Quick Fix or Costly Mistake? Myths About Appliance Repairs

From resets to DIY parts swaps—debunking the most common myths.

If you’ve ever searched online for appliance repair tips, you’ve likely encountered countless “quick fixes” promising to solve your problems in minutes. While they might sound like an easy fix, and even make sense in the moment many of these so-called solutions can do more harm than good—and cost you more in the long run. Let’s break down some of the most common myths about appliance repairs and why trusting professionals is often the smarter choice.




The “Duct Tape Solution” Myth




Myth: Duct tape can fix almost anything, including your appliances!




Courtesy of WikimediaImages

Reality: While duct tape is a versatile household staple, it’s not a permanent solution for appliance issues. Using duct tape to seal a leaky hose can work temporarily. In the long run, it leads to more extensive damage when the tape inevitably fails or interferes with the appliance’s ability to work. It’s commonly misused on cracked refrigerator shelves, loose washing machine panels, and even air conditioner vents, which can worsen over time. It’s especially important to keep in mind that it’s not designed to withstand heat, moisture or pressure, and shouldn’t be used for a long term solution. Duct tape is meant to be a stop gap. 


The Better Fix: Replace damaged parts with manufacturer-approved components and have them installed by a professional to ensure safety and longevity.






The “Just Reset It” Myth


Myth: Turning an appliance off and on will fix any glitch.

Reality: While resetting is often the first step  a professional will try with a smart appliance, it’s not a cure-all. Many modern appliances do rely on advanced chips to control them, and a simple reset can fix minor glitches. However while chips can be reset, deeper issues like malfunctions in the code, or damaged chips or hardware issues, like faulty wiring, worn motors or failing sensors can’t be ‘reset.’ Ignoring these signs can lead to more than momentary frustration. 

power off symbol on an appliance doesn't usually look like this, but we'll pretend.

Courtesy of Jules A.






The Better Fix: If the issue persists after resetting, it’s time to call in an expert. A professional can diagnose the root cause and prevent the problem from escalating.







The “It’s Cheaper if You Do It Yourself!” Myth


Myth: You can save money by replacing broken parts yourself.



Reality: While it might seem straightforward to swap out a damaged part, modern appliances often have complex systems that require precise installation. They can also be tricky to get to and require a full disassemble of the appliance, or tools made just for the appliance. A DIY attempt can lead to improperly fitted parts, voided warranties, or even safety hazards like electrical shocks or gas leaks.

courtesy of congerdesign.




The Better Fix: Always consult a professional for repairs involving electrical or gas components. This not only ensures safety but also maintains your appliance’s warranty coverage.








The “Overloading Isn’t a Big Deal” Myth








Myth: Appliances are built to handle more than their recommended capacity.



Reality: This one is as much a  time-saving trick that we try as well as an appliance trick. While it’s hard to overload your dishwasher, we all have overloaded our washers and dryers at least a time or two. With your dishwasher, it’s a problem of putting in too many heavy pots and pans or squishing in every single plate. This can present proper water circulation which leaves your dishes dirty, and overworks the dishwasher. With the washer and dryer there is a recommended amount that you can fill it to. When you overload it, that strains the motor, and throws off the balance within the machine. This causes damage to the drum and the bearings, and lands you a hefty bill. This “quick fix” for saving time often results in expensive repairs or even appliance replacement. 




The Better Fix: Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended load capacity. If you’re frequently running out of space, consider whether it might be time to upgrade to a larger machine instead. 

The “Tap It, and It Will Work” Myth


Myth: If your appliance stops working, give it a tap, and it’ll start again.

Reality: While this old-school “fix” might occasionally work for loose connections, it’s not a reliable or safe solution. Repeatedly jostling your appliance can damage internal components and worsen the issue. Besides, “percussive maintenance” may provide a moment of satisfaction, but it rarely provides a lasting fix.

Courtesy of Steve Buissinne


The Better Fix: Don’t rely on a temporary “tap” solution. If your appliance isn’t functioning properly, it’s time for a professional inspection.







When it comes to appliance repairs, quick fixes often lead to long-term headaches. Instead of risking further damage or voiding your warranty, let the professionals at Appliance Rescue Service handle the job. Our skilled technicians know how to address problems safely and effectively, ensuring your appliances keep running smoothly for years to come. Call us today to schedule a repair and give your home the care it deserves.

Website

Call (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading


The Risks of DIY Appliance Repairs and How to Avoid Them
Keep Your Dishwasher in Top Shape

The Hidden Costs of Delaying Appliance Repairs








Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Essential tips to prepare your home for winter weather.






Winter is just around the corner and we’re excited!  Finally our favorite time of the year, when it might finally be cold enough we don’t have to have the HVAC on all day! No, no, we’re joking. We know as much as you do that winter in Texas can be a bit weird. Some years we don’t drop below freezing, and other years we get tons of snow dumped on us. Since we can’t tell what winter will bring, we’re going to go over the full list of ways to prepare your home for winter. 

This time, we’re starting inside the house. We’re looking at everything that  needs to be done at least once a year, since we really don’t want to go outside right now. 



Let’s start by tackling the fans. If you forgot to do it in the fall (or didn’t need to yet) now is the time to switch your fan to rotate clockwise. This will force the warm air downwards and help keep you warmer. 

Next up, let’s hit the kitchen for a few things.

Here you’re going to want to 

Change the air filter on your refrigerator. It should be done at least every six months, and since we last did it in summer, now is the ideal time.  Look inside your refrigerator towards the back top of the inside, and that is where most filters are located. 





Change the water filter on your refrigerator. This one is an every six months task in most households, but for some it’ll be every six. Either way, for most you’re still going to be looking inside the refrigerator towards the top.  Many times it’s a matter of popping down a hatch and twisting to remove the old filter. Keep a cloth handy as it can make a bit of a mess. 





While we’re still poking at your refrigerator, take a few minutes to clean the coils. This is another one of those quarterly tasks, and somehow we still forget it. All you need is your vacuum and a brush attachment to be able to reach back behind the fridge and brush everything down. Once you’ve given them a good scrub, you’re good to go for another three months. 





Now let’s go over to your furnace and change the filters there. Since we don’t handle furnaces we can’t give you any generaltieis on where a filter will be located, but your manual should have it handy. 





Now let’s take a wander around the house. If you’re easily chilled you can do this without anything, if not, you might want to bring a candle with you. We’re going to be looking for drafts. 

As you wander see if you find any areas near doors, windows or exterior walls that are unusually cold, or where your candle flame wavers. You want to find the drafts, mark them with a pencil and then when you’re done you can come back and start the next step.
That next step is going to be one of three things. 

  • Caulk or patch the hole in question. 

  • If there isn’t a hole, it’s just an old window, you might consider putting up some window film for the winter. 

  • If it’s a wall rather than a window, you might consider that the insulation in that area is poor and you’ll need to find out a) why it doesn’t have any, such as pests, and b) how to go about replacing or adding it.





Adding in various forms of insulation will make a huge difference in keeping your home warm this winter. Even just small tips like patching interior holes and putting film over or in the windows can as well. You’ll also notice the change that it makes in your electric bill, as the insulation will make it easier to stay at a set temperature. 






Courtesy of justynkalp

One area that does need to be looked at, but we understand if you’re not wanting to do it, would be the attic. Heat rises, and if there is no insulation in your attic, all of the heat that goes up is going to be coming out. For that reason, we firmly believe in checking it every three to six months. While up there, you’ll also want to look for any pests, holes or mold 








 Test Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors

One last thing is that if you didn’t change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall, you need to do them now. Not only iis it a good habit, but if you’re relying on heaters or a fire place to keep warm, you need to be able to keep an eye on these levels.
While you’re at it, check on the fire extinguisher, to make sure that it’s still in date.

With that, we’re done! Well. With the inside. Now it’s time to throw on a coat and take a walk around outside, as it’s time to check the house out on the outside. 




We might as well work top to bottom while we’re doing this, so it’s up to the roof for you or whatever helpers you can wrangle for this.  

Start by taking a look at the shingles.. You’ll want to look for any that are curling or cracked, and keep an eye out for any that are missing. You’ll also need to take a look at the metal flashing around your chimney, pipes and any skylights. If any of these are an issue, you’ll need a roofer before the winter rains really hit. 




Courtesy of stux.

Next up, you’ll want to take a look at the gutters. Are there any breaks or leaks in the gutters or the downspouts?  Clean out any leaves or debris that have built up, and patch any damage you can find now. 





A final step for on top of the roof is seeing if any trees need to be trimmed back to keep pests like mice, raccoons or squirrels from making a winter home in your roof. While we don’t recommend doing it yourself unless you’re trained to do so, it does help to have an idea of whether or not it’s an issue in the first place. 





Courtesy of Marc Pascual

Once back on the ground,  let’s keep pests in mind. With colder weather coming, they’re going to look for places to keep warm. Go around looking for food and water sources they can get at, as well as any cracks or crevices. You’ll want to get rid of any water sources like dripping faucets, as well as any food they can easily get at, and patch any cracks you come across. 




While you’re looking around for water, it’s also a good time to drain your sprinkler system and any outdoor water features you have. Having those pipes explode in the depths of winter is not fun, and the damage afterwards is annoying to clean up. 




To protect your outdoor faucets from freezing, start by disconnecting any attached hoses and storing them away. Next, drain any water remaining in the faucet by opening it fully. If your faucets have shut-off valves inside the house, turn those off as well. For extra protection, cover the faucets with insulated covers, which you can find at most hardware stores. These simple steps can help prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs during the winter.





Since you have the water features and faucets cleaned up, we might as well take a look at the landscaping. Trimming back unwanted plants isn’t just a matter of pulling out things that you didn’t want growing, it’s also a matter of reducing hiding spots for pests, and protecting the foundation of your home if they’re growing too close.  All of this is most easily done during colder weather. 




Next up, we’ll want to tackle the dryer exhaust duct. It’s one that you need to do at least once a year, as too much build up can prevent your dryer from not only drying efficiently, but it can cause house fires. If you can access it on your own, you might not need to call in a professional. Make sure to vacuum every nook and cranny though, or you’ll have to do this again much sooner than next winter. 




Our final two tips are to clean out and cover your grill.
It’s time to give it a good deep cleaning before you put it away for the winter. Scrub the grates, scrub the outside and make sure to follow any of the manufacturer’s instructions. 



Now that your home is winter-ready inside and out, you can enjoy the season without worrying about unexpected surprises. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or spending time with loved ones, knowing your home is prepped can bring peace of mind.



If you discover any issues with your appliances along the way—whether it’s a refrigerator coil that won’t stay clean or a dryer duct that needs professional attention—our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We’ll ensure your appliances stay in top shape, so you can focus on what truly matters this winter. Reach out today and let us handle the rest!



Website

Call: (214) 599-0055


Additional Reading

Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer

 37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly




Durable Delights: Holiday Gifts That Last

Practical and thoughtful ideas for the gift-giver who knows someone a little hard on their stuff.

We all have that one friend or family member—the person who can turn the sturdiest appliance or tool into a cautionary tale. Whether it’s a cracked stovetop or a washing machine that mysteriously stopped mid-cycle, they’ve got the gift of destruction down to a science. This holiday season, why not embrace their talent with gifts designed to go the distance? From practically indestructible kitchen gear to appliances that can handle a little (or a lot) of rough love, this list has you covered. 




For bonus, where possible, we’ve listed ways that the gifts can be broken that we know of. If you know of any, make sure to let us know on our Facebook page! 




Cast Iron Skillet – A cast iron skillet is one of the most useful tools you can have in the kitchen. We’ve featured these on several previous gift lists. They are virtually indestructible and get better with use. Over time you’ll build up the seasoning on them so that anything you cook is going to be uniquely yours. 

How to avoid breaking it: Using soap or stainless steel pads (yes, this includes SOS pad) are straight out. They will both strip away the seasoning you intentionally work to build up, as well as damaging any coating your cast iron might have on it. 




Silicone Baking Mats –  Silicone baking mats can be used with just about any type of baking or cooking. If you’re not wanting to line a pan before you do a one pan dish, no problem. If you want to make a batch of cookies, done. Or if you want to make chocolates, and need to pop the pan into the freezer, it works. Silicone baking mats are for the person that loves cooking and hates cleaning. Even better, you buy them once, and you don’t have to worry about buying parchment paper again. 

How to avoid breaking it: Don’t put them onto open flames. Most silicone mats are meant to handle temperatures of up to 450*F. So, grilling, charring, broiling and microwaves are all out. 




Henry Vacuum Cleaner - The Henry Vacuum Cleaner is the workhorse of the cleaning world. With a reputation for durability, this vacuum has been around for nearly two decades in my home, tackling everything from carpets to stairs without missing a beat. While it doesn’t boast the fancy tech of modern vacuums, its modular design and long lifespan make it a solid choice for someone who values function over form.  (And for those that question why do you need a vacuum in your kitchen, we point out that there are always messes to be cleaned.) 




