How to Determine if My Freezer Needs a Repair Service

A freezer serves as one of the most important appliances in a household. However, it will eventually need to be repaired due to natural wear and tear. In some cases, it may need to be replaced altogether.

One way to help your freezer last longer is to maintain it on a regular basis. Maintaining your freezer will add several years to its lifespan, allowing you to save money in the process. 

If you have noticed an issue with your freezer then you should evaluate the situation in order to determine the source of the problem. If you are not able to repair the issue yourself then you may want to contact a professional in the area. Here, our focus will be on how to determine if your freezer needs a repair service.

What is the importance of refrigerator maintenance?

If you want your freezer, or any other appliance for that matter, to remain in good working condition then you will need to maintain it on a routine basis. Perform rudimentary maintenance checks every now and then to determine if there are any minor issues that can be taken care of as soon as possible.

Problems often begin small but become bigger issues as time passes, so it’s best to nip such problems in the bud. You will save hundreds of dollars over the long run by performing regular maintenance checks, as seemingly minor repairs can make a significant difference.

Tips to Keep Your Fridge in Good Condition

Refrigerators are very common appliances that have become a staple in the modern North American household. They are also left on 24/7 in most cases. If a seamless operation is your end goal then your fridge should be kept in tiptop condition.

You can save quite a bit of money on repair costs and energy expenditure by performing basic maintenance checks and repairs when you have some free time.

Begin with a coil cleanup. Your condenser coils will accumulate dust over time. When this happens your fridge’s efficiency will take a hit. You should pull your fridge away from its supporting wall at least once every six months in order to expose its coils.

Proceed to unplug your fridge before vacuuming the coils using a brush attachment. The temperature of your fridge should also be optimal if you don’t want to run into any problems down the line. Your freezer should be kept at 0 degrees, while your fridge’s temperature should range between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance.

You should also examine the gasket. A gasket that isn’t sealed properly will allow cold air to escape. Your fridge will then need to work harder in order to maintain the ideal temperature, leading to extra energy costs.

You should examine the gasket once a month to check for wear and tear problems. You should also keep it clean by using some warm water and soap. If you notice that your gasket is cracked or damaged then you should replace it as soon as possible.

You should also inspect the seals on the fridge door as often as you can. If the seals are loose then cold air will escape, forcing your fridge to go into overdrive mode to maintain the perfect internal temperature.

Your seals should be cleaned twice a year in order to remove the food residue and other gunk that has stuck to their surfaces. Simply create a baking soda/water mix and use an old toothbrush in order to clean your seals.

A good way to determine the tightness of your seals is to try the dollar bill trick. Simply insert a dollar bill into the fridge door so that half of it is inside and the other half is out. Then, pull the bill out. If the bill slips out easily then your seals may be loose. 

Contact a professional asap if you notice that your seals are loose. You should also change your filters in order to keep your water dispenser and ice maker clean. Always remember to keep your fridge door closed tightly to save the motor from having to work extra hard to keep the unit cool. 

Your refrigerator should also stay level at all times. Otherwise, the doors may not seal or close completely which will place an added strain on the unit’s motor. In order to check your fridge’s position, you can use a levelling tool.

Common Indicators That Your Refrigerator Needs Repair

If you notice a sudden fluctuation in temperature then your fridge may need to be repaired. Any vibrating or buzzing noises coming from the unit should also be investigated by a professional.

If you notice condensation forming, then your refrigerator may be defective. Coil overheating is another serious issue that should be rectified sooner rather than later if you want to salvage the unit.

Moreover, you should check your freezer to see if ice is accumulating. If it is, then you may want to call an electrician or plumber. Perhaps the biggest telltale sign that something is amiss with a freezer is spoiled food.

The technician will examine the unit from top to bottom in order to identify the source of the food and beverage spoilage.

Taking the First Step

If you are having issues with your refrigerator then you should call a qualified technician to investigate. They have the tools and expertise needed in order to repair your refrigerator.

If you want your fridge to last for several years without any major failures, then having a maintenance plan on hand is a must. 

Sources:

A Guide To Refrigerator Maintenance | Home Matters | AHS

5 Keys to Refrigerator Maintenance | Real Simple

Steps Involved in Installing Additional Electrical Outlets

Adding one or more electrical outlets to a room can greatly increase the ways in which you're able to use the space. The good news is that you can easily turn this task into a do-it-yourself job if you proceed with caution. It's essential, though, that you follow specific steps so that you stay safe and end up with a functioning electrical outlet.

Turn Off the Power

Whenever you work on anything electrical, the first step should always be turning off the power. Use your circuit breaker to interrupt the flow of electricity between the breaker and the area where you'll be working. Once you've cut the power, make sure to test the individual wires and outlets you'll be working with to ensure there's no power running through them.

Figure Out Location

When installing your new outlets, you'll want to be sure to be picky about placement. It's important to make sure that the new outlets meet code requirements in that they're the proper distance away from existing outlets. Additionally, it's best if the news outlets are next to a stud so that you can easily attach each outlet to something solid. Once you've found a good location, you'll want to trace around the junction box, cut through the drywall, and mount the box.

