Appliance Repair
There is no doubt that modern home appliances make family life easier. Dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, and ovens can improve the quality of living when in good condition. However, when damage occurs, choosing the right solution is critical.
Should you repair or replace your broken appliance?
At some point, household appliances can stop working, leaving you with a decision to make. Is it better to repair or replace it? Before deciding, our experts at ElectraFix recommend you consider the following:
- How old is the appliance? Every household appliance has a life expectancy. It may be worth repairing if it is halfway or less through its life cycle. Regular checkups and maintenance are best to keep your appliances in good working order.
- How difficult is it to repair? If the repair goes beyond a simple DIY or a minor technician intervention, and the cost is more than half of the appliance value, it may be better to replace it.
- How do the costs compare? If the repair price is cheaper than replacing your appliance and does not exceed 50 percent of the original price, it may be worth fixing. Remember that it can also be a disposal cost when replacing an appliance.
Dishwasher Repair
Although the life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, 30% of new dishwashers will need some type of repair within 5 years. Some common dishwasher repair issues are:
- Clogs, noticeable by water accumulation in the bottom or the spray arms
- Broken soap dispenser, when does not close or open during the washing cycle
- Broken heating elements will not allow the dishes to dry appropriately.
- Leaking dishwasher because of a broken gasket or loose hose.
How to know if plastic is dishwasher safe?
Not all plastic is dishwasher safe. Some contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. They get released with heat and spread to other stuff in the dishwasher. The “dishwasher safe” symbol looks like two circles under slanted lines. Some plastic items that are dishwasher safe are:
- Reusable plastic containers marked as reusable. Place them on the top rack away from the heat. Avoid using sanitizing or deep clean cycles.
- Outdoor Tableware and Cutlery, acrylic glasses, plastic cutting boards and baby bottles are, for the most part, dishwasher safe. However, taking precautions is recommended.
Can Tupperware go in the dishwasher?
Tupperware acquired after 1979 is dishwasher safe. CheeSmart CondensControl™ Grid, Shape- O-Toy, TupperChef Knives, any printed models and containers with transparent, glass-like finish are not dishwasher safe. Even if your Tupperware is dishwasher safe, you should avoid placing them in direct heat areas on your dishwasher. Also, don’t use high-temperature cycles as your Tupperware can melt, causing damage to your dishwasher.
Refrigerator Repair
Refrigerators are an essential appliance in everyone's home, and it can be chaotic when they don't work correctly. Some common refrigerator problems are:
- Leaking water
- Ice build-up in the freezer
- Excessive noise
- The water dispenser doesn't work
- Warm refrigerator
What to store in the refrigerator door?
Most people are not concerned about food organization inside their fridges. The approach is “wherever it fits best” most of the time. However, this may not be best for all produce. While the temperature is constant at the refrigerator shelves and drawers, it is not the same at the fridge door. The temperature is warmer as the heat comes in every time we open the door; therefore, the items to be stored here should be less perishable.
The food to place at your fridge door are condiments such as ketchup, mayo, mustard, relish and maple syrup. Also, bottled water, soft drinks like juice (not fresh), and soda and salad dressings. These items are more resistant to warmer temperatures. Produce that you should not store in your fridge door is raw meat, milk, eggs, cheese, fish and poultry because they tend to spoil rapidly here.
Where in the refrigerator should you store raw meat?
Meat should be stored between 28°F to 32°F. When the temperature rises, food is more prone to spoilage. When meat is exposed for a long time to temperatures 50°F or higher harmful bacteria develop. The best place to keep your raw meat in your fridge is the coolest part, as the top shelves. In addition, you should put the raw meat in containers to avoid cross-contamination due to spillage.
Raw beef, lamb, pork, fish and poultry should be stored below ready to eat or prepared food. Bear in mind that most meats are good only for a couple of days in your fridge, then they should be stored in the freezer where they can last longer.
Oven, Stove, Range Repair
Your kitchen is the heart and soul of your home. Extraordinary moments are shared during family meals. Therefore, if your stove, oven or range fails, you should waste no time in getting them working again. Our knowledgeable Appliance Repair Team at ElectraFix are experts in all oven, stove and range issues such as :
- The control panel is not working or showing an error code
- Can’t lock the door
- It has no power or doesn't work
- An element doesn't function
- Cracked stovetop
- It doesn't reach the right temperature
Can glass top stove burners be repaired?
Glass top stoves had certainly revolutionised the kitchen. They are more convenient than electric or gas cooktops as they require less cleaning. However, they can get scratched or cracked, which are more complicated and expensive to repair. When the burner from a glass cooktop does not work could be due to problems with the switches, and troubleshooting can be done by checking the connections. However, if the damage is significant, it may need a replacement.
