12 Simple Fixes for Common Appliance Issues

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As great as they are, even the best appliances on earth can occasionally have hiccups. Whether refrigerators that will not cool or washing machines that refuse to spin, these problems can greatly disturb our routines and extend the stress.

The good news is that basic fixes can be made on your own to the most common appliance issues before you need to call a specialist. It would be advisable to know some of the root causes and troubleshooting steps, which can save a lot of time and money. Here are some of them

Refrigerator Not Cooling

If your refrigerator struggles to reach or maintain the correct temperature, it could be due to clogged condenser coils. Clean the coils, which are behind or underneath your refrigerator, to allow for better airflow. Also, make sure the refrigerator thermostat is adjusted to the recommended temperature and the door seals are working correctly.

Oven Not Heating

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A malfunctioning heating element indicates that your oven is warming unevenly or not at all. Check the element for broken or burnt surfaces. Replacing it with a new one is usually very easy. It is highly recommended that you also check your oven thermostat after that.

Dishwasher Leaves Dishes Dirty

If the dishwasher is not cleaning effectively, a spray arm or filter could be clogged. Clear these parts and the pipes to help the normal circulation of water. Also, make sure you are using the right detergent and that your hot water temperature is properly set for maximum cleaning.

Washing Machine Won’t Spin

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If you can hear the washing machine is on during the agitation or wash cycle but does not spin, then it is possible that your machine may have an imbalance load or loose drive belt. If that’s the case, rearrange the laundry to balance the drum and make sure you don’t have a worn belt. Usually, a simple repair will suffice to bring it back into working order.

Dryer Not Drying Clothes

If clothes remain damp, your dryer’s vent may be restricted from airflow. Ensure that the lint trap and vent hose are also cleaned every now and then. Also, ensure that the settings are right for your load to maximize the efficiency of drying.

Stove Burner Won’t Light

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Spilled food or grease can clog the ports on a gas burner and refuse to ignite. Use a soft brush for regular cleaning to prevent blockages. Make sure the burner cap is in place correctly and the igniter sparks.

Microwave Not Heating

If it turns on but does not heat up, the magnetron usually has a defect. A part that generates the microwave oven’s heat tends to break down over time. If you have a faulty door switch, it will cause the door to not close properly, and the system cannot be operated at all.

AC Unit Not Cooling

If your air conditioner is not cooling well, check if the thermostat is set properly and clean or replace your filter to allow for better airflow. If that doesn’t fix the problem, check for refrigerant leaks or blockage in the unit vents and clear them as needed.

Garbage Disposal Jam

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Use a hex key to turn the flywheel of the jammed garbage disposal. Ensure the power is turned off before removing the paper jam. The metal coupling on the rotary blade is an outage protector, which could trigger the blender to stop working properly during operation if the liquid inside overheats. To solve this problem, disconnect the power supply and wait for 4 minutes before running cold water; then, put your hand inside the water again and start upping a couple of loads immediately after that.

Water Heater Not Heating

For gas models, verify the pilot light and circuit breaker on electric heat elements if your water heater fails to heat. Sludge accumulation can also lead to performance problems and is easy to fix: you need to drain the tank, giving it a flush of any debris.

Vacuum Cleaner Loses Suction

When a vacuum cleaner loses suction, it is usually due to an obstructed hose or dustbin that is full. Empty the bin regularly and clear clogs from the hose. Suck it up – Clean or replace the filter for better suction.

Ice Maker Not Producing Ice

The issue with an ice maker may be a frozen supply line. Defrost the tubing and ensure the freezer is still at its proper temperature. Check that the water supply is turned on and look for any kinks in the hose.