Noisy dyers

If you hear abnormal squealing and squeaking noises in a dryer, they aren't going to go away. Leaving them unattended can cause further problems down the road.

Frosty freezers

Today's refrigerators & freezers are built to be self defrosting. 

Generalized frost found in the middle or edges of the freezer is an indication the door was left open.

Frost on the back panel inside your freezer is an indication of a problem and should be addressed before your fridge gets warm. Pic 1.

Ice balls found on the evaporator behind the panel mean a refrigerant leak. Pic 2.


Should I Repair or Replace My Appliance?

When a major appliance suddenly stops working, the loss of use is often compounded by the difficult question of whether to repair it or invest in a newer and, perhaps, more energy-efficient model.

If the repair is costly, it may be the right time to get a new appliance, especially if the existing appliance is at least 8 to 9 years old.  The National Association of Home Builders provides the following estimates for the longevity of common household appliances:

Appliances’ average life expectancy
  • Dishwashers: 9 years
  • Dryers: 13 years
  • Freezers: 11 years
  • Refrigerators: 13 years
  • Ranges (gas): 15 years
  • Washing machines: 10 years

Should I repair it?

When determining the answer, consider the following:
 
Yes. If the appliance is still under warranty, call a factory-authorized repair shop.
Yes. If the appliance is an antique or a favorite high-end model you would like to continue to use. Make sure the repairs restore the appliance to current safety standards. 
Yes. If the repairs are minor and will extend the life of the appliance for at least three to four years.
Maybe. If the product is not under warranty, call a qualified independent appliance repair contractor to receive a quote on the cost of repairing. A reputable provider will help you assess your options, including the pros and cons of repairing versus buying.
No. If the repairs are extensive and add up to more than half of the product’s original cost.

Dryer Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your dryer properly can be the difference of saving yourself hundreds of dollars of dryer repair costs over the lifetime of your dryer.  Not keeping your dryer lint free can not only cause your dryer to break down more, but the lint build up is a serious fire hazard.  Here are 4 things to check.

Lint Filter
Clean the lint filter for the dryer after every load.  If you see any tears or rips in the lint filter, replace the filter with a new one.  Any large holes in the lint screen will allow lint to get past the filter and prematurely clog up the inside of the dryer or the exhaust vent.

Blower Housing (Area Under Lint Filter)
The area underneath the lint filter is typically called the blower housing.  The blower housing is a main air duct where air flows through your dryer.  Often, lint will build up in this area and it will need to be cleaned out.  On some dryers you can use a small brush to stick into the lint filter opening to clean out the lint, and on other dryers the whole dryer has to be taken apart to clean out the blower housing.  This is important to keep clean to maintain good airflow in your dryer.

Dryer Vent
Over time,  and even when cleaning the lint screen every load, a small amount of lint still passes by the lint filter and some of it builds up inside your dryer exhaust vent.  This lint needs to be cleaned out either by taking the venting apart (if accessible), or by hiring a professional company to clean your vent out.  Always make sure to use metal venting.  Plastic flexible venting can cause fires, and should be replaced with new aluminum venting.

Dryer Cabinet
The inside cabinet of the dryer will build up with lint over time.  This usually doesn’t accumulate very fast, but if you have an exhaust vent that is not sealed up very well then a lot of that lint can circulate back into the dryer.  Before pulling your dryer apart, make sure to unplug it first.  Some dryers have a front bottom panel that is removable that will give you easy access to cleaning out the cabinet of the dryer.  Other dryer models have to be pull completely apart to accomplish this task.  If you aren’t very handy, you may need to hire a appliance repair man to do the job for you.

Appliance Service Tips

Periodic appliance up-keep can increase the life of your appliances and improve operation.  Here are some appliance up-keep tips:

  • Ovens:  Don’t run the self-cleaning cycle within one week of a big dinner - ovens have a tendency to fail during or right after a self-cleaning cycle.

  • Dishwashers:  Run an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar to eliminate odors and buildup.

  • Disposals:  Place a handful of ice cubes in the disposal. Add lemon, orange or lime peels and run disposal with cold water for 15 to 30 seconds. Continue to rinse with cold water.

  • Refrigerators:  Unplug your refrigerator and use a vacuum to remove any dust from the coils. This will help it run more efficiently and trim your utility bills.
  • Refrigerator Repair

    Do you have a refrigerator that isn't cold? Noisy? Leaking? No ice or water?

    At Your Service Appliance Repair will repair your refrigerator today! Call (617) 921-9287.

    Massachusetts Areas Serviced:
    Arlington, Belmont, Brighton, Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Winchester and surrounding areas.