use and care manual for model specific suggestions to avoid a sudden failure which will usually result in difficulty sleeping.

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Noises can be tricky to locate, especially when there doesn’t seem to be any real level of consistency. Because of this, I sometimes suggest waiting until it is possible to repeatedly recreate the conditions for the noise before calling for service just because as we all know when you take your car to the shop that is when it will work without a problem. But sometimes the noise can be caused by something that will result in a more significant failure if not dealt with sooner than later.

Based on what the customer was describing, we (yes we, I had one of my technicians with me on this call) started to tear into the mechanics of this washer which starts with removing the agitator from the basket. Once it was out of the way the reason for the noise became apparent. I had noticed the basket was able to move back and forth easily indicating a problem with the break assembly, thus my reasoning to tear deeper into the unit. But what we had found with the agitator out of the way was the drive block, the metal piece that mounts to the basket drive and holds the basket in place was damaged allowing the basket to move.

Once the drive block was removed, we could see how the block was carved out which would allow the basket to kind of skip a beat every so often resulting in the banging sound described by the customer. The drive block was replaced with some assistance with a spanner wrench (yes you will need one of these) and the basket was put back in place. Now when the customer is doing laundry, it’s not quite silent, but much quieter none the less.

As times change and we continue to evolve from the traditional top load washer to one of the more energy efficient front loaders, there has had to be some changes in our behavior on how we use these products. Yes I know many people have been using washers since before I was born, but the washers of today look and function nothing like the washers of old.

The older top load washer when faced with pockets full of items would simply scatter them around the bottom of the wash basket and we would be alerted to their presence during the spin cycle. The newer front load washers when washing the same pair of pants will very efficiently remove those same items but this time those items will likely find their way out the drain hose via the drain pump.

No problem for small things, but anything that can get into the pump itself or even restrict the water flow during the drain cycle has the potential to require a phone call for service. The best way to prevent this scenario is a thoroughly checking for items that may be in the pockets, pay come loose during wash, or even those items that fell into the clothes hamper. The money you save will be your own.

An incorrect reading can happen for many reasons, from an element that has failed, to igniter problems in gas ranges, or even doors that don’t close properly. A mechanical or electrical failure will most defiantly provide for inaccurate temperature symptoms. But if all seems to be functioning properly and the temperature is still an issue, then it is time to use a tool provided by the manufacturer to resolve the problem.

This tool is called an offset and most every oven or range with a digital display has them built into their programming. The reason for this is all electronic controls and sensors built into an oven will experience some level of change over time. As your range gets older, the temperature probe may not be as sensitive as before, or may read warmer than it should. So the offset was created which allows you to program the electronics to take this change into account when in use.

How you access this tool depends on the make and model, but if available, the steps will be in your use and care manual. My best advice when you believe your oven is not at the correct temperature is to use a digital thermometer with a probe you place into the oven to verify the problem. If you find a consistently incorrect temperature, use an offset to make things read correctly. If there seems to be no consistent temperature fluctuations, then it may be time to call for service.

Model #KUDP02IRBT2, this tall tub dishwasher was making a noise that seemed to change from a ticking sound to a grinding sound as the wash cycle progressed. Still washing well for the customer, the problem was ignored, until they were tired of the noise and decided they wanted their quiet dishwasher back.

The wash pumps on these units are often the source of these unpleasant noises, because of a simple but effective design feature. Unlike many other dishwashers that use screens and filters to catch food particles and other random debris, these units use a chopper blade to grind up small bits of food or other organic matter allowing it to pass through the drain hose. These choppers spin at the same RPM as the pump impeller and when items that are difficult for the chopper to grind up get stuck, the result is usually a noise of some sort.

Described as a fast clicking sound, the noise will usually occur from time to time as the chopper encounters these larger items. If by chance the item stuck in the chopper turns out to be something that cannot be chopped up, toothpicks, plastic items, or rubber bands for example, then the noise tends to last until the foreign object is removed. And every so often the wrong item makes its way into the wrong part of the sump and the result is permanent damage to the motor shaft.

When trouble shooting noises on these units, I will always remove the top of the pump and take a look at the chopper (the silver thing in photo above) to make sure it is not broken and nothing is stuck between the blade and the screen. If it is broken or clogged with food particles, replace the chopper. If the chopper looks good, clean out anything that may be in the sump as that could be the source of the noise. Once the sump is cleaned I will reassemble the pump and take it for a test. If the noise is still there, it’s time to replace the motor

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Appliance servicers come in many forms from the guys that work for the place of purchase to some guy that works from his garage and everywhere in between. With the increased availability of the Internet, exposing yourself to potential customers has become easier for everyone, but the anonymity that the Internet brings can also work in favor of those less than honest.

A safe bet is to stick with professionals’ recommended by friends, family, or even the manufacturer because past experience is important. But you may want to go a little further and do some research yourself with the aid of the Internet.

• Read online reviews from others who have used the service. Don’t worry so much about the overall rating, but instead read what people are saying.

• Check with local governments to verify proper licensing and real addresses. This is generally free and can give some insight into a business’s legality.

• Look for name or ownership changes of the business. It is not uncommon for a business to suffer from bad reviews online and simply change their name to start over.

• Check on proper insurance coverage and any bonds if required by local governments. Again, an Internet search or even asking for these details when calling for service can separate the honest from the dishonest.

• And finally, if something doesn’t seem right, don’t use the service. If you expected a service van with a logo and a clean cut technician at your door, don’t let the person wearing a t-shirt driving a beater pickup in your home.

None of these should automatically prohibit using a particular service company, but what you don’t know about someone is generally more dangerous than what you do know. Not everyone who comes to your home is who they say they are and as more manufacturers are requiring detailed background checks of the techs performing work on their appliances, more “techs” end up working on their own because something in their background prohibits them from working for a legitimate business.
Again, just my two cents.

image courtesy www.cepolina.com

Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator. The compressor uses more electricity than any other component in your refrigerator, because after all, it does most of the work. By doing something simple such as keeping the condenser coils clear of dirt and dust, the compressor can keep your refrigerator cool without using as much electricity.

Clean your dryer vent. A clean dryer vent allows your dryer to move air more efficiently and will dry your clothes quicker. Since the heating element, or gas burner is really what uses most of the energy in a dryer, the less those things are used, the more energy that will be saved. And by keeping the vent clear, your dryer will be able to operate as it was designed which will help your clothes last longer.

Washers are very big users of both electricity and water and if you own a front load design, you are already doing your part. But if you still prefer the top load washers, you can still do some things to save energy. Start by selecting the proper load size and temperature for your clothes. You don’t need to fill the tub to the top when only a few items are being washed and as for temperature, many detergents work very well in cold water. When adding detergent, use only the amount needed for your load size because anything more is only wasting money and requires more water to rinse the clothes clean.

Run your dishwasher with hot water, the right amount of detergent, and use rinse aid. Your dishwasher will use electricity to pump and heat water so less is better. Before running your dishwasher, run the water at your sink until it is hot. This will start the dishwasher out with a boost of hot water right from the start. Use only the prescribed amount of detergent for the load size and make sure the rinse aid dispenser is full. This will ensure your dishes get clean running fewer cycles, and will be dry at the end. To save even more energy, try turning off the heated dry feature because if you follow these steps, your dishes will be dry even without the drying feature.

Instead of using your range to cook dinner, try using the microwave. Typical gas and electric ranges use a lot of energy to generate heat and much of it isn’t used very efficiently. Most microwaves can be used for many cooking tasks and will use less electricity in the process. If you are going to use the range, plan your preparation to get the most use from the oven, and if you have a convection range, you should be able to use all the racks in the oven at the same time.

Most of our home appliances actually require very little maintenance to keep them working their best thanks to some good design and manufacturing. But the clothes dryer works in an environment that makes it susceptible to dirt and dust. The process is simple enough. A motor inside the dryer rotates the drum while pulling in large amounts of air from the surrounding area. This air is heated as it is drawn past the element and through the drum of wet tumbling clothes until it exits out the back and then on to the outside.

The key to the problem is all the air pulled into the dryer. Dryers make very good vacuum cleaners because they take in so much air. Any dust floating around the laundry room gets pulled into the dryer and will usually deposit itself as a nice blanket around the inside of the cabinet. Not a real problem but there defiantly is some potential for shortening the life of the dryers’ mechanical components.

So while cleaning up around the house, take the opportunity to pull the dryer away from the wall and clean up the lint, dust, and random items that have fallen behind since it was last moved. A little period cleaning can defiantly keep your dryer operational for years to come.

The problem begins with the handle feeling a bit loose. It still opens and closes but just doesn’t feel right. As time and usage continue the problem gets worse until one day the handle comes off in your hand. You may be in luck of it simply came loose but all too often the handle will break, come loose and scratch a decorative stainless steel panel, or even pull the mounting studs right out of the appliance.

This is where the price goes up. You may be surprised to know just how expensive many of the panels, handles, or any other cosmetic part of your appliances cost. And not having a working handle on most any appliance can make it harder to use. My suggestion is to catch the problem early before it costs money.

Most handles are simply mounted using screws and keeping them tight is no more difficult than using a screwdriver. Depending on the product and manufacturer, you may need to do some looking around to identify how the handle is connected, but there will be a screw somewhere. The moral of the story is some occasional appliance TLC can prevent an unexpected repair in the future.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2012
Release #12-147 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 241-7239
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Viking Range Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Viking dishwashers

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: Viking Range Corporation of Greenwood, Miss.

Hazard: An electrical component in the dishwasher can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Viking has received 21 reports of incidents, including five reports of property damage from fires. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Viking 24″ Professional, Designer and Custom Panel dishwashers manufactured between May and September 2010. They were sold in black, white and 24 other custom colors, stainless steel and with custom wood panels. The name “Viking” appears on the control panel at the top of the door. The model and serial number are located on the identification plate mounted on the inside on the left side of the dishwasher door opening. The first six numbers in the serial number are the manufacture date in mmddyy format, e.g., serial number 052610 was manufactured on May 26, 2010. Model and manufacture dates included on this recall are:

Model Numbers
Starting With*: Date Codes – first six digits
of serial number:
DDB325
DFB450
VDB325
VDB450 052610 through 091510

* Model numbers ending with an E are not included on the recall.

Sold at: Appliance and specialty retail stores nationwide from June 2010 through March 2012 for between $1,425 and $2,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and contact Viking’s hotline for a free in-home repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Viking toll-free at (800) 241-7239 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit Viking’s website at www.vikingrange.com

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.