Before calling always unplug the machine, wait 10 minutes and then try to use it again.  A lot of newer machines have control boards that can be easily scrambled and corrupted just like your home computer and just needs to be reset.

Washers

Front load or Top load:  Front load washers use less water than standard top load washers and are gentler on your cloths.  However, a new agitator-less top load washer is just as efficient on water usage and can be purchased in the same load capacities.

Washer wrinkles my dress shirts/cloths:  when selecting your wash cycle turn the spin cycle to low and it will help reduce the wrinkles set in by the new high speed spin cycles

How much soap: on all front load and high efficiency top load washer you only need a quarter of a cap full of laundry soap

Difference in HE soap and regularly laundry soap: HE or High Efficiency soap was designed to cause less soap suds and less soap scum built up in the newer washers.  With the use of less water the problem of soak rings and scum was a problem.  So, HE soap was developed.

Washer does not drain:  If your washer fills but does not drain, you could have a problem if the door lock/safety switch or the drain pump.  On some front load washer models they have pump cleanout located on the front of the washer. It will look like a square cover that can be removed and has a cleanout that can be unscrewed behind it.  note: if the clean out is removed all the water in the washer will come out so be ready, a shop-vac works great.

How often should my washer fill hoses be replaced?  Rubber hoses should be replaced every 5 years.  Stainless braided hoses ever 10 years

Dryer

How often should I have my dryer serviced?   Outside if repairs for the dryer not working it is recommended every 5 years, it is a very good idea to have your dryer serviced and cleaned out.  Not only to keep the unit working properly, but also to remove the lint build up in the dryer that could eventually lead to a fire.

Auto dry or Timed dry:   Auto dry is a great feature and should be used for medium to large loads.  Timed dry should be used to dry single items or very bulky items.  The reasoning is that most dryers have sensor strips that sense the moist cloths as they tumble against them if you only have one item it may not tumble past the strips and shut off prematurely.

My dryer heats but takes several cycles to dry:  99% of the time if your dryer heats but does not dry, it is a clogged or smashed dryer vent.  First look behind your dryer to see if he vent is smashed, then check the outside vent of your house.  On the outside of your house the air out of the vent should be blowing out as strong as a hair dryer would blow.    Also you should be able to hear your dryer running though the vent.  If it is not, you need you dryer house vent cleaned and we can help.

Range

How An Oven Cooks:   Ovens do not cook your food by the direct heat of the bake elements but by the radiant heat from the hot oven cavity.  That is why it is a must to wait 15 minutes after turning on your oven to get a even bake.

Is your oven at the correct temp?    To test your oven set it for 350 degrees. Now using a medal oven temp gauge wait 25-30 min, this will give you an accurate reading of the temp of your oven. note: oven calibrations can only be done at 350 degrees.

When my gas range lights I sometimes smell gas or hear a poof sound:  As gas stoves get older the ignition glow bar may become weak or your burner flume by need cleaning.

Refrigerator

What is the correct fridge and freezer temperature:   Fridge temp should be set between 37-38 degrees and your freezer  at zero degrees.  Reasoning set by the FDA, 37 degrees is the lowest temp you can set your fridge to insure you won’t freeze of crystallize you foods that contain water.  In your freezer zero should be your temperature setting because every food product in your fridge freezes at 5 degrees.

How to get a smell out of my fridge:  Coffee, yes coffee.  Take a scoop of fresh coffee grinds and put it in a bowl.  Place on bowl in the fridge and one bowl in the freezer the smell will be gone in a few days

Should I have frost in the back of my freezer:  No, if you have frost on the back interior wall of your freezer that means the fridge did not go through defrost.  Just defrosting it for a day will only allow the fridge to run for another week. A part has failed will need to be repaired.

Dishwasher

Dish washer cleaning issues:  First always run your water at your sink tile it gets hot before starting your dishwasher.  Your dishwasher needs 120 degrees to clean properly and if your water heater is on the other side of the house the water may not be getting hot enough.  Second always use a rinse aid if using a powder or liquid detergent; without a rinse aid you will have streaks and spots.  Third if you have a disposal turn it on for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher because, most dishwashers drain through your disposal and if it is blocked so will the dirty water leaving your dishwasher.  Finally if your dishes are still not clean give us a call because there is a problem with the dishwasher.

Dishwasher not draining: check under the sink where the drain line for the dishwasher attaches to the disposal or piping. Is it clogged? Also if you just installed a disposal check to see if you knock out the drain knock out for the dishwasher.

 

Contact G H Appliance Repair today at 757-535-5649, or browse the website for more information about appliance repairs.