10 Tips for Efficient, Effective Home Appliances

April 6, 2018

From your friends at A B Home Inspections, Inc.!

10 Tips for Efficient and Effective Home Appliances: Home appliances are some of the biggest energy users, but making the right choices can lead to big savings. Focusing on a few maintenance tasks can keep appliances efficient and effective.

Today’s typical family home is a buzzing hub of activity where meals are cooked, homework is done and family game nights are contested. In the background of it all: the home appliances that keep life moving along. Focusing on a few maintenance tasks can keep appliances efficient and effective.

Maintain tools

Replace vacuum belts periodically to keep your vacuum cleaner running like new, and swap out lawn mowers’ spark plugs once a year to ensure the mower is easy to start. Stock up on extra batteries for cordless vacuums, leaf blowers or other lawn equipment used frequently.

Focus on filtration

Replace vacuum cleaners’ accessories often for best performance. Bags need to be replaced every one to two months, while a new filter is needed every three to six months. Washable filters should be replaced too, as they may begin to lose effectiveness after a couple of washes. For great vacuum performance, use Arm & Hammer vacuum bags and filters to capture allergens, dust and pet hair from surfaces while safely and naturally absorbing odors.

In addition, make sure to replace HVAC filters for better efficiency and higher quality air filtration.

Clean appliances

Appliances share one rule: Never, ever let spills or splatters linger. Whether it’s on the stove, in the microwave or in the refrigerator, the longer deposits remain, the harder they are to clean. Keeping these appliances clean will mean that a deeper scrubbing is only needed occasionally.

* Refrigerators

Twice a year, pull out the refrigerator to clean behind and under it. Mop the floor and use a vacuum to remove dust from the coils in back. This will decrease the stress put on the motor and can prolong the life of the refrigerator. Use soapy water to clean shelves, and a damp cloth to remove fingerprints from the front or sides.

* Dishwashers

About once a month, check and clean the drain and wipe down the door seals and spray arm.

* Oven

Embrace the self-cleaning option on the oven to do the heavy lifting whenever it’s needed. Wipe down the inside of the door and creases to ensure there aren’t crumbs accumulating. Soak burners, knobs, racks and hood vents twice a year to keep them free of grime.

* Microwave

Clean the rotating microwave plate weekly in the dishwasher. When needed, put a bowl of water with lemons in the microwave and run it for three minutes, then let stand for five minutes before wiping down the inside.

* Washing machine

Always wipe out the machine to ensure there is no water left sitting in it. For a deeper clean, run the washer with bleach in the dispenser, pause the machine and let the bleach mixture settle for an hour, then complete the cycle before wiping it out.

* Coffee maker

Hand wash the filter tray, exposed areas and crevices weekly, and run water with a bit of vinegar through – without coffee – to clean the inner mechanisms.

* Safety first

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in the home to keep families safe – but they need new batteries to ensure equipment is working as it should. Every six months, change the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and make sure fire extinguishers are still in place and not expired.

Arm & Hammer bags and filters are available at Walmart and Walmart.com.

When you or someone you know need the services of a quality home inspection company in Birmingham, AL. Or, in cities near you. We would truly appreciate you thinking of us. You can schedule right from our website or call our office now at (205) 835-0539. Thank You!