Blog

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

Imagine you have a week’s chore planned for the weekend and just when you are piling up your soiled laundry into the washer, the washer refuses to operate as normal. Find this relatable?

We have often noticed that home appliances usually breakdown when we most need them to work! If your fridge, stove, dryer or any other appliance has broken down, here’s what you should do.

Check the extent of the issue. If the machine is behaving erratically, we recommend unplugging it and waiting to use it till an appliance repair expert has assessed the situation.

Another issue we appliance technicians face is our clients taking matters into their own hands and trying to fix the appliance based on some YouTube video. DO NOT DO THAT!

Your appliance will be unsalvageable if the DIY repairs go wrong and you might even end up spending more than the actual damage. An appliance expert can troubleshoot the appliance accurately and recommend the right fixes. They also take into account the life of your machine and recommend if you need to replace the machine or spend a fraction of it in repairs.

At MAAR24 Appliance Repairs we encourage our customers to give us a call and get a quotation before booking the service. However, please note that the technician can only accurately make the estimate once they have seen the broken appliance.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

When one of your appliances breaks, you will be faced with two main options. You could choose to have the appliance repaired, or you could go out and buy a new one. Making the right choice will depend on several factors. It’s important to consider the following points carefully before making any decisions.

Age of the Appliance

When an appliance is relatively new, repairs are often the best option. This is because repairs will help you get more out of the appliance and this means greater value for money. If the appliance is considerably old, it might be worth getting an estimate for repairs before actually deciding. Older appliances are sometimes tougher to fix because parts are harder to come by. If this is the case, it really is best to ask a professional for their expert opinion.

Cost of Repairs

Cost is one of the most important factors of all. If repairs cost too much, you might not be inclined to go through with the work. On the other hand, if the price is reasonable, it will mean that you get to avoid the hassle of shopping around for a replacement. Remember, it’s not just about the price of repairs versus to cost of replacement. It’s also a matter of how much the appliance is worth versus the cost of repairs.

Cost of Replacement

If repairs involve the replacement of a small part, then this will be the best option. If you need to replace something more expensive like an electronic component or motor, then it might be time to replace the old appliance instead. That said, if you are on a tight budget, you might need to opt for repairs if the cost is lower than the price of a new appliance. To get the best deal, look for an appliance repair technician that offers professional services at reasonable rates.

Time Available

If you are in a hurry, you might be better off having your appliance repaired. If you plan on replacing the appliance, you will need to take the time to shop around and compare products and prices. This means that you will need to either visit several stores or do plenty of research online. You will need at least a day or two to find a suitable replacement and, even once you find it, it will probably need to be delivered the next day or even later. Take into account just how much time you have on your hands and how long you can go without the use of this appliance before choosing to repair or buy.

Sentimental Value

When it comes to sentimental value, there’s no denying the fact that some things are tough to let go. For example, if you have a refrigerator that was a gift or belonged to a dear friend or family member, you might not be ready to opt for a replacement. When it comes to sentimental items, even expensive repairs are considered worthwhile because they allow you to hold on to your most treasured memories for that much longer.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

The value of trusting appliance repair to professionals is considerable. However, hiring someone to repair the appliances throughout your home isn’t always the right way to go. Even with the best appliances, you can get to a point in which replacement is a better idea. Maintenance and other tactics can ensure your appliances last for years and years to come. Many of them should, when they are used and cared for properly.

Still, every fridge, dishwasher, and other appliance has a shelf life. It will get to the point in which repairs have become costly, short-term solutions. You can also get to the point in which repairs are not going to work at all. At that point, replacement is going to make the most sense.

Should I Repair Or Replace My Home Appliances?

Trying to choose between repair or replacement can feel like you’re about to make a potentially expensive guess. It doesn’t have to feel like that. In terms of choosing between appliance repair or appliance replacement, there are a few simple things you can keep in mind:

• Remember that products aren’t falling apart faster: By and large, repair rates for products have remained consistent over the past several years. In fact, repair rates as researched by consumer interest groups have been pretty consistent for the decade. In fact, certain products, including certain laptops and TVs, are seeing their repair rates diminish. Still, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a careful shopper.
• Do your research: Lousy products are out there. We certainly won’t tell you that they aren’t. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to do some research on your options. Consider your budget, and what you know you will need from the appliance. Using those things to guide your research, you should be able to find what you want.
• Fifty percent: If you are spending more than fifty percent on the cost of a new version of your product on repairs for the older version, you are officially spending too much on appliance repair. At this point, your best bet is to start looking into some replacement options.
• Saving money on your repairs: Provided that you aren’t voiding your manufacturer’s warranty, one of the best ways to save on repairs, if that’s still an option, is to trust the work to an independent repair company.

These are some easy tips to help you choose between repair work or replacement.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

MAAR24 Appliance repair isn’t just a matter of knowing who to call. It is also important to know how to shop for appliances. One way to avoid costly repair work is to purchase something that is going to stand the test of time. Low-quality products are generally going to be the ones that need the most in the way of repair work.

This is one thing to keep in mind when shopping for new appliances. There are several other tips which can ensure that not only are you getting the best appliances for your money, but you are also getting things that aren’t likely to cost you an arm and a leg in appliance repair work later on.

Tips For Buying New Appliances

Whether you are buying one new appliance, or if you need to purchase several for a kitchen renovation project, there are several tips you will need to keep in mind:

• Focus on reviews, and not prices: Great sales and deals are certainly out there. Even so, a great price doesn’t automatically mean a great appliance. Focus on reviews above all else. Make sure you are getting something with a great reputation to back up the price.
• Online or in-store: These days, it is usually better to shop for appliances online. Many retailers now offer the ability to pick up online purchases in-store, and just as many offer delivery options that can prove to be quite affordable. Shopping online gives you tons more products to choose from, as opposed to simply going with whatever your local store offers.
• Energy efficiency is important: In this day and age, the importance of energy efficiency cannot be understated. Keep this in mind, and do your research on appliances that offer the best ratings possible for energy efficiency.
• Free delivery? Try to look for retailers that will offer free delivery. Many of them do.
• Setting up? Most retailers will offer to set things up themselves. This might be your best bet, but some choose to install new appliances themselves. Make sure you have unshakable confidence in your ability to do this.
• Don’t pay full price: Under no circumstances should you ever pay full price for a new appliance. Most retailers run sales events and discounts on a regular basis.
• Price matching? Don’t get suckered in by retailers that swear they take price matching seriously. Even if they do, it’s a pretty useless concept in this era of online shopping.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

Your fridge is not a particularly complex appliance when it comes to operating it. Once it’s plugged in and the temperature is set, all you need to do is add items that need to be chilled and remove them when you like. Of course, despite the fact that we are all familiar with the job of a refrigerator, we still make a number of simple fridge mistakes that affect this appliance in the short and long term.

Common Fridge Mistakes

Ignoring Ventilation Needs

Your fridge is cold inside but, on the outside will notice that there’s a fair amount of heat released. Your fridge releases heat so that it does not end up affecting the temperature inside and this is why you will notice vents on top of the unit. These vents should not be covered and you should also leave space around the sides and behind your fridge to allow for air to flow and heat to escape.

Packing Too Much Inside

Fridge overloading, one of the most common fridge mistakes, often occurs immediately after grocery shopping or when you are planning on hosting guests. The more you pack inside your fridge, the more difficult it will be for air to circulate and cool your food. This means that your fridge will work that much harder and this will result in added pressure on the motor and other working parts.

Forgetting The Door Open

This can happen to anyone but all it takes is a moment to make sure that the door is properly shut. If the door is not completely closed, cold air will escape and this will cause the fridge to cycle for longer and more frequently. In other words, the motor and several other parts will end up working harder than usual and this will cause unnecessary wear and tear. Apart from closing the door properly, it’s also important to inspect the seals on a regular basis.

Refrigerating Hot Food

You might want to refrigerate food almost immediately to prevent it from going bad. If you place hot or warm food in your fridge, it can affect the appliance as well as the rest of your food. The hot dish will warm up your fridge and cause the motor to work extra hard to cool everything down again. The rise in temperature can make some of your food unsafe. Instead, you should wait for your food to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Setting The Temperature Too Low

You might want to set your fridge as cold as possible. However, there is such a thing as too cold. If your fridge repair , it will cause it to run and cycle far too frequently. This can cause added wear and tear while pushing your electric bill up too.