Washer Repair
Doing laundry by hand is a job from the past unless your washer breaks. Our technicians at ElectraFix can promptly repair any washer problem like:
- The washer won’t drain or fill up with water
- Loud noises or moves around
- The door won't open
- It doesn't turn on or smells
Are washer dryer combos good?
Simply put, a washer and dryer combo is a combination of a front loading washer with a condenser clothes dryer. The combo offers the same features like the separate units and is more or less the size of one. The washer and dryer is an attractive solution that has pros and cons, like:
- Washer Dryer Combos Pros
- Works well for homes with less space
- Smaller footprint by using one unit instead of two
- Less time loading and unloading
- Price point and energy consumption is about the same as the two units
- Washer Dryer Combos Cons
- Drying is half of the washing capacity
- Multiple washing and drying loads using one machine takes longer
- Heat-pump combos use no water but are expensive and complicated
- Some may use lots of water like the Samsung washer dryer combo
How long should a washing machine last?
Because of its price, a washing machine is a significant
investment in any household. Thus, people consider price, brand,
performance, efficiency, and lifespan when buying a new one.
On average, a washer is expected to last 14 years, one load or
cycle, seven days a week, about 5,100 loads. Some cheaper
machines may only have 4,000 cycles, as more expensive ones can
reach 8,000 cycles. Also, you can shorten your washer lifespan
by overloading it, which stresses various components in your
machine.
Some warning signs that your washer needs replacement instead of
repair can be:
- Smells badly
- Loud noise
- Tub is toast
- Defective Samsung model made between 2011 and 2016
Dryer Repair
Although the most common issue with a dryer is not drying the clothes, it can also present troubles like clogged exhaust vent, clogged lint filter, failed internal fuse or broken start switch.
Do dryer balls work?
Wool dryer balls are an environmentally friendly alternative to dryer sheets. Dryer balls can eliminate static and soften fabrics. Helping clothes separate can cut up to 14 percent of the drying time and moderately reduce wrinkles.
What's better, gas or electric dryer?
When choosing between gas vs electric dryer, you want to consider initial cost, long-run cost, safety and efficiency. Both dryers have their pros and cons for you to evaluate what fits you best.
- Gas Dryer Pros:
- Lower long-run cost
- Energy efficient
- Shorter cycle times
- Gas Dryer Cons:
- Higher purchase cost
- Requires professional installation
- It needs to be placed near outdoor vents
- Electric Dryer Pros:
- Cheaper purchase cost
- Easier to install
- Electric Dryer Cons:
- Higher electrical bill
- Longer cycle times
Garbage Disposal Repair
Garbage disposals are a standard feature in most Canadian and American homes. They are not so common in the rest of the world, and places like Europe have banned them for environmental reasons. Like any other appliance, they can malfunction and need some repair.
Are trash compactors worth it?
Trash compactors have been around since the 40s. Some advocate
for trash compactors for environmental reasons; others are
against them because of foul smells. However, modern trash
compactors manufacturers have added odour-control solutions in
the last years,
There are three main models of trash compactor: freestanding,
under-the-counter and convertible. If you are thinking about
getting one in your kitchen, here is a list of pros and cons.
- Trash Compactors Pros:
- As they reduce the volume of garbage, they take less space within the home.
- They are suitable for the environment as they take less space in landfills and you use fewer trash bags
- Trash Compactors Cons:
- They are expensive, about $ 1,000 with installation.
- Because the trash is compact and is heavier to carry. It can be more than 30 pounds that proves difficult for kids and the elderly to handle.
- It may create unpleasant odours as the garbage stays longer in the bin
How does a trash compactor work?
Trash compactors are easy to use and composed of three elements: a metal ram that crutches the waste, a bin for the waste and an electrical switch. It works like a little garbage truck compacting trash. Its use is simple; you just need to place the garbage in the bin, close the container and turn it on. Some have alarms that indicate if it’s loaded wrongly or any other malfunction for safety.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Cleaning a dryer vent removes dryer debris and dust that accumulates in the filter and dryer vents. When ducts become clogged, your dryer stops venting adequately and can create severe problems for the dryer and your home.
Is dryer vent cleaning necessary?
Absolutely, your dryer vent and ducts need to be cleaned regularly. Over the years, lint can accumulate in the ducts, when mixed with hot air, cause fire, resulting in economic loss and even deaths. Cleaning the exhaust ducts often prevents serious problems.
Do I need a professional to clean my dryer vent?
You can try to clean your dryer vents and may be able to get some small debris out. However, as you don't have the same tools as a specialist, your ducts will not be completely clean. Your dryer vents absolutely need to be cleaned professionally to avoid any future serious issues. At ElectraFix, we provide excellent dry vent cleaning service by using advanced tools to clean the ducts entirely without damaging the vents. Afterwards, we offer a post-cleaning check to confirm we have done a complete service job.
