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Oven Wisdom: Prolonging the Life of Your Oven

Ovens are a cornerstone of modern kitchens, enabling us to prepare everything from daily meals to festive feasts. To ensure your oven operates efficiently and lasts for many years, regular maintenance and proper usage are key. Here are some detailed tips to help you take care of your oven.

1. Regular Cleaning

Keeping your oven clean is essential for both performance and safety. Food spills and grease build-up can cause smoke and unpleasant odors, and they can also affect the oven's heating efficiency.

• Self-Cleaning Function: If your oven has a self-cleaning function, use it periodically. This feature heats the oven to a very high temperature to burn off food residue.
• Manual Cleaning: For ovens without a self-cleaning feature, use a mild cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the oven's interior.

2. Check and Replace Seals

The door seals (gaskets) are crucial for maintaining the oven's temperature. Worn or damaged seals can lead to heat loss, causing the oven to work harder and use more energy.

• Inspect Seals Regularly: Check the seals for signs of wear and tear. If you notice cracks or gaps, it might be time to replace them.
• Simple Test: Close the door on a piece of paper. If you can pull it out easily, the seal may need to be replaced.

3. Avoid Overloading

Overloading your oven can obstruct airflow, leading to uneven cooking and extended cooking times.

• Proper Spacing: Ensure there is enough space around your dishes for air to circulate. This helps in achieving consistent cooking results.
• Multiple Racks: When using multiple racks, stagger the dishes so that air can flow freely around each one.

4. Use the Right Cookware

Using appropriate cookware can enhance your oven's efficiency and longevity.

• Oven-Safe Materials: Ensure your cookware is oven-safe. Glass, ceramic, and metal are typically good choices, while certain plastics and other materials can release harmful chemicals or melt.
• Proper Size: Use cookware that fits well in your oven. Oversized pans can block heat flow, while undersized ones can lead to uneven cooking.

5. Monitor and Maintain Temperature

Keeping your oven at the correct temperature is essential for both energy efficiency and cooking results.

• Use an Oven Thermometer: Oven thermostats can sometimes be inaccurate. Using an oven thermometer can help you monitor the actual temperature.
• Preheat Properly: Always preheat your oven to the desired temperature before placing your food inside. This ensures even cooking and can save energy in the long run.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Using Aluminum Foil: Lining the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil can block heat and air flow, leading to poor performance and potential damage.
• Check the Oven Light: Ensure your oven light is functioning so you can check on your food without opening the door and letting heat escape.
• Keep the Exterior Clean: Regularly clean the exterior of your oven, including the control panel and knobs, to ensure they function properly.
• Ventilation: Ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated when using the oven, especially during self-cleaning cycles.

Conclusion

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your oven runs efficiently and has a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance not only saves you money on repairs but also keeps your oven performing at its best. For more expert advice and top-quality appliances, visit us at Sargents Home Appliance Sales & Service. We’re here to help you keep your home running smoothly with reliable, American-made appliances.

Dryer Wisdom: Prolonging the Life of Your Dryer

Dryers are a vital part of the laundry routine, making the task of drying clothes quick and efficient. However, to ensure your dryer continues to operate effectively and lasts for many years, regular maintenance is crucial. As a seasoned appliance technician with years of experience, I can tell you that taking a few simple steps can significantly extend the life of your dryer. Here are some detailed tips to help you take care of your dryer.

1. Clean the Lint Filter

One of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks is cleaning the lint filter. Lint build-up can obstruct airflow, making your dryer work harder and increasing the risk of overheating and fires. After every load, remove the lint filter and clear away any lint. Occasionally, wash the filter with warm, soapy water to remove any residue left by fabric softeners.

Why It's Important:

• Safety: Lint build-up is a leading cause of dryer fires. Regular cleaning can prevent this hazard.
• Efficiency: A clean lint filter allows for better airflow, which helps your dryer run more efficiently and dry clothes faster.

2. Inspect the Venting System

The venting system is responsible for expelling hot, moist air from the dryer. Over time, lint and debris can accumulate in the vent hose, reducing efficiency and posing a fire hazard. At least once a year, disconnect the vent hose and clean it out using a long brush or a vacuum attachment. Ensure the exterior vent hood is also clear of obstructions.

Detailed Steps:

• Disconnect and Clean: Unplug your dryer and disconnect the vent hose. Use a dryer vent cleaning kit or a vacuum to remove any lint and debris.
• Check the Exterior Vent: Ensure that the vent flap opens and closes freely and that no birds or pests have nested in the vent.

Benefits:

• Improved Airflow: Clean vents allow your dryer to expel air more efficiently, reducing drying time and energy use.
• Fire Prevention: Regular cleaning of the vent system minimizes the risk of dryer fires caused by lint build-up.

3. Avoid Overloading

Overloading your dryer can strain the motor and other components, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Overloaded dryers take longer to dry clothes and can lead to uneven drying. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load sizes and avoid cramming too many items into the drum.

Tips for Proper Loading:

• Balance the Load: Distribute clothes evenly in the drum to avoid putting too much weight on one side.
• Leave Room: Clothes should have enough space to tumble freely. A loosely packed drum allows for better air circulation and more efficient drying.

Consequences of Overloading:

• Wear and Tear: Excessive weight can damage the drum bearings and other components, leading to costly repairs.
• Inefficiency: Overloaded dryers take longer to dry clothes, using more energy and increasing your utility bills.

4. Use the Right Settings

Using the appropriate drying cycle for your laundry not only protects your clothes but also improves the efficiency of your dryer. For example, delicate items should be dried on a lower heat setting, while heavier items like towels and jeans can handle higher heat. Take advantage of sensor drying features if your dryer has them, as they can help prevent over-drying and save energy.

Setting Guidelines:

• Low Heat for Delicates: Use low heat settings for delicate fabrics to prevent damage.
• High Heat for Heavy Items: Utilize higher heat settings for bulkier items like towels and jeans for efficient drying.
• Sensor Drying: If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it to avoid over-drying. The sensor detects when clothes are dry and automatically stops the cycle.

Benefits:

• Energy Savings: Using the right settings can reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
• Fabric Protection: Appropriate settings help prevent damage to your clothes, extending their lifespan.

5. Check the Drum Seals

The drum seals are essential for maintaining proper airflow inside the dryer. Worn or damaged seals can lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Periodically check the seals around the drum and door for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, have them replaced promptly to ensure your dryer operates efficiently.

Inspection Tips:

• Visual Check: Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or missing pieces, around the drum seals.
• Test the Seal: Close the dryer door and check if it seals tightly. A loose door could indicate worn seals.

Benefits of Maintaining Drum Seals:

• Efficiency: Good seals ensure that hot air stays inside the drum, reducing drying time and energy use.
• Prevent Heat Loss: Proper seals prevent heat from escaping, which helps maintain consistent drying performance.

