How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Home Appliances

Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Your home’s appliances are a huge investment, and you want to make sure that they continue to work properly for years to come. Take a look at these top tips from Appliance Doctor to make your appliances last longer, save money on your energy bills, and get the most out of your home. 

Regular Cleaning Sessions

It may seem like a no-brainer, but cleaning your appliances regularly is one of the best ways to extend their lifespan. Many people aren’t sure how to clean their machines, or they don’t clean them often enough, leading to breakdowns and other malfunctions. While you may dust off the top of your appliances every so often, they should be deep cleaned according to the following guidelines: 

Of course, you can also use your best judgment: if your washing machine is noticeably dusty, there’s no need to wait to clean it. These deep cleans only take a few minutes out of your day, but they’ll add years to the life expectancy of your appliances.

Quick Tests

Is one of your appliances on the fritz? A simple test might resolve the problem. Try turning it off and back on again, or unplug the device and plug it back in. conducting regular tests will also allow you to catch any bugs or defects early on and avoid major problems or breakdowns. If you’re not sure how to test a certain machine, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced repair technicians for some expert advice. 

Check Appliance Levels

Your appliances should be entirely level with the floor of your home, rather than sitting on a slant. Not only will this place less pressure on the components of your machines, it will also reduce the risk of leakages. You should also be sure to keep at least a quarter of an inch of space between your appliances, especially your washer and dryer. This airflow allows the vents on your appliances to work properly and lowers their chances of overheating. 

Routine Maintenance

You take your car to the auto body shop for routine maintenance – why should your appliances be any different? Unmaintained appliances tend to burn more energy and work harder to complete their jobs, which can have a serious impact on your monthly utility bills. To keep your home’s appliances in top working condition and save money, it’s best to schedule regular maintenance sessions with Appliance Doctor. Your repair technician can also provide helpful tips and tricks on how to care for your appliances and ensure that they run smoothly.

Expert Appliance Repair from Appliance Doctor

Make your home’s appliances last for years to come with regular maintenance and repairs from our expert team of repair technicians at Appliance Doctor. For more information about our repair services or to request an estimate for your project, contact us or send us a message on our website. 

Tips on Organizing Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair in Philadelphia

Your refrigerator is one of the essential appliances in your home. Not only does it keep your food cold, but it also helps to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. Like most people, your refrigerator probably isn’t very organized, leading to wasted food, higher energy bills, and possible refrigerator repair in Philadelphia, A local refrigerator repair company can help you organize your refrigerator in no time. This blog post will discuss some tips on managing your refrigerator for optimal efficiency.

1. Remove Everything From the Refrigerator

The first step in organizing your refrigerator is to remove everything from it and clean it out; this includes both the interior and exterior of the appliance. Vacuum the fridge’s inside, and wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. You can seek professional help from a local refrigerator repair company for a more profound vacuuming process. Be sure to remove any built-up dust or dirt from the condenser coils. Cleaning will give you an idea of how much space you need to organize. Be sure to discard any expired food or is about to expire.

2. Group Similar Items Together

You can now organize the shelves and drawers by grouping similar items. It makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and to put things back in their proper place. Common collections include fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, and condiments.

3. Create Space for Frequently Used Items

After organization, it’s now time to create space for frequently used items. Use the top shelf or door shelves for these items. It makes them easier to be accessed when needed and will prevent you from having to dig through the back of the fridge every time you need something.

4. Use Storage Containers

If you have a lot of condiments, put them in a jar or container so that they don’t take up too much space. Likewise, if you have a lot of produce, store it in containers or baskets that are easily accessed. Use storage containers to organize smaller items; this will help keep things neater.

5. Label Everything

Once everything has been organized and placed in its proper place, it’s time to label everything. Use a whiteboard marker so that you can easily wipe off and change the labels as needed. Labeling ensures everyone knows where things are kept when they’re done using them, saving you from having to reorganize your refrigerator every week or two.