Make the Connection

Proper wiring is the most crucial component of a news outlet. Keep in mind that an outlet is just another stop on a complete electrical circuit. Therefore, you'll need to connect the new outlet to at least one existing outlet using electrical cabling with the same gauge as the cabling already in use. Using the correct wiring makes it easy to splice the wires together to ensure the flow of electricity remains uninterrupted. If you become confused during the wiring process, be sure to involve an electrician so that you don't run into issues down the road.

Test the Outlet

Before you patch the drywall around the outlet or install an outlet cover, it's vital to test the outlet. Make sure to turn the power back on first and then plug any electronic device into the outlet to check for correct wiring. If you notice that the device works but has issues with flickering or interrupted power, you'll want to turn the power off again and reach out to an electrician.

Take It Slow

If you haven't done electrical work before, you'll want to be sure and take your time when installing a new outlet. Getting in a hurry will only cause you to make a mistake that could lead to injury or property damage. Take things slowly, though, and you'll soon have a new outlet that will make life in your home much more convenient.

What Contractors Do You Need To Build A Home Addition?

Whether you have a growing family or perhaps just want to add some more room to your existing space, you've decided it's time for a home addition. Depending on what you have in mind, you will need various contractors to make it happen. Now that you're ready to get started with your home improvement project, here are some typical contractors who will need to be on the job to make your home addition come to life.

Plumbing

Whether you are adding a new bathroom, enlarging your kitchen, or maybe adding a utility room to your home, you'll need plumbing contractors who can perform a variety of jobs. Since running new water lines and pipes can be very complex and result in plenty of damage to your home if not done correctly, make sure you hire plumbers who have plenty of experience with home additions.

Electrical

Since your home is like so many others today and relies more and more on electronics for the internet, smart appliances, security systems, and much more, plan on hiring a residential electrician contractor to work on your home addition. In many instances when a home addition is done, a new electrical box will need to be installed to handle the increased workload of the electrical system.

Roofing

Should you be expanding the size of your home with new rooms, adding a garage, or other similar projects, roofing contractors will be part of the equation. Like other contractors, you will need, make sure you hire only the best for your home addition. For many homeowners, getting a home addition can also mean changing the style of their roofing, such as going from asphalt shingle roofing to a metal roof.

HVAC System

No matter what type of home addition you are getting, you need to ensure it will be properly heated and cooled to keep you and your family comfortable year-round. Thus, hire an HVAC contractor you know and trust to get the job done right the first time. Since your home addition may require new ductwork, a new heat pump or furnace, or other components of an HVAC system, work with a contractor who is trained on the latest equipment and installation techniques.

Though it will take some time to speak with numerous contractors before deciding which ones you will use for your project, having the best contactors possible on the job will give you peace of mind, get the job done right the first time, and result in a home addition you and your family will love.

Best Ways To Improve the Look and Feel of Your Bed

Everyone deserves to have a luxurious bed that will give them a good night’s sleep while still being the best-looking part of the room, but not everyone can afford it. New mattresses can be insanely expensive. However, you shouldn’t let that deter you from having the bed you want. If you are dead set on upgrading the place where you sleep every night, then this list of the best ways to improve the look and feel of your bed will be right up your alley.

Buy a Mattress Topper

Since comfort is the key to a remarkable bed, you have to start with getting yourself a quality mattress topper. There are some really good ones out there that are made from memory foam and help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. If you didn’t know it was there, you would assume you were sleeping on a top-notch mattress, but this accessory is only a fraction of the price.

Get a New Set of Sheets

Of course, no matter how plush your bed feels, it won’t feel soft enough unless you buy some better sheets to go over it. Most people purchase cotton ones with a high thread count, but that simply won’t do for your upgraded bed. Compared to eucalyptus and bamboo, cotton doesn’t stand a chance of being the comfiest set of sheets. Going for one of the other kinds will be your best bet for giving your old bed a more luxurious feel.

Remove a Few Pillows

We’ve primarily focused on the comfort of your mattress so far in this list of the best ways to improve the look and feel of your bed. Now let’s talk about the looks. One reason why people buy a new mattress is so that they can get a bigger one. Even though there’s no way to increase the size of your current one, you can create the illusion that it’s bigger than it actually is. The best way to do that is by removing a majority of the pillows that you currently have sitting on top of it.

You’d be surprised by how much of a difference this will make, especially when it comes to laying down on it. Every pillow you add pushes you closer to the edge of the bed. Even if you take them off before sleeping, you still don’t get the illusion of a larger bed that you would by not having them in the first place.

Add Some RGB Lighting

While some people may not like how RGB lights look, they are starting to become much more mainstream due to their versatility. No matter what theme your bedroom is, you can set up your RGB strips to fit the feel of the rest of your room quite easily. Simply attach them underneath the side of your bed, and your floor will look better than it ever has before.

Of course, what good is style without some utility? The best part about these lights is you can turn them on if you ever need to move around in the dark without disturbing your partner. They only light up the ground, which is perfect for walking to the bathroom without stubbing your toes.