Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer

Essential Tasks to Keep Your Home Running Smoothly When the Heat Hits

Can you feel the warmth in the air? It's a sign that summer is already on its way! But before you start planning your vacation trip and weekend barbecues, your home needs to be prepared for the season too. There are plenty of tasks that you can do around the house to keep it cool and running smoothly during the hot months. Don't worry, though, we've got you covered. We'll guide you through each step so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer season without any worries.

We've sorted the tasks by inside the home and outside the home; so that you can do each task as the weather allows.

Inside the House

Ceiling Fan Rotation

Make sure to change your ceiling fan rotation Courtesy of eak_kkk

This one is relatively simple. As the year changes, you can benefit from changing the rotational direction of your fan. During the summer, it's best to have your fan turning counterclockwise. This pushes the cool air down towards the floor and helps you stay cool.

Plumbing Checks 

Check Valves And Hoses

The valves and hoses for your washing machine, and your interior and exterior faucets all have connection points that can become loose and even break. As we are heading into summer and you're doing more you want to go ahead and check on these this way you catch any trouble before it starts. You will almost certainly need a professional to make any major changes, but just checking and finding trouble spots is something you can absolutely do on your own.

Inspect Your Pipes

As we all know, summer in Texas is ridiculously hot and dry. Unfortunately, that heat and lack of moisture can cause your pipes to deteriorate and crack. That can then cause the pipes to leak or, in a worst-case scenario, burst. So before you start forcing hundreds of gallons of water through your pipes, it's better to check on any and all of them that you can get to and catch any problems beforehand.

Insulate Your Home 

The amount of work insulation usually requires Courtesy of justynkalp

Your home's insulation is essential for keeping you comfortable in both hot and cold weather. However, if you are unsure about the quality of insulation in your home or wish to enhance the existing insulation, several options are available. Checking the insulation in your attic and walls is crucial for ensuring your home is properly insulated. However, most of us hesitate to pull down sheetrock to check the insulation. Fortunately, there are alternative options available. One of the best options is an additive that can be mixed with paint and applied to roofs, interior, and exterior walls. Although it does not replace the need for proper insulation, it has proven to make a significant difference in energy efficiency, according to testing.

Swap Out Shades For Curtains 

If you haven't already done it, we highly advise swapping out your winter shades for lighter summer curtains. Whether this means lighter in just color, or lighter in color and material is up to you. Being able to open your windows and let the breeze pour in is helpful for lowering your electric bill.

Fridge

The seasons are turning, which means it is the next time you need to clean out behind your fridge. It might not be the most glamorous task, but your fridge will most certainly appreciate being able to breathe properly. As always, make sure that you tend to the coils and any built-up dust or debris, and move your fridge back into proper alignment so that airflow can circulate around it. 

Make sure that you're using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. You don't want to use water back here as that can damage electrical components, and then you will have a very pretty and oversized box rather than a fridge.

Now that you've tended to the outside of your fridge let's check out the inside. You'll want to closely examine the seals on your refrigerator door all the way around, first by eye and then by hand. You want to ensure that there aren't any spots that are damaged and that the seal doesn't need to be replaced. Once you've checked that out, the next step is to grab a washcloth, some warm water, and soap so that you can clean out any stickiness or debris from the seal. Making sure that your doors can close and seal properly ensures that the fridge can maintain its temperature accurately. Taking care of your fridge like this ensures a much longer and happier life on the part of your appliance.

Washer And Dryer 

Your washer and dryer need to have the seals checked, just like we did with your refrigerator. Again, you want to check by eye and then by hand for any signs of debris damage or, in the case of your washer, mold. For your dryer, you want to make sure that there isn't any accumulated lint in and around the seal. 

Since the air is already warm during summer, you will want to address the settings on your dryer for summertime. It is not uncommon for dryers to catch fire from being turned up too high. While you're at it, you should also have the filters checked and cleaned by a professional to get rid of any built-up lint. At the same time, having someone look at your washing machine filters and drains would be a good step to roll into the same call.

Now that we've done the inside of the home, let's head outside and see what we can find.

Outside the House 

Clean Gutters 

It's been a while since we pointed it out, but having your gutters cleaned at least twice a year is extremely important. If your gutters are still jammed full from winter leaves, you can easily have cracks and leaks begin to form under and around them. With time those will begin to damage your home. 

Repair Siding 

If you have wood siding or shingles, now is a great time to check for post-winter rot. You can also check for dirt or mold that might have built up during the spring and winter rains.You can also look for and repair any damaged areas, faded stain, or chipped paint.

Inspect the Roof

A roof that has become damaged over time due to winter rot. Courtesy of congerdesign

Now, we're not suggesting that you do any roof repair yourself. Between the potential for a fall and the heat, we don't think many of us would want to go up. Instead, grab your binoculars and head across the street to take a look around at your roof. You will be looking for any cracked, curling, or missing shingles on your roof. And while you're at it, you want to make sure that there isn't any damaged or missing flashing. Keep a close look on your chimneys, your pipes or any skylights that you have. Just like with the valves and hoses, if you already know where to point a professional, then youve already solved part of the problem. 

Clean The Grill 

When you've got a cooler day, you might as well open up the grill and give it a good cleaning. Most of us love cooking on the grill during the summer, whether it's for family events or just regular weeknight dinners, grills are a uniquely summertime tool. To that end, make sure you go over everything. Not just to clean it, but to make sure that the connections are still in one piece. If there are any wires or pipes, check to see that nothing has been chewed on, or destroyed by the elements. Essentially, you want to go over any piece that could break and make sure it's functioning properly and then go over any piece that can be dirty and clean it before you light your grill for the first time. 

Summer heat and way too hot in Frisco texas by Stux

As summer approaches, it's time to get your home ready for the heat and outdoor fun. From ceiling fan adjustments to grill cleanings, we've got you covered with these essential tips to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all season long. But if you ever find yourself in need of professional assistance with your appliances, Appliance Rescue Service is just a call away. Whether it's a malfunctioning refrigerator or a faulty dryer, our team is here to help keep your home running smoothly. Don't hesitate to reach out for expert maintenance and repair services. Enjoy your summer worry-free with Appliance Rescue Service by your side.

Call: (214) 599-0055
Website 

Additional Reading
Kitchen Safety 101: Protecting Your Little Ones at Home

Organizing Your Home Before the Holiday Daze

 Halloween Horrors In Your Home?

Demystifying Refrigerator Types: Choosing the Perfect Fit for Your Home

Exploring Refrigerator Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the realm of refrigerator options can be a daunting task. With a myriad of choices available, from top freezers to French doors and column refrigerators, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming. In this article, we strip away the complexities of features and hone in on the fundamental types of refrigerators, each suited to different needs and lifestyles. Join us as we explore the diverse landscape of refrigeration options, offering insights into which style might best complement your household requirements.

When you have a ton of options, it's not always easy to compare different refrigerator types. Not only do you need to look at how the refrigerator is put together but you also have all of the various features that you have to pick and choose from. We are putting aside the features in this article. Instead, we're looking at just the different types of refrigerators that you can purchase and what they might be best for.

Top Freezer

The top freezer is straightforward, just with the label says. You have your freezer on top and a larger refrigerated cabinet underneath.

Pros and cons for a top freezer

Pros

Basic

Easy to find

You don’t need a ton of space

Cons

Very bare bones in design

Rarely comes with additional features

A top freezer is great if you need to have a refrigerator yesterday. Or if you are looking to add an extra refrigerator to your household but it doesn't need to be the main refrigerator. You may want one for a guest house or for the man cave you're putting together. A top freezer refrigerator is great when you need something simple.

Bottom Freezer

A bottom freezer is what happens if you take a top freezer and put it on its head. Voila, bottom freezer. Typically, the bottom freezer will be a drawer rather than just a door opening the way a top freezer is .

Pros and cons for a bottom freezer

Pros

Has more space than a top freezer

Costs less on average than other fridge options

Cons

Hard to keep organized

Fewer shelves or compartments

A bottom freezer, in our opinion, is the best if you're looking to expand your storage. Maybe you now have teenagers in the house, and they eat a lot. You may be combining households and you need a way to store all of the extra food. Whatever the case, bottom freezers are fantastic for maintaining your sanity and adding storage. 

