Vacation Checklist: 5 Tips for your Home Appliances

Summer is here, and chances are, you are planning a vacation sometime in the near future. Whether your vacation is for a weekend or a whole month, having your Dallas home vacation-ready is a big part of the process. Have a neighbor water plants, put a stop on all mail deliveries, etc., but have you thought about what to do with your appliances?

Before you go on vacation, make sure to follow these 5 tips from Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas to get your appliances vacation ready!

1.    Put Water Heater in Vacation Mode

Set your hot water heater on vacation mode – or “low temperature mode” – before leaving on your vacation. This simple adjustment will save you money by conserving energy in your absence.

2.    Turn off Water Valves

The last thing you want is to come back to your Dallas home after a wonderful vacation to find that your home has suffered water damage due to flooding while you were gone and you now need appliance repair in Dallas. Gain piece of mind and turn all valves to dishwashers, sinks, and washing machines off completely before leaving.

3.    Unload the Refrigerator

One week before vacation, begin using up perishable foods from your refrigerator. Anything that is left uneaten, throw away before departing. A less cluttered refrigerator will help the refrigerator run more efficiently and save you from coming home to spoiled food.

4.    Unplug Small Appliances

It’s easy to focus on the big things – refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. – but don’t forget your small appliances! Be sure to unplug or turn off all major and minor appliances in the home.

5.    Clean the Disposal

Don’t let bacteria and mold grow in your unused kitchen garbage disposal while you are gone! Run the disposal with half a cup of vinegar and water to clean and sanitize before heading out of town.

Need appliance repair in Dallas? Call Appliance Rescue Service today where our goal is to provide the best appliance repair service in Dallas and the greater Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex! 

5 Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Cool this Summer

At Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas, we know that the summers get hot in North Texas! And cooking with your appliances can make the kitchen unbearable. Rather than create more heat in the home – and cause additional wear on your major appliances – try these 5 tips for keeping your kitchen cool this summer:

1.    Use Small Appliances

Remember that slow cooker you got as a wedding gift?! Bust it out and use it this summer! Most homeowners have cabinets full of small appliances such as griddles, slow cookers, Panini presses, rice cookers, etc. that rarely get used. Take them out this summer to prepare food without every having to heat up your oven or cooktop.

2.    Skip the Kitchen and Move the Cooking Outdoors

This may seem like a no-brainer, but take advantage of the grilling season and prepare your food outdoors. Smoked meat and grilled steaks and veggies taste amazing after a long day in the sun. And bonus: your kitchen stays cool and clean.

3.    Prepare Food in the AM

If you must turn the appliances on, consider preparing food before the heat of the day kicks in. You can prep food early, so when it’s hot in the afternoon, your kitchen won’t overheat too.

4.    Use a Fan to Circulate Air

Consider replacing your kitchen light fixture with a ceiling fan that can circulate air throughout the kitchen and cool the space. Not keen on the idea of a permanent fixture? Invest in a tabletop fan that can be plugged in when the kitchen begins overheating on hot summer afternoons.

5.    Plan a No-Cook Meal Solution

Plan to have cold sandwiches or other non-cook meals at least one day a week during the summer to cut down on appliance usage. Your family will enjoy the change, and besides, who wants to cook after a long day in the sun?

If you ever find that your appliances are overheating – and not just your kitchen! – give Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas a call! Our team of experts will be out in less than 24 hours to diagnose your Dallas appliance issue and provide a full estimate before any work is done. We take pride in being the best appliance repair company in Dallas!

Troubleshooting Trash Compactor Issues

A trash compactor is a great kitchen appliance to have because the average American creates approx. 4 lbs. of trash each day. That’s a lot of trash! But what do you do when you are having trash compactor issues? Do not fret or start having nightmares about carrying huge bags of trash to the dumpster each day. Call the experts at Appliance Rescue Service! In the meantime, here are probable solutions to the most common trash compactor issues we see:

Problem #1: Trash compactor has no power.

Troubleshooting: Examine the unit’s power cord and make sure it has ample electrical supply. It is also important to examine the compactor’s latch, as it may been having trouble closing properly and creating a tight seal.

Problem #2: Trash compactor will not open.

Troubleshooting: Trash compactors function by rolling in and out on guided tracks. If the door is not opening, it is likely you have an issue with the track, guides, wheels, or rollers. The tracks may be broken, ungreased, or have some gunky build up. Either way, an appliance repair expert in Dallas like Appliance Rescue Service can help assess the issue.

Problem #3: Trash compactor will not compact the trash.

Troubleshooting: Most often, we find the issue here is that the drive belts are worn out from years of extended use. If the drive belts are in good working order, inspect the motor for issues.

If all else fails and you cannot troubleshoot the issue on your own, the experts at Appliance Rescue Service can fix the problem in no time. Our technicians are trained to work on trash compactors, disposals, dishwashers, cooktops, ovens, washers, dryers, and more.

Call us today to schedule your trash compactor repair appointment with Appliance Rescue Service!  Proudly serving Dallas, Garland, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Forney, Frisco, Las Colinas, and more.

Refrigerator Cooling Issue? Check These 5 Things!

We count on our appliances to work properly, and when they fail, we need help immediately. Refrigerators are one of the most problematic appliance issues. When food – particularly meat and diary items – are not kept at the proper temperature bacteria begins to creep in.

If it seems that your refrigerator is not cooling properly, then it’s important to check these 5 things as soon as possible:

·      Faulty Compressor:

The compressor is the lifeblood of your refrigerator and the first thing that should be checked if you are experiencing a refrigerator issue in Dallas. The compressor controls the flow of refrigerant throughout your refrigerator.

·      Dirty Condenser Coils:

In order for your condenser coils to function optimally, you must clean them. Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend cleaning them every 6 months, so check your owner’s manual for details. When the coils are not clean, they are not efficiently pushing air through the refrigerator.

·      Faulty Thermostat:

This may seem like a no brainer, but if the thermostat goes out in the refrigerator, then maintaining a consistent temperature may be difficult or impossible.

·      Broken Condenser Fan:

Not every refrigerator has a condenser fan, but if the condenser is located with the compressor compartment, then checking the condenser fan is essential. If the condenser fan is not functioning properly, then the compartment where the compressor is located will overheat, causing compressor failure.

·      Broken Evaporator Fan:

An evaporator fan works similarly to a condenser fan, but circulates air through the freezer and refrigerator. If you hear any sort of rattling behind the freezer, then that is normally a tell-tale sign of a evaporator fan issue.

Still not sure what is causing your refrigerator cooling issue in Dallas? Call Appliance Rescue Service of Dallas, Texas today! Our team can quickly diagnosis a plethora of brands including Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, Viking, Maytag, Whirlpool, Samsung, and more and get your refrigerator repaired in no time. We're your one stop shop for Dallas appliance repair.

3 Signs Your Range Hood is Not Working Properly

A range hood, or vent hood, is an appliance many take for granted. Even at eye level, we don’t always think to clean it or pay it much attention – until it stops working properly.

In order to prevent range hood repair, start paying closer attention to your range hood when it is on. Here are 3 signs to look for that may indicate a range hood issue:

Issue #1: Even on the highest setting, the range hood will not clear the smoke from the room.

If you have a true vent hood that vents air outward, then an inability to clear the smoke from the room could mean several things: 1) Check your duct work. It is very likely to be clogged with grease. 2) Check the motor. The motor may have given out or covered in grease, causing the fan to malfunction. 3) Check the air filter for clogs or debris and give it a good cleaning if necessary.

Issue #2:  The motor is very loud or constantly humming.

Any abnormal sound from your range hood is a sign of an issue. Most commonly, the motor is just dirty and rubbing or grinding against some grease or debris. If cleaning doesn’t help, then your motor needs to be replaced.

Issue #3: Lights or buttons won’t work properly.

If you have already attempted to change the light bulb and your lights still do not work, then the problem is likely the control board. If you are experiencing any sort of electrical issue on your range hood, call an expert immediately.

Problems with your range hood? Give Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas a call today. Our team of expertly trained technicians can handle any range hood issue, no matter what brand you have. Proudly serving Dallas, Richardson, Plano, McKinney, Irving, Garland, and the surrounding areas.