6. Keep the Fridge Clean

Keep the fridge clean by wiping down any spills or messes immediately, preventing stains from setting in and making it more difficult to clean in the future. In case of permanent stains, contact the local refrigerator repair company. If you have small children, consider installing child locks on your refrigerator doors to keep them from opening when they shouldn’t be doing so. A clean refrigerator will help keep your food fresh and minimize waste. It will also prevent mold and mildew from growing on the shelves or in drawers, which can be harmful to your health if ingested.

7. Rotate Stock

Food in the refrigerator is to be rotated. Use older items before newer ones are opened. Rotation will save you money on groceries and reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. If you need help organizing your fridge, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Contact Us Today

Contact Appliance Doctor today for expert refrigerator repair in Philadelphia.

Tips to Keep Your Fridge in Tip-Top Shape

Refrigerator Repair in Philadelphia

Many people don’t realize that they can do some things to keep their refrigerator running as efficiently as possible. Fortunately, a top local refrigerator repair company can help them with certain repairs or maintenance. If you want your fridge to last as long as possible, here are some things that you should do to keep it in tip-top shape.

Clean The Condenser Coils

A lot of dust can build up on your refrigerator’s condenser coils. Once this happens, the fridge will have a difficult time cooling. Fortunately, you can easily clean them yourself. However, you will need to purchase a special brush that is meant for cleaning the coils so that you don’t inadvertently damage them. You should be able to find the coils in the back of your refrigerator. It’s a good idea to clean the condenser coils a few times a year. A top local refrigerator repair company can do this for you as well.

Change The Water Filter

If your refrigerator is equipped with a water dispenser or ice maker, you need to change the water filter occasionally. A dirty water filter won’t keep pollutants from infiltrating your drinking water or ice, and this could be harmful to your health. Some refrigerators do have an indicator light near the water filter that will let you know when it is time to change it. If your refrigerator doesn’t have an indicator light, you should change the water filter every six months. 

Check To Make Sure There Aren’t Any Leaking Gaskets

Your refrigerator’s gaskets are located around the doors. They provide a seal that keeps the cold air inside when the refrigerator doors are closed. If they are damaged in any way, your refrigerator will have a difficult time keeping foods as cool as you like. This is why you should check the gaskets on a monthly basis to see if they are loose or cracked. You can also place your hand near the doors to see if you feel any cool air seeping out. If you notice that there is some sort of issue, you need to get the gaskets repaired or replaced by a top local refrigerator repair company.

Clean Out Your Refrigerator

While you may really like leftovers, you shouldn’t overload your fridge. If you do, you will block the cooling vent, and the air won’t be able to circulate throughout the space efficiently. If your food is spoiling faster than it should, it may be because your refrigerator is too full. You should make it a point to clean out your refrigerator about once a week. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the walls and shelves as well. 

Contact Appliance Doctor Today

Your refrigerator is an investment, and you need to take care of it so that it lasts for years to come. Give us a call today for expert refrigerator repair in Philadelphia. We can figure out what the problem is and repair it so that it runs efficiently once again. 

How to Make Food Stay Fresh in the Fridge

Refrigerator Repair in Philadelphia

If you’ve ever opened up your fridge, and found that half of what’s inside has gone bad because it was sitting in there too long, you can appreciate how important it is to keep your food as fresh as possible. Keeping your refrigerator organized is key, but if your fridge is damaged, we as your local appliance repair company will help to restore or repair the fridge for you. 

How do you keep food fresh in the fridge? 

Several things can be done to make sure food stays safe and appetizing when stored in the fridge. 

1) Keep it Clean 

A dirty fridge will perpetuate poor health. To keep your fridge as sanitary as possible, use a dishcloth and warm, soapy water to wipe down the inside surfaces of the fridge now and then. Do not use abrasives or chemicals to clean, as they can cause damage that’s difficult to see.