Additional Tips

• Balance the Load: When loading your dryer, try to mix items of different sizes to promote even drying. This practice prevents large items from balling up and ensures that everything dries thoroughly.
• Cool Down Period: Allowing a cool-down period at the end of the drying cycle helps reduce wrinkles and makes clothes easier to handle. This feature uses the residual heat to finish drying clothes without overheating them.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Schedule regular maintenance checks for your dryer to ensure all components are functioning correctly. This includes inspecting the belt, pulleys, and heating elements. A professional technician can perform these checks and make any necessary repairs.
• Keep the Dryer Area Clean: Ensure the area around your dryer is free from dust and debris. Good airflow around the appliance helps maintain its efficiency and safety. A clutter-free space also reduces the risk of fire hazards.

Conclusion

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your dryer runs efficiently and has a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance not only saves you money on repairs but also keeps your laundry routine smooth and hassle-free. For more expert advice and top-quality appliances, visit us at Sargents Home Appliance Sales & Service. We’re here to help you keep your home running smoothly with reliable, American-made appliances. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we’re always here to provide the support and service you need.

Whether you're looking for tips on maintaining your current appliances or searching for the best new models on the market, Sargents Home Appliance Sales & Service has you covered. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you make the most of your home appliances, ensuring they perform at their best for years to come. Visit our website or stop by our store to learn more about our products and services. We look forward to serving you!

Washer Wisdom: Prolonging the Life of Your Washing Machine

Washing machines are an essential appliance in every household. They save time and effort, making laundry day much more manageable. However, like any machine, washers require regular maintenance to function efficiently and last for many years. Here are some detailed tips to help you take care of your washing machine.

1. Use the Right Detergent

Using the appropriate detergent is crucial for maintaining your washer’s performance. For high-efficiency (HE) washers, it’s important to use HE detergent. These detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds, which is necessary for HE machines to function correctly. Excessive suds can cause build-up and affect the washer’s operation. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding detergent types and amounts.

Benefits of Using HE Detergent:

• Efficiency: HE detergents are designed to work with less water, which is essential for HE machines. They ensure that clothes are cleaned effectively without producing excess suds that can interfere with the washing process.
• Longevity: Using the right detergent helps prevent residue build-up in the washer’s drum and pipes, which can lead to malfunctions and a shorter lifespan for your appliance.
• Cost-Effective: Although HE detergents might be slightly more expensive upfront, they are used in smaller quantities, making them cost-effective in the long run.

Tips for Detergent Use:

• Measure the detergent according to the load size and soil level.
• Avoid using too much detergent, as it can cause excessive suds and leave residues on clothes and in the washer.

2. Don’t Overload the Washer

Overloading your washing machine is a common mistake that can lead to various problems. When a washer is overloaded, it strains the motor and other mechanical parts, potentially causing damage. Additionally, clothes may not get cleaned properly, and the washer might not rinse out all the detergent. To prevent this, follow the manufacturer’s load recommendations and ensure there’s enough space for clothes to move freely during the wash cycle.

Consequences of Overloading:

• Wear and Tear: Overloading puts extra pressure on the washer’s components, leading to quicker wear and tear.
• Inefficient Cleaning: Clothes need space to move around for the detergent to penetrate and clean effectively. Overloading can result in poor cleaning performance.
• Increased Energy Consumption: Overloading can make the washer work harder, using more energy and water to try to clean the overloaded drum.

How to Avoid Overloading:

• Follow the washer’s manual for load capacity guidelines.
• Leave enough space for clothes to tumble freely; a loosely packed drum is ideal for effective cleaning.

3. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your washing machine is essential to prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Start by cleaning the drum. You can run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or a specialized washing machine cleaner. Also, clean the detergent dispensers and the door seals, as these areas can accumulate detergent residue and grime.

Steps for Regular Cleaning:

• Drum Cleaning: Run an empty hot water cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month to remove soap scum and mold.
• Detergent Dispensers: Remove and rinse the detergent dispensers with warm water to prevent build-up.
• Door Seals: Wipe down the door seals with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove any accumulated dirt and prevent mold growth.

Benefits of Regular Cleaning:

• Odor Prevention: Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of mold and mildew, which can cause unpleasant odors.
• Efficiency: A clean washer operates more efficiently, using less energy and water.
• Longevity: Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your washing machine by preventing clogs and mechanical issues.

4. Inspect and Replace Hoses

The hoses connected to your washing machine are prone to wear and tear over time. Inspect them regularly for signs of cracks, bulges, or leaks. It’s generally recommended to replace the hoses every three to five years to prevent potential water damage from hose failure. Opt for high-quality, stainless steel braided hoses, which are more durable than standard rubber ones.

Signs of Hose Wear:

• Cracks and Bulges: These indicate that the hose is weakening and may burst.
• Leaks: Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage over time.
• Corrosion: If you see rust or corrosion around the hose connections, it’s time to replace them.

Benefits of Using Stainless Steel Braided Hoses:

• Durability: Stainless steel hoses are more resistant to wear and tear.
• Leak Prevention: These hoses are less likely to burst compared to rubber hoses.
• Safety: Reduces the risk of water damage due to hose failure.

5. Ensure the Washer is Level

An unbalanced washing machine can cause excessive vibrations and noise, potentially damaging the machine and surrounding structures. Use a level to check if your washer is perfectly balanced. Most machines have adjustable feet, so you can easily make the necessary adjustments. A level machine not only operates more quietly but also experiences less wear and tear.

Steps to Level Your Washer:

• Check with a Level: Place a level on top of the washer to check if it’s even.
• Adjust Feet: If the washer is not level, adjust the feet by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise as needed.
• Test Run: After adjustments, run a test cycle to ensure the washer operates smoothly without excessive vibrations.

Benefits of a Level Washer:

• Reduced Noise: A level washer operates more quietly.
• Less Wear and Tear: Reduces the strain on the washer’s components, extending its lifespan.
• Improved Performance: Ensures that the washer works efficiently and effectively.

Additional Tips

• Leave the Door Open: After completing a wash cycle, leave the washer door open to allow the interior to dry out. This practice helps prevent mold and mildew growth inside the drum.
• Remove Finished Loads Promptly: Don’t let wet clothes sit in the washer for extended periods. Remove them promptly to avoid musty odors and mold.
• Use the Correct Cycle: Select the appropriate wash cycle for your laundry. Delicate fabrics require gentler cycles, while heavily soiled items might need a more intensive wash. Using the correct cycle reduces wear on your clothes and the machine.
• Check for Obstructions: Occasionally check the drum and other accessible areas for small items that might have fallen out of pockets, such as coins or keys. These objects can damage the drum and other components if not removed.

Conclusion

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your washing machine runs efficiently and has a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance not only saves you money on repairs but also keeps your washer performing at its best. For more expert advice and top-quality appliances, visit us at Sargents Home Appliance Sales & Service. We’re here to help you keep your home running smoothly with reliable, American-made appliances.

By implementing these steps and making them part of your routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained washing machine, ensuring it serves your household effectively for many years. For any additional support or if you need professional service, Sargents Home Appliance Sales & Service is always here to assist you. Our commitment to quality service and reliable products is unmatched, ensuring your home appliances are in top condition.

Ever wondered what goes on in the life of an appliance repair technician? These unsung

heroes play a crucial role in keeping our homes running smoothly by repairing our

clothes washers, refrigerators, and more. In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes and

provide insight into the demanding yet rewarding world of appliance repair technicians.

The Daily Hustle: On any given day, an appliance technician can expect to tackle

between 6 to 12 service calls, depending on the company they work for. But what does

What does this mean? It means juggling a hectic schedule, racing against time to diagnose and

repair appliances to keep their set schedule, all while keeping customers satisfied and

their appliances operating. Without these important parts of our society, our food would

spoil, our clothes would be dirty and our sinks would be overrun with dishes.

The Art of Routing: The day begins with the careful routing of service calls.

Technicians typically group appointments in the same geographical area to maximize

efficiency. This way, they can minimize travel time and serve more customers in a day.

In a large city, taking into consideration the traffic and school zones can mean the

difference between the tech arriving on time or showing up hours late. In a town like

where we are from, a trip from one zip code to another zip code could take an hour.

Appointment schedulers hold the keys to a great day for an appliance tech, so it’s always

good that the office staff and technicians have a friendly relationship.

The Waiting Game: For homeowners awaiting a technician’s arrival, being available all

day or for a 4-hour window can be challenging, but being aware of the challenges a tech

faces getting to you is something you have to be aware of. Our technicians want to do

your job because that means they have more money in their pocket, so if they are going

to be a little late please work with them. In the case of our company, we do a call ahead to

make sure that someone is home. If we don’t hear from you or once a tech leaves your

area, we will most likely have to move on to the next job. This can lead to rescheduling

which we understand can be inconvenient, but technicians have commitments too and

I need to make it home at a decent time.

Preparing for the Unknown: A skilled technician doesn’t simply show up and tinker

with your appliance, although bad technicians will do that. They often do their homework

beforehand, studying wiring schematics and disassembly manuals to get a head start on

the diagnosis. Sometimes, they even carry potential replacement parts, although keeping

an extensive stock is no easy task due to ever-changing designs and part numbers. With

time, a tech can look at a model number or an appliance and give an educated guess as to

what is wrong with it. When I was a younger man doing tech work in my early 20s, I

would be able to pre-diagnose quite a bit of machines. I would walk in with a handful of

tools and a part and get the appliance running before the customer could sit down in the

living room.

The Waiting Game Continues: If a part needs to be ordered, the technician documents

their findings and locates the necessary components. Most repair organizations use

reputable appliance parts distributors that offer OEM parts and a warranty. Sometimes

though, parts are backordered or unavailable for the time being. A lot of companies will

not use sellers like Amazon and Ebay to locate parts. If your part has no eta from the

normal sources, it may be on you to try and locate the part. Just make sure the company

will install the part from a 3rd party. If it seems to be taking too long, don’t fret. Rest

assured, technicians are just as eager to finish the job quickly as you are, as it ensures

they get paid promptly.

The Midday Break: Many technicians take a well-deserved lunch break during the day.

Some take a nap, some eat a quick lunch, and some work out on their lunch break.

However, some techs, due to a packed schedule, might have to skip or shorten their

breaks. The workload can be demanding, and these professionals often find themselves

racing against time. It’s all part of the job and this is why it’s important to have your

ducks in a row before you set out on your day.

Appliance Techs Are Unseen Experts: Appliance repair technicians often get a bad rap,

with some assuming that their job is easy. In reality, a GOOD appliance tech is one of the

most capable repair persons in any industry. They can diagnose electrical issues with

precision, repair complex electronic control boards at the component level like a capacitor or

relay, read intricate wiring schematics, and handle major tasks like replacing

transmissions. Most are also skilled in soldering and capable of HVAC work, making sure

they are versatile professionals.

Specializations: In many repair organizations, technicians are specialized. Some handle

all types of repairs, from control boards to transmissions, while others focus solely on

sealed system repairs, dealing with compressors and evaporators. Every week, they might

find themselves tackling various types of jobs, from complex repairs in the morning to

more straightforward fixes in the afternoon. If you need a specific kind of tech,

make sure to ask the company if they have a tech that is a pro in that kind of repair. If you

need a new r-600a refrigerant tech, make sure you ask if they do that so you get the best

tech for your job.

The next time you encounter an appliance repair technician, remember the demanding

and varied work they do behind the scenes. Sometimes they may come off as gruff or

rude, but that may be because they are hyper-focused on getting your appliance up and

operating in the most efficient way possible. Their expertise extends far beyond just

fixing appliances; they’re the unsung heroes keeping our homes running smoothly,

solving problems you might not even know you had. So, the next time your technician

arrives, show some appreciation for the hard work they do to make your life easier.

Over the years, we've witnessed remarkable transformations in the world of home appliances. From gas powered motors to low energy usage electric motors the world of appliances has come a long way. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating evolution of washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ranges, and even microwaves. Learn how some products came to be and how other products have evolved into what they are today. Buckle up, and let's discover how these everyday companions have evolved from vintage to smart, making our lives more convenient.

Washers: From Manual to Automatic

Picture this: it's the early 20th century, and laundry day involves hard manual labor that almost seems never ending. You'd have to roll up your sleeves and transfer the laundry between different stages of the washing process - washing, rinsing, and wringing. Your washer being a gas-powered monster, can complete these tasks with ease as long as you’re there to help it out. But it doesn’t end there. Once the laundry was done, you'd need to use a wringer to squish out the water, so you could line dry your clothes. It was a laborious task that could take days to complete if you let it pile up.

But then, in 1937, the game-changer arrived: the first automatic washer. It was a true marvel: filling, washing, draining, and even spinning the clothes dry, all without you having to lift a finger. Doing your laundry suddenly became a whole lot easier. Fast forward to today, and washing machines have significantly larger capacities to accommodate growing blanket sizes and other oversized items. Moreover, their spin speeds are much faster, meaning your clothes dry in no time. However, we can't help but reminisce about the longevity of those vintage models - we once sold one of the last wringers ever made in the '80s, and it still runs! Nowadays, if your washer lasts 15 years, consider yourself lucky.

Dryers: The Triumph Over Line Drying

Imagine a time when line drying your clothes was the only option. It worked well in the summer, but in the winter, it was quite the predicament. Then, in 1892, the first heated automatic dryer was invented. But these early dryers were clunky and complicated, with multiple belts and large heating elements that used quite a bit of electricity. They were heavy and not exactly user-friendly.

Over the years, dryers shed their excess weight, becoming lighter, more efficient, and less complicated to work with. Modern dryers, besides their fundamental role in drying clothes, offer some incredible features. Ever heard of steam cycles or receiving a smartphone notification when your laundry is almost done? These innovations have transformed laundry day from a chore into a breeze with features designed to make your life easier.

Refrigerators: Keeping It Cool Since the 1800s

The first domestic refrigerators have always been a modern marvel. But before then, we relied on large ice blocks to keep things cool as we transferred them from place to place. The refrigerator story began in the mid-1800s when the first refrigeration cooling system was created. However, it wasn't until 1913 that mass-produced, economical refrigerators became accessible to the public, allowing people to keep food fresh for longer. For a while, there weren't many features or styles to choose from. The 1950s saw the introduction of ice makers, and there weren't many groundbreaking changes until the present day.

Early refrigerators used extremely toxic gasses like ammonia to create their cooling effect. As time went on, they transitioned to using less toxic refrigerants, but these still had an impact on the atmosphere. In 1994, the US government implemented a law banning the use of atmosphere-affecting refrigerants, leading to the development of safer alternatives. In today's market, refrigerators boast an inexpensive, eco-friendly refrigerant that's easily produced. 

Refrigerators now come in various styles, from side-by-sides to bottom-freezers, and feature an array of conveniences, such as Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor your fridge's temperature, built-in coffee makers, and even cameras to remotely inspect the contents. Although the refrigerators of years passed lasted much longer but used much more electricity. If you have an extremely old refrigerator and switch to a newer style one, you would realize a difference in your electricity bill.  

Dishwashers: From Simple Containers to Modern Marvels

Dishwashers, although they seem like a pretty new-age appliance, have been around since the 1893 Chicago World Fair when they were first introduced to the public. These early dishwashers had a simple design, resembling small containers that washed your dishes but didn't have the capability to dry them.

The real game-changer came in the 1970s when dishwashers became affordable for the average family. Initially, they were typically small, with dishwashers referred to as "short tubs." However, in the late 2000s, advancements in motor technology allowed manufacturers to create tall-tub dishwashers, adding significant room for your dirty dishes. Interestingly, vintage dishwashers, despite their smaller size, excelled at drying, thanks to their powerful heating elements that baked your dishes dry. 

In today’s dishwasher market, features like a 3rd rack, adjustable racks, steam pre-wash, and food filters have really transformed the abilities of your dishwasher making it more convenient, efficient, and a real helper in the kitchen.  

Ranges: The Heart of the Kitchen

Ranges, whether they're gas or electric, have been the heart of the kitchen for centuries. The first gas range appeared in the early 1800s, providing not only a means to cook food but also a source of heat and hot water. Electric ranges, on the other hand, were patented in the 1920s. For the longest time, ranges were fairly basic, offering the option to bake your food in the oven or use the stovetop for a variety of cooking methods.

The major changes in the world of ranges were mainly related to gas ranges and how they ignited. Initially, there was a constant pilot light or flame that would ignite the gas. This, however, posed a significant safety hazard, as if the pilot light went out, your house could fill up with gas, potentially causing an explosion. Convection cooking was introduced early on as a significant culinary enhancement allowing faster and more even cooking. But apart from that, there weren't many groundbreaking features for quite some time.

Fast forward to today's market, and you can get an oven that air fries, allowing you to enjoy crispy treats without the guilt. You can even scan your food's barcode, and the oven will automatically start cooking it to perfection. High BTU burners make quick work of boiling water and searing, saving you valuable time in the kitchen. Cooking food has been one of the biggest changes in human evolution. Imagine having to cook all your food over an open flame. 

Microwaves: From Military Technology to Kitchen Essential

Microwaves, perhaps the most ubiquitous kitchen appliance today, have an unexpected origin story. They were originally developed while perfecting military radar technology. One day in 1945 while walking through a room filled with radar technology, a man by the name of Percy Spencer realized his chocolate bar in his pocket began to melt when he got too close to the operating technology. Realizing there was no heat, he made the discovery that would transform our kitchen experience. These innovations eventually found their way into our homes, simplifying food preparation and reheating.

But the story doesn't end there. Microwaves have evolved even further, branching out into range hoods, air fryers and other features with advanced functionalities. These modern marvels not only efficiently remove cooking odors and smoke but also enhance kitchen safety with features like automatic shut-off, built-in lighting, and pre-set options to help you perfectly cook your food. 

Appliances Today

The evolution of home appliances from vintage to smart is a captivating journey through time. At Sargent's Maytag, we've been privileged to be part of this evolution since 1974. Today, modern appliances offer more features and connectivity than ever before, making household chores easier and more efficient. We invite you to stay tuned for more fascinating insights into the world of home appliances. We're here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of appliances, ensuring your home runs smoothly and efficiently.

Over the years, I've seen appliances evolve from simple machines to sophisticated marvels, improving our lives in countless ways. From dryers with steam features that remove wrinkles in a flash to refrigerators with WiFi that can alert you when the temperature is bad. The features that have come to light in the last few years really are eye-opening. But, today I want to discuss a topic that often goes unnoticed but has a profound impact on our lives: the relationship between our appliances and our indoor air quality.

In a world where we have become increasingly concerned about the air we breathe, it's vital to recognize that our household appliances can either be our allies or work against us in our fight for clean indoor air. Let's dive into some practical tips to ensure that your appliances don't inadvertently compromise your family's health.

Dryer Maintenance for Cleaner Air

Your dryer is one of the most used appliances in your home, ensuring your clothes are fresh and dry. However, improper care can transform it into a hidden source of indoor pollutants. Here's how to maintain a clean and efficient dryer:

• Regular Lint Filter Cleaning: The lint filter is your first line of defense. Clean it after every load to maintain proper airflow, preventing vent clogs. A clogged vent can spew dust, moisture, and mold spores into your home, leading to dirty walls and respiratory issues.
• Annual Dryer Vent Cleaning: Don't overlook this essential task. Professional vent cleaning prevents lint buildup, ensuring your dryer runs efficiently, doesn't compromise your indoor air quality and most importantly, saves you from a vent fire.
• Check Vent Installation: Ensure the vent is correctly fitted to the dryer and the pipe coming out from the wall to prevent lint from escaping into the air. If needed, use aluminum foil tape to seal the connections.

Washer Maintenance for Mold Prevention

Your washing machine is another indispensable appliance, making sure your clothes are clean and free of stains and odors. However, neglecting its care can lead to mold growth and indoor air problems. Here's how to keep it mold-free:

• Optimal Detergent Use: Excessive detergent or fabric softener can create a mold-friendly environment, creating a film on the inside of your machine that acts like a petri dish for mold or mildew to grow. Use the recommended amounts to keep the tub clean and free of pollutants.
• Use White Vinegar: Instead of fabric softener, use white vinegar. Add a 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar to soften clothes without promoting mold growth. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help clean and sanitize with every use.