Side by Side Refrigerator

A side-by-side refrigerator is the same dimensions as a standard refrigerator but with a split all the way down. This separates one side as a freezer and one side as a refrigerator.

Pros and cons for a side-by-side refrigerator

Pros

No stooping for items in your freezer

Has a lower door clearance

Lots of organization options

Cons

Fridge and freezer are thinner than standard

Difficult to store wide objects like sheet pans

Due to design, many will have issues with temperature differences between the top and bottom of the fridge side.

This is dangerous for items up top if the fridge is too full.

We think a side-by-side refrigerator is a good first step if you're looking to move beyond that first dorm room fridge. You want something a little nicer but you're not ready to go for some of the other models just yet. Or if you don't need to store a ton of food, a side-by-side is great.

French Door Refrigerator

A French door takes a bottom refrigerator and combines it with a side-by-side You have the larger refrigerator compartment but the ease of opening only one door at a time. You also have a lovely large bottom-drawer freezer. 

Pros and cons for French door refrigerators

Pros

Full size or larger fridge and freezer

Most common variety of freezer

Manufacturers make them with lots of different feature options

Has better temperature control than other varieties

Cons

Most will have drawer freezers

Often are wifi enabled by default

This is great if you've got a large family. Not only do you have the larger space of your refrigerator, but you also have more features and better temperature control, which means your food is going to last longer. It's also great for those times when “but I don't know what I want” ends in leaving one door open for ages, staring at the food. 

Column Refrigerators

Finally, we have the ultimate in customization, the column refrigerator. You can choose whatever you want it to be and almost any size. Whether it's a refrigerator, freezer, or wine cellar, it's all possible. The difference is that each column will be an individual unit. It's not a two-in-one.

Pros and cons for column refrigerator

Pros

Built-in

Concealed behind panels

Can be modified for whatever you want

You can control the temperature, humidity, and even vibration

Cons

Customizability = price hike

You have to have at least 2, one for a refrigerator and one for a freezer

We see more and more clients leaning towards the column refrigerator because they are so very customizable. If you want the ultimate in refrigeration, this is what you're going to be looking at.

Finally, we want to touch on a few different terms.

Counter depth 

This isn't actually a type of refrigerator, it's more of a feature. What it means is that you have an open enclosure in your kitchen it will slot in and be flush with your counter, not counting the doors and handles. If this isn't something you specifically need though, we advise not bothering. They're fantastic if you're looking for an aesthetic. But they really cut down on the amount of space that you have.

Freestanding 

A free-standing model is all about versatility. These are the ones where you go to a store and pick out the exact features you want. Depending on how much food you need to store, you might choose a counter-depth one or a full depth. They're designed to be relocated as needed and are chock-full of features so that you do become attached to them.

Pros and cons for a freestanding refrigerator

Pros

Lots and lots of features

Some customization

Can have counter-depth or full depth

No need for professional installation

Less expensive

Width options, up to 36”

Door style options

Easy to relocate

Cons

Shorter lifespan, compared to built-in

36” in width isn’t always enough

Even if you get a 24” depth refrigerator, due to the doors and handles, it won’t actually be flush with your counters.

Built-in 

Built-in refrigerators, on the other hand, are any type of refrigerator that is built into your kitchen. Your cabinets, your counters, all of these wrap around your refrigerator and make it extremely difficult to remove. But if you're building your dream home and you have no intention of moving, then the mobility of the refrigerator doesn't matter much.

Pros & Cons for a built-in refrigerator

Pros

Typically taller

Fully Customizable

Cons

Doesn’t move if you do

Only 24” deep to match your counters

Costs far more

Must be professionally installed

As you weigh your refrigerator options, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to support you beyond the selection process. Whether your appliance is in need of repair, maintenance, or restoration, our team specializes in servicing a wide range of major appliances. With our expertise and dedication to quality craftsmanship, we ensure that your appliances remain in optimal condition, serving your household for years to come. Don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule a repair appointment or visit our website for more information on our services. Trust Appliance Rescue Service to keep your appliances running smoothly.

Additional Reading
Frigi-Know: Your Guide to Refrigerator Troubleshooting

An In-Depth Look At Refrigerators

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly

How You Can Avoid Costly Repairs

If you're like most homeowners, you rely heavily on your major appliances to keep your household running smoothly. From refrigerators and washing machines to stoves and dryers, these machines make our lives easier and more comfortable. But did you know that regular maintenance is necessary to keep them working properly? In this article, we'll explore why it's important to have your major appliances maintained on a regular basis. So sit back, relax, and let's get started!

Let’s take a look at what it means to keep your appliances ‘maintained,’ shall we? 

Maintain  - 

To keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from failure or decline.

So, it’s a matter of regular repair to keep your appliances from decline or failure. That makes sense. 

What problems can regular maintenance prevent? 

When we send out our technicians to your home for a top-down maintenance check, they’re going to look at all of your appliances. Your refrigerator, oven, range, ice makers, dishwasher, washer and dryer, everything gets checked. Why? Because everything has small ways that they can go wrong, which, if caught, can prevent an exorbitant repair bill for you. 

Refrigerator Maintenance

When it comes to the refrigerator, many things need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Your condenser coils and fan need to be cleaned regularly so your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard to keep cool. You’ve also got the water filter, which should be checked every six months, and some refrigerators also have an air filter that needs to be changed yearly.  We also check the defrost drains, as those also need to be cleaned yearly. The one thing that needs to be checked regularly, but not necessarily messed with, is your door seals. Making sure the seals are still shutting properly means that your fridge will close and cool properly, rather than trying to cool your entire kitchen. (Because that is an electric  bill none of us need.) 

Oven Maintenance 

For your oven, one of the first things that needs to be checked is the temperature. It sounds odd, but imagine if you try to bake a cake at 350*, but your oven is actually at 400* and only reading at 350? That can and does happen. So we check any time we’re called in to ensure that everything is working as it should. We also look at the cooling and convection fans to make sure they’re spinning easily to cool or circulate the air within your oven.  From there, we’ll make sure that the door seals are still good and that the elements aren’t overheating, either due to a fault or summer heat. Finally, if you have a gas oven, we’ll check the igniters. They need to be cleaned regularly to ensure you don’t have a buildup in the line or the oven. As we mentioned in a previous post, it’s best to leave this to a professional so that you don’t accidentally break something and cause a gas leak. 

Stove/Ranges/Cooktops Maintenance 

Your stove or cooktop is checked at the same time, especially if you have a gas version. We want to make sure that the pilot lights are not having issues and that the burner ports and igniters are clean. 

Ice Maker Maintenance 

We’ve mentioned just recently that your ice maker needs regular maintenance, and that includes both free-standing ones and those that are built into your refrigerator. This means that when you ask for a maintenance check, we’ll be looking at them, no matter what type you have. 

For both types, we’ll check the water flow to make sure it’s working as it should and giving you a full ice tray. If you have an in-refrigerator ice maker, we’ll want to check to ensure that there aren’t any Tephlon chips, as that has been noted as a serious health hazard. For a freestanding ice maker, we’ll want to go for a thorough cleaning at least once a year, if not every six months. From there, we’ll also check in on the pressure switch and be sure to clean the condenser coils as well. Those are just as important to your ice maker being able to breathe as they are to your refrigerator. 

Dishwasher Maintenance 

Your dishwasher has one of the longest lists of things that need to be checked, because there are so many parts packed into a small area. We’ll look at your seals and clean them as well, if needed, as well as the filters for your dishwasher. We want to look at the spray arms to ensure they’re not clogged and at the heating element to ensure that it’s still heating and not damaged. The draining process of your dishwasher will also be checked so that you don’t get an unfortunate overflow situation. We’ll also make sure to run a dishwasher cleaner once a month if you schedule that often. 

Washer Maintenance 

Finally moving out of the kitchen, let’s head over to your laundry room. Here, we’re going to take a look at your washer first. We’ll make sure that it fills properly on both hot and cold settings, as well as ensuring that it drains properly. We’ll want to take a look at your hoses to ensure there isn’t any damage or kinks in the line that can lead to issues. We’ll also make sure to clean the door boot and coin trap if your unit has them. We’ll also check on the springs or traps and run a cleaner on a monthly basis. 

Dryer Maintenance 

Our last stop, at least for this tour, is your dryer. Here, we’re not cleaning as much as we’re double-checking everything. We’ll check your venting to make sure that it isn’t obstructed by lint, debris, or clothing that the dryer goblins have stolen. We’ll also make sure that the vent chute and filter are clean and ensure that air is flowing freely through the machine. We will ensure that your dryer is rotating smoothly and without any unusual sounds.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve laid things out in this order, it doesn’t mean that our technicians will go in this order, as it varies on a number of factors. 

With that, which appliance do you think should be checked over most often? Let us know over on our Facebook page! 

If you want to get started on having your appliances regularly maintained, you can reach out to us via our contact page or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055). 

Why Fall Is the Best Time For a Maintenance Check

3 Reasons Now IS the Best Time

Here's a riddle for you: Why is right now the best time to call and schedule a maintenance check for your appliances? Because it's October!  School is back in session, and everyone has settled into the routine. Now you're no longer trying to get used to the new year.  It's also well before the holidays, which means that you're not running around trying to get everything done.

Not quite following our logic? Let's take a closer look then and see why it might be perfect for you. 

Did You Travel Over The Summer?

Several of our posts in the past have talked about how to close down your house and disconnect everything before you travel.  If you did get to travel this summer, that means your appliances sat there. After you get everything reconnected is a great time to have all of the power cords and interior workings gone over to make sure that nothing was shorted or nibbled on by mice while you were gone.

Are You The Holiday Maven In Your Family?

If you're planning on lots of celebrating over the winter holidays, it's best to do a thorough check now. Taking a little bit of time out of your schedule now means that when it comes time to be prepping for everything, you're less likely to have an unexpected breakdown. It's also a lighter time in our schedule, which means you're not competing with 100 different families in the same situation.

Or Are You Excited For The Baking And Cooking The Cooler Weather Allows For?

If you like to bake more as the weather turns, we're right with you.  Very few of us want to bake or do a lot of food prep during the summer but fall is an ideal time to do those tasks. It's warm enough that you can open up the house but cool enough that you don't overheat. However you don't want your refrigerator or freezer, your stove or your oven, to give out in the middle of all this when you're trying to can several jars of fruit preserves for the next year, and bake all sorts of fresh pies as well. It just wont do. Which is why it's better to check everything over now to make sure everything is clean and running smoothly.

So how exactly does an appliance maintenance check work?

You start by giving us a call or reaching out to us on our contact page. Will work with you to find a time that works for your schedule for when one of our technicians will come to your home. We can either do a latchkey service or work with you to find a time that is best fit for when we can be there when you are. At this stage will also work with you to figure out what you want gone over. Are you wanting us to look at one or two appliances? Are you wanting us to go over all of your appliances?

When the day comes that you've chosen, our technician will come to your home and confirm the service you've chosen. They'll then ask that you guide them to where the appliances are and begin looking them over one by one.

At this point, our experience technicians are looking for anything and everything. Unlike with a repair call, where they'll be looking for the source of a problem and trying to solve exactly that problem, this is looking at everything. Are the power cords frayed or damaged or melted? Are all of the buttons functional? Are there any strange sounds or smells that might alert them to a problem now or down the road. Are there any puddles or signs of water damage? All of this and several dozen more issues are searched for.

After they've gone over everything, our technicians will point out what they found. This is the point when it's a good idea to get a sheet of paper and write everything down. They'll make suggestions on what can be fixed, and what might have to be replaced if anything is that bad. Naturally our hope is that by doing this on a regular basis for you we can prevent anything from getting to the point that it cannot be repaired. Our goal is to keep your appliances and by extension, your home running smoothly for as long as possible.

If we've convinced you that now is the best time of year to schedule an appliance maintenance check for your home let us know on Facebook. Or tell your friends on Facebook.

If on the other hand you're wanting to schedule right now you can give us a call at ((214) 599-0055) or reach out to us via our contact page. Wherever you are in the Dallas metro area appliance rescue service is here to help.