2) Keep It Properly Packaged and Sealed 

Food needs to be tightly sealed to remain fresh. Be sure all foods are wrapped and packaged properly so they stay fresh longer. Always use proper food storage containers when refrigerating nearly any type of leftovers, meat, fish, and dairy products. 

3) Keep It at the Correct Temperature 

A big mistake that some people make is to keep their fridges too warm. Operating at a temperature between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, fridges keep food fresh by slowing down the spoilage process. Inspection of your fridge will reveal an adjustable thermostat on the front or side somewhere. It should not be set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

4) Keep Perishables Separated from Non-Perishable Foods and Food-Like Items

This next tip is very important. Keep perishables separate from non-perishables and food items that could become spoiled or contaminated if stored with the perishables. Vegetable drawers, fruit bins, and meat storage areas should be kept away from foods such as cooking oils, nuts, and grains which can easily contaminate other foods.

5) Make Sure to Cut Down on Condensation and Maintain a Steady Temperature 

Some fridges have a setting that automatically reduces humidity. If yours doesn’t, be sure to open the door as few times as possible and only long enough to quickly retrieve the food you want. Also, keeping items in sealed containers can help reduce condensation.

6) Make Sure the Door is Sealed When Closed 

Don’t leave the fridge door open longer than necessary, and be sure it latches completely by closing on its own when you let go of it. If you find that your refrigerator is still losing food to spoilage, try using a fridge thermometer to help monitor the temperature and humidity levels, or call your local appliance repair company for assistance.

Contact Us Today

If you’re looking for a reliable local appliance repair company to help keep your food fresh, contact us. Appliance Doctor offers quick and affordable service for all of your residential appliance needs. Plus, we can help you troubleshoot any problems you may be having with your appliances to help keep them running smoothly. Contact us today for all of your appliance repair needs!

4 Ways to Make Your Fridge Smell Fresh

There is one appliance in your home whose importance trumps the rest – The functioning of your refrigerator determines whether or not you’ll be eating dinner tonight. But as many busy families know, the fridge is also the appliance that’s most likely to become messy and unsightly as leftovers pile up throughout the week. By the time you finally get a chance to clean the fridge, numerous smells from different items may be competing for your attention – and not in a good way. 

Even if you get rid of old food each week, your fridge may still collect stale odors because bacteria and mold build up on surfaces. The best way to nip this problem in the bud is to focus on cleaning and deodorizing your fridge. This way, when you add fresh groceries, they’ll stay fresh and appetizing all week long.

  1. Use Airtight Containers

The first step is to eliminate the potential for strong food odors to permeate your fridge. One of the easiest ways to do this is to start using airtight containers – both for home-cooked meals and takeout leftovers. Be sure that anything pungent, like garlic or onion, is at least tucked away in its own separate compartment.

  1. Use a Deodorizer

Baking soda is one of the most common deodorizers used in refrigerators and freezers. An open box of baking soda neutralizes odors and lasts several months. After this, you can still use it for various purposes, like bathroom cleaning. You can also purchase silica gel mats for the bottom bins of your fridge to absorb moisture and keep produce fresh longer.

  1. Add a Natural Scent

There are plenty of cheap, natural ways to give your refrigerator a good scent, like placing a small bowl of ground coffee in your bridge. Some people use orange, lemon, or lime peels simply by tucking them in an open corner. You can also create a quick natural air freshener by combining baking soda, any essential oil, and water, simply placing a small bowl of it in your fridge.

  1. Clean & Check the Drip Pan

If none of these steps do the trick, your fridge may need a deep clean. The inside of most refrigerators are made of plastic, and plastic absorbs smells easily. Use a cleaning spray and scrub the insides of the lower bins (and the fridge floor underneath the bins). 

Another possible cause of odor is your refrigerator’s drip pan, which collects condensation. Not every fridge has a drip pan, but if yours does, it can become moldy. If this is the case, simply remove the pan, scrub it with soap and water, and put it back in place. 

Follow all of these steps and you’ll be amazed by how much cleaner and fresher your fridge smells. 

Having trouble with your refrigerator? Whether your fridge isn’t staying cool, your ice maker has stopped working, or you need a part replaced, Appliance Doctor can help. If you live in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, or Chester County, we’ll look at any of your sick appliances and diagnose the problem.

The Many Benefits of a Smart Home and IoT System

 

The Many Benefits of a Smart Home and IoT System

Many people know about smart homes, but fewer know about IoT, or the Internet of Things. IoT is the catch-all phrase for devices connected to the internet, including home appliances such as washing machines and devices you carry anywhere such as health-monitoring watches. The smart home and IoT world can seem overwhelming, but it’s not too hard to break smart homes down into a couple categories:

  • Wireless internet system
  • Do-it-yourself system
  • Computer-controlled X-10 system
  • Plug-in X-10 module

Wireless Internet and DIY Systems

In the modern day, many people can’t imagine anything other than a wireless internet smart home system. It offers benefits such as the ability to turn on the air conditioning from your office before you leave work. Additionally, if you are a computer geek, a do-it-yourself wireless system can be a fun challenge.

The Original X-10 Systems

Some people prefer to stick to the original plug-in X-10 module that can also be upgraded to a computer-controlled system. The plug-in system uses a single controller to send out signals to various devices. The computer system replaces the basic controller with your computer, and the only difference from wireless is that you can’t control it from any device other than the central computer.

A smart home and IoT system gives you a lot of agency, but things can feel shaky when an appliance or other system component starts malfunctioning. Luckily, the modern market in Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley provides excellent appliance repair people. There has never been a better time to get a smart home.

The Many Benefits of a Smart Home and IoT System

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

When to Repair and When to Replace Your Broken Fridge

 

When to Repair and When to Replace Your Broken Fridge

When it comes to the most used appliances in your home, the refrigerator likely is sitting at the top of the list. Even if it isn’t, it undoubtedly one of the most important. If your fridge breaks, it’s an emergency. So how do you decide if you should replace that old fridge or get it repaired?

Things to Check Before You Do Anything

There could be a simple solution. While some of these seem obvious, you’d be surprised at what can happen.

  • Is it plugged in all the way?
  • Is the breaker tripped?
  • Are the air ducts clear?
  • Are the coils clogged?

When to Replace Your Fridge

If everything is looking good with the list above, there are a few ways we can determine that your fridge has seen its final days.

  • The freezer side no longer cools properly.
  • There is a defective compressor, which determined by a humming noise.
  • Repair costs are more than half that of a new fridge.
  • If the fridge is over 15 years old, replacing it will be worth it in the long run due to energy savings alone.

When to Repair Your Fridge

If it’s looking like you may save your fridge, we can do the final check by looking at a few key things.

  • The fresh food section no longer cools properly.
  • The fan is noisy.
  • It’s not making ice, dispensing water, or some other extra feature is not working properly.
  • The doors are not sealing as they should.

Of course, the best option is always to consult a professional when determining when it’s time to replace or repair. This will become essential as the cost will be part of the deciding factor in almost every case.

If you require a professional to evaluate and repair your fridge, look no further than Appliance Doctor in Philadelphia.

When to Repair and When to Replace Your Broken Fridge

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

How to Maintain Your Home’s Refrigerator

How to Maintain Your Home’s Refrigerator

Your home’s refrigerator is one of the most expensive appliances you’ll ever buy. With a price tag of over $1,000, it’s easy to see why it’s important to keep this appliance in great shape. You’ll save money over the years by not having to repair or replace your broken refrigerator nearly as often if you take good care of it. Learn how you can keep your refrigerator in great shape for many years to come.

Clean Off the Door Gaskets

The door gaskets are what separates the inside of your fridge from the rest of your home. If the gaskets fail, you’ll have to spend a fortune to keep your family’s perishables cool. Keep them in good shape by wiping them down with a mild detergent and some water. If the gaskets aren’t sealing shut properly, you’ll need to have them replaced.

Wipe Off the Electrical Cord

The electrical cord behind your fridge probably hasn’t seen the light of day in many years. But all that dust and dirt behind the appliance can cause the electrical cord to fail, bringing your fridge to a standstill. Wipe them off with a clean cloth to get rid of all those dust bunnies.

Dust and Vacuum Around the Unit

It’s also a good idea to sweep, dust, or vacuum behind the appliance once every few months. Clogging the area around the fridge with dust can wear away at the appliance’s overall energy efficiency.

Call an Appliance Repair Company for an Inspection

You can also call your local appliance repair company to have them inspect the unit to make sure it’s working properly and as efficient as possible.

If you’re looking for an appliance repair company in Philadelphia, Bucks County, and Montgomery County, contact the pros at Appliance Doctor for fast, reliable service.

How to Maintain Your Home’s Refrigerator

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

How to Reduce Your Energy Bills

How to Reduce Your Energy Bills

Reducing your energy bills may sound a lot like hard work, but it’s worth the effort if it means you have more money to spend on the things you really enjoy.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your bills is to switch energy companies to ensure you’re with the cheapest possible provider. There are loads of price comparison sites available online that make it super-easy to see if you have the most competitive deal or not. You should check these every year because energy companies tend to raise the prices for existing customers, while new deals from new providers become available all the time. The energy itself remains the same, you just pay someone else a little bit less for it. 

Improving the efficiency of your home is another great way to reduce your energy bills, while boosting the value of your home at the same time. It’s a win-win. Some of the most cost-effective moves you can make include insulating your attic and exterior walls, replacing your light-bulbs for energy-efficient alternatives, and draft-proofing your doors.

Don’t just consider the efficiency of your home though. What about the efficiency of the appliances in your home? Technology has come a long way and most appliances are more energy-efficient than ever. If you have a really old boiler or air conditioning system, consider replacing them. The money you’ll save on their running costs means they’ll eventually pay for themselves.

They might not even need replacing. Perhaps they are just running as well as they used to and need a little tuning up. If you suspect that a major appliance like a boiler isn’t working as it should be, it’s best to pay a professional to take a look at it.

To fix broken appliances in your home in Philadelphia, Delaware and the surrounding areas, get in touch with Appliance Doctor today.

How to Reduce Your Energy Bills

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

Why “Right To Repair” Isn’t Just for the DIY Crowd

If your refrigerator has stopped working, there are several potential causes. In some cases, the entire appliance may stop working. In other cases, it could be a problem with just your refrigerator, and your freezer is still working fine. Calling a professional for appliance repair in Delaware County can help you find and fix the problem so that you can go back to storing perishable items without them going bad.

Overstuffing 

One reason that your refrigerator to stop working is because it is overstuffed. Putting too much weight in the unit can crush the compressor motor, which can cause it to break down. This is one of just a few possibilities, however. To prevent this one, make sure that you are throwing out old food and not trying to fit too much in the fridge at once.

Out of Date

The problem may simply be that your fridge is too old. Kitchen appliances do not last forever, and if you’ve had the same refrigerator for years it may simply be that it has run its course. The bright side is that now you can get an upgrade, and there are plenty of better refrigerators that have come onto the market in the past few years.

Frayed Cables

Frayed cables may be a reason for your malfunction. Once a professional comes out to identify which cables are frayed, it is relatively easy to fix. However, just because it seems simple enough doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hurry to get an appliance service in Delaware County/strong>to come to your homefrayed cables can be dangerous and you still want to make sure that you can store your perishable food.

With all the reasons for a fridge to stop working, it is usually better to call someone who is skilled at identifying the problem instead of playing a guessing game. Look into Delaware County appliance repairs the moment you notice that your refrigerator is not, in fact, running.

Why “Right To Repair” Isn’t Just for the DIY Crowd

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.