Shatterproof Drinking Glasses – When made of Tritan, you can get glasses that are actually shatterproof. Drop on the floor all you like, you’re good to go. Williams Sonoma has even tested them enough that they’re willing to say they also won’t cloud or discolor. 

How not to break them: Although these glasses aren’t made of glass, you’ll still need to be careful of a few things. Don’t put the glasses into the freezer with liquids in them, and don’t use SOS pads on them. 




Breville Barista Express espresso machine in sleek stainless steel, known for its robust construction and years of reliable, daily coffee brewing.

Courtesy of Breville

Breville Barista Express - For the coffee lover who prefers to skip the coffee shop lines, the Breville Barista Express is a dream come true. This all-in-one espresso machine can craft a rich, café-quality drink at home. We’ve been using it for years, and it’s shown no signs of slowing down. A little upkeep—like descaling and changing the filter—ensures it keeps brewing smoothly.





Unbreakable Mixing Bowls – ‘unbreakable’ isn’t really an accurate term in this case. If you’re purchasing a stainless steel bowl, its not going to ‘break’ unless you’re intentionally taking a hammer and chisel to it, and if you’re doing that, we’re not sure what else you expected to happen. 




Seafoam green silicone spatulas neatly arranged in a silverware drawer, showcasing durable and heat-resistant kitchen tools.

Courtesy of Castorly Stock

Heat Resistant Utensils –  Heatproof silicone tools are AMAZING. We’re going to say it here. All of those delicate pans you have that your giftee wasn’t allowed to handle previously? With silicone tools they can. They’re fantastic.  Heatproof silicone or metal spatulas, tongs, and spoons designed to last.






Copper-Plated Stainless Steel Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper - For the popcorn aficionado who wants a touch of elegance with their favorite snack, this popper offers both function and flair. This popper churns out 24 cups of crispy popcorn in about 3 minutes, all while being a pleasure to look at. Its copper-plated design is not only stylish but also built to last, making it a great gift for someone who enjoys quality and durability in the kitchen.

How Not to Break it: The only thing to really avoid with this one is stainless steel pads, or chisels. Other than that, you’re good to go. 









KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer -The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer is a culinary icon for a reason: It’s built to take on all the toughest kitchen tasks and still keep going. Whether it's kneading thick dough or whipping up the lightest batters, this mixer can handle it all. With its sturdy design and an extensive range of attachments, it’s perfect for someone who takes their cooking seriously—and won’t settle for anything less than quality.

Teal green KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer on a kitchen counter, renowned for its durable build and ability to tackle even the toughest baking tasks.

Courtesy of KitchenAid

How Not To Break It: This one is tricky. On one hand, some people claim they’ve tried for years and haven’t been able to break theirs. Others have said that a hard drop for the base of the kitchenAid and you’ve got a fancy paperweight. So, we suggest leaving it planted firmly on the counter. 








Shun Cutlery Sora 8-Inch Chef's Knife - The Shun Sora 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is an exceptional investment for anyone who takes their cooking seriously. With its razor-sharp edge and perfect balance, it’s been my go-to knife for a decade. This blade is sharp enough to make quick work of even the toughest ingredients, while its beautiful, ergonomic design ensures that it feels like an extension of your hand. It’s a kitchen tool that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.






Even with the most durable gifts, life happens—especially in the kitchen or laundry room. When your accident-prone loved one manages to push their appliances to the brink, Appliance Rescue Service is here to save the day. From finicky refrigerators to dishwashers that just won’t run, our expert team is ready to get things back on track. Because while you can’t always prevent mishaps, you can count on us to help keep those major appliances running strong.

Website
Call : (214) 599-0055



Additional Reading
The Kitchen Gift-Giving Guide: From Laughs to Lessons, What Not to Wrap 

Christmas Gifts We Won't Be Giving

Spice Up Dessert Time with Cranberry-Chipotle Heaven’s Pie

Turning leftover cranberry sauce into a show-stopping dessert.

The day after Thanksgiving feels a little like drowning in assorted leftovers, and eating the same things the same way gets boring pretty quickly. We like to take the leftovers and make something different out of them when we can.


This house loves cranberries and makes a big batch of cranberry sauce to share every year. Some years, it gets decimated at the family potluck Thanksgiving dinner and we bring back a few spoonfuls in the bottom of an almost empty Pyrex dish. But other years - like this year, apparently - we come back home with the larger family having made barely a dent. We had two more cups of cranberry sauce left, and not near enough turkey for that much.


So we got inventive. Today we made cranberry-cream cheese pie with a little kick.


We used homemade whole-berry cranberry sauce with real sugar, lemon juice and allspice. You're welcome to try it with the wobbly canned stuff, but your mileage - and the final product's texture and sweetness - may vary. (Let us know if you try it! We're curious, but also morally opposed to canned cranberry sauce.)





Ingredients:


4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup homemade whole-berry cranberry sauce

1/4 cup light brown sugar 

1 teaspoon dried chipotle chili pepper

1 9-inch premade pecan pie crust

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract



Tools:

Measuring cups and spoons 

Food processor 

Spoons

Metal mixing bowl

Electric mixer






Preheat the oven to 350, and shove the mixing bowl in the fridge. We know that second one is a little weird, but just roll with it for now.


Begin by measuring your softened cream cheese into the food processor. Add the cranberry sauce and give everything a whirl to combine. Take a spoon and scrape down the sides to make sure you've got everything. Some food processors end up leaving a solid quarter of the cream cheese behind as it sticks to the edges.


Pack a quarter cup measuring cup with light brown sugar and dump that into the cream cheese and cranberry mixture. Pulse the food processor a couple times to begin breaking it up into the filling.


Measure in the dried chipotle. Feel free to use less if you have a lower spice tolerance.


Make triple sure you're using just the peppers! An anti-caking agent or preservative is totally fine, but not a chipotle spice blend. There are dozens of blends on the market, and while they're certainly tasty, they are not a great fit for this recipe. The most common second and third ingredients in the blends tend to be salt and/or garlic... and we are definitely not looking to make a salty garlic cranberry pie for dessert.


Now that all of your ingredients are in the food processor, run it until everything has reached a uniform consistency. You may have to pause occasionally to scrape down the sides.


Remove the blade from the food processor and scrape the filling into the pecan pie crust. We used a premade Diamond brand crust to avoid washing the food processor twice in one afternoon, but you could certainly make your own crust if you're less dish-phobic than we are.


Level the filling in the crust with the back of the spoon. We know it doesn't look like enough, but don't worry. The extra space is for a fat layer of homemade whipped cream later.


Bake the pie at 350 for 35 minutes. It will still be very thin-looking and wobbly when removed from the oven, but don't worry. Set it aside to cool on the counter for half an hour, then move it to the fridge to chill completely. 


While you're in the fridge, grab the mixing bowl and move it to the counter. Pour in your heavy cream, measure the sugar and vanilla extract into it, power up the electric hand mixer and whip on low and medium low until you get stiff peaks. Cover the bowl and tuck it back into the fridge until it's time for dessert. 


Once it's time to serve dessert, dump the whipped cream into the pie shell on top of the cranberry filling. Use the spoon to smooth it out, cut and serve.


This pie has sweet, tangy and spicy all in one delicious pie. To us, it’s delicious and utterly amazing, but you might just end up scaring some of your dinner guests. For that reason, we advise only breaking out this pie if you’re sure people can handle the heat. 



This pie is proof that leftovers can be as exciting as the main event, blending bold flavors into a dessert that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, Heaven’s Pie is a sweet and spicy reminder to embrace creativity in the kitchen. And remember, while we’re all about innovative recipes, when it comes to appliances, leave the troubleshooting to us. Appliance Rescue Service is here to ensure your kitchen keeps running smoothly, pie after pie.



Website

Call (214) 599-0055



Smooth Moves: Preparing for Appliance Installation Like a Pro

Get Your Space Ready for Your New Appliance in 5 Easy Steps

Bringing home a new appliance should be an exciting milestone, not a stressful ordeal. By taking a little time to plan ahead, you can sidestep common delivery and installation hiccups. Whether it’s ensuring your space is ready, communicating with the right people, or double-checking critical details, a smooth installation starts with preparation. Let’s dive into the steps that will save you time, effort, and potentially costly mistakes.




Why do this? 

  1. Preparing ahead of time creates a safe and accessible environment for your delivery team.

  2.  Thinking out how appliances are going to be delivered and installed helps you to anticipate and solve any potential problems.

