Bright Ideas: The Dos and Don'ts of Smart Lighting in Your Home

Get the Most Out of Your  Smart Lighting with These Expert Tips

Lighting in our homes is undergoing a thrilling transformation, all thanks to the integration of smart technology, like smart bulbs. These advancements not only bring numerous benefits to the home but also open up a world of possibilities. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the dos and don'ts of smart lighting, to help you make the most of this exciting technology.

Dos

Do Check Compatibility

Before you purchase smart bulbs, ensure they are compatible with your current light fixtures and home automation systems. Not all smart bulbs work with all setups, so doing your homework can save you from potential headaches. As an example, just think about the differences between Alexa and Google Home, and trying to get them to work together. 

Do Consider Lumens Instead of Watts

Courtesy of Cloudlynx

Traditional bulbs are measured in watts, but smart bulbs are measured in lumens. Lumens indicate brightness rather than power draw, like watts. Be sure to check the lumen output to get the right brightness level for your space.

Do Set Up Routines and Timers 

Smart lights come with the ability to establish timers and routines. Yet many people forget this not long after they get them, and lose out on some of the best features.  Take advantage of these in your own home to customize your lighting, save energy and create moods for various events. You can also use them to enhance your security by giving the appearance that someone is home. 

Do Focus on Color and Warmth

Your smart bulbs offer a full-color spectrum, and it’s lots of fun to play with different color set ups. However, when you’re looking to give your home a new look, make sure and pay attention to the warmth of your light as well. Warm lights like yellows or soft whites help make your home feel cozy and comfortable, while cooler blues help you  stay alert. Additionally, you have to consider how different tones of light can give you a headache.

Do Track Your Energy Usage 

Courtesy of Haus Automation

There are many smart bulbs that allow you to monitor the energy output that they are using. This can make your life easier when it comes to finding spaces where you can cut consumption and lower your electric bills. 

Do Prepare Your Network

Smart bulbs are hooked directly into your Wi-fi network all the time. Before you bring them into your home, make sure that your network can handle the additional load of the bulbs you’re getting. If not, consider upgrading to a mesh network. A mesh network is a Wi-Fi system that uses multiple access points to spread the signal evenly throughout your home, ensuring a stable connection for your smart bulbs.

Don'ts

Don't Neglect Proper Installation

Like any piece of technology there are ‘right’ ways to use it and ‘incorrect’  ways to use it. One of the most common issues people run into is not researching the proper installation methods before purchasing. Doing this can lead to the bulb overheating, or the fancy bulb you bought…dying long before it should have. One key tip to avoid is recessed fixtures that don’t allow head to dissipate from the bulb. 

Don't Overlook the Learning Curve 

Smart bulbs are indeed smart, with a plethora of features that everyone is eager to explore. However, it's important to remember that there is a learning curve. Take the time to familiarize yourself with them before you start using them, so you can dive right into the fun stuff. Most importantly, be patient with yourself as you learn-you've got this. 

Don't Use Dimmer Switches

Smart bulbs are controlled from the app. In addition to being able to chose your color and timer settings, you can also change how bright your lights are. From the app. Let’s say that again, from the app. Many people love dimmer switches prior to converting to smart bulbs, and after. The problem is that using a dimmer switch with a smart bulb can damage that smart bulb.  Using them with traditional dimmer switches can cause flickering and reduce bulb performance.

Don't Ignore Security Concerns 

Smart bulbs are part of the Internet of Things. Just like we’ve talked about with smart appliances, smart bulbs are gaps in your internet security. Before you connect them into your network, make sure that you use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Also make sure that you keep up with upgrades to your network and the smart bulbs 

Don't Ignore Connectivity Issues 

Are there any spots in your home that your network is less than ideal? Or where it goes out entirely? Prior to getting smart-bulbs you need to fix that. Smart bulbs require a stable Wi-fi system. If your network goes down due to those lovely Texas power surges,, you can lose control of your lights. Plan ahead of time to avoid losing your lights out of the blue. 

Don't Buy on Promises 

Just like any other new piece of technology, companies often make promises that don’t always come to fruition. Instead of buying based on future promises, make your smart bulb purchase based on what they can already offer your home. This cautious approach will ensure you make informed decisions about your smart lighting technology. 

Don't Forget to Manually Reset When Needed 

Courtesy of Gerd Altman

Just like any other piece of technology, sometimes, smart bulbs will bug out. When in doubt, don’t assume that the bulb is broken, try a manual reset following the manufacturers’ instructions to get things back in order. 

Smart lighting technology can offer incredible efficiency and convenience for your home. However, it also comes with its own challenges. Follow our dos and don’ts to make the most of your new technology and avoid the most common pitfalls. 

At Appliance Rescue Service, we're all about sharing helpful tips for managing your home. Just a friendly reminder that connecting lots of devices, like those cool new smart bulbs, to your Wi-Fi can affect how well your smart appliances work. While we can't sort out your internet issues, we're definitely here to help fix any problems with your appliances. Our goal is to keep your home running smoothly, so please reach out if you need expert appliance repair and maintenance. We're always happy to help!

Additional Reading

Kickstarter in the Kitchen

The Planned Obsolescence Debate

Strawberry Lemonade Pie: A Refreshing Summer Treat

A perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet strawberry in a creamy, dreamy pie.

Summer always brings to mind the refreshing taste of lemonade, but sometimes plain lemon can get a little monotonous. That’s why we love adding a twist with flavors like strawberry, cranberry, or mint to keep things exciting. This delightful dessert takes the beloved strawberry lemonade and transforms it into a delicious pie. Perfect for using up those extra egg yolks from other recipes, this treat combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweet charm of strawberries, all nestled in a convenient pre-made graham cracker crust. Let’s dive into this colorful and flavorful creation that’s sure to brighten up any summer day.

Ingredients

6 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

4 tablespoons strawberry syrup

1/4 cup sugar

8 egg yolks

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

One pre-made graham cracker pie shell

Tools:

Measuring cups and spoons

Mixing bowl 

Hand mixer 

Spoon

Summer always makes us think of lemonade, but /just/ lemon gets a little dull after a while. We enjoy jazzed up lemonades, with add ins like strawberry, cranberry, or mint to break the monotony. Here's a dessert that takes all the fun color and flavor of strawberry lemonade and plates it.

We understand that this recipe uses a LOT of egg yolk. It was designed that way, as we frequently need just egg white for a recipe and hate to discard perfectly good food. For example, any time we make a white cake, we wind up looking at anywhere from three to 12 egg yolks sitting in a dish on the counter. We definitely made some white cakes this week.

If you aren't already staring at a bowl full of yolk and trying to find a way to use it all up, you can consider upping the amount of cream cheese and/or heavy whipping cream by a tablespoon for each egg yolk you substitute out, but don't attempt this recipe with any fewer than four yolks as it won't firm up. You'll be left with a soupy mess (not unlike a poorly done pecan pie in the fall).

We cheated and used a pre-made pie crust here, but you can feel free to make your own if that's more your speed. Just be sure to let it cool before attempting to pour in your filling.

Preheat the oven to 350 before you get going with the filling.

Begin by measuring your cream cheese into the mixing bowl. We broke ours up a little so the mixer wouldn't struggle quite so much with it. Use the mixer on low to whip the softened cream cheese.

Alternatively, you could save the softening time and a bit of effort by just buying a tub of whipped cream cheese spread at the grocery store; we won't tell anyone. If you use whipped cream cheese spread, add an extra two tablespoons. The whipped stuff at the store has an absolute ton of air, and won't measure the same ounce for ounce.

Once the cream cheese is ready, dump in the egg yolk and mix the cheese and egg together on low until mostly incorporated.

Measure your heavy cream, sugar, lemon juice and strawberry syrup into the mixture, sprinkle in a pinch of kosher salt, and use a spoon to scrape down the edges of the mixing bowl. Sometimes chunks of the cream cheese escape up the sides and hide there, so don't skip the scraping step.

Give it all an easy stir and then set the spoon aside. Crank the mixer up to high and whip together the contents of the mixing bowl. Keep the mixer well below the rim of the bowl, because lifting it will get splatter absolutely everywhere - the filling is very thin at this stage.

It's ready to go to the pie shell when it's one consistent shade of light pink and very bubbly/aerated.

Pour immediately into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for at least 20 minutes, possibly up to 30 minutes - however long it takes to get the center soft set and edges of the crust lightly browned.

Remove it from the oven, set it out to cool for a while, and transfer it to the fridge when it's about to room temperature. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve, at least two hours but ideally overnight. Serve with whipped cream and strawberry syrup if desired.

And there you have it, a delightful strawberry lemonade pie that brings the refreshing flavors of summer right to your table. This dessert is perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy on a warm day. The combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberry in a creamy filling is sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra egg yolks from your baking adventures. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this pie is a surefire winner.

Remember, a smoothly running kitchen is key to creating delicious dishes like this one. If you ever encounter issues with your appliances, don’t hesitate to call our team at Appliance Rescue Service. Our technicians are always ready to help, ensuring your kitchen stays in top shape for all your culinary creations. Enjoy your pie and happy baking!

Website

Call: ( (214) 599-0055) 

Additional Reading

Chocolate Pecan Cake for a Special Date

Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints

Berry Bliss: A Delectable Mixed-Berry Clafouti Recipe

The Hidden Costs of Delaying Appliance Repairs

Don’t Let Minor Problems Turn Into Major Expenses

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to ignore that dripping washer or the lint-filled dryer vent. But did you know that postponing appliance repairs can cost you more than just time? From increased energy bills to potential health hazards, the risks of delaying maintenance are greater than you might think. Discover the hidden costs of procrastination and learn how Appliance Rescue Service can save you from future headaches.

While you’re debating, keep in mind that the longer you hold off, the more these four areas are going to go up.

 The cost to your appliance. 

The cost to your home. 

The cost to your bank account. 

And the cost to your comfort.

It sounds strange, but holding off is not helping you. Let’s take a look at each of them to find out why.  

Holding off on repairing your appliances naturally has an effect on said appliances. Let’s start by thinking about your dryer. You notice that the dryer’s exhaust duct is full of lint. However, having someone come out and clean out the lint is going to take time and money you’d rather put towards something else. 

As you wait, the lint continues to build up in the duct, it’s going to start coming out of the vent as well. It’s building up in the nooks and crannies of the dryer itself because it’s slowly running out of places to go.  All of that lint is also going to restrict the dryer’s ability to breathe, which means it’s going to be eating more energy, increasing your power bill. What’s more is that the longer that goes on, the longer it struggles, the logner it takes to dry your clothes. Which means you have to run it even longer, to get it to finish the job, and those two combined means that the lifespan of your dryer is ticking down as the various parts are struggling. 

Of course, holding off on maintenance and repairs like this also means that if anything major happens, like the dryer breaking or catching fire, you run the risk of having no warranty. Most appliance warranties include a clause that exempts them if the problem is proven to be due to the owner putting off repairs. 

Holding off on repairs or maintenance can also pose health risks, though. Let’s step away from the dryer for a moment and take a look at your washer. This time, it’s not as obvious as lint buildup. Maybe it’s just a hose on the back that’s leaking. You keep thinking, as many of us do, “oh, I’ll get to it this weekend.” Except then something else comes up or you’re just not feeling up to it. No big deal; it’s just a small drip; it only happens when you do laundry. It’s fine, right?

