Appliances are an important part of any home. They save you time, energy, and money. Nonetheless, they’re also expensive. You need to take good care of your appliances to get the most out of them.

The average appliance warranty is one year, so you don’t have a lot of time to get something fixed if it breaks. Thankfully, you can use plenty of tips to keep your appliances in top shape. To help you out, here are these tips as given by commercial appliances repair professionals:

Inspect the condition of the appliance before you buy it

When purchasing appliances, check for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or dents in the body. Look for any frayed or exposed wiring or cords that could indicate electrical problems.

Look for moisture inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments — this can be a sign of leaks that could ultimately lead to mold growth inside the appliance if not addressed immediately.

Check cord connections

Check all electrical connections on your appliances regularly for loose or broken wires, and ensure cords are not worn or frayed.

Replace any damaged parts immediately because they could result in fire or electrocution if left unattended.

Buy an energy saver model.

Consider getting an energy saver model when replacing an older refrigerator, dishwasher, or clothes washer.

Energy savers use up to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving money on utility bills while helping protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants that generate electricity for homes across America.

Use them safely

To get the most out of your appliances, use them safely. You should never operate or store appliances in a wet or damp location, as this can cause them to malfunction or even catch fire.

Avoid using extension cords with any appliance that requires a grounded electrical outlet, as it may cause an electric shock or fire hazard if the cord shorts out.

Always read and follow all manufacturer instructions when using any appliance.

Clean properly

Clean your appliances regularly with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and mild detergent.

Avoid abrasive materials such as steel wool or scouring pads, which can scratch finishes or leave lint behind after use.

Never use harsh chemicals or spray cleaners on appliances as they can damage coatings and other protective materials, increasing the chance of leaks and corrosion over time.

Get to know your model.

The best way to keep your appliances running smoothly is to understand how they work and what can go wrong.

Understanding how your specific model works will help you recognize when repairs are needed, and it also allows you to ensure that you’re using it correctly, so it lasts longer.

For example, suppose you have an older dryer that doesn’t have a sensor that automatically adjusts drying time based on temperature. In that case, there’s no reason why you should have it set to a lower temperature than actually necessary — this will just cause unnecessary wear and tear on your clothes and dryer.

Use less water

The more water you use, the more wear and tear on your appliances. If you’re concerned about saving money on your water bill, but don’t want to skimp on a good shower or bath, try taking shorter showers and using less water when doing dishes or laundry.

Unplug appliances when not in use

Appliances like televisions and computers draw electricity even when turned off because they have standby power, also known as vampire power, that keeps them ready to use at any time.

Unplugging these devices when they’re not needed reduces vampire power usage.

Bottom Line

Appliances are expensive to purchase and maintain. The cost of energy to run them can be even more costly.

The good news is that you can protect your appliances and save money by following the above tips from commercial kitchen appliance repair Alexandria. By following the tips, your appliances will run efficiently and safely for a long time.