Home appliances aren’t meant to be purchased every year. Most of these come with a predefined lifespan, typically extending over a decade. With adequate care and maintenance, you can prolong the expected life of your home appliances easily, achieving higher returns on your investment.

Admittedly, the idea of periodic checks and seasonal maintenance is not very appealing. Nevertheless, you’d be surprised to know how a stitch in time can actually help you save nine. In particular, if you don’t have a hefty budget to boot, regular maintenance is the key to keep your appliances functional in top condition at all times.

Here are a few tips that’ll come in handy as you look around the house for trouble areas.

Differentiate Between Summer and Winter Appliances

You’ll need to have your air-conditioning unit in order for the summer heat. Likewise, you’ll have to fix the heating system of your house for the chilly winters. This doesn’t mean this is the only time you need to scrutinize these appliances.

In fact, you need to maintain the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) throughout the year, prepping it according to the season. Weather changes can have a significant impact on your appliances. Make sure you’re protecting these against seasonal damages properly to prolong their lifespan.

Keep your air-conditioning units covered while not in use. Also, make sure the ventilation ducts are clear. Get your HVAC serviced every two years if not on an annual basis. This will help you lower the cost of maintenance.

Appliances Check Routines

Here are a few simple techniques you can use to see if your home appliances are working well.

Refrigerator: Take a piece of paper and place it between the door and the body of the refrigerator. If the paper slips down, it means the door seal needs repair. This also means the cooling mechanism of your refrigerator is working extra hard to keep the food cool. You do the math then!

Dryers: When the dryer is running, the room should smell of fresh laundry. If it doesn’t, it is most probably due to blockages. Check the exhaust hose and clear out the debris to expel the heat. Clean out the lint trap as well.

Filters: Most appliances use filters to screen out debris. So if you see the function of your home appliance diminishing somehow, it might be the perfect time to replace or clear out the filters. This includes the filters in your HVAC system, dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, faucets, and all other home appliances.

Dishwashers: Hoping to make your dishwasher look shiny on the inside? Run an empty cycle with just a cup of vinegar. It’ll renew your dishwasher, diminishing your need for active cleaning.

A lot of your seasonal maintenance routine depends on your local environment as well. Make sure you take these factors into consideration while you tailor the perfect maintenance routine for your home appliances. For all you know, you might be able to prolong the useful life of your appliances beyond conventional standards!