Except that drip can easily lead to much larger impacts. As we know you’re aware, water can lead to major damage on your home. A small puddle is easy to slip and get hurt on, be it child, pet, or adult. Then you have to consider how constantly is the water actually dripping? Is it just a drop here and there? Or is it enough that it could be causing damage to your floors? You also have to consider that as water sits, you might have mold building up in dark corners around and the washer. These are now issues that can grow on their own, and you still have to find the time to get the washer fixed. 

Next, let’s text a look at the cost to your bank account. You’re doing this to save money right? So why would it cost your bank account? 

Well, there’s two reasons, both linking back to one of our earlier issues. 

The first is the unplanned emergency repairs. As the problems with an appliance get bigger, they can become very expensive. What might have been a 30$ part and a 20-minute visit, could easily transform into multiple parts needing to be replaced and taking several hours to repair. You also have to consider the cost of the spreading problems we mentioned in the last section. As more areas of your home are affected, the chance that something that can’t be put off happening grows. It could be damage to your floors, mold, or the entire appliance dies. These issues then go from “I can get it fixed later” to “I need this fixed right now, if not yesterday.”

Our second issue is the cost to your home’s resale value. Some people choose to leave their appliances with their homes for whatever reason when they move, it certainly does increase the value. What if it’s damaged though? Or not working properly? A good prospective buyer will note that and the price they’re willing to pay will come down. Additionally, if a delayed repair has done any damage to your home? That price goes down even further. After all, no one wants to buy a house only to have to replace a molded wall panel or have wiring redone because their oven had faulty wiring. 

Finally, and most importantly in our opinion, is the cost to YOU.  When you put off maintenance, it won’t typically bother you, until you start to realize there are issues. You’re choosing how to spend your time and energy. (And that’s a good thing!) But when you start putting off actual repairs like we talked about with the washer? That’s when it starts to weigh on you. At first, you probably won’t think about it much. It just sits in the back of your mind, and every now and then, you’ll think about how you need to take a look at it.

That starts to lead to stress, though. And the more you put it off, the more you notice that problems are piling up, the more stress it adds to you. Then, as problems begin to grow, either with the appliance in question or the problems that crop up as it fails, they start to disrupt your life. Now, instead of going about your morning routine, you have to add in additional tasks, like checking on the washer or making sure the refrigerator didn’t accidentally freeze the food you needed for dinner. That leeches into your time at home, both working on the things that matter and your relaxation time. If something goes suddenly wrong, it’s entirely possible you’ll have to miss work in order to clean up the mess and try to get hold of an emergency repair. All of this of course adds on more stress to your heavy load. 

You can also have issues with culinary compromises, such as if your stove isn’t working or your freezer has gone out. You might only be able to bake instead of cooking on the stove (which means your house is hotter during Texas’ already gross summer heat.) Or you can only keep fresh foods on hand rather than being able to work from frozen. This adds on additional costs of time, energy and money as you have to do grocery shopping more often. 

Don’t let these issues pile up. Call Appliance Rescue Service today and let our skilled technicians take care of your repairs. Save yourself the hassle, stress, and extra costs by acting now. Your appliances—and your peace of mind—will thank you.

Website: https://appliance-rescue-service.com/contact-us

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard

 Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

Kitchen Hazards Unveiled 

Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Why Repairing Household Appliances Matters for a Greener Home

You might not think twice about the energy your appliances consume, but what if we told you that maintaining and repairing them could significantly lower your carbon footprint? It’s true! Your household appliances play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Join us as we uncover the surprising ways your everyday actions can lead to a greener, more sustainable future.

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint 

When we talk about your carbon footprint, we're referring to the total carbon emissions resulting from your daily activities. This includes direct emissions like driving your car and heating your home, as well as the emissions needed to produce electricity for your computer, appliances, and HVAC system. Additionally, it encompasses the emissions associated with goods imported and produced elsewhere and then shipped to you. All these factors combined make up your individual carbon footprint.

