CLOTHES DRYERS

Clothes dryers have become a necessity in many households. Though they offer

convenience, they are the second most energy hungry appliance in your home.

Inefficient dryers can really add to your energy bills and are also a safety concern

due to the possible build up of lint inside the dryer. This is why we recommend an

annual scheduled service to keep your dryer running efficiantly and safely as well

as preventing inconvenient breakdowns. 

 

Common dryer issues:

• Dryer won't operate

Before calling make sure the dryer isn't unplugged or the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped. If this does not solve the problem, you could have a bad thermostat, terminal block, or start switch.

• No heat

If the drum spins but there is no heat, a number of issues could be to blame, including a bad fuse, temperature switch, thermostat, timer, or heating coils.

• Drum doesn't spin

If the motor is running but the drum doesn't spin, it is more than likely a broken belt. A bad roller, motor, or idler pulley could also be to blame.

• Dryer gets too hot, strange smell or keeps turning off

This is a potentially dangerous situation and should be addressed immediately. A bad thermostat or faulty heating coils could be to blame, as could clogged vents. If clogged vents are the issue, there is a risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup in your home (gas dryers).

 

 

REFRIGERATORS

Refrigerators are the most commonly used appliance in your home. They maintain proper food storage temperature to slow the the growth of bacteria. Problems with your refrigerator, if not quickly addressed can result in major inconvenience, food spoilage and illness. This is why I recommend annual servicing and offer a 24 hour emergency breakdown service, to stop problems multiplying. 

 

Common refrigerator issues:

• Temperatures too warm

Refrigerators can quickly become too warm if the door was left open, was unplugged or restocked. Other causes include a need to adjust the thermostat, lint buildup on the condenser, bad condenser or evaporator fan motor, Compressor issues, burned out defrost heater (in freezer), open defrost thermostat or cold control

• Refrigerator leaks water

A plugged drain hose or defrost drain opening could be to blame or the gasket around the door could be bad.

• Fluid accumulation in fresh food compartments

This is typically the result of bad door seals or a door that has been left ajar.

• Excessive frost in freezer

The defrost system may be faulty, or the evaporator fan motor may need to be replaced.

 

We can replace any part of your refrigerator

 

Energy Saving Tips for Refrigerators:

• Older refrigerators put a strain your wallet and the environment. Pre-1993 models use more than twice the energy of newer models. For significant energy savings, if you refrigerator is old consider upgrading.

• Keep refrigerator in a cool location, away from direct sunlight and other heat generating appliances. This will make it easier for it to maintain temperature.

• Monitor refrigerator temperature, limit the amount of time the doors are open and ensure door seals are working properly.

• Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator.

• Be sure to leave room for air to circulate when you load your refrigerator but also don't leave your refrigerator too empty either.

• Clean condenser coils regularly and commit to regular service and maintenance to identify potential energy (and food) wasting problems before they occur.

• Use only manufacturer recommended replacement parts, which help your refrigerator work more efficiently.

 

 

FREEZERS

Freezers offer convenience and great money savings, allowing families to take advantage of food specials at the local grocery stores, make meals in advance, store and save garden bounty, and prepare for special events. However, if your freezer isn't operating properly, all of your efforts could turn into a pile of mush.

 

Common Freezer Issues:

• Freezer won't turn on

First verify the power switch is on, the freezer is plugged in, and your breakers are functioning properly. If a disconnect or external power unit is used, ensure it is functioning. Otherwise, consult a professional to diagnose potential electrical issues.

• Overcooling 

Overcooling can cause frosting and reduce storage capacity. Frost in or on pipes could indicate evaporator issues, dirty evaporator coils or clogged drainage.

• Freezer cannot maintain temperature

There may be many reasons for a freezer that is too warm. Door seal issues, a hot/humid location, dust and debris smothering coils, compressor issues, bad evaporator fans, malfunctioning safety switches, faulty defrost control timers, and more can result in lack of cooling. Check for obvious solutions like doors that have been left ajar and improper packing, as these issues can snowball into food spoilage. Pull items away from the rear vent, which is needed to circulate air, and also leave space between items for air circulation.

• Door seals are defective or damaged

Poorly sealed freezers waste a great deal of energy.

• Noisy operation

Startup noises and clunks could indicate compressor or engine issues.

 

We can replace any part of your freezer 

 

 

RANGE HOODS

Range hoods, also called exhaust hoods,  are appliances that are typically located above your stove or cooktop to remove odors, heat, steam, grease, smoke, and more from your kitchen. Using a mechanical fan and filtration, some range hoods mechanically evacuate air outside of your home, while others merely filter it and recirculate it back into your kitchen. Using a vent hood helps improve the air quality in your home and prevents damage to your cabinets from heat and smoke that build up over time.

 

Types of range hoods:

• Ducted vs. non-ducted or recirculated

Ducted range hoods exhaust air to the outside of your home, while non-ducted range hoods merely recirculate air after filtering it. Ducted range hoods provide superior air quality because they offer the added benefit of removing heat and humidity in addition to grease and odors. Non-ducted range hoods still do a good job of removing grease and odors with proper filter replacement. They offer the next best solution for those who may be limited based on budget, kitchen layout, and other constraints.

• Size and strength

Ensure your range hood is properly sized for your kitchen, covering the full width of your cook-top and at least 50 percent of your burners. 

• Under-cabinet

Typically non-ducted, these range hoods offer replaceable filters and are the most economical choice. Ducted models are available for a slightly higher price tag.

• Wall-mounted chimney

Moderately priced, wall-mounted range hoods are installed against the wall and have a pyramidal base with a rectangular column similar to a home chimney.

• Ceiling-mounted chimney

Also called island hoods, these carry a higher price tag and are typically suspended of kitchens with a cooking island. They come in many different designs for a variety of looks.

• Custom built-in

These range hoods blend in seamlessly with cabinetry, with built-in ventilation installed into a section of the wall. Instead of a chimney style hood, they use modules that are mounted and ducted.

 

Common Range Hood Issues:

• Range hood is not clearing smoke

In non-ducted systems, this is most often due to a filter in need of replacement. In ducted systems, it could be due to numerous issues preventing exhaust from being properly evacuated. (See: "Air is not venting outside").

• Air is not venting outside

This is typically due to a broken fan blade or exhaust fan motor/blower motor that has stopped working. There may also be something stuck in the blower motor.

• Motor hums

This is most often the result of a defective exhaust fan motor in need of replacement. It may also be due to something caught in or rubbing against the blower wheel housing or fan blade.

• Motor is loud

This could be the result of a vent hood motor in need of replacement or worn exhaust fan motor bearings.

• Lights not working

This may be as simple as replacing a burnt out bulb or the result of a defective light assembly, light socket, switch, or main control board.

• Fan and light not working

This may be due to a defective control board, defective switch, or blown thermal fuse.

• Keypad doesn't work

This is most often caused by a defective control board.

 

We can replace any part of you range hood.

 

Energy Saving Tips for Range Hoods:

• Don't let odors and grease take their toll on your kitchen. Contact us for a Service and get your range hood running like new.

• Clean filters regularly

• Choose an appropriately sized range hood for your kitchen's needs.

• Arrange cooking equipment properly so that your hood is located squarely over your stove.

• Installing a variable speed range hood allows you to save 30-50 percent on ventilation costs.

• Consider upgrading to a higher energy rated model for significant energy savings over the life of your equipment.

 

 

WASHING MACHINES

For the average family, the convenience of the modern washing machine is often overlooked. Without them, the dirty clothes quickly pile up and taking your them to a laundry mat can add up to be shockingly expansive. Regular service and maintenance for your washing machine is necessary to address issues quickly and prevent problems before they occur.

 

Common washing machine issues:

• Completely dead

Most often the cause is a tripped, off-balance switch from an imbalanced load that can be easily rectified by redistributing clothes. Otherwise, you may have a problem with the timer circuitry or your outlet.

• Not spinning

Soaked clothes at the end of the wash cycle indicate the washer is not spinning. The many possibilities include a defective lid switch or lid plunger, burned out spin solenoid, cut wires, worn or broken drive belt, or a bad timer contact.

• No agitation

There are many causes for no agitation, including a worn drive belt, agitator assembly, wigwag plunger/lifter, transmission mode lever, or drive spindle. It may also be caused by a bad internal timer contact, bad lid switch, or malfunctioning pressure switch.

