Spring Into Energy Savings: Smart Appliance & Habit Changes

Spring is here! Refresh your home’s efficiency with these energy-saving strategies.

When it comes to preparing your home for spring, people don't always think about the way that your energy usage changes from season to season.  This week, we’ll take a look at different changes you can make to your appliances and your habits to keep your home energy efficient. 

Energy-Efficient Appliance Changes

Check to see if your appliances are ENERGY STAR certified. That is going to help you in figuring out how efficient they are capable of being.  Energy Star appliances are designed from the ground up to use less electricity. 

Next up, let’s look at one of the most important tips we have, keeping your appliances clean externally and internally. The harder your appliance works to breathe, the more energy it consumes. The more the various coils are caked in dirt, dust, and pet hair, the harder they have to work to bring keep cool. So making sure that all sides of your appliances are clean, directly relates to your bill. This also applies to your dryer, as making sure that the lint screen on your dryer is clean affects how hard it works. 

Once you’ve gotten your appliances clean, there are appliance specific changes that we can run through to get your entire suite in fighting shape. 

Refrigerator & Freezers

Courtesy of Darrien Staton

You want to keep your fridge and freezer full but not packed to the brim, which is a hard line to define. A full unit will retain the cold better, but too much will restrict airflow. In addition to having to work harder, having limited airflow leads to pockets in the unit that are warmer and colder.. These pockets make it harder to keep your food at the right temperatures.  This concern also applies to the amount of frost buildup in your freezer. You’ll want to defrost it regularly to ensure the frost doesn’t block airflow.   Once you have everything arranged properly, check your manufacturer pamphlet for what temperature is recommended. It should be somewhere around 40*F for the refrigerator and 0*F for the freezer.

Dishwasher

When it comes to your dishwasher, you’ll want to start by skipping the rinsing of your dishes. It sounds weird, we know. But your dishwasher, if it’s a modern one, is designed to handle food residue. So all you need to do is to scrape it off. Next up, make sure to run full loads. We don’t mean that you need to pack every dish in that you own. Merely that you need to ensure that you’re utilizing the space that is there. Doing this is going to cut down on your water waste, as well as your energy usage. Finally, skip the heated dry. Letting your dishes air-dry is perfectly acceptable.  

Oven & Stove

Let’s move on to your range and take a look there at how we can pare down. Use your toaster oven (or your microwave) to reheat your food, instead of the oven. Not only do these take less energy, but they also will keep your home cooler. Which, a useful tip is to avoid preheating unless it’s needed. Although all of us work hard to keep our burners clean, it’s probably not because we’re looking at efficiency. However, it turns out that keeping your burners clean is just as useful as keeping your fridge clean to allow better efficiency.  

Washer & Dryer

Courtesy of Bia Sousa

When it comes to your laundry, start by washing with cold water whenever possible. It might not seem like a big change, but it can save you a surprising amount on hot water costs. Next up, always run full loads or adjust the water level if you’re doing a smaller one. This helps make the most of every wash cycle. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, be sure to use HE detergent—it’s designed to work best with these machines. On the drying side of things, clean the lint screen after every cycle to keep airflow strong and drying times short. Drying similar-weight fabrics together helps, too, since everything will dry more evenly. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it—this will shut off the machine when your clothes are dry instead of running longer than needed. And if you really want to cut down on energy use, consider line drying. If clothes feel too stiff, just toss them in the dryer for a few minutes on a low or air-dry setting to soften them up.

To round things out, we do want to point out an important if less enjoyable fact.
Unless your appliances are 10 years old or younger, you’re not working with ‘the most’ efficient home appliances. It’s a fact of research and development. You don’t have to purchase all new appliances, you do have to be aware that your mileage may vary. The amount of efficiency you will be able to improve your appliances will vary based on how old they are. The tips we’ve provided will absolutely help in reducing your energy usage and your bills. We just want to be upfront in regards to how much you can realistically expect. 

Energy-Saving Habits for Everyday Use

Beyond appliance-specific tips, changing daily habits can significantly impact your energy consumption.

• Run major appliances at night to reduce strain on the power grid and keep your home cooler.

• Unplug electronics when not in use or use power strips to cut phantom energy usage.

• Use ceiling fans to circulate air and reduce heating/cooling needs—run them counterclockwise in summer for a cooling effect.

• Replace or clean filters regularly in HVAC systems, range hoods, and dryers to prevent overworking your appliances.

• Keep blinds closed on hot days to reduce cooling costs; open them on sunny winter days to let in natural heat.

• Adjust your thermostat—set it to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter for optimal savings.

• Be mindful of appliance placement—keep heat-producing electronics away from thermostats to prevent unnecessary cooling.

Managing Increased Summer Usage

Warmer months often mean more frequent fridge openings and heavier appliance usage. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Declutter your fridge before summer to make space for seasonal grocery hauls.

• Increase maintenance—clean coils and check seals more frequently.

• Monitor performance for signs of strain, such as unusual noises or longer cooling times.

By making these adjustments and adopting energy-conscious habits, you’ll be well on your way to a more energy-efficient home this spring—and beyond.

By making a few simple changes to how you use and maintain your appliances, you can keep your home running efficiently while cutting down on energy waste. Whether it’s adjusting your daily habits, keeping your appliances clean, or optimizing their performance, every small step adds up to big savings over time. And if you ever run into appliance issues that maintenance alone can’t fix, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From repairs to expert advice, we’ll make sure your appliances are working at their best—so you can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home all season long.

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Homeowners Beware: LG Recalls Electric Ranges Due to Safety Risks

 If you own an LG electric range, you may need to act fast. Get the details on the latest recall and what it means for you.

 What Happened? 

A new recall has been announced for LG  Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges sold from 2015 to January of this year, 2025.  

Over 500,000 of these units have been sold in that time period. The consumer product safety commission has received at least 86 reports of unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs. They have been involved in dozens of fires, injuries and pet deaths according to the CPSC. 

The products were manufactured in both Mexico and Korea and imported by LG  Electronics USA in New Jersey. They were sold in a variety of major stores, including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s across the United States. Depending on the model, they retailed for between $1,400 and $2,650.

 It is important to note, that this is not a refund or even a repair that is being offered by LG. Instead, they are offering a warning label which reminds users to turn on the Control Lock / Lock Out feature before stepping away from the stove. They also have a video which guides owners on how to use the feature. 

Who is Affected? 

The recall includes LG Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges sold between 2015 and January 2025 at major retailers like Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Depending on the model, they retailed for between $1,400 and $2,650.

You can check the full list at www.tinyurl.com/LGRecall.

Courtesy of LG

What is a Recall? 

A recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority determines that a product poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards.  (In the United States, this is most often the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) This action is taken to protect consumers from potential harm and ensure the integrity of the product.

Recalls can be initiated for various reasons, including defects in design or manufacturing, safety concerns, or failure to meet regulatory requirements. In the case of appliances like stoves or ranges, recalls may be issued due to problems with components such as burners, electrical systems, or structural integrity.

When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer typically works with relevant regulatory agencies to notify consumers of the issue and provide instructions on how to address it. This often involves contacting affected consumers directly, issuing public announcements through various channels, and coordinating efforts to repair or replace the affected products. 

Why is a Sticker  Enough? 

In 2024, Samsung recalled over 1.1 million ovens for a similar hazard, and the CPSC has warned that unintended burner activation has resulted in serious fires, injuries, and even fatalities. 

Also in 2024 we had the Kenmore / Frigidaire recall. Here we had 203,000 ovens which were affected. Again with reports of fires occurring and people and property being damaged

So, why is LG allowed to only offer a sticker as a “repair”?

To begin with, the LG ovens are being turned on, although unintentionally, bye the user or pets.

Additionally, there are three different tiers of safety features, according to LG.  The first is a burner on light, the second is an alert beep that goes off when a knob is turned off, and finally there is the Control Lock / Lock Out feature. In a statement to USA Today, Senior Vice President of LG Electronics USA, John I Taylor emphasized that the affected products have a proven safety feature. 

Additionally, LG was sued over this issue in 2022 with a US district Court dismissing the class action lawsuit in 2023 citing that the ranges were still under a 1-year warranty. 

 According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the sticker and a reminder to use the built-in feature is enough.

What Do I Do? 

Start by locating the model number on the inside of your oven door or the bottom storage drawer and compare it against the list at this link. 

Next up, whether or not you have one of the affected models, it would be beneficial to review LG's video for how to use the control lock/lock out function.  www.vimeo.com/1037322282.

Fire safety professionals are recommending installing stove knob locks to prevent unintentional activation. They also recommend keeping objects off the stove when not in use as well as double checking burner knobs before you leave home or go to bed.

We feel it is important to note that while LG and the CSPC believe the features listed are in fact enough to rely on consumer diligence, accidents can happen as has been shown; pets and small children can easily activate these knobs when left unattended. Given these dangers we ask that you consider the situation with all due caution and what safety precautions best fit your home. 

If you realize that your range has been acting oddly and it's not because of this recall, reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. There should never be a time when you fear leaving your home because your oven is turning on at random, or that your pet might accidentally bump it. We will work with you to find a date and time that fits your schedule so that we can get to the bottom of any issues. Our technicians are experienced in working on all sorts of appliances, new and old. Our top priority is always ensuring that your home is running smoothly.

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courtesy of StockSnap

Too Many Potatoes? Try These Tasty Crescent Pockets

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—your leftovers never tasted this good

We made the critical error of asking for help peeling potatoes two nights ago. Our helper was a little too helpful, went on autopilot and peeled... basically all of them. For one dinner. We ended up with five. whole. pounds. of peeled potatoes. It was not a holiday, and no guests were expected.

Suddenly, we had a lot more mashed potatoes than we originally bargained for. Waste is not an option with perfectly good food, and we had to come up with something to avoid "potatoes again?" complaints over the three or more consecutive days of potato side dishes. In case you ever find yourself in a similar bind, here's a silly little recipe to dress up said potatoes. Another one will follow, for sure. Stay tuned.

Ingredients:

1 can crescent rolls

2 cups plain mashed potatoes

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons sour cream

3 tablespoons butter, melted

salt and white pepper, to taste

1/2 pound assorted cooked mixed vegetables

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon flour

shredded cheese, if desired

Tools:

baking sheet

parchment paper

measuring cups and spoons

mixing bowl

spoon(s)

We elected to leave the potatoes plain when we cooked them and to add seasoning in batches to keep things from getting too boring as we worked through what appeared to be a bottomless bucket of potatoes. If you're beginning with some leftover potatoes that are already seasoned, please feel free to skip the seasonings here or dress up your spuds with something else.

Preheat your oven to 375 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a microwave safe mixing cup, stir together the two tablespoons of cold water and the single tablespoon of flour to make a slurry. Once well combined, pour the cup of chicken stock and the half teaspoons of celery salt and onion powder into the slurry. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Remove, stir well, and repeat the heat-remove-stir process until the mixture thickens into gravy.

Reheat your mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl or other microwave safe container. Measure in the garlic, melted butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste test, because some potatoes just need more flavor. Add more as necessary.

Unroll the can of crescent rolls and place the dough on the baking sheet. While we chose to use the eight triangular pieces the sheet is perforated into and show the filling poking out, you may prefer to do four larger pockets and fully enclose them, or press the perforated lines back together and re-cut into rounds or squares. Play around with it if you'd like.

After you've decided on a shape and laid out all your dough, place a quarter cup of potatoes on each portion of dough. Press a scoop of vegetables into each mound of potatoes, and drizzle just a little gravy over the vegetables. (Set the remaining gravy aside to top the pockets later.)

If you'd like to add some cheese, feel free to do so at this point. We had some other cheesy food planned for the dinner plate this time around and skipped the extra here. Be sure to add only a low-moisture cheese to prevent the crescent dough getting soggy.

Fold the edges of the dough over to trap all the filling inside. Pinch to fully enclose, if you'd like. The parchment paper makes for easy cleanup even if the filling leaks out a little during baking, so that's totally optional.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until dough has begun to turn golden-brown and any exposed filling is sizzling. Allow to cool at least two minutes before attempting to remove from the baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining chicken gravy and serve as a side.

If while cooking you find that your oven is only cooking half of this delicious dinner, it might be an issue with the heating elements. We’ve got a link in the additional reading section below for different issues that can crop up with your range. And if you’re already aware that your range needs servicing, you can reach out to us today. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that works for your schedule, and send out our technicians. At Appliance Rescue Service, keeping your home in tip top shape is our goal. 

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Call : (214) 599-0055

Kitchen Hazards Unveiled 

Crispy Bottoms to Raw Centers: A Chef's Nightmare

 37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Avoid Costly Repairs with These Must-Do Tasks

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home—inside and out. Here’s what every homeowner should do this season.

Although it feels like winter has already left us here in Texas, in theory spring is not here yet. But as the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to refresh your home and shake things out after being inside all winter. The transition isn't just about spring cleaning, it's about ensuring your home is in top shape to prevent expensive repairs down the line. From the roof to the foundation inside and out here's our spring guide for getting your home ready for warmer months.

Exterior Maintenance: Protecting Your Home’s First Line of Defense

Roof & Gutters: Inspect and Clear Winter’s Aftermath

After months of exposure to harsh winter weather, your roof and gutters need attention. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles, as these can lead to leaks that compromise your home’s structure. If you do  notice sagging, or any signs of water damage, call a professional before small issues turn into costly repairs.

Courtesy of 123switch

Gutters and downspouts also take a beating during winter. Here, you'll need to clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, including foundation problems and basement flooding is left in tended.  If you haven't already, consider installing gutter guards to make upkeep easier.

Windows & Doors: Improve Efficiency and Let in the Light

Let's move on to windows and doors. With warmer weather approaching, it’s time to prepare your windows and doors for fresh air and sunshine. Inspect seals, weatherstripping and caulking for cracks or gaps that could allow cool air to escape, leading to higher energy costs. Re-caulking these areas helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. (And given our location, we need all the help we can get.)

Courtesy of Pexels

Give your exterior windows a thorough washing to remove winter grime and improve natural light. Also, check window and door screens for any tears or damage—repairing them now will prevent pests from sneaking inside when you open your home to spring breezes. The great news is that if there are any small tears, you can now buy patches instead of having to replace the full screen. 

Driveway & Walkways: Repair Winter’s Wear and Tear

Most cracked sidewalks will be smaller than this, but it's worth checking.

Cold temperatures and moisture can wreak havoc on your driveway and walkways. You'll need to look for cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces that could become safety hazards. Sealing and repairing these issues early will prevent further deterioration and ensure safe passage for your family and guests. 

Outdoor Faucets & Sprinklers: Restore Water Flow

If you turned off exterior water sources for the winter, now’s the time to turn them back on. You'll also want to remove any foam protectors that you placed, as during warm months, those can be top homes for bugs and mice. Check for leaks in outdoor faucets and hoses, and ensure your sprinkler system is working properly. If you do have a sprinkler system, take the time to adjust the coverage to make sure all of your lawn gets water. 

Yard & Landscaping: Refresh and Revitalize

Winter can leave your yard looking a little worse for wear. Before you start gardening, you'll want to get it cleaned up. Start by removing debris such as fallen branches and leaves. Prune overgrown trees and hedges, especially those near your home, to prevent damage from high winds during spring storms. Adding mulch and ground cover will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds—refresh these areas for a polished, healthy landscape. 

Interior Maintenance: A Fresh Start for Your Living Spaces

HVAC System: Prepare for Warmer Days

Courtesy of Chad Populis

Let's get the biggest task out of the way first. Before the heat of summer sets in, you will want to schedule a professional inspection and tune-up for your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running efficiently and prevents breakdowns during peak usage. While you wait for that date to roll around, you can replace your HVAC and furnace filters to improve air quality and keep your home comfortable.

Kitchen & Appliances: Deep Clean and Maintain for Efficiency

Your kitchen appliances work hard year-round, and spring is a great time to give them a little TLC. Clean the range hood and vent filters to prevent grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard. (Especially after all of the heavy foods from the holidays.) You'll also want to check and clean your dishwasher and washing machine filters to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.

Courtesy of Kristoferb

Your refrigerator also needs attention—vacuum the coils to improve efficiency and check that the seals are intact to maintain proper cooling. If you have a chest freezer, warmer days mean it is easier to defrost it if ice buildup exceeds 1/4 inch. After all, spring is a great time to start laying in pre-made meals for less cooking during summer. 

Bathrooms & Plumbing: Prevent Costly Water Damage

A few simple checks can help avoid plumbing headaches down the road. Start off by inspecting your pipes for leaks and weak water pressure. You'll also want to clean the sink and shower drains to prevent any clogs. It's also an ideal time to descale your shower head, as it should be done once a quarter. 

General Home Upkeep: Refresh Your Space

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about maintaining your home’s condition, especially after being inside and with guests all winter. Take this time to wash sofa covers, wipe down walls, and remove scuff marks. These small touches can make your home feel bright and renewed.

By tackling these maintenance tasks early in the season, you’ll ensure a smooth transition into spring and summer. A little effort now can save time, money, and stress in the long run—helping you enjoy the warmer months with peace of mind.

If you find that any of your appliances are giving you trouble, you can reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. While we aren't great at spring cleaning, we are fantastic at keeping your appliances running while you do. Even better we will work with you to find a time that best fits your schedule this spring for our technicians to visit. You can reach out to us at our website or give us a call to get started on scheduling a maintenance visit.

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Courtesy of Monika

Additional Reading

Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer

Love at First Service: Why Regular Maintenance is the Key to Happy Appliances

Protect your investment and avoid surprise repair bills. Here’s why routine maintenance is the smartest way to keep your appliances happy and healthy.

Your appliances are the heart of your home, working tirelessly day in and day out. From keeping your food fresh to making sure your clothes come out clean and dry, these machines are essential to your everyday routine. But just like any long-term relationship, they need care and attention to stay in top shape. Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your appliances stay happy, healthy, and running smoothly for years to come.

The Benefits of Routine Maintenance

Neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, and even the premature replacement of expensive appliances. Here are five reasons why giving your appliances a little TLC is the smartest investment you can make:

Extend Their Lifespan – Regular check ups can help keep small issues from turning into major failures. This allows your appliances to continue running efficiently for years.

Save Money on Repairs – catching problems while they're small means you avoid hefty repair bills, or having to do a full replacement.

Improve Energy Efficiency – appliances that are well cared for use less energy which keeps your utility bills low.

Ensure Safety – Appliances that are faulty pose serious risks. Dangers can range from electrical fires to gas leaks to flooding. Regular inspections help keep your home safe.

Prevent Surprise Breakdowns – None of us want to deal with a broken refrigerator in the middle of summer or a washer that won't drain in winter. Scheduled maintenance keep things running smoothly year-round.

What Regular Maintenance Looks Like

Many homeowners, prior to having something break for the first time, think that maintenance and repair are the same thing. In fact there's a key difference between the two. Maintenance is about preventing problems. Like regular talking to a partner to avoid a fight, you check in and clean to keep your appliances running smoothly. Repairs are after something has broken. Or to continue our previous analogy after you've already had a major fight. By staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your relationship running strong for years to come.

Every appliance in your home has specific maintenance needs. A professional service check can ensure that everything stays in top condition. Here are a few things that a maintenance visit might include: 

Refrigerator Love

Give your refrigerator some love by doing these three tasks. 

Clean the condenser coils to ensure efficient cooling. Getting clogged with dust is all too easy given most refrigerators are pressed close to a wall. 

Check and replace water and air filters as needed. (We suggest every 4-6 months for the water filter and at least once a year for the air filters.) 

Courtesy of RDNE

Inspect door seals to prevent cold air leaks. This one should be on your quarterly list, this way your food stays fresh for longer. 

Dishwasher Care

Given many of us use our dishwasher on a daily basis, they need regular love. These three tasks can be done once a month to keep it in top shape. 

Clean filters and spray arms for optimal performance. Using a diluted solution of vinegar with a soft toothbrush, helps to keep it clean.

Check seals and drainage to prevent leaks. 

Run a deep-cleaning cycle to eliminate buildup.

Laundry Room TLC

Your washer and dryer both need tlc on a regular basis, to keep them functioning and to keep your home safe. 

Inspect washing machine hoses for leaks or damage.

Clean dryer vents to prevent fire hazards.

Ensure proper drainage and spin cycle efficiency. 

Oven & Stove Check-Up

These three tasks are easy to do and give your range some much-needed love. 

Test temperature accuracy for even cooking. A digital thermometer is the best way to handle this one, but a technician can help if you don’t have one. 

Inspect your gas lines and igniters for safety. 

Ensure that the fans and door seals are working properly.

Courtesy of Liliana Drew

Make Maintenance a Habit

The best way to avoid major appliance troubles is to schedule routine maintenance. While every six months is great, a simple annual check-up can make all the difference in keeping your appliances running smoothly. Whether it’s your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, or dryer, showing your appliances a little love today means fewer headaches tomorrow.

At Appliance Rescue Service, our skilled technicians are ready to help you protect your investment. Give us a call to schedule your maintenance check and keep your home running effortlessly. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that fit your schedule best. After all, a happy appliance means a happy home. 

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Call  (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard 

Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Fact Check: Common Appliance Maintenance Beliefs Debunked