5 Easy Ways to Make Sure Your Appliances Stay in Tip-Top Shape

A new kitchen appliance costs anywhere from $350 to $8,000.

That means, of course, you want your appliances to last. But how do you find time to take care of every appliance in the house, work, and watch the kids?

Don’t worry: these five easy tips will make your appliances run correctly and last longer—all without killing any chance of free time.

1. Don’t Overload the Washer and Dryer

Don’t let those last two pairs of pants taunt you. If the washer is full, leave them for the next load.
It’s tempting to stuff as many clothes into the washer and dryer as possible. However, doing so causes stress on the machines and reduces their lifespan. After all, how would you feel if you had to lift, spin and dry twice the load you could handle?

2. Clean HVAC Units

It sounds like a lengthy process, but cleaning an HVAC unit takes about half an hour. After turning off the power to the unit, all owners need to do is vacuum out any debris and hose down the unit’s outside.

Although there are further cleaning methods homeowners can take, this quick and simple step will keep your AC and heating working well and will extend the life of your HVAC system.

3. Peek at Your Anode Rod

Anode what?

The anode rod is a metal rod on a hot water tank that attracts minerals. Over time, the buildup of minerals rusts the rod. At that point, they can form a sediment that makes its way into the tank.
So take a quick peek at your anode rod every once in a while to see its condition. If you notice rust, it’s time for a replacement.

4. Don’t Discard Grease in Sinks

It’s so tempting to drain the fat from that pan right down the sink, but that one moment of convenience can cost you big time.

Most people have heard the warning, but understanding why it’s a no-no might convince you to start using that old coffee can to collect grease instead of the sink.
If enough grease collects in the sewers, a chemical reaction forms that causes buildup in the piping.

That’s right: enough grease means your pipes become clogged, and then you’re dealing with a whole, smelly mess that we’re sure you’d rather not think about.

5. Don’t Overburden the Fridge

How much food do you stuff into your fridge?

“Overfilling a refrigerator causes the unit to work harder to keep everything cool,” remarks John Stahfest, president of Top Shelf Appliance.

The extra work minimizes its lifespan. Likewise, using the top of a fridge as a shelf can block necessary heating.

Try not to overburden the poor thing.

Happy Appliances Equals a Happy You

Sometimes that quick minute of checking the anode rod or reaching for the grease container pays off. Stay vigilant, and use these five simple steps to keep your appliances happy.