• Excessive vibration

Your washer may not be leveled properly or is located on a weakened wood floor. Worn damper pads may also be to blame.

• Leaks

Excess soap, loose hoses, drain pipe clogs, and leaking pumps, tubs, or tub water injection hoses could be to blame for leaks.

• Water not draining out

Water will remain in the drum if you have a defective pump, worn drive belt, or clogged drain hose.

• No cold water

The cold water valve may be turned off, or there may be sediment buildup in the valve.

• Spots on clothes

Spots that won't remove with soap and water may be caused by transmission oil from a defunct transmission.

• Soapy clothes

A defective timer contact or sediment-clogged cold-water valve may be to blame.

 

We can replace any part on your washing machine.

 

 

DISHWASHERS

Dishwashers offer you and your family a great deal of convenience, but a broken or poorly running dishwasher can cause you to feel anxious. Don't let your ailing dishwasher get you down! Let the following reference list help you identify necessary repairs and the need for professional assistance.

 

Common Dishwasher Issues:

• Cloudy glassware

Cloudiness may indicate extremely hard water that may require a softener

• Dishes not properly cleaned

Dishes that are not adequately cleaned may be due to blocked spray armholes, a worn pump assembly or wash impeller, or a burned out heating element.

• Dishwasher hums and then turns off

This typically indicates a seized motor in need of replacement.

• Runs too long

Your dishwasher may have difficulty completing the cycle if a defective thermostat is preventing the cycle from advancing or if your timer is malfunctioning.

• Does not fill with water

Common reasons your dishwasher may not be filling with water include a defective water inlet solenoid, failed valve, stuck or defective overflow float switch, or malfunctioning timer not initiating the water fill.

• Water will not drain

A clogged drain line, worn out drain solenoid, or drain impeller may prevent water from being properly removed.

• Leaks

Using too much or an incompatible soap is a primary culprit for leaks. Worn door gaskets, tub-to-motor gaskets, or spray arm assemblies may also be to blame, as can a leaking pump/motor assembly.

 

We can replace any part on your dishwasher.

 

Energy saving tip!

Instead of having your dishwasher dry your dishes, set your dishwasher to economy and when it is finished, open the door about 30cm. This allows all the hot air to escape, taking the moisture with it. It may take a little longer but the energy savings are well worth it.

 

 

 

OVENS, COOKTOPS AND STOVES

Broken down ovens and cooktops are more inconvenient because these kitchen appliances are essential to the healthy home-cooked meal, not to mention the expanse of ordering out night after night.

 

Common Issues Seen in Ovens and Cooktops:

• Burner won't come on

Swap it with another working burner to determine if it is the burner, the receptacle, or the switch.

• Burner too hot, regardless of setting

 This is typically a bad switch.

• Indicator light stays lit

This is also a bad switch.

• Oven door stuck closed

A misaligned self-clean latch or defective ERC, also called the touch pad, clock or the oven control, may be to blame.

• Oven not self-cleaning

If the oven has a defective self-clean latch switch or function selector switch, or if the self-clean latch is bent or misaligned, the door will not close properly, preventing cleaning.

• Oven not baking/broiler not working

A bad bake igniter or valve may be the culprit. On gas models, the pilot flame may not be wrapping around the thermocouple, as it should. If you aren't getting spark to the pilot, you may need to replace the spark electrode, spark module, and ignition wire.

• Oven not heating/poor heating

On gas ovens, if your oven door gasket is damaged or you have a sluggish igniter it will take much longer for your oven to come up to temperature. On electric ovens, the main controller board or a bad relay may be to blame.

• Erratic temperatures

A bad bake oven igniter will often cause unstable temperatures in gas ovens. Off temperatures may also be due to thermostat, temperature sensor, selector switch, or calibration dial issues.

• Oven will not heat up

You may need to replace your bake or broil heating elements. On gas models, the igniter or gas safety valve should be checked.

 

We Can Replace Any Part on your Ovens and Cook-tops:

 

 

OTHER APPLIANCES

We also install, repair and maintain other less common home appliances like ice machines, wine coolers and garbage disposals. contact me today to discuss any issues you are having with any of your appliances