Appliances play an essential role in our daily lives. When they break down, it can cause major disruption and expense. While professional repairs are often costly and time-consuming to schedule, many common appliance issues can be fixed by homeowners themselves in just minutes. With a bit of knowledge and elbow grease, Albuquerque homeowners can perform simple repairs on five common problems. More complex issues should be left to appliance repair experts.
Replace the Thermostat in The Dryer
If your dryer fails to heat up, the thermostat is likely faulty since these commonly malfunction. Replacing the thermostat yourself with a new one purchased for under $80 at a hardware store will save substantially on repairs, typically around $180. Consult your dryer manual to find the thermostat and buy the right replacement model.
Clear the Drain in the Dishwasher
If your dishwasher is no longer draining, the drain is likely clogged. You can unclog it yourself in minutes using a shop vac. Simply disconnect the drain hose and insert the shop vac’s hose into the drain opening. Run the shop vac for a few minutes to clear the clog, then reconnect the drain and try the dishwasher again. This quick fix can save you the cost and hassle of a professional repair.
Replace the Fan in the Freezer
If the freezer is not staying cold, the likely cause is a faulty freezer fan. The fan circulates cold air throughout the freezer, so if it fails, the cold air cannot reach all areas. Replacing the fan is an easy fix – a new one costs around $85 at your local hardware store. With just a screwdriver, you can replace the fan in minutes. Simply remove the cover, unscrew and disconnect the old fan, then install the new one.
Clean Coils in the Refrigerator
If the fridge is not staying as cool as it should, it’s probably because the coils are dirty. These are located under or behind the fridge, and are a collection place for a lot of debris, dust, and pet hair. When the dirt builds up, the coils end up freezing, rather than cooling what’s inside. To clean them, just unplug the fridge, slide it out and go around the back to where you can see the coils. You can use a vacuum, a duster, or a cloth and get them clean. Then just put your fridge back in place, plug it back in, and give it an hour to get back down to its normal temperature.
Unclog the Burner in the Gas Stove
If your gas stove won’t light or emit a gas smell, don’t panic. This minor issue is often an easy fix. First check that the electricity and gas supply are working. If they’re fine, the burner is likely clogged. Shut off the gas, then scrub the burner head thoroughly with a small brush and cleanser to remove any debris. Once cleaned, turn the gas back on and ignite the burner. The stove should now light properly.
When to Call a Pro
Though you can make some repairs yourself without issue, certain fixes require calling in professional help.
Repair the Icemaker Broken on the Fridge
If your icemaker suddenly stops working but is still connected to the water supply, the issue is likely a faulty compressor, which can cost up to $300 to repair depending on the brand. Since replacing the compressor involves extensive work on the refrigerator itself, it’s best to call a professional repair technician to properly diagnose and fix the issue. Attempting compressor repairs without expertise risks further damage and the possible need for a full refrigerator replacement, so don’t try to DIY this repair.
Repair the Microwave
Microwaves are complex appliances that can be dangerous to repair yourself, so it’s best to call a professional for any issue, no matter how minor it may seem. Attempting a DIY fix risks radiation leaks or other hazards, whereas experts have the knowledge and tools to safely diagnose and resolve any problem.
Take Care of Your Appliances
With simple fixes, you can often avoid costly repairs. Know when a do-it-yourself approach will suffice and when you need a professional to keep things running smoothly.
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