Failing To Clean Regularly

Your fridge needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. This will prevent dirt from building up. You also need to check the drainage system and clean out the drip tray regularly. This is a great way of preventing blockages and stopping bad smells in their tracks.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

No matter the type, make, or model of your household appliances, one thing is for sure – they will not last forever . All appliances experience wear and tear which means that, over time, repairs will become necessary. Your refrigerator is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, and it stands to reason that, as a result, you will need to invest in repairs. Remember, appliance repairs allow you to get that much more use out of your appliance which means greater value for money. Here are the most common fridge problems that are likely to notice sometime during its lifespan.

Not Cold

The purpose of your fridge is to keep your food cold. If your fridge is not as cold as it should be, there could be a serious problem. First, before calling a technician, check your power supply. If your power is on and the plug is not faulty, then you should check the temperature setting of your fridge. If this still does not resolve the issue, it might be time to have an expert take a look. There could be a thermostat or motor issue, for example, and these are best diagnosed and repaired by somebody with the proper qualifications.

Noises

Even if your fridge is brand new, it will still make a bit of noise when the motor cycles. However, this is not the kind of noise that should wake you up at night. If you notice any strange or loud noises coming from your fridge, it could be due to an accumulation of ice, a faulty fan motor, or even the condenser on its way out. Again, figuring out the source of the noise is best left to the pros. You can check for ice and, if need be, you can clean it out too. If this does not solve the problem, it’s best to call a trained technician before the problem gets worse.

Leaks

When you approach your fridge, the last thing you want is to step in a puddle. If you notice water on the floor around your fridge, there could be a number of reasons. There are a number of valves and tubes that run through your fridge. If they become blocked or worn, they can leak. If your doors do not close properly, this can cause condensation to form which could result in a puddle too. First, check the door and check your fridge for condensation. If this is not the cause of the problem, have a technician take a look.

Frozen Food

If your fridge runs too cold and your food is freezing, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, check the temperature of your fridge and adjust if necessary. You might not need your fridge to run quite as cold as you think. Secondly, make sure that there is nothing touching the back panel of the interior of your fridge. If this happens, condensation cannot drain away and will freeze. That block of cheese, for example, could end up half frozen and stuck to the back of your fridge! If neither of these issues is the case, there might be a problem with the temperature control, thermostat, or the damper might be stuck.

Constant or Frequent Cycling

Your fridge is set to a specific temperature. When the fridge repair gets too warm , the motor kicks in and cools things down. Once the desired temperature is reached, the motor will turn off. If your fridge is cycling too often or non-stop, you should check the temperature setting as well as the seals on the doors. If there are no problems in these areas, ask a technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

You can be the most careful cook in town, but your oven is bound to get dirty from time to time. Even if you don’t spill anything while roasting or baking, the sides, back, and top of your oven can still become coated with grease and grime. Fortunately, regular cleaning will ensure that your oven will always be in top condition. Remember, different types of ovens require different cleaning methods and it’s important to stick to a cleaning schedule. Here are some oven cleaning advices.

Steam Cleaning

If your oven has a steam cleaning function, you may already know just how well it works when you need to remove grime. All you need to do is add some water to the bottom of the oven. Run the steam cycle and let your oven do the rest. The water will boil and the steam will fill your oven. This will loosen that stubborn dirt so that you can wipe it all away with ease. Some people like to add fresh lemon for extra grease removal power.

Self-Cleaning

If you own an oven with a self-cleaning feature, then it’s important to read the instructions carefully. This feature is known to take its toll on any oven which is why it should only be used occasionally. For regular cleaning, use mild soapy water instead and make sure that you clean your oven after each use to prevent dirt from building up oven repair.

Textured or Continuous Cleaning

There are some ovens with a special surface that can burn off spills over time. You need only wipe down the inside of your oven with a damp cloth. While your oven will burn off the grime, it will not completely remove it and this is why you need to wipe the interior down regularly. Remember not to use strong chemicals or abrasive cleaning supplies.

Regular Ovens

Ovens that do not have any kind of special self-cleaning feature will need to be cleaned regularly the old-fashioned way. This can require a fair amount of effort but there are a number of powerful oven cleaners on the market that can make the job that much easier. If you don’t like the idea of using strong chemicals, you could go green instead. Make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the interior of your oven and let it work overnight to loosen all that grime. Wipe off the following morning. If need be, you can use vinegar to remove any dirt that didn’t come off the first time. You can also use this dry paste along with vinegar to make a foamy substance which works well when scrubbing. Don’t forget to wipe your oven down with clean water and leave the door open to air dry once you are done.

Don’t Forget the Racks!

Your oven racks will also need to be cleaned regularly and this is best done by removing them and soaking them. Dissolve some degreasing soap in hot water and let the racks soak for about two hours. Give them a good scrub, rinse, dry, and pack back in the oven.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

Appliances that require water in order to function will undoubtedly experience some form of calcification. A small amount might not seem like a big deal but, over time, as it builds up, it can seriously damage appliances like your dishwasher. While you might not be able to do much about hard water, you can do something to keep calcification at bay. Remember, by cleaning your dishwasher on a regular basis, you will ensure that it runs smoothly and washes wonderfully for that much longer! The good news is that this is easy to do and you will only need to follow these easy steps:

Clear Out the Dishes

When cleaning your dishwasher, you will want to make certain that there are no dishes inside. Remove everything down to the last fork before you begin cleaning.

Measure the Vinegar You Need

Regular dishwashers require about two cups of vinegar to successfully clean away that calcification. If you have a larger dishwasher, you should consider adding extra to ensure that this cleaning method is effective. Pour the vinegar into a dishwasher-safe cup.

Run a Cycle

Put the cup on the bottom rack inside your dishwasher to ensure that the vinegar is evenly spread over the entire interior of the dishwasher. Once the cycle begins, the spray arm will ensure that the vinegar is sprayed everywhere. Shut the door properly on the dishwasher and select your regular or normal cycle. Do not use the high heat feature when using vinegar. If your dishwasher releases steam through vents, you should open a window while cleaning with vinegar. Although not toxic, the smell of the vinegar can become quite overpowering dishwasher repair.

Allow Your Dishwasher to Air Out

When the dishwasher cycle has come to an end, you should allow your dishwasher to stand open overnight. This allows for moisture and any remaining vinegar vapors to evaporate.

It’s always important to consult the user manual for your dishwasher before you begin cleaning. They may have some recommendations regarding the best decalcification products to use with that particular model. These products can be added to every load that you wash and they ensure that your dishes come out cleaner than before plus they reduce calcification. Citric acid cleaners are often recommended and, if this is the case, you can use them much the same as you would vinegar. Remember to check and clean the water filtration system o a regular basis since particles tend to accumulate here. Failing to clean this filter will mean that small particles will enter your dishwasher and calcification will occur far more rapidly. Ideally, your dishwasher should be decalcified with vinegar once a month (at the most). Remember not to mix vinegar with other detergents when cleaning your dishwasher.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

When it’s hot, we usually don’t like to spend too much time in the kitchen and baking or roasting our meals. This is because your oven will obviously make your home even warmer and uncomfortable. In the winter, however, this extra warmth and the delicious smell of cookies or a scrumptious roast filling your home is always welcome. This is why we tend to use our ovens far more often in the winter than in summer. It’s advisable to inspect your oven regularly – especially when you know that you are going to be using it more frequently. Neglecting to inspect your oven can result in significant damage and this can be costly as well as dangerous. Here are some important things to check:

The Prevention of Build Up

Every time you use your oven, the vapors and fats will make their way from the dish to the walls of your oven. If left unchecked, these deposits will accumulate and this will make your oven less and less effective. In addition, you will probably notice an unpleasant smell coming from your oven – particularly when you heat it up. This is the smell of all those old fats warming up again and again. Some ovens have a self-cleaning function which can help you keep your oven clean without much effort. Others that do not have this feature need to be cleaned manually and there are a number of effective ways to do so. Firstly, don’t wait too long to oven repair. The more grime builds up, the harder it will be to clean. If you prefer a natural solution to all those harsh chemicals, baking soda and vinegar are really effective. It’s best to allow the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt. This will make it easier to wipe away.

Pay Attention to Sounds

Your oven, no matter the type you use, will make some normal sounds when in use. A fan will make a noise, a gas oven will also make a softer sound, and you might even hear the sound of metal expanding or contracting. If you hear any strange noises coming from your oven, make sure that you turn it off right away and call a professional

Test the Knobs

Your oven knobs are essential for regulating temperature and if they don’t work properly, it can result in a burned or uncooked meal. Broken knobs need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If the knob seems to be in good shape but it does not turn or if you experience any kind of problem setting the temperature, call a technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Inspect the Oven Seals

There are seals all the way around the oven door . When they are broken, loose, or damaged, air will escape and your oven will not be able to maintain the desired temperature. In most cases, since your oven loses heat too quickly, you will end up using more electricity or gas to keep your oven hot. Inspect the seals for damage and, if necessary, have them replaced.

Halifax | Dartmouth | Bedford

Just because your refrigerator is constantly working, this does not mean that you should get sky-high electric bills. All appliances can be efficient, provided they are used properly and certain guidelines are followed. Here are a few handy fridge maintenance tips to keep your fridge running without compromising its effectiveness.

Keep Your Appliances Separate

As convenient as it might seem, you shouldn’t put your fridge close to your stove or oven. Your fridge will produce cool temperatures inside but the external parts will get warmer. If you place your stove close to your fridge, your fridge will be forced to work even harder to lower temperatures inside and this will push your electric bill up. Most home disign experts agree in the triangle setup – your fridge, sink, and stove should be equally spaced apart to form a triangle in your kitchen. This is good for your appliances as well as the flow in the room.

Avoid Grazing

Grazing is bad for your waistline and your fridge as well. Every time you open the door, you allow heat into your fridge . The more often you open your fridge, the warmer it becomes, making the motor run more as a result. If you keep the door shut , the temperature is better maintained and you will avoid costly fridge repairs in the long-run.

Check the Gaskets

When cleaning your kitchen, try to cleaning the gaskets in your fridge as well. Dirt and damage can make the gaskets less effective at holding that perfect seal. It might seem insignificant but, if the seal is not perfect, cold air will escape and this will cause frequent cycling. You can test the seal on your fridge using a one-dollar bill or another bank note. Shut the door on the note and then try to remove it without opening the door. If the note can be removed without opening the door , you should inspect the gaskets for damage.

Keep Hot Food Out

You might want to keep your freshly made lunch or dinner in the fridge, but you should never put hot food in it. It will warm up the fridge and this will cause the motor to turn on. Your fridge will work harder to get the temperature down and, in the meantime, the rest of your food will also be exposed to increased temperatures. For just one or two dishes, you are putting the rest of your food at risk of spoiling while making your fridge work extra hard.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Your fridge releases heat through the condenser coils found at the back of the appliance. Since they are not covered or protected in any way, they are bound to gather dust. The more dust builds up, the less effective they will become at releasing heat. As part of your fridge maintenance routine, clean the condenser coils every couple of months to keep it as efficient as possible.

Don’t Set too Cold

Setting your fridge to the coolest temperature is not good. If you are planning on hosting a party and you need to chill food or drinks fast, then you can lower the temperature for a couple of hours. However, this is only for temporary use and should not be the regular setting on your fridge. Your food doesn’t need to be ice cold in order to stay fresh. Choose a moderate temperature and follow the instruction guid.

Keep Food Converted

Apart from sanitary reasons, covering your food is a good idea if you want to reduce the level of humidity inside your fridge . If there is too much humidity in your fridge , it will work harder to get rid of excess moisture. Again, this makes your fridge less efficient than it should be.

Inspection and Maintenance

For proper fridge maintenance, don’t forget to check your fridge regularly for any signs of significant damage. If you notice strange noises, leaks, or even if your fridge seems to run constantly, call a technician right away. A faulty thermostat or motor can cause your fridge to run non-stop and this will result in a higher electricity bill.