Home inspections include a lot of different things. In Texas, we include the appliances in our inspection. Many of the things we find are deferred maintenance or rough use issues. Here are some suggestions to help your better maintain your home appliance so the next time we perform a Rockwall home inspection, your appliance will pass with flying colors.

Range

·     Place heavy pots gently on smooth tops to avoid breakage.

·     Never cover drip pans with foil, which can short circuit the burner.

·     Keep reflective bowls beneath burners, which helps them reflect heat.

·     Periodically clean gas burner ports with a needle.

·     Don’t poke the igniter or spray it with cleaners.

Refrigerator

·     Clean dust from compressor coils every few months.

·     Clean door gaskets with mild detergent and water.

·     Check gaskets seals by closing the doors on a dollar bill. Replace gasket if the bill falls out.

·     Keep door opening to a minimum. Every time you open the door, cold air escapes and is replaced by warmer more humid air.

Oven

·     Check door seals for damage. If heat is escaping, adjust or replace the gasket.

Dishwasher

·     When loading, make sure no dishware can touch the spray arms.

·     Inspect spray arms for debris that can clog the holes.

·     If the dishwasher has a manual – clean filter, clean it regularly per manufacturer’s instructions.

Washing Machine

·     Remove grit from screens where the hoses attach to the water supply.

·     Don’t load beyond the washer’s recommended capacity.

·     Install the washer on a level and well supported floor.

·     Heed detergent directions

Dryer

·     Clean lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely