Don't forget that maintaining your appliance properly will help keep them operating efficiently - and keep your energy bills low.

 

 

 

If mineral deposits are building up inside your dishwasher, place a small container with one cup of vinegar in each rack. Doing this once a month will help dissolve existing deposits and prevent future build-up. Cover any damaged tines with rubber tips (available from a home center or appliance dealer). Check the rubber water supply hoses once a year. If they're cracked or starting to harden, replace them with new ones (available at most home centers and hardware stores).

 

Maintaining your Refrigerator

 

Vacuum the condenser coils regularly to remove dust and debris. Once a year is the minimum; if you have pets, two or three cleanings a year will help keep it running efficiently. Coils will be in the back on older models, underneath on newer models. Check the seal on the gaskets by closing the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, replace the gaskets. To keep gaskets pliable, rub them with oil or petroleum jelly occasionally. If you have a manual-defrost model, don't let the frost build up more than a quarter inch. If you have a built-in icemaker or water dispenser, replace the filter every six months. Be sure to turn off the water source before disconnecting the line.

 

 

Check the gasket that seals the oven door too - if it's cracked, brittle or falling off, replace it. Clean your oven and range burners often. Baked-on messes can increase energy use and shorten the life of the heating element. Have your natural gas stove inspected by a professional every two years. If the pilot light or burner flames appear more yellow than blue, have it checked immediately. If a spillover occurs on your gas stove, clean the holes in the burner port with a straight pin. Avoid using a toothpick, which can break off inside the port. Replace the heating elements on electric ranges and ovens every ten years. Use your oven's self-cleaning feature immediately after cooking, while the oven is still hot. This will reduce a lengthy warm-up time.

 

Clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer. A clogged lint screen can make your dryer use up to 30 percent more energy - and it's a fire hazard. Twice a year, check the dryer vent hose for cracks or tears, and clean out any accumulated lint. If you need to replace it, look for one made of aluminum or steel. Avoid using flexible plastic ducting, as it punctures easily and isn't fireproof. Make sure the outside dryer vent is clear, and don't let snow cover it during the winter. Check the gasket on the dryer door. A loose or brittle gasket will allow heated air to escape. You can purchase or order a new gasket from your local appliance dealer or directly from the manufacturer.