DIY Appliance Repair Basics
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Sooner or later, there is going to be an appliance (or two!) in your home in need or repair. It might seem daunting or intimidating at first, but not all appliance repairs are difficult. Here are some basics to keep in mind when approaching a DIY appliance repair project:
- Make a list of what’s wrong with the appliance(s).
- Look for blown fuses or trouble with the circuit breaker.
- Check the cords for damage, and be sure the appliance is not being operated through use of an extension cord.
- Check the voltage on the power supply.
- Be sure there is no power running to the appliance prior to working on it, or doing any thorough inspections.
Depending on the appliance that needs to be repaired, there are many ways to test and diagnose what is wrong. If you are still in possession of the user’s manual or instruction guide, this will prove to be a very handy tool in your DIY arsenal. Not only will this manual list all the parts of the appliance and how they work, it also (in most cases) has a troubleshooting section to help diagnose and fix problems with the appliance.
If you do not have the original documentation that came with the appliance at the time of purchase, there are also resources available on the manufacturer’s websites. These websites offer tips, advice, and information about what you should and should not attempt to repair yourself. Even the DIY’er with the best of intensions might benefit from calling a professional repairman in some cases, rather than attempting to do the work themselves for a variety of reasons.
If all else fails, and you are still unable to find the information about how to troubleshoot and make repairs that you are looking for, don’t forget to visit your local library or bookstore. There is a wealth of materials in their home improvement section (or however else it may be titled in your location) containing many repair guides. Don’t be afraid to do some hunting and do your homework!
Keep in mind, also, that this type of work may be a two-person job. This is particularly true if heavy appliances need to be lifted and moved out of their original location in the home in order to be worked on. Enlist the help of friends or family members to help with lifting, pushing, pulling, and any other strenuous activities that cannot (and should not) be attempted alone. These friends and family members may also have experience working on the appliance you are fixing, and their assistance could prove to be quite useful.
Are you in the market for new appliances? This could be for a variety of reasons ranging from new construction to updating old relics that have lived their life. Whatever the reason is, it is important to be informed when making your decisions. If you are looking at stainless steel appliances for your kitchen, here are a few pro’s and con’s to take into consideration before making such a large purchase:
Pro’s:
- Stainless steel appliances give your kitchen a sleek and clean look.
- Fingerprint-proof stainless steel models are available by most manufacturers now.
- There are a wide variety of options available now in comparison to when stainless steel appliances first hit the marketplace.
Con’s:
- It can be difficult, at time, to find a series of appliances that match each other. Look to the individual manufactures to ensure all the patterns and styles match.
- It can be difficult to match the stainless steel appliances to your fixtures if that is, in fact, the type of continuity you are looking for in your kitchen.
- You get what you pay for – if the appliance is extremely low cost, then you’re less likely to get the most bang for your buck. Purchase the highest-grade stainless steel appliance you can afford.
This is a large investment, so the last thing you want to do is jump into this purchase without knowing as much as you possibly can first. Buying decisions are based on reviews, information provided by manufacturers, word of mouth, and other resources. Arm yourself with this knowledge, set up a budget, and then hit the trail!
Here are a few points to consider when setting your budget:
- Do not spend beyond your means: if you find a model you absolutely love, but it is beyond what you can afford, then start saving. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for financial disaster.
- Obtaining a loan: if the purchase of appliances is part of a home equity loan that includes other projects, be sure to itemize. If you make too big of a purchase with the appliances, then you run the risk of falling short on funds for the rest of your projects. Keep track of everything, and spend smart.
- Piece by piece purchasing: if you are purchasing one appliance as the funds present themselves within your budget, be sure what you want to buy will remain in stock until you are able to make a purchase. Models discontinue from time to time, so be sure what you want will still be available.
There is no such thing as having too much information when it comes to making a decision about stainless steel appliances. There are those who absolutely love what they have, and there are those who wish they had gone with a different style. Each opinion is based on the individual’s own experiences, so try not to let those opinions sway you too much in a direction you don’t feel comfortable with. Good luck!
Updating Outdated Appliances
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Have you been thinking about making an update to your outdated appliances? Not only will this choice make a big difference in your kitchen’s appearance, but also it will dramatically improve your home’s efficiency. Here are some points to consider when replacing outdated appliances:
- If you are choosing a refrigerator that is larger than the one in your existing space, be sure the new one will fit where the old one was. If not, then you are going to have to make some remodeling changes.
- If you are considering changing from an electric range to a gas range, you are going to need to hire a contractor to make the proper installations.
- If you are interested in installing an over-head microwave, be sure it will fit. Otherwise, you are going to need to make changes to your cabinetry. If you have modular cabinets, then this will not be an issue.
Before getting started, you are going to have to make out a budget. Take everything from potential remodeling to the need to hire contractors into consideration. You may also need to add in the cost of delivery if you don’t have a way of bringing these appliances home yourself. This budget is going to guide you through the decision making process.
When choosing your finishes and colors, just about everyone you know will try pushing their own tastes and preferences on to you. Make choices based on your own tastes, the style of the rest of your kitchen, and the color scheme best suited for your household. If you choose something that is not your taste, you will grow out of it quickly and when it comes to a major purchase that is never a good thing.
When choosing styles and sizes of your appliances, think about what you need to accommodate. For example, if you have a small family, then there is no need for a six-burner stove. Keep in mind, too, that if you have a large family or if you do a lot of entertaining you are going to need a lot of refrigerator space.
Do you need more oven space that what is contained in a typical stove? This is another consideration you can make when updating your kitchen’s appliances. Double ovens are a great addition to hard-working kitchens that cook for a large number of people. You are going to need the space for this appliance, though, so be sure not to fall in love with this idea until you know for sure it will work in your kitchen.