  3. Having a plan in place is key to preventing damage to your new appliances during delivery.




General Tips 

Make Plans For Your Old Appliance

Are you going to be uninstalling it yourself or having someone else do it? Where is it going to be taken? Do you plan on moving it before your new appliance comes or will you be disposing of it afterwards? Do you plan to have a service take care of this? All of these are questions that you want to know ahead of time to reduce the amount of stress you deal with.







Talk To Your Sales Associate Ahead Of Time

When you purchase your appliances make sure to tell your sales associate of any potential hurdles. Will your deliver y need to be on a second floor? Are you expecting them to relocate your old appliance? Do they have to move any venting? 

Details like this can add to the delivery and installation of your new appliances and needs to be accounted for in scheduling. Not only for your sake but for the dispatch department. By talking to your sales associate when you make your purchase you make your life easier and everyone else's.



Map a Path for the New Appliance

Plan out the path that will come from the door that the delivery men will come through all the way to where the appliance will be located. You can do this backwards or forwards to give your brain the best way to see any hurdles. Once you've figured out the path you expect the delivery to take clear that path of anything and everything for at least two feet on either side. This includes the obvious thing like toys and wires, but also rugs or furniture. Remember that if worst comes to worst it is possible to take door hinges off and remove doors from your route. 



Inspect Your Space For The Proper Hookups

Once you have your path mapped out, go back to where the new appliances going to be located. Do you have the proper electrical outlets that your new appliances going to need? For example do you need a 110 volt outlet, a 220 volt outlet, or something entirely different because you opted to purchase something brand new on the market? While ideally you'll ask that question while you're in store it doesn't hurt to triple-check now. If this is a water-based appliance, do you have a water hookup within reach of where the appliance is going to sit? Do you have a gas hookup if that's necessary? 

So long as you're doing this ahead of installation day, you should be able to fix any problems that arise if the answer to any of these questions is no.


Double-Check Your Appliance Cutout Dimensions

Ideally, this should actually be done before you make a final purchase, but let's say that you didn't. Take the dimensions of your new appliance and make sure that they match the space where they're supposed to go. Is the space big enough? Does the appliance have room to breathe? (This is especially important if you're dealing with a refrigerator, freezer or dryer.) Can all appropriate outlets and hookups be reached? 


 Secure Or Move Any Fragile Items Or Valuables 

Finally on the day of delivery, make sure to secure or move any fragile items or any valuables that could be accidentally damaged during the delivery process. 



Appliance Specific Tips 

In the section we are looking at tips when you're preparing for a specific appliance. Although there aren't many that don't apply in the last section, there are a few.




Washers

If you're getting a washer make sure that you have a three-pronged, 110 volt outlet at the location. You also need to make sure that you have both hot and cold water valves within at most 4 feet of the washer. You also want to make sure that the faucets are functioning and that the drain pipe is clear of any blockages. 




Electric & Gas Dryers

If you're getting an electric dryer, check the space for a three or four prong 220 volt outlet, as well as the necessary ventilation port. 

If you're getting a gas dryer you need a 110 volt outlet and still the same ventilation port. You also need to make sure there's a gas shut off valve right behind the dryer and that it is in proper working order. 


No matter which type of dryer you're getting, you want to make sure that the venting path is clear of anything and will match the requirement of your new dryer. You also need to clear the area of lint or other debris to prevent fire hazards.


Refrigerators and Dishwashers




Make sure that you have a three-pronged 110 volt outlet. Also, if your new refrigerator has a ice maker or water line, you'll need a water shut-off valve within 6 ft that's working.

For dishwashers, start by making sure that there is a pathway for venting steam. You'll also need to make sure that there is a source of hot water, a drain connection and an electrical outlet within 6 ft. 




Electric & Gas Ranges

If you're getting an electric range, all you have to check for is that you have a vent hood, as well as a three or four prong 220 volt outlet. 

If on the other hand you're getting a gas range, you need a 110 volt outlet as well as a gas shut off valve right behind the range. If you don't already have gas when you purchase a gas range, you will have to have that run before you can have the appliance installed.



A little forethought goes a long way when it comes to preparing for a new appliance. By ensuring your home is ready, you can enjoy the benefits of your new purchase without unnecessary headaches. If you run into any appliance issues down the road or need help with repairs, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to lend a hand. With expert technicians ready to assist, we’ll help keep your home running smoothly so you can focus on what matters most.