Household appliances are the most used equipment in homes, and it’s important to always keep them in excellent condition. Failure to adopt best usage practices can result in costly repairs or, sometimes, expensive replacements. In Australia, 25% of total energy consumption is reportedly from household appliances. This means your home appliances play a crucial role in how much you pay for power consumption. Below are some tips on how to take better care of your home’s equipment.
- Proper regular cleaning
The more you clean your household appliances, the less work you will have with them. Apart from the obvious benefit of ridding your home of avoidable microorganisms and germs, regular proper cleaning can extend the lifespan of these appliances. For example, the microwave oven is used several times daily, and without a proper cleaning schedule, it may break down before its time.
This happens because heated food particles and oil often clog internal components. This makes it difficult for proper heat distribution when the appliance is in use. However, with proper regular cleaning, the microwave oven will perform optimally. There may not be the need to handle repairs or deal with replacements of damaged parts. Also, remember to wipe traces of moisture on your appliances after cleaning them. This will help stop rust formation and prevent accidental electrocution.
- Know your appliances limits
Every appliance has its restrictions and limitations. People are advised to read and understand the manufacturer’s manual. If it helps, never discard this manual, especially because you will likely refer to it again. The fact that it is a machine does not mean you can override its factory settings and functions. A typical example of this is the use of washing machines. These washers are designed with inherent capacity that allows them to take loads specified by the manufacturer.
For example, things can go wrong if a washer with a 10kg load capacity is exceeded and made to handle a 12 kg laundry. Persistent flouting of load capacity can negatively impact the spinning mechanism. When your washer won’t spin, you may have to check the coupler, drive belt, motor control board, and several other parts. Sometimes the cost of repairing a damaged washer is so high that it might be better to buy a new one. Knowing your appliance limits and restrictions is best to avoid these inconveniences.
- Avoid DIY repairs
DIY projects can save you a ton of money but before you go further, remember there are hidden costs. Handling repairs of appliances you know nothing about increases the risk of damage. Household appliances are intricate engineering that requires specialist training to handle repairs or dissembling. Without ample knowledge, you might do more than damage to the appliance.You may inadvertently release dangerous gases into your home, start an accidental fire, risk electrocution, and cause fatalities in the home. This is why it is better to allow professional technicians to attend to household appliance repairs and so on. Their experience is an advantage you may not have.
