Yearly Professional Appliance Maintenance: Why It's Important and What You Can DIY

Is your dryer taking longer to dry? Is there a puddle under your refrigerator drawers? Does your front-load washer have an unpleasant odor? These could be signs that your appliances need some care.

Like all machines, home appliances need regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Keeping up with maintenance can also boost efficiency, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of your appliances.

While some tasks are simple enough to handle on your own, others are best left to the pros. Let’s break down what you can DIY and what needs professional attention.

DIY Appliance Maintenance You Can Handle

You can take care of many routine maintenance tasks for your home’s major appliances. While the owner's manual has specific instructions, here are some quick tips to help you get started.

Caring for Your Washing Machine

Avoid overloading your washer and mixing light and heavy items. Both can strain the components that keep the wash tub balanced.

Once a month, clean your washer according to the manual. If you have a front-load washer, pay extra attention to the creases in the rubber door seal. These damp folds can harbor odor-causing microorganisms that can stink up your laundry room.

Each year, check the washer hoses for cracks and replace them before they cause leaks.

Caring for Your Dryer

Always clean the lint trap after every load. Once a year, make sure to clean lint from the vent pipe. This prevents fires and allows moist air to vent freely. When the vent is clogged, clothes take longer to dry because moisture stays trapped inside.

A clogged exhaust path can also cause your dryer to overheat and trip its thermal fuses. These fuses can't be reset, so the dryer won’t run until they’re replaced.

Caring for Your Refrigerator

Keep your refrigerator in good shape by regularly cleaning dust from the condenser coils. Also, check the door gaskets for rips that could compromise the seal.

Caring for Your Dishwasher

Some dishwashers have filters that need periodic cleaning. Check your manual to see if yours does, and learn how to remove, clean, and reinstall them. Don’t forget to inspect the dishwasher’s spray arm for cracks.

Caring for Your Stovetop and Oven

Clean the vent fan filter on your stovetop regularly, as it can get greasy. For your oven, make sure the door seal is soft and pliable. If it’s hard, brittle, or torn, cool air can get in, causing temperature fluctuations that affect your cooking.

When to Call a Professional

While you can handle some appliance maintenance on your own, certain tasks are better left to the professionals. They have the skills to get the job done quickly and safely. Professional maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs, lower your energy bills, and keep your appliances running smoothly for years.

At Sears Home Services, we have thousands of qualified technicians across the country ready to maintain your appliances. Here's what our technicians do during a preventive care visit:

Washing Machine Maintenance

Your washer might seem simple, but our technicians check 18 different things to make sure it’s working perfectly. This includes checking the tub’s spin speed, tightening electrical connections, and ensuring the timer works correctly. They also sanitize the door boot on front-load washers, clean any removable filters, and wipe down the exterior.

Dryer Maintenance

For your dryer, our technicians inspect 13 key components. They check and clean the moisture sensors, examine the drum belt, idler pulley, and support rollers for wear, and ensure the exhaust system is free of leaks and clogs. They also vacuum out lint from areas you can’t reach.

Refrigerator Maintenance

During refrigerator maintenance, our technicians make sure the door gaskets seal properly and clean the evaporation drain pan if needed. They also ensure the refrigerator defrosts correctly and that the defrost drain path is clear. Plus, they perform five other checks to keep your fridge in top shape.

Dishwasher Maintenance

Our technicians use a 13-point checklist to maintain your dishwasher. This includes checking for leaks in the pump and motor shaft, making sure the pump delivers the right amount of water, and inspecting the electrical system and heating element. They also clean the door gasket and any removable filters.

Stove and Oven Maintenance

To maintain your range, our technicians check that the electrical system is grounded and the wire connections are secure. They also inspect the visible insulation and test the self-cleaning door lock. To ensure your meals cook as expected, they calibrate the oven temperature.

At the end of the visit, our technicians will explain how to keep your appliances clean and well-maintained so they continue to look great and work efficiently.

Top Benefits of Professional Appliance Service

Professional appliance maintenance isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly—it’s a smart investment. Here’s what you get when you opt for professional service:

• Experience and expertise: Professionals understand the nuances of different appliance brands and models, allowing them to quickly diagnose and fix any issues.
• Cost efficiency: Regular professional maintenance can catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs or replacements.
• Safety and efficiency: Professional maintenance ensures your appliances run safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and helping you save on utility bills.

Don't cut corners when it comes to maintaining your appliances. Trust the experts at Sears Home Services to keep them running at their best. Book your professional appliance service today.

Regular Appliance Checkups: Smart, Not Extravagant

Regular checkups by professionals can make a big difference in the longevity, performance, and energy consumption of your appliances. Here’s why regular checkups matter:

• Longer lifespan: Regular maintenance can stop small issues from becoming big ones, extending the life of your appliances and helping you avoid early replacements.
• Better performance: Appliances can lose efficiency over time. Professionals can identify and resolve these issues, keeping your appliances performing at their peak.
• Energy efficiency: Professional checkups ensure your appliances are running efficiently, which can help you lower your energy bills. They can also provide tips on how to save even more energy.

Don’t wait for a breakdown. Schedule regular checkups with a professional service and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your appliances are in good hands.

Choosing the Right Professional Appliance Service

Finding the right service for maintaining your home appliances can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Credentials and certifications: Make sure the technicians are licensed and certified to work with various appliance brands and models.
• Customer reviews: Check out customer reviews to get a sense of the service’s professionalism and reliability.
• Scheduling and service: Look for a service that offers convenient scheduling and prompt, reliable service.

When you choose professional appliance maintenance, you're choosing peace of mind. And if a repair is ever needed, Sears Home Services offers expert repair services for all major brands. Explore the brands we service. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a necessary repair, our qualified technicians have you covered.