 Countries also have carbon footprints, which are related to what they produce, import and export, and consume. 

 Finally, you have your primary and secondary carbon footprints. We're not talking about your left and right hands, but instead what you have control over versus what you don't. Your primary carbon footprint is what you have direct control over. Your secondary carbon footprint then has to do with carbon emissions tied to the goods and services that you consume. For example the manufacturing and transportation of consumer goods make up a lot of secondary carbon footprint. 

The Average Carbon Footprint in the US

Per person the average carbon footprint is 14.9 tons per year. On one hand, that's still quite a bit. That means that in a given year, you are contributing that much. On the other hand, as much as it might not seem like it we have actually gone down in our consumption on a per person usage. We are actually back down to what we were in 1949, and we are on a mostly downward trend, which is fantastic. But you're probably asking how did we lower it and, more importantly what the heck does that have to do with your home? 

Courtesy of Andrey Matveev

Both of these are tied together. Most of what we do and consume within our homes directly impacts our carbon footprint, and one of the biggest contributors is our appliances.

Why Should You Care

We’re not here to debate climate change—that's beyond the scope of our discussion. However, we can explain how our carbon footprints, individually and as a country, impact greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

We want to note that household carbon only equates to 20% of carbon emissions in the United States. That leaves the other 80% that are created by other means, primarily industrial. So, while greenhouse gases are all of our responsibility to change, it does not mean that it is solely your responsibility.you can still make a difference by taking action at home and advocating for policy changes. 

How to Make a Difference

Now that you know what it is, and how it can affect you, how can you make changes? 

Surprisingly? One of the big answers is your appliances. From purchasing appliances, to maintaining them, to the question of repair vs replace, all of these affect your carbon footprint. 

When an appliance breaks down, it might seem easiest to just get a new one. However, this contributes to electronic waste, encourages companies to produce new appliances, and requires more raw materials.

By choosing to maintain and repair your household appliances, you can reduce waste, lower your energy consumption (and bills) and help create a greener environment around you. 

Reduces waste and lowers energy consumption

That’s all well and good, but how? 

Let’s take a look at the first one, reducing waste. The obvious answer is if you’re not throwing out an appliance, then you’re not adding waste to a landfill. Additionally though, you’re ensuring that you’re not purchasing all of the waste that comes with a new appliance. The plastic packaging to keep it looking pretty. The foam to protect it in travel. The foam and plastic that separate out different pieces for assembly. You also don’t have to purchase any of the aftermarket additions that you need to make it work for your household.

You also reduce your energy consumption. A poorly maintained or malfunctioning appliance will always eat more energy as it struggles to continue running. The harder it has to work, the more energy it will consumer, and the higher your power bills and higher greenhouse gas emissions. 

Lowers Carbon Emissions In Manufacturing

Courtesy of Pixabay

You continuing to repair your appliances also means that fewer resources are used to produce new appliances, thus creating less waste. Creating new appliances requires extracting and processing raw materials (which requires additional energy as well), the manufacturing process and then transportation. Each step contributes greenhouse gas emissions, waste in landfills, and using more resources. 

Promoting Sustainable Practices

When you choose to repair over replacing your appliances, you’re actively supporting your community, local businesses, and sending a message to appliance manufacturers. 

You support your community by supporting local businesses for repair.
Your need for parts supports the businesses that cater to parts for repair. 

Your choices, and support of local repair businesses, encourages your community, which in turn sends a messag to the appliance manufacturers that we want appliances that are sustainable. That you want ones that can be repaired instead of having to be destroyed instead. 

Courtesy of cottonbro studio

That message? Encourages the development of a repair-focused industry. That then can create more jobs and stimulate your local economy further and promote even more environmentally friendly practices. It’s a snowball effect that starts with you and the people you talk with. 

Encouraging Repairability And Upgradability

By prioritizing appliance repair, we influence manufacturers to design products that are easier to repair and upgrade. We want them to design products that are easier to repair and upgrade. This has the effect of not only ensuring your appliances last longer, but they require less materials to maintain. 

