Do you own your own washer and dryer? When is the last time you had any professional preventative maintenance performed on either appliance? Washers and dryers can both last for many years, but only with proper care. If you're not aware of what needs to be done to keep your appliances running smoothly, then you could wind up needlessly replacing them every few years when they should have lasted significantly longer. Some tips for making sure your appliances last as long as they should include:
Professional dryer vent cleaning: Even if you clean out your lint trap every time you use the dryer, chances are good that at least some smaller particles of lint are slipping through the trap. Over the course of several months, these small particles of lint can build up to a thick layer inside your dryer. Without regular professional dryer vent cleaning, you could be at serious risk of having the lint eventually catch fire. Even if the lint doesn't catch fire, the partially blocked vent can cause the dryer to overheat and get damaged. This could result in your having to replace the heating element, at the very least, or to replace the whole dryer. Fortunately, this can be prevented simply by having the vent cleaned out regularly.
Replace the belts: Both your washing machine and dryer probably use at least one belt to rotate the drum that holds the clothes. As the belt or gears start to wear out, you may find that your clothes aren't getting as clean or drying as fast as they used to. Either of these can raise your utility bills, either because you have to wash clothes twice or run the dryer for longer. When you have your dryer vent cleaning performed, you should also have a technician check on your appliances' motor assemblies to make sure that everything is still in good condition. If anything is starting to wear out, you can either opt to have it replaced or start saving up now to have the situation taken care of as soon as possible.
Check the hoses: The hoses that connect your washing machine to the water supply are probably something that you've forgotten about. But forgetting about them can be as big a mistake as neglecting to get a professional dryer vent cleaning. As the hoses age, water pressure can cause spots to become soft and bulge out. Eventually, the hose will burst and can cause an expensive flood. Fortunately, this damage can be prevented by simply replacing the relatively inexpensive hoses if you notice any issues.
For more information about washer and dryer maintenance, talk to a company like Cape Cod Appliance Service.
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