Summer brings its own maintenance requirements for your appliances. That’s especially true for the ones you’re using more frequently, and those you may not need until fall. Our experts summarize some summer appliance maintenance tips to ensure your refrigerator, pellet grill and other appliances receive the upkeep they need.
Guidelines for Easy Summer Appliance Maintenance
We know everyone wants to relax and unwind in the summertime. That’s why our appliance summer checklist contains easy tips to maintain your appliances, so they’re ready when you need them the most.
Refrigerator Maintenance Tips
Summer appliance maintenance should never neglect your hard-working refrigerator, which, on hotter days, works extra hard to maintain cool temperatures. We recommend the following refrigerator maintenance guidelines to prevent stress and strain on this vital appliance:
- Clean the condenser coils: Keeping these coils free of dust and debris enables the refrigerator to cool refrigerant efficiently.
- Keep the fridge and freezer full: A full, but not crammed, refrigerator is easier to cool than an empty one. Strive to keep both the fridge and freezer about ¾ full.
- Make sure the refrigerator seal works properly: This seal is vital to keeping cold air in and warm air out on hot days.
Ice Maker Cleaning
If you have an ice machine in your home, chances are you’ll use it more frequently during the summer. That’s why our summer checklist for appliances includes easy ice maker cleaning steps to help you beat the heat:
- Unplug the ice machine.
- Empty the ice bin and wash with mild dish soap.
- Turn off the water supply, remove the drain cap and allow the water pan to drain. Fill the water pan with the recommended amounts of ice machine cleaner and water.
- Plug in the machine, replace the ice bin and run a complete cleaning cycle.
- Dump the first batch of ice, refill the pan with water and run a second cleaning cycle.
- Dispose of any ice and reconnect the ice machine to your water supply.
Prevent Dryer Fires
Regular dryer maintenance should include vent cleanings to prevent dryer fires. We suggest having your vents cleaned at least once a year to make sure they’re free of lint and debris. These byproducts can restrict airflow, not only leading to longer drying times but creating a dangerous fire hazard.
Is your annual dryer vent cleaning overdue? Have you noticed longer drying times? If so, make a professional vent cleaning part of your summer appliance maintenance plan.
Pellet Grill Maintenance
If you have a pellet grill you know that Traeger grill maintenance is key to avoiding messy grease leaks. These tips address how to clean each component so you’re always ready for summer grilling:
- Grease drip and bucket: After the grill is completely cool, remove the bucket and drip tube. Scrape each with a non-abrasive tool to remove accumulated grease. Wipe away lingering stains with a paper towel.
- Grill interior: While the grill is hot, scrub the grate with a non-metallic brush. After the grill has cooled, remove the grate, baffle, and drain pan. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove accumulated debris. Replace all removed parts.
- Smoke Stack: Remove the chimney cap and clean with warm, soapy water. Scrape the stack’s interior with a non-abrasive tool and wipe down with a clean cloth before reassembling.
- Exterior: When the grill is completely cool, clean with a paper towel and warm soapy water.
What to Do with Your Gas Fireplace
Are you wondering, “Should I turn off the pilot light on my gas fireplace this summer?” The answer is yes. This small task can decrease your summer energy bills and lessen buildup on the fireplace’s glass covering. Follow these additional summer appliance maintenance tips to keep your gas fireplace ready for cooler days:
- Clean the fireplace glass: Make sure the glass is completely cool before using a non-abrasive cleaner.
- Clean the fireplace insert: Remove the glass to dust and vacuum the fireplace logs and pilot assembly valves. Check for leaks or cracked valves.
- Replace fireplace embers.
- Reassemble fireplace glass.
Be careful though as fireplace glass can be easily broken and isn’t always easy to clean. Luckily, Cody’s offers professional fireplace maintenance cleaning service so you can avoid doing this dirty job yourself. If you aren’t confident in performing this kind of work, schedule fireplace maintenance service with us today!
Cody’s Appliance Repair is committed to quality appliance service. Our summer appliance maintenance checklist ensures that your appliances run smoothly when you need them the most.
