Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

What they are, how they work, and what the best are in 2022

What is the most energy-efficient washer? The one you do by hand! Yep, we're back at it again, looking at energy-efficient appliances. This time we're looking at washing machines. Will tell you about what makes a washer energy efficient, what the difference is between energy-efficient and high efficiency, what the best on the market is right now, and what you can do to make your current one more efficient.

We're happy to say that this article is more straightforward than our last one on ovens.

To start with, what is it that makes a washer energy efficient? According to Energy Star, in order for a brand to have the logo on their washer, it needs to meet two criteria. First off, it has to have a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor, and second, it has to have a low Integrated Water Factor. We know you're looking at us and going what the heck does that mean? An Integrated Modified Energy Factor or IMEF, is a measure of energy efficiency that considers the energy used by the washer during both the cycle and while on standby. An Integrated Water Factor or IWF, is a measure of the water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity for the washer drum. The lower the IWF the more efficient the washer. So in order for a washer to get the energy star logo it has to use 25% less energy and at least 33% less water than what is currently standard on the market.

So then, what are the most efficient washers for 2022, according to Energy Star?

You have the best IWF, and that is the

LG WM9500H*A

Front load washer

Has a volume of 5.8 cu.ft

Annual Energy Use: 120 kWh/yr

Annual water use: 4588 gallons/yr

IMEF: 3.1

IWF 2.7

Price: $1,799.00

Then we looked at the best IMEF.

Samsung- WF45A64*A*

Front load washer

Has a volume of 4.5 cu.ft

Annual Energy Use: 93 kWh/yr

Annual water use: 3807 gallons/yr

IMEF: 3.1

IWF 2.9

Price: $949.00

Our third washer is the best in terms of annual energy use.

Frigidaire - FWFX22D4EW

Front load washer

Has a volume of 4.4 cu.ft

Annual Energy Use: 50 kWh/yr

Annual water use: 4154 gallons/yr

IMEF: 2.76

IWF 3.2

Price: $700.00

Keep in mind that this one does have a lower IMEF and a higher IWF than others on the list so far, but for the amount of energy it uses, it seems like a fair trade-off.

The fourth one we looked at has the best annual water usage.

Asko- W2084.W.W

Front load washer

Has a volume of 2.0 cu.ft

Annual Energy Use: 75 kWh/yr

Annual water use: 1728 gallons/yr

IMEF: 2.31

IWF 2.9

Price: $1499.00

We will note that if you look at the volume of the washer, that's the reason the annual water usage is so low. So it might be a good option if you're looking to take care of a family of two or if you're on your own. We wouldn't necessarily suggest it for a family of three or more, though.

Our final washer that we looked at is the direct opposite of the last one and has the largest volume.

Maytag- MVWB955F

Top load washer

Has a volume of 6.2 cu.ft

Annual Energy Use: 197 kWh/yr

Annual water use: 6735 gallons/yr

IMEF: 2.38

IWF 3.7

Price: $ 1170.00

Even with the IMEF and IWF being wildly different from any of the others on the list, we still have to point out this is still an energy star washer. We also want to point out that this one is no longer being sold by Maytag directly, but you are likely to find it on secondary sale sites still. 

Now let's take a quick look at what is the difference between a high-efficiency washer and one with the energy star logo.

A machine with the energy star logo is a great place to start. They are at least 33% more efficient than what's on the market. However, a high-efficiency machine goes even further. Due to the way they're designed, they need even less water than those with the energy star logo. That's not a flaw of your standard washers but a design feature of the high-efficiency ones. They use a more concentrated detergent that reduces the suds and penetrates deeper into the fabric. That then requires less water to be used to rinse the clothes. And they also use less energy because they keep your clothes constantly moving during the washing cycle instead of using a central agitator. We wouldn't say that we're for or against high-efficiency machines? We'll repair all of them, and it really is based on what your household needs.

What if you can't replace your washer with one of these Energy Star wars? Is there anything that you can do to make your washer more efficient as it stands right now? The answer to that is a resounding yes.

Tip Number 1

To start with, maintain your machine. Just like cleaning the coils on your refrigerator or the ducts on your dryer, residue buildup on your washer will reduce its efficiency and make it work harder. To do this, you can have a professional come out, or you can do it on your own with recipes from around the web. Make sure to look at whether you have a high-efficiency machine or a standard washer before you do this.

Tip Number 2

Avoid the sanitary cycle. Unless it is truly necessary, say you got exposed to covid, heaven forbid, just don't use it. The amount of energy that goes into the sanitary cycle is unnecessary a large portion of the time.

Tip Number 3

If you're not already doing it, wash full loads. Although there are washers out there that allow you to wash just one item when you need it, it's better to wash a full load. Although we won't say it's the same for all washers, most washers will still use the same amount of energy and water for a partial load that they do for a full load. So you might as well get the most out of spending that money.

Tip Number 4

And for our final tip, wash in cold water. It uses less energy because you're not heating the water. It's kinder on your clothes. And it's just as effective as hot water washing if you're using the right detergent.

And that's that! Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page, did you have any further questions?

If not, or if you're looking to get your current washer looked at, give us a call at ((214) 599-0055) or reach out on our contact page. We'll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule best. Whether you're in The Colony or McKinney, Appliance Rescue Service is here for you.

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.

Energy Efficient Ovens 2022

What's possible, what isn't and where you need to be aware

We're looking this week at some of the most energy-efficient ovens in 2022. Unfortunately, ovens aren't as straightforward as the dishwashers we looked at last time. You've got several different types of ovens to consider and try to see how they stack up against one another. Fortunately, that's where we come in. 

What makes an oven energy efficient? When we were looking at dishwashers, we were comparing how much electricity and water was used by the dishwasher in question to finish a normal cycle. That's not as easy with an oven because of the number of factors that go into just cooking one recipe. 

- How hot is the oven getting? 

-Is the oven clean? 

- What's the fuel source, and how is that energy used? 

So we backed it up one step further, and took a look what would be judged for an oven to be energy-efficient.

According to Consumer Reports, there isn't currently an Energy Star rating for ranges (where a range is the combination of both an oven and a stovetop.) Because the oven and the stove can have two completely different energy sources, it makes it difficult for groups like Energy Star to decide what is and isn't energy efficient. So, we're not going to be looking for which models have an Energy Star and which don't. What can we look at then? 

How about how much energy is used on a yearly basis? 

An electric oven will typically cost you 12.56 cents per kilowatt hour. Most households in Texas use their oven and stove(which gets powered so long as one section is on), for at least 7 hours per week. So, you're coming up with approximately $200 per year to run your oven, at least according electricity prices averaged across Texas. 

Meanwhile, a gas oven is only using fuel for the oven when the oven is lit. Rates currently are (approximately) .22 cents per hour to run a gas oven. So you end up spending approximately $80 per year for your gas oven. So, just based on fuel consumption, a gas oven is the better choice. 

We will point out that in a previous post, we discussed the need to be running your exhaust fan when you're using the oven as well as the stove so that you're venting any and all fumes outdoors and your hospital bill doesn't go up from the buildup of fumes in the air you're breathing. So that does kick the price up a bit to approximately $100 a year to run your oven and the exhaust fan. But that's still half of what it costs to run the electric oven. 

An important note to round this section out. Despite how they're marketed at times, as of right now, Fall of 2022,  there's no such thing as a commercial induction oven. Although you can purchase an induction range, the technology isn't in the oven. It is only used as part of the stovetop. Which is a pity as we really wanted to see how that stacked up against the gas ovens.

What if you don't have a gas oven, though? As we've mentioned before, the cost to install the gas lines and purchase a gas stove can be very high upfront.   So, we've put together several options for you to make your electric stove more energy efficient. 

1) Make sure that your food is thoroughly defrosted before putting it into the oven. If the food has to come up from 30*F to 120*F internally, it's going to take much longer than if it only had to come up from 60*F.  Letting things defrost ahead of time saves you energy. 

2) Plan your meals so that you can cook several dishes at the same time. If you're planning your dishes all at once, you can cut down from having to run the oven every night to just one or two days a week. 

3) Don't wait for the oven to "heat up" if you're cooking just standard foods. If the oven is coming up to temperature anyway, you might as well make use of that time rather than wasting the energy spent. 

**An important note here. This absolutely doesn't apply to any type of baking or technical cooking. There the precise temperature control is necessary. These are meant to be general tips, not all-the-time tips. 

4) Don't open your oven door during cooking. If you're following tip number two, this can be hard. But if you're only cooking one or two things, by opening the door, you're just making it harder on your oven. Similar to your refrigerator during a blackout, every time you open the door to the oven, air escapes that it then has to replace and bring back to the correct temperature. 

5) Use glass or ceramic dishes when possible. Both glass and ceramic retain heat well and disperse it more evenly than metal dishes do. This means that you don't have to heat your oven to as high of a temperature, thus cutting down further on the amount of electricity you're using. 

6) Keep your oven clean.  A clean oven distributes heat more evenly and effectively. 

HOWEVER. DO NOT use the self-clean button unless: a) Your oven has a steam-cleaning feature. b) You're really wanting an excuse to purchase a new gas oven anyway. 

So that’s where things stand, energy-efficient ovens, are going to be gas ovens. Do you agree? Disagree? Do you have details on new ovens that we haven't run across yet? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page! 

If you’re here because your oven is driving you up the wall, it’s smoking or not getting up to temperature, we can help. Reach out to us on our contact page or give us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We’ll work with you to find a time that works best for you to have one of our technicians come and get your home running again.

Owner vs Blogger: Part Two- Shopping for Reliability

  Because experience means more 

Welcome back, everyone! This week we're covering the other half of our Blogger vs Owner faceoff of 2022. This time we'll be looking at what an experienced professional has to say about the appliances on the market and why she chooses what she does.  If you're looking for new appliances or just want to check out what the differences might be, this is the post for you.  

Dishwasher - Jenn-Air JDPSS246LL

Price: $2199.00

Starting off with the dishwasher, I liked the RISE series the best, not only because of everything it can handle but because it's energy certified, it's quiet and it has a stainless steel tub. 

High-Capacity 3rd Rack with Wash

The largest 3rd Level Rack in the luxury industry glides with quiet and ease, even when fully loaded with tapas bowls, large rocks glasses and cocktail shakers.

RISE Series 24 Inch Built-In Dishwasher with 6 Wash Cycles, 15 Place Settings, Energy Star Certified, 38 dBA Quiet System, Enhanced Cinematic Interior Lighting, Stainless Steel Tub, TriFecta Wash System, Condensation Dry in Stainless Steel

Enhanced Cinematic Lighting

Shine a spotlight on clean. Packed with 18 LED lights that ramp up to full intensity, JennAir brand’s best lighting coverage chases away shadows to illuminate daring Obsidian racks.

Daring Obsidian Racks

A JennAir® signature, these dramatic black racks are inspired by the beauty of volcanic glass—showcasing clean dishes in striking contrast.

3-Stage Filtration

A coarse filter, large filter screen and fine filter cup keep oversized and fine food particles out of the pump and helps prevent them from being recirculated onto dishware.

Cooktop Jenn-Air 48" Rise Professional Gas Rangetop in Stainless Steel

Price: $ 5299.00

“For the cooktop, I'm like many Texans and cooks, I prefer having a gas range. Fortunately, Jenn Air carries them and the professional variant at 48" is my pick. “

14 Rangetop Configurations 

Bend fire to your will. Grills, griddles, brass burners. Three Widths. With 14 unique configurations, it's up to you. Cast off porous, superficially plated options. Go deeper. Infused with chrome, our griddle cleans up well after heavy usage. Underneath, a serpentine element powers out best griddle preheat. Fire up the grill for indoor entertainment on your terms. 

Wall Oven    Jenn-Air Rise 30" Combination Smart Electric Microwave and Wall Oven in Stainless Steel

Price $6549.00

Although I absolutely love the wolf oven our Blogger picked, it is gorgeous(!) I'm sticking with Jenn Air and that's the oven microwave combo. I prefer it when things have multiple functions when at all possible. This one really appeals to me not just because of how it looks, but also everything it can handle. 

An upper convection microwave helps you create chef-inspired meals quickly. Below, the lower cavity's vertical dual-fan V2 convection system precisely directs heat to caress each ingredient - transforming prepped food into date-night-worthy dishes. With curated recipes and full-color doneness images on the Culinary Center, an intelligent culinary experience awaits.

• 7-inch full color LCD display

• Alexa enabled device

• Google assistant enabled device

• SOFTEN/MELT CYCLE Ribbons of molten chocolate. Butter that yields to your knife. Melt and soften with delicate heat that ignites passionate appetites.

• AUTO CONVECTION CONVERSION Bake with abandon. The oven automatically converts temperature and cook time to make any recipe a convection recipe.

Refrigerator Jenn-Air 42" Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Price : $9,699.00

.... you guessed correctly - Jenn Air - I am actually putting this in my house beginning of next year, although I've already put in an order to try and guarantee that it will be available then. Like we mentioned last year, it's better to schedule what you're wanting ahead of time, and increase your chances of getting what you want given the shortages.

The exclusive Obsidian interior brings a luxurious finish to the inside of this Jenn-Air® integrated built-in refrigerator. The refrigerator achieves a seamless look with a flush design that features concealed hinges and trim pieces. With optional custom panels, it blends completely into cabinetry, a luxury detail that designers appreciate.

• Precision Temperature Management System

• Advanced Climate Control Drawer

• Produce Preserver

• Multi-Point LED Theater Lighting

• Capacitive Touch Controls with LED Display

• Soft-Close Crisper Drawers

Washer & Dryer Combo  Maytag 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer and 7.3 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer in White

Price:  $1998.00 

"The washer and dryer, this is the toughest choice for me. With the amount of use these appliances go through, that makes them extremely hard to spend the large amounts of money for them. I consider a washer or dryer to be "disposable" after 3-4 years and would be happy if they make it 5 years. (Sadly many on the market currently aren't built to last beyond that, even if I wish they were.)

I choose the ones with less features, a deep fill option and an agitator if at all possible, which means they're going to be top load washers. Sadly, the "pretty" laundry room you can find on Pinterest all focus on the front-loading ones, which doesn't work for me. 

I recently replaced my 4-year-old GE set with a Maytag set mainly because it was in stock (even those of us in the business have to fight with getting things with the current supply chain issues.) 

Washer features:

12 hr Fresh Spin Option

Quick Wash Cycles

Late Add Feature

Steam Option

2 Rinse Options

10 Wash Cycles

Automatic Temperature Controls

Dryer features: 

Advanced Moisture Sensing

Quick Dry Cycle

Wrinkle Prevent Option

Reversible Door

Automatic Dry Control

Powder Coat Drum

4 Temperature Options

3 Dryness Levels

Stackable

When we sat down with Lisa and asked her what it was about these products that affected her choices, this was what she had to say. " Jenn Air is a high end made by Whirlpool, which makes them service friendly and easier to obtain replacement parts.  If I'm going to purchase something for my home, which many of these are, I want to know that I'll have an easy time working on it.  You can't say something will never break. Even the best on the market eventually have issues. So why make it that I'll have to wait even longer to get it fixed? I also love the black interior of the refrigerator, that appeals to me.  The microwave/oven has the ability to black out the panel when not in use which is what absolutely sold me on it.  And then the dishwasher and range top match the oven, and I admit, I do love having things match. 

So, what did you think? Is this what you were expecting to hear from a professional? What did you agree or disagree with? Let us know over on our Facebook page or in the comments down below. We love hearing from y'all. 

If you're here because you haven't given up on your current cooktop (we don't blame you, it's so pretty) we can help. Our owner isn't just experienced with finding the best appliances, she's also got over 30 years of experience in repairing them. Whether your cooktop won't ignite or your dryer is making insane creaking sounds (you know the ones), Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. You can reach out to us via our contact page or by calling us ( (214) 599-0055 ) to set up an appointment. We'll work with you based on your schedule to find a time that works to have our experts come to you and not only diagnose the problem but fix it. At Appliance Rescue Service, getting your home running smoothly again is our top priority. 

*Note : anything said on this blog is a matter of opinion and shouldn't be taken as a slight against any of the companies stated.

** All prices are current as of posting but are subject to change, especially since we don't control them. :) 

Are Your Appliances Overheating Due To Problems? Or Is It Just The Weather?

What Causes Overheating in Appliances and How to Fix It When You Can 

 Even though we're heading into September, we all know that summer isn't done with Texas just yet.  As you go around your house you might notice that your refrigerator is too hot, or that your stove is hot in an area that shouldn't be.  We'll often blame the summer heat, but is that really the answer?  Sometimes, there's more to it than that and it takes a closer look to fix the issue, rather than setting it aside for another day. 

Some of these you'll be able to fix for yourself, some of them will require professional help. If you suspect that the problem is there, please don't hesitate to call a professional as the damage can be much larger than the appliance just being too warm. 

General Tips 

Before we dive into specifics, let's start with general issues that can lead to an appliance overheating, whether it's large or small.  

Yup, that's the first point. Every appliance in your home is at risk of overheating, although the reasons vary. Your dryer, your washer, your refrigerator and freezer, your stove, your oven, your microwave, your HVAC system, all of them can overheat. 

With that in mind though, there are warning signs that you can regularly look around for if you notice that the area around an appliance is warmer than is normal.  Some things to look for include, frayed cords, discolored outlets, broken outlets, cracked outlets, or smoke. 

If you do see any of these signs, turn it off, whatever it is, immediately and unplug it.  The problem can all too easily go deeper than the appliance itself. It might be that the electrical connection for the outlet is drawing too much power and is causing the appliance to overheat because of that excess. 

Courtesy of wikimedia commons

Is Your Refrigerator Overheating?

The harder the condenser works to keep the inside of the refrigerator cool, the more heat is released in the process. If your refrigerator is old or dirty or if your kitchen is enclosed, all of these can lead to the whole room heating up OR the refrigerator overheating.  

Clean the condenser coils 

Over time, the coils on your refrigerator gather dust. The coating of dust isn't just about your allergies or your kitchen looking nice. it's also about the health of your refrigerator.   Condenser coils rely on exposrue to the air both on hot and cold sides and the dust blanket prevents that access to air for the dispersion of heat. 

Check these three places

- The back of your refrigerator 

- Under a back panel inside of the fridge 

- Behind the bottom vent. 

If you can't get to it yourself, there's no shame in calling in a friend or a professional for some assistance. 

Clean or change the air filter (if it has one, not all of them do) 

Some refrigerators are built with an extra filter that sits between the coils and the rest of the kitchen. Keeping that filter clean improves the performance over time. An important note is that unlike your car or your HVAC unit, this isn't typically a mesh or fabric filter. Instead it'll be a metal screen that can be removed and cleaned in your sink using the sprayer. 

If the screen is damaged or the metal is corroded in some way, it needs to be replaced. 

Check the fan 

Your refrigerator also has fans that directs the air flow around and through your refrigerator. The fan draws air over the cold coils and directs the hot air out of the lower vent (that's why it's always warm there, even in winter>) Just like everywhere else though, it means that dust can accumulate. Find the fan and give it a close look. It might need to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. It's actually a good idea to regularly turn your refrigerator off and wipe down the fan, once a quarter or so. 

Is Your Freezer Overheating?

Much like your refrigerator, the outside of your freezer being warm sometimes is normal. Having it hot all the time, or to the point that you're scalding yourself, is not. 
Your freezer also has condenser coils and a fan just like your refrigerator that need to be checked and cleaned regularly. The difference here is that in order to clean either of these you'll need to turn off the freezer so that you can get access to them. The coils will most often be near the bottom front of the unit, and behind a base grill. You'll want to use a vacuum hose with a soft brush for cleaning them.

The fan on the other hand, is something that either works or it doesn't. If the fan isn't activating or isn't running when it is activated, it won't cool the coils, this in turn means that the refrigerant never cools off, and your freezer will get extremely hot to the touch. In that case, the fan needs to be replaced. 

A final thing that can cause issues is the sealant for your freezer. The rubber seal around the door of your freezer, no matter what style it is, is there to keep all of the cold air in. If the seal is cracked, damaged or removed, it won't seal properly, and your freezer starts working overtime to try and keep things cold. An easy way to check if the seal is an issue is to see if you have cold air leaking out of the doorframe. If that's there, you probably need to replace it. 

Is Your Stovetop Overheating?

It sounds silly to say that a stovetop can get too hot, but it's true. Although they're meant to reach fairly high temps, they shouldn't be hot enough to make your kitchen warmer.  Some of the reasons they might though are the following.

Placed Too Close to a Wall

If you have a stove that is placed directly against a wall, it will reflect that heat back at you, the stove and the rest of the room. 

Covered or Clogged Stove Vents

Your stove vents are meant to be one of the ways your stove cools off, but if the  the air vent has become clogged by debris, dust or food, your stove will continue growing hotter instead.  

To fix it, remove the filter from the range. That's going to be underneath the hood and shouldn't be difficult to remove. Then set the filter in your sink and hose it off with your sinker's hose.  If that doesn't remove everything, look for an all-purpose degreaser and follow the directions. 

Melted or Warped Burners 

As odd as it might sound, the burners on your stove, whether gas or electric, can become warped. They're designed to direct the heat of your stove, but if they've become damaged, they'll heat unevenly. Repeatedly using a burner even after this can cause patches and hotspots on your stove making it too warm. Sadly, this isn't one that can be fixed with a cloth and some good soap. Instead, you'll need to call in a professional if you suspect a warped or damaged burner. 

Damaged Oven Insulation

And a final one that can cause your stovetop to overheat is if the oven's insulation is damaged or breaking down. As odd as that might sound, its true. The insulation for your oven keeps the internal temperature of your oven consistent and keeps the heat from escaping into the rest of the room.

If your oven's insulation is breaking down, you need to call a professional in to replace it or get a new oven. Continuing to work with damaged insulation means that insulation can get into your food, into your lungs, or if you're unlucky, catch fire.   

There might be hope other than the the insulation though. If it's the seal to the door of your oven that's busted, and not the internal insulation, that could be what's venting the hot air up towards your stove and causing the confusion. That is a much easier fix, and can be done by someone handy or by calling in a repair tech. 

Ovens can Overheat too

Just like your stove, it sounds odd to think that your oven might get too hot. But as we've mentioned when it comes to the self-clean feature of older models if your oven gets too hot, it can become toast. 

Some ways to check if your oven is overheating is to compare the internal temperature to the temperature you set it to using a digital thermometer.  You can also take a look at the heating elements and the heat sensor. And you can make sure the the oven fans are working properly.  

Unfortunately, other than unplugging your oven and making sure that everything is properly cleaned (not utilizing the self-clean button...) there's not much you can do at home. if your oven is overheating, that's a definite time to call in a professional. 

Is Your Dryer Overheating?

Your dryer is much the same as your oven, whether it's gas or electric, it can cause serious problems if it's overheating. On a scale from bad to worse, you could cause damage to your clothes, you could cause damage to the dryer, or it might flat out catch fire. So, it's not one to fool around with. If you notice any of the following, please unplug your dryer and call a professional. 

Shutting down

Many dryers today have a built-in safety, if they get too hot, they automatically shut off. Unfortunately, it doesn't always trigger and it's not a guarantee to prevent a fire. 

Error Codes

If you're getting an error code of E3 or HE it can indicate overheating, but you'll need to check your manual or the manufacturer's website to be certain. 

Burning Oder

If something smells like it's burning, it is probable that the dryer is overheating, and your lint might also have caught fire. Don't ignore that one. Check the drum and air vent for smoke and empty out the lint trap even if you don't see any. It's better safe than sorry. 

Tips for Keeping Your Appliances From Overheating

Not all of these are going to work all of the time. Appliances break, parts wear down, vents or fans are clogged, and you might not notice it. BUT there are still steps you can take to lengthen the life of your appliances and help them to keep cool. 

Keep it clean 

Give it a rest

Check out the condenser

Your refrigerator, your freezer, and your dryer all can have condensers in them, so keep an eye on them especially during the summer months. 

Don't overload your outlets

Call for repair if you have frayed cords 

As you've seen by now, there's nothing wrong with the outside of an appliance like your refrigerator or freezer being warm, even on a cold day. And it's perfectly normal to worry about it, even when you know it's normal. The best thing you can do is to let that worry guide you in keeping a cleaning schedule for your appliances, as well as a regular maintenance visit. Doing these two things you're more likely to spot minor issues before they become major problems.

As we said at the top, please be cautious and don't underestimate the danger that some of these present. If you see something or smell something, investigate as that can be the difference between needing to call a repair technician or needing to call the fire department. 

Have you had issues with your appliances overheating? Have you seen causes that we missed out on? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page. As always we love to hear from you. 

If it turns out that your freezer is more than you can fix, or your dryer is shutting off on it's own, give us a call at ((214) 599-0055). Or you can reach out to us via our contact page. We'll work with you to not only set up an appointment time that works for you but also to get your home running smoothly again. At Appliance Rescue Service we're here for you. 

Courtesy of Ben Schumin