Refrigerator Maintenance for a Cleaner Home

The refrigerator is the heart of your kitchen, but overlooking its cleanliness can impact your home's tidiness and indoor air quality. Food often falls or hides in tight areas that can easily be missed. Lint and dirt can build up causing cooling issues and excessive dust in the area. Here's how to keep it in top shape:

• Clean the Condenser Coil: Lint buildup on the condenser coil can force your refrigerator to work harder and potentially scatter lint on your walls. Regularly vacuum the coil to maintain efficiency. For even further cleaning, remove the back compressor cover and clean that condenser coil from this end as well.
• Regular Interior Cleaning: Food that has gone bad spreads mold spores throughout the inside of your refrigerator, waiting for the ideal time to contaminate other food items. Regularly cleaning the inside of your refrigerator will ensure no spores are hiding and that you didn’t lose some broccoli behind the crisper a few months back.

Garbage Disposal Care

Due to the nature of what it does, your garbage disposal can harbor bacteria, releasing unpleasant odors throughout your home. Keeping it clean can be tricky if you don’t know what to do. Here’s how to keep yours clean:

• Clean the Rubber Splash Guard: The black, finned object hiding the garbage disposal hole is designed to keep water and gunk from splashing up at you while your disposal is running. Cleaning it with soap and water is all that's needed to keep it fresh. Add a little bit of water around the rim to reinstall it with ease.
• Clean the Blades With Ice: Filling the disposal with ice, a little dish detergent, and slowly adding water while the disposal runs is one of the best ways to clean the blades. Although it sounds a little rough, the blades will cut through the ice while whipping up the soap to scrub and disinfect the blades and disposal cavity.

Air Conditioner Maintenance for Allergen-Free Comfort

Though not a traditional appliance, your air conditioner plays a huge role in indoor air quality. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to poor air quality and the dispersal of odors or pollutants around your house. Here's how to ensure your AC promotes a healthy indoor environment:

• Replace Air Filters Regularly: Air filters are your first defense against allergens and pollutants. A clogged filter can't do its job properly and can even cause your system to stop working. Replace filters every 1-3 months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean Air Ducts: Over time, air ducts can accumulate dust, mold, and allergens. Having them professionally cleaned can significantly improve indoor air quality.

Range Hood Maintenance for Cleaner Air While Cooking

While often underestimated, your range hood plays a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality, especially while cooking. A poorly installed duct system can cause grease, smoke, and moisture throughout your cabinets, creating a cleaning nightmare. Here's how to ensure it's doing its job effectively:

• Clean Grease Filters: Grease and grime can accumulate on range hood filters, impeding airflow and reducing efficiency. Clean them regularly in the dishwasher or replace these filters to maintain proper performance.
• Replace Carbon Filters: If your vent is recirculating, having a fresh carbon filter is very important, especially if your oven is gas. Carbon filters scrub the air of smoke and carbon monoxide.
• Check Venting: If your hood exhausts the house, ensure the ducts are sealed to prevent leaks.

Household appliances have evolved to become essential parts of our lives, and their proper maintenance is key to a healthy indoor environment. By following these guidelines for your dryer, washer, refrigerator, air conditioner, and range hood, you can ensure that your appliances contribute positively to your indoor air quality and overall well-being. Don’t let small issues fester into a bigger problem. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Stay tuned for more informative blogs that empower you to make the most of your home appliances and create a healthier, happier living space.

Extreme weather is a part of life, and learning to deal with it is how human beings have been able to evolve from primitive beings to advanced mega minds. Part of living in the 21st century is keeping our trusted appliances running correctly and efficiently when we’re faced with an emergency like an extended power outage or heat wave. Thankfully, I’m here to help arm you with the knowledge to make it through these inconveniences and come out the other end better than you would have otherwise. Together, we’ll go over what to do with your washer when you’re having power surges, how to cope with your refrigerator when a blizzard hits, and much more. Let’s get to it, as the weather never waits.

Preparing for Extreme Weather

When it comes to extreme weather, there’s not much we can do once it actually hits. Wind storms, blizzards, hard freezes, and heatwaves are just a few examples of the things that can cause us major issues in a short amount of time. In the days leading up to these storms, there are some preventative measures we can take so we are prepared when something does hit.

Protecting Electronics from Power Fluctuations

If you live in the rural parts of town or off-grid, you’re probably aware that your power can fluctuate, causing issues with your electrical devices. The best thing you can do if your power does have issues in harsh weather is to unplug or protect your expensive electronics. Things like newer washing machines, computers, and refrigerators are always using some sort of standby electricity. If a power surge happens, it could instantly “fry” your electronic control boards, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Unplugging them when you know you’re going to have an issue is a cheap alternative to having a service tech come out and repair all your stuff. You can also use a surge protector on your important things. However, you need to buy the correct protector for what you are using. Make sure you are getting the right amount of amp protection to adequately protect your appliance.

Managing Food During Power Outages

Depending on the temperature outside, a complete power outage can become a real nightmare. If you have a freezer full of food and the power goes out, you have a limited amount of time to get your food to a safe place before it begins to spoil. A refrigerator can warm up as much as 10 degrees in an hour with the doors staying shut the entire time. That means in one hour, you can potentially enter the temperature “danger zone” for your food. The best thing to do is to not open your door at all. Don’t even open it to check the temperature; it’s going up, trust me. If it’s hot outside, you need coolers. This is where some preventative measures come in handy. Make sure you have enough coolers on standby to keep your meat, frozen fruit, or other expensive items cold or frozen. Now, if it’s cold, you’re in luck. Just stick your food outside. If there’s snow, even better. You can safely keep your food in the snow without worry, besides maybe the dog eating it.

Using Backup Batteries

Keeping on the subject of power outages, if you have a backup battery with a 110-volt outlet, you can do a few things with it so you can keep using your appliances. Depending on the size of the battery and its output, you may be able to run your dishwasher off of it, as many new dishwashers use very little electricity. In most cases, a backup battery has enough juice to run a gas range. Yes, in many instances, you can light the top of your gas range with a match. However, if you plug the range into your backup, you might be able to use the oven, which uses very little electricity. If needing your oven or cooktop in a power outage situation is important, make sure you have what is needed to get the top going or run the oven.

Energy-Saving Tips During Heatwaves

Heat waves put a lot of stress on us humans and on the power grid. People using their air conditioners non-stop trying to cool themselves and their houses is one of the major reasons for this power deficit. Ensuring your AC filters are replaced at least every 3 months and making sure your outdoor condensing unit is clean are two amazing ways to help you reduce your energy usage. However, that probably isn’t enough in the scheme of things. During hot summer months and especially when we are having a heat wave, is the best time to line-dry our clothes. Not operating your dryer and using the power of the sun to dry our clothes is one of the best things we as humans can do to reduce our energy usage. Not to mention using your dryer 25% less would give you amazing results on the longevity of your dryer.

Extreme Temperatures and Appliance Performance

On really hot or cold days, our exterior walls start to heat or cool to the temperature on the outside. If we have an uninsulated garage, our garage will also do the same thing. In the occurrence of hot garages where most of us keep our spare refrigerators, it can get up to over 100 degrees. This high temp will make your refrigerator run harder and for longer periods of time. Unfortunately, we don’t put our best resources in the garage as a spare. Usually, we have a unit out there that kind of works, and putting it in a hot environment is making it worse. If you have this situation going on, try putting a small fan blowing towards the front of your unit. This extra airflow will help cool the compressor and refrigerant and help the unit cool, so it’s not running longer than it should. In the case of cold garages where some people keep their washers or have a laundry room off of the garage, freezing is a real issue. Cold temperatures can and will freeze the water going to the washer or the drain that allows water to leave the machine. If it’s a really cold day and your washer doesn’t want to fill with water, you most likely have a frozen water valve. If this occurs, try adding a heater or one of those light bulb extensions in the room. The extra heat can bring up the temperature enough to keep you from freezing. If your drain pipe is frozen, you’re going to need a plumber to insulate the pipe. This issue, over time, will bust the pipe causing a major issue inside the wall of your home.

Extreme weather can be a major downer. If you start having issues with your appliances while experiencing extreme weather, it can quickly become an emergency. Being prepared and knowing the potential issues you will face is a great step to overcoming adversity. In this blog, we talked about how to safely keep your medication and food in a power outage, how to save energy when in a heat wave, and how to protect your appliances when a cold or hot snap. But that’s not all we have in store for you. Join us next time as I uncover the tips and secrets of the appliance industry and help you maneuver through the ever-changing appliance landscape.

Among the chaos of modern life, our trusty appliances stand as helpful partners that ease our burdens of everyday life and keep our homes running smoothly. But have you ever wondered if these loyal members of the household might be secretly contributing to your energy bills spiraling out of control? If you've ever wished for the knowledge on how to transform your energy-hungry appliances into lean, green efficiency machines, you're in for a treat. Welcome to a guide that promises to reveal the secrets and hidden gems of energy-saving wisdom, straight from the treasure trove of an industry expert. In 'Energy-Saving Tips for Efficient Appliance Usage,' we're about to dive deep into a world that will revolutionize the way you interact with your washers, dryers, refrigerators and more. Bid farewell to wasted watts and buckle up as we dive into a world where your appliances not only serve you but also Mother Earth, one energy-efficient cycle at a time.

Cracking the Code of Appliance Efficiency

I know what you’re thinking. You wish we could go back to a world where the amount of water being used in my dishwasher wasn’t important. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that there are more people using more appliances than ever before. With this massive increase in people using energy and water consuming appliances there is a need to have a more energy efficient house, so there’s more energy to go around. Most newer appliances already have the water consumption and energy usage under control. But what about your old appliance that you don’t want to give up? Let's jump into some things we can do to help get the most out of your appliances without racking up a high energy bill.

Washers: Mastering Water Efficiency and Temperature Selection

Washers:  

1. Use the correct water level for the load you’re washing.
2. Is the extra rinse always on?
3. Use the correct water temperature for the stains or materials you have.

Washers use an incredible amount of water. The amount of water each cycle uses depends on a few factors, but it can be anywhere between 15 gallons and 40 gallons, PER CYCLE. Front load washers are going to use far less water than a top load, while still allowing you to have a large capacity. If water consumption is important to you, make sure you’re using the right load size for the job. You’d be surprised to find out that most people never change the load size on their washer. Even when doing a small load, the water level never moves. This one change could save you 20 gallons. A good rule is to do almost full loads most of the time. You’ll get the most out of your energy and water consumption this way. Another thing I often see is the extra rinse always being on. There’s this strange misconception that adding more soap is going to make your clothes cleaner. On top of being false, it’s not that great for your machine. Most people know this and opt for an extra rinse to ensure the soap has been washed from the clothes. If a washer fills with 14 gallons, then a redundant extra rinse is just going to add to that. A good option is to use the least amount of soap that you need to get your clothes clean; usually about 2 tablespoons up to a quarter cup for a large load. Remember, the soap manufacturers want you to use more soap than needed so you have to buy it more often, so be wary of their recommendations. 

Water consumption is vital with washers, but what about energy consumption? What can be done about that? For the most part, washers' energy consumption is surprisingly really low. The biggest energy usage from the machine comes from heating the water that you use on a warm or hot cycle. The motor and other electrical devices actually use very little energy. The best way to make sure you’re not over using hot water is to become familiar with what stains are removed with what water temperature. Most people default to warm water in their washer, which is OK but not efficient at all. Instead, use the correct water temp. For instance, blood, water based paint, food items and toothpaste are removed easily with cold water. Lipstick, grass, oil and grease are all stains that are removed with hot water. Knowing how stains work and what water temperature to use can really help you from using hot water when you don’t need to. 

Dryers: Decoding Drying Efficiency

Dryers:  

1. Check your lint filter every cycle.
2. Inspect the airflow leaving your dryer vent often.
3. Make sure your clothes are leaving the washer with most of the water spun out.
4. Do not overload your dryer.

Dryers, unlike their washing partner, use a ton of electricity. These units can easily increase your power bill $20 a month if you aren’t careful. Even dryers that tout being energy stars are still very high on the energy consumption scale. The heating element takes 240 volts to operate, which is double the power that most of your other household appliances use; 120 volts. Knowing this, we have to be very careful to check certain things often so it works optimally. The first and probably most obvious thing to do is to check the lint filter every time you use the dryer. On top of protecting you from an unwanted lint fire, cleaning the lint filter often will allow proper airflow, heating and drying. If your filter is filled with lint, air is not passing across the heater efficiently and is not drying your clothes as fast as it should. Another part of this lint system is the aluminum tubing that is behind your dryer. This tube attaches to your house, which runs a duct to the outside to blow the moisture out of the dryer. Since it’s passing wet air through this tube, lint sticks to the walls eventually clogging this duct. When this duct gets clogged, your dry times are most likely going to double or triple, and so is your energy consumption. If you’re experiencing longer than necessary dry times, find the exhaust around your house perimeter. If you discover no or low air flow you’re going to want to hire a professional to come out and clean your vent.

Airflow is essential, but how you’re loading your dryer is equally significant. When you’re pulling your clothes out of your washer, make sure they aren’t sopping wet. For the most part, you shouldn’t be able to wring any water from your clothes when they exit the washer. If you can wring water out, throw your clothes in for a second spin. This will help get the rest of the water out. If you keep getting really wet clothes, your washer might be having an issue. The last thing to ensure when loading your dryer is to make sure you aren’t over loading it with clothes. If you have too many clothes in your dryer, they can’t tumble correctly, hot air can’t get between them and your clothes are going to take much longer to dry. Your jeans are going to have wet pockets, your shirts are still going to be damp and you’re just going to have to run it a second time. Instead, let's make sure we’re doing correct load sizes in our washer, which will ensure that our dryer is being loaded correctly. 

Refrigerators: Unveiling Cooling Efficiency

Refrigerators:  

1. Check the condenser coil for lint and dirt often.
2. Don’t have it pushed too far up against the back or side walls.
3. Be careful of air vents and do not overload.
4. Check the temperature setting you have it set to.

Refrigerators are one of the most valued appliances we have in our homes. They also use quite a bit of electricity because they run most of the time. Did you know that your refrigerator runs about 75% of the day? It seems very inefficient but due to modern advancements, compressors and other electrical devices use far less electricity than they did in the 70’s-90’s. However, there are a few things we can do to make sure this unit isn’t running 90% of the day. One of the biggest factors to ensuring your refrigerators optimal performance is to make sure the refrigerant cooling system is operating correctly. That seems like a lot to take in but it’s been designed for you, the consumer, to do yourself. The cooling system is made up of a coil in the front of the unit and a fan to blow cold air across it. If you have lint build up or the unit is pushed too far up against the back or side walls, the air flow can not cool the condenser. At least once a year, you should be vacuuming your coil in front of the unit. Remove the plastic grill from the front and use a vacuum extension to get in there and clean it up for optimal air flow. If you see your refrigerator is pushed too far back, carefully give it an inch or 2 to breath. It doesn’t take much, but that little space can really get air moving around your area.

Although airflow outside the unit is very important, air flow inside the unit is equally as important. There are several air vents located at the top and bottom of the freezer and fresh food sections. If these vents get covered with food because of your loading or because it is overloaded, you are not going to get the air flow needed to cool the unit properly. When this happens, the compressor is going to run continuously to try and get it down to the right temperature. If you are finding defrosted or soft frozen items often inside your freezer, the best thing to do is take everything out, throw out the bad things (we all have them) and reload it taking these vents into consideration. 

A Path to Energy-Efficient Living

As we conclude our journey through this world of energy-saving mastery, remember that small changes can yield significant results. By implementing the tips we've shared for your appliances, you're not just trimming down your energy bills, but also reducing your carbon footprint one smart decision at a time. By embracing the tips shared here – from maintaining a spotless coil to mastering the art of optimal loading, from choosing the right water level to harnessing water temperatures for stubborn stains, and from vigilant lint screen cleaning to mindful management of exhaust air flow – you're on a path to not only conserve energy and cut down bills, but also contribute to a more sustainable planet.

But, we don’t end here. Check in with us next time as I continue to help you wade through appliance myths and become an expert in a field where everyone could stand to know a little more. 

Facing a malfunctioning appliance can be an inconvenient situation, but it doesn't have to drain your finances. With the abundance of appliance repair companies available, discerning the trustworthy ones can be challenging. In this article, "Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Service," we will delve into the essential factors to consider when selecting your next repair provider. I will provide insights into the key qualities to look for in a reputable appliance repair technician, allowing you to make an educated decision and ensure effective appliance restoration from the outset. Drawing from my personal experience, I understand that the appliance repair industry encompasses both reliable and subpar companies. This guide aims to steer you clear of unreliable options and guide you toward a dependable, competent appliance repair service that swiftly rectifies your appliance issues.

As someone who has faced my fair share of repair mishaps, I empathize with the frustration that dealing with repair companies can evoke. From repeated rescheduling to receiving exorbitant, baffling bills, the repair landscape can feel like a tumultuous journey. Fortunately, my experiences have equipped me with valuable insights, having been both a recipient of repair services and a repair business owner.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Service:

1. Trust Your Instincts:

If you detect any suspicious signs associated with a repair company, it's best to steer clear. Even if you've incurred a diagnostic fee, it's wiser to invest in a second opinion rather than risk additional damage or receiving an inflated quote due to incompetence. Some individuals in the appliance realm may attempt to "wing it" by relying on online resources like YouTube videos or forums. While these resources can be helpful, a qualified technician should have been prepared for the job based on the provided model number.

2. Obtain a Second Opinion:

Don't hesitate to seek a second evaluation from a different repair professional. This precaution can safeguard you from potentially erroneous diagnoses and excessive repair costs.

3. Evaluate Reviews:

Online reviews hold merit and can offer valuable insights. Consistent patterns in reviews—such as recurring instances of misdiagnoses, rescheduled appointments, or unjustified repair expenses—can indicate standard business practices. Conversely, if reviews consistently highlight promptness, courtesy, and fair pricing, this can signal a reliable repair service.

4. Effective Communication:

When contacting a repair company, ask relevant questions to gauge their professionalism and expertise. Unprofessional or disinterested staff could be indicative of unsatisfactory service. Sharing pertinent information, like model and serial numbers, during your initial call can help the technician come prepared and potentially expedite the repair process.

5. Leverage Personal Connections:

Seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have utilized appliance repair services. Personal referrals carry significant weight and can guide you toward reputable options.

In a nutshell, we've covered the vital steps to nail down the perfect appliance repair service and highlighted the risks of making the wrong choice. From going with your gut feeling to browsing through reviews and getting advice from pals, these tips will serve you well. But our journey doesn’t end here. Join us again as I go over more professional tips and tricks that can help extend the life of your appliance, decrease its energy consumption, and overall keep your house running in top shape.

In a rapidly advancing world of technology and alluring new appliances, the age-old question lingers: Should you repair your trusty old appliance or invest in a shiny new one? This blog post aims to provide clarity and knowledge on this critical choice with advice from an industry pro. We will explore the differences between modern appliance quality and older generation models, as well as the impact of new energy standards. Join us as we delve into the world of "Appliance Repair vs. Appliance Replace" and uncover the tips appliance technicians use to make their decisions.

Innovation and Appliance Lifespan

Our society loves innovation and the ever-evolving features in household appliances. However, it's worth considering that more innovation often leads to shorter lifespans for appliances. Older appliances made before certain changes, like the 1994 refrigerant transition, tend to last longer compared to some newer counterparts. Sometimes, repairing an old appliance makes more sense than replacing it, especially if it involves multiple issues that can be addressed by a professional technician. Taking care of multiple repairs at once can even lead to discounts.

Energy Efficiency and its Impact

Energy efficiency regulations, while promoting a noble cause, have also caused some challenges. Manufacturers have made appliances more energy-efficient by using components that consume less electricity. However, this has sometimes resulted in reduced overall appliance longevity. For instance, newer refrigerators might not be as cold as older models due to changes in safe temperature zones. Understanding these changes can help you decide whether to repair your older, yet still functioning appliances, or invest in newer, more efficient ones.

Dishwashers: Filter Models vs. Agitator Models

Energy efficiency in dishwashers has brought both advantages and disadvantages. The shift from agitator models to filter models improved energy efficiency but introduced new challenges. The filters need regular cleaning, affecting washing efficiency. If your dishwasher is a filter model and experiencing minor issues like leaking or incomplete draining, it might be worth repairing. Consider the 50% rule: If repair costs are less than half the price of a new unit, repair might be a good option. However, be cautious not to compromise on quality when considering a new purchase.

Washing Machines: Balancing Capacity and Efficiency

The advancement of washing machines has brought features like larger capacities and faster spins, but it took time for newer models to match the cleaning performance of older machines. While older machines may last longer, newer machines are more efficient and use less electricity. When deciding whether to repair or replace your old washing machine, consider factors like the machine's age, capacity, and your satisfaction with its performance.

Factors to Consider When Deciding

When faced with the choice of repairing or replacing an appliance, consider these factors:

Personal Preference: Do you like the appliance? If you dislike it, a replacement might be the better choice.

Issue Identification: Try to identify the problem. This can help you get an accurate quote from a repair company and make an informed decision.

Market Alternatives: Research the options available on the market. Sometimes, the newer alternatives may not be suitable for your needs, making repairing the older appliance the better choice.

Appliance decisions can be complex, with various factors influencing the repair or replacement choice. By understanding the appliance world, energy efficiency, and individual preferences, you can make better-informed decisions. This blog post is just the beginning; stay tuned for more insights on choosing the right appliance repair company and exploring the latest innovations in the industry. Together, we can become more educated and make smarter decisions when it comes to our appliances. Until next time!

Contact us at (775) 358-4246 for a trusted opinion on repairing or replacing your appliance

In today's fast-paced world, our household appliances play a crucial role in simplifying our lives. But have you ever wondered how you can make these valuable time-savers last longer? Join us as we delve into expert tips and secrets to extend the lifespan of your washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. Discover the practices that can renew your appliances and save you time, money, and unnecessary effort.

Dishwashers

Lifespan when taken care of: 7-15 years

Lifespan when NOT taken care of: 2-8 years

• Pre-wash your dishes to activate the enzymes in dishwasher soap.
• Avoid overusing detergents and keep the rinse aid dispenser filled.
• Be mindful of how you load the dishwasher to avoid blocking the soap dispenser and causing damage to the racks.
• Use a dishwasher cleaner or a secret ingredient like our favorite, TANG, to remove build-up and keep your dishwasher functioning smoothly.

Refrigerators

Lifespan when taken care of: 8-15 years

Lifespan when NOT taken care of: 3-10 years

• Clean the coils underneath the refrigerator to ensure proper cooling and efficiency.
• Choose appropriate cleaning chemicals to avoid damaging the refrigerator's interior.
• Regularly check and clean the defrost drain to prevent water build-up and potential damage.
• Be mindful of how full you keep your refrigerator and ensure certain areas are free from food items that could obstruct airflow.

Dryers

Lifespan when taken care of: 10-15 years

Lifespan when NOT taken care of: 1 day-10 years

• Clean the lint filter before or after every load to prevent lint build-up and potential fire hazards.
• Inspect the air flow from the dryer vent exhaust to ensure proper ventilation.
• Check the vent tube behind the dryer for any obstructions or damage.
• Clean the sensor bars, if applicable, to ensure accurate drying and energy efficiency.

Washers

Lifespan when taken care of: 10-25 years

Lifespan when NOT taken care of: 2-8 years

• Avoid overloading the washer and follow the recommended weight capacity.
• Be careful how you load the washer to maintain balance and prevent unnecessary strain on the machine.
• Use the appropriate amount of detergent and avoid overusing fabric softener.
• Clean out the filter in front-load washers to prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance.

Ranges & Ovens

Lifespan when taken care of: 10-25 years

Lifespan when NOT taken care of: 4-12 years

• Be cautious of boiling water over the cooktop to avoid potential damage and electrical problems.
• Keep the cooktop and oven clean, promptly removing any spills or food debris.
• Prevent food splatter around the edges, as it can attract pests like mice.
• Avoid using the self-cleaning feature close to important events, as high heat can cause damage to sensitive components.

By following these expert tips and practices, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your household appliances. From being mindful of proper usage to regular maintenance, taking care of your appliances not only saves you time and money but also ensures their efficient performance for years to come. 

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we'll explore more industry secrets and troubleshooting techniques to help you keep your appliances running smoothly.

Introduction

In a world where inflation has tightened its grip on most of our wallets, the allure of repairing our own appliances can seem like a great idea. With a simple internet search, we can access pages, blogs, and videos of DIY tutorials promising cost-saving solutions. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly harmless endeavor lies a web of hidden costs and problems that can quickly turn this money-saving venture into a financial nightmare. In this blog, we'll dive into a few untold stories of DIY appliance repairs, reveal some real-world dangers you may face, and expose the issue with relying solely on internet wisdom. Together, we'll learn the price one pays when you forgo professional expertise for well-meaning but misguided online advice. Prepare to challenge your own knowledge and change the way you look at broken appliances for the rest of your life.

The Pitfalls of Guesswork and Improper Diagnosis

Imagine this: you're finishing up your final load of laundry. You pull your clothes out of the dryer and find that they're cold and wet. You go to restart the dryer, thinking maybe you didn't set something right, and it doesn't start. Your clothes are still wet and cold, and your dryer is down. You pull out your phone and do a quick search to find thousands of results on what could be wrong. The phrase "start switch" keeps popping up, and you come to the conclusion that you're going to buy the part and attempt it yourself. After all, how hard could it be?

This exact scenario happens every day. I see people coming in asking for parts often, and in many cases, they are asking for a part that I have rarely replaced in my career. I don't blame them, as I would most likely do the same thing. When situations like this arise in my shop, I try to help as much as possible, which includes providing a little bit of education. When it comes to doing some sort of repair, you don't want to just wing it or "shotgun" the parts, as we call it. There's a certain amount of certainty that I look for when I'm trying to diagnose something, and without that, you're just guessing. There are a few skills that anyone can learn that can make diagnosing small issues much easier. For instance, I tell my DIY clients that they need a multi-meter in their house. This one tool can help solve many household problems, including basic electrical issues.

Safety First - Respect for Electricity

If you want to dive into the world of household repair, there are different things you'll need, or else you can seriously injure yourself or someone else in the house. First and foremost, you need to have respect for electricity. A lot of people are afraid of electricity, and that's totally fine. When I'm teaching someone, I always prefer them to be afraid of being shocked because that means they will respect it and not go around touching things without the correct precautions. Electricity can quickly hurt you, and if it's not put back together correctly, it can seriously harm someone else. Statistically, there are 400 deaths by electrocution with another 4000 non-death injuries every year. However, with the correct precautions, you can keep from being a part of this statistic and work alongside electricity like tens of thousands of people do every day.

The Importance of Proper Disassembly and Knowledge

Another thing every DIYer needs is the ability to step back and assess a situation to learn the best way to take something apart. You want to learn how it comes apart without randomly removing screws or stressing plastic panels. A simple 10-minute job can quickly turn into a multi-hour job with just one wrong move. I remember a dryer a few years back that had a decorative plