Although the home appliance industry experienced a slight sales dip in the past few years, it is expected to pick up again, with projections for new home laundry appliances at about 17 million units in the next two years. Smart appliances have even higher expectations, with an estimated 26 billion dollars in revenue predicted by 2020. Imagine, for example, that you could use your mobile device to turn your dryer on to fluff your laundry before you get home, or tell your washing machine to run an extra rinse cycle. But for all their practical and frivolous benefits, smart appliances remain expensive, and for most of us, keeping our older model laundry machines in good working order for years to come is our priority.
So how do we keep our home laundry machines in good working order and avoid costly washer and dryer repair? Most of us rely on our washer and dryer set up for use on a weekly, if not daily basis. If it breaks, it will be a great inconvenience, both financially and timewise.
In order to maintain your dryer, there are a few things you can do.
Remove lint: This is one of the simplest and most important things you can do. Clean the lint filter after every load you dry. When the lint filter is clogged, air cannot pass through the system, leading to overheating that stresses the machine and also presents a fire hazard.
Clean and replace tubing: Old vinyl dryer tubing should absolutely be replaced with aluminum to prevent overheating and other problems. In addition, the tubing should be kept clean, and free of kinks and blockages.
Remove obstructions: Be sure that nothing is blocking the flow of air as it leaves the dryer?s vent cap or tubing. Lint, dirt, and other items can build up around the exit vent and should be cleaned regularly.
Don?t overload the dryer: items in the dryer need room to tumble and have exposure to the air. If you put too much in the dryer, it will take longer, stress the motor, and wear down the machine.
Even with the best maintenance and care, there are times when dryer repair is necessary. How do you decide if you need dryer repair, or if it?s time to replace the dryer? There are three factors that come into the decision: age, warranty, and cost.
How old is your appliance? Most dryers have a life expectancy, after which point repairs become more frequent and costly, in which case it might be time to buy a new dryer. If the appliance is still under warranty, however, you might be able to get free or reduced price dryer repair, which is certainly worth a try before spending money on a new one. Lastly, consider the overall price of the repairs, and consider the ?half? rule of thumb: if the cost of the repair is more than half the cost of a new appliance, it?s better to get the new one.
Whether you need washer or dryer repair, refrigerator or oven repairs, or dishwasher repair, be sure to compare costs among repair companies, and ask for references as well. Keep in mind that the average cost to repair an appliance in 2014 ranged from $250 to $275. Most importantly, though, look for quick and reliable service at a reasonable price.