If we can get manufacturers to make it possible to upgrade your appliances with the help of a technician? It would mean that you didn’t need to purchase a whole new refrigerator, just because you want improved seals, or a new oven because you want the air-fryer addition. 

All of this is how your choices affect your carbon footprint, and the effects you can have on your community and the larger industry. What are the companies that make up that industry doing to help though? 

Companies That Are Working To Make A Difference

A final note before we round things out for the week is that there are companies that are trying to make changes just like you are at home. One way you can directly apply pressure to the industry is by supporting companies like these who are making positive changes and telling friends and family to support them as well. On a large scale, we have to try and shift culture towards embracing environmentally friendly ideas, and looking to try and change the problems that are being had on a cultural basis surrounding the carbon footprint.

Miele has promised to be carbon dioxide neutral across all its locations starting in 2021.  ((Check email to see if they got back to me)) 

Samsung has also been running a carbon offsetting campaign since 2019 to offset carbon emissions from customer usage. (This means that they are looking to find ways to balance out against all Samsung product usage, not that they're looking to change their manufacturing output.) 

LG has a zero-carbon initiative that has been running for five years at this point. It is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from its global operations by 2030. As of 2023, it is working hard to decrease carbon emissions, boost its renewable energy, and support other companies in making the switch to renewable energy as well. 

The business that we were most impressed by, though, is Bosch. In 2019 alone, Bosch launched more than 1000 different projects that generated enough electricity to bring power to 65,000 households in Germany for a year. (And while Germany is a long way off from us here in Texas,   by supporting companies like Bosch and demanding involvement like that here, we can make our wants known.)  Bosch is a company that has taken responsibility for combating the problems we’re facing, and are working to not just net zero, but to become carbon neutral. 

 Bosch launched 1000 different projects back in 2019 that generated enough electricity to power 65,000 households in Germany for a year.

This company in particular is one that really has taken up a lot of responsibility for combating the problems that we face with climate change. They intend to become carbon neutral in the immediate future, and this would make them the first big company in the industrial world to do so.

By prioritizing the maintenance and repair of your household appliances, you're not just reducing waste and saving on energy bills—you're actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Each choice you make at home echoes beyond your walls, influencing manufacturers to prioritize repairability and driving a shift towards eco-conscious living.

At Appliance Rescue Service, we believe in extending the lifespan of your appliances through reliable repairs. Our expert technicians specialize in ensuring your appliances contribute to a greener environment without sacrificing convenience. Join the conversation on sustainable living and discover how Appliance Rescue Service can be your partner in creating an eco-friendly home. Contact us today to schedule your next repair and take a step towards a more sustainable future.

Website
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Wondering How to Clean Your Appliances Sustainably? Eco-Friendly Methods Unveiled

The Planned Obsolescence Debate

Sustainability Unveiled The Complex Process of Recycling Your Appliances

Fact Check: Common Appliance Maintenance Beliefs Debunked

Avoid common pitfalls with our debunking guide

Keeping your home running smoothly can feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to your appliances. With so much conflicting advice out there, how do you know what’s true and what’s just a myth? In this true/false guide, we’ll clear up some of the most common misconceptions about appliance care. Whether it's knowing when to clean your dryer or understanding why overstuffing your fridge can backfire, we're here to help you navigate the world of appliance maintenance with confidence and ease.

Do you think cleaning your appliances just once a year is enough?

Unequivocally false. Certain pieces of your appliances only need to be cleaned once a year; many of them need to be cleaned at least once a quarter. For example, your dryer’s vent hose needs to be cleaned every 6 months to a year. But the inside of your dryer should be cleaned quarterly, and the lint catch on the inside of the dryer should be cleaned every time you do laundry.

Can you chuck those boring manufacturer’s directions after setup?

We know they're boring. Unfortunately, we are not the ones tasked with writing and making appliance manuals clean and easy to read. But we do not advise chucking them in the trash. Many of them come with important warranty information as well as what different errors or sounds can mean or how to set up and use some of the various features. So, instead, we suggest sticking them into a file with all of your other appliance manuals.

Does stuffing your appliances to the brim save you cash?

Many of us make this mistake. Whether it's the washing machine or the refrigerator, stuffing it to the gills does not help your electric bill. In fact, by putting too much into any of your appliances, you can often end up damaging them in different ways. The impact varies from appliance to appliance, and we’ll provide additional reading links at the bottom to explore this further.

Can all maintenance tasks be done by you, the homeowner?

While the more skeptical reader might say, “Of course an appliance repair company would say no,” there's a valid reason. Many times, specialized tools are required for appliance repairs. Manufacturers design their appliances with this complexity to necessitate professional servicing. There's also a safety concern, especially with electronics. Unless you are experienced with electronics, we do not recommend DIY attempts. While many repairs can be done yourself, there are some that should be left to professionals.

Do you think any old cleaning product will do the trick?

Hahahahaha. Excuse us while we catch our breath. If you have ever tried cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator with the same Lysol wipes that you use to clean your counters, you will know that this is not the case. Different cleaning formulas are designed for specific tasks. We wish there was a one-size-fits-all solution, but even we haven't found one yet.

Is regular maintenance really the key to dodging pricey repairs?

Absolutely true, and that’s why we offer maintenance services. By regularly maintaining your appliances and having them inspected, either by yourself or a professional, you can identify issues in their early stages before they lead to major breakdowns.

If the cost of materials, time, and tools is 50% or more than the appliance, should you call a professional?

This is about saving time and money. Before attempting a DIY repair, consider the tools needed, time required, and cost of materials. If these costs exceed 50% of the appliance’s original purchase price, it's wise to call a professional. Technicians have expertise and tools on hand, minimizing the risk of costly mistakes.

Is it fine to keep all appliances plugged in during repairs?

No. Even if the repair seems unrelated to electronics, always unplug appliances before starting repairs. It’s not just a safety precaution but also practical. A simple slip or twist could inadvertently activate a component or cause a mess, leading to further issues.

Is protective clothing for repairs: Overkill or essential?

Essential. While the necessity varies by task, protecting your hands and wearing gloves minimizes exposure to contaminants and ensures safety.

Can a hammer and Phillips head screwdriver handle all tasks?

Remember how we mentioned specialized tools invented by appliance manufacturers? This one is obviously false. Different appliances require specific tools designed for their components and mechanisms.

Should you diagnose the issue before starting any appliance repair?

Absolutely true. Professional repair services always perform diagnostics before proceeding with repairs. It’s crucial to identify the root cause accurately, even for seemingly straightforward issues.

Is taking notes during repairs a smart move or a waste of time?

While experienced technicians may not need notes, documenting your findings during repairs is beneficial if the project becomes overwhelming or needs professional intervention. It ensures accurate communication with technicians, aiding in efficient repairs.

Can you immediately resume using an appliance after fixing it yourself?

False. Always ensure proper functionality after DIY repairs. Whether it’s running a test load in your washer or checking replaced parts, confirm everything operates smoothly before regular use.

Should you call professionals if a repair project takes more than a few hours?

Absolutely. Some repairs, especially involving multiple appliance components, can be complex and time-consuming. If you’ve invested hours without progress, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure a proper fix and save your valuable time.

Keeping your appliances in top shape doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can ensure your appliances run smoothly and efficiently by debunking these common myths and following the right maintenance tips. But remember, some repairs and maintenance tasks are best left to the professionals. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re here to help with expert repairs and maintenance services that keep your home running without a hitch. Contact us today to schedule a service and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your appliances are in good hands.

Website
Phone: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard

Test Your Refrigerator IQ

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly