Tag: Refrigerator

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!

Different Types of Refrigerators

Whether you’re buying a new refrigerator or shopping around for the best local appliance repair company to fix your old one, it pays to know about the different types of refrigerators on the market. It turns out that there are several types of refrigerators on the market, and figuring out which one is best for your household can be a challenge. With that being said, let’s take a look at different types of refrigerators you could have in your home.

Top Freezer Refrigerator

This is probably the most popular type of refrigerator for most homes. As its name implies, a top freezer refrigerator has the freezer located above the refrigerator. This might not be ideal for shorter people who need to reach for something in the freezer, but the fact that the refrigerator is at eye level for most people makes it very convenient. This is also one of the less expensive types of refrigerators you can find, making it ideal for most households.

Side-By-Side Refrigerator

This slimmer model has the refrigerator and the freezer sitting side by side. This makes it easier for anyone to access anything in the refrigerator or the freezer, but it doesn’t leave you with a whole lot of room compared to other refrigerators. Still, it is relatively inexpensive, and the slimmer design makes it perfect for smaller kitchens that don’t have a lot of room.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

A bottom freezer refrigerator is the opposite of a top freezer refrigerator in that the freezer is located at the bottom of the unit. This sets the refrigerator itself more at eye level than even the top freezer models, and it provides a lot of storage space in both the refrigerator and the freezer.

French Door Refrigerator

A French door refrigerator is a great option for people who like the extra space of bottom freezer refrigerators and the slim design of a side-by-side model. Many French door refrigerators also have a drawer-style freezer, but some have French doors on the freezer itself. In any event, the freezer is located at the bottom of the unit for those who prefer the convenience of a bottom freezer model.

Counter-Depth Refrigerator

If you’re looking for a refrigerator with a low profile that won’t get in the way of kitchen foot traffic, a counter-depth refrigerator is a great option. These refrigerators are typically between 27″ and 30″ deep, which usually lines up exactly with your counters and allows you to make the most out of your kitchen space.

Mini-Fridge

If you’re not looking for a full-size refrigerator, a mini-fridge might be right for you. These smaller models come in a variety of sizes and styles, but they are all compact and perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, offices, or as a secondary refrigerator to store snacks and drinks if your main refrigerator is full. Mini-fridges can be free-standing, but some are designed to fit into a cabinet or shelving unit for maximum convenience. These cabinet-style refrigerators may seem a little more complicated to install, but they are simpler than you might think. If you’re having any trouble, you can always look to the best local appliance repair company in your area to help with the installation.

A big part of owning a refrigerator is keeping it up and running. If you suspect that you have a problem with your own refrigerator, contact the Appliance Doctor today. We are always working to be known as the best local appliance repair company, and we will be happy to take a look at your refrigerator no matter what type of fridge you might have.

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.

Is Your Refrigerator Running? Here Are Some Reasons Why Not

Read our latest blog titled "Is Your Refrigerator Running? Here Are Some Reasons Why Not". Call us today with any questions or if you need help with your refrigerator.

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 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 to come to your home – frayed 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 appliance repairs the moment you notice that your refrigerator is not, in fact, running.

Is Your Refrigerator Running? Here Are Some Reasons Why Not

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.