From your boiler to your oven, fridge and washing machine, taking care of your appliances can help them last longer and work more efficiently.
From accidental damage to long-term wear and tear, a range of factors can contribute to home appliances not working as they should. Below, we’ve listed how you can protect your appliances for a longer functional life, fewer breakdowns and lower bills.
Use simple tactics to protect your fridge
Your fridge contains a surprisingly complex mechanical system that’s designed to achieve and maintain a specific temperature. From the compressor to the coils, the key parts your fridge are subject to wear and tear over time that can eventually result in breakdowns.
The easiest ways to protect your fridge from damage are to shield it from heat sources, such as a stovetop of oven, which can boost the amount of work performed by the compressor to keep a steady temperature.
It’s also important to keep your fridge’s condenser coils clean and free of dust. If you notice the bottom or back of your fridge collecting dust, try pulling it away from the wall, switching it off and giving it a thorough clean to remove any dust and debris buildup.
Check your oven to make sure it’s working properly
If you cook at home regularly, a reliable oven is an essential part of your kitchen. Just like your fridge and freezer, your oven is subject to mechanical wear and tear over time that can make it less effective.
To avoid costly oven repairs, it’s important to check that your oven is working properly. One way to do this is to check its temperature. You can do this by carrying out a sugar test or by using a thermometer to check that your oven’s heating element is working properly.
It’s also important to check the door seal, as heat leakage can make your oven significantly less efficient. Check that the door closes firmly — if it doesn’t your oven could have damaged hinges or a broken door seal.
Prevent hard water buildup from damaging your dishwasher
Over time, hard water — water that has an overly high mineral content — can build up inside your dishwasher, resulting in thin a layer of residue that covers internal components and prevents the dishwasher from working properly.
If you have a newer dishwasher, it might have its own water softener, making it easier for you to avoid this common problem. In an old dishwasher, you can use filtered white vinegar to remove hard water residue before it becomes a problem.
Protect all of your appliances with the right insurance
Finally, it’s important to keep your appliances protected with the right insurance cover. While the techniques above can help you to reduce your risk of dealing with a broken appliance, appliance protection cover can help you avoid costly repairs after a breakdown happens.
Remember, no prevention technique is 100% effective. If you’ve invested in high quality kitchen, heating and laundry appliances for your home, it’s important to have insurance cover to ensure you’re protected from expensive repair bills.
