Real Estate and *stuff *

Real Estate and *stuff *

A real person helping real people with real estate

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Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

March 10, 2011

Who is noticing a theme here?  Yes, we are looking at the routine maintenance that keeps the things IN your home running well.  Avoid those “disaster days” when you wake up late, the news is promising a nasty commute and you forgot to pick up coffee the night before.

Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine.

Here’s a list of maintenance tips to keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably:

  • Always adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to avoid the risk of scalding.
  • Always maintain 2 feet of clearance around the appliance unless the manual specifically states otherwise.
  • Annually, flush the heater to remove the sediment and debris in the bottom of the tank. Hook up a garden hose to the drain valve and run until the water is clear. This also makes the unit operate more quietly.
  • Annually, test the temperature-pressure relief valve by quickly discharging it two or three times. Following the testing, keep an eye out for small leaks from the valve.
  • Every three to five years, examine the sacrificial anode rod by loosening the hex head screw and removing it. If more than six inches of the core steel wire is exposed, replace the rod for about $20.
  • Insulate older units with a fiberglass jacket to improve efficiency, being careful to avoid contact with the flue. Newer units already are optimized for peak energy efficiency.
  • When leaving town, adjust the thermostat on gas heaters to “Vacation” setting, which maintains the pilot light without heating the water.

Appliance Maintenance: Refrigerators

March 9, 2011

Maintaining your home is vital…but so is maintaining what is inside your home!  Appliances can be very expensive depending on what you choose when you purchase them – make them last!

This week I am focused on keeping your appliances running smoothly.  Your day-to-day life will be less stressful in the long run!  Your refrigerator is an essential to your kitchen and life, keep it running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine.

Here’s a list of maintenance tips to make sure your refrigerator stays cool and calm:

  • Every three months, vacuum the fan and condenser coils on the rear or bottom of the appliance using the brush attachment. Families with shedding pets should clean the coils monthly.
  • Every three months, clean the door gasket with warm soapy water and towel dry. Inspect the seal for snugness all the way around. Replace when loose, cracked, or torn.
  • Every six months, replace the unit’s water filter (when present) to ensure clean water and ice, and to prevent clogs and leaks.
  • Always keep food covered to prevent odors from migrating throughout the fridge and freezer. An open box of baking soda ($1) will absorb odor-causing acids for up to three months.
  • Always maintain an adequate amount of clearance on all sides of the appliance except for those that are zero-clearance or front-vented.
  • Every month, empty out the icemaker bucket and start fresh, as old cubes can absorb odors.
  • Every three months, verify that the appliance is level both front to back and side to side to ensure both proper door movement and ice maker operation.

Now stock it up with tons of yummy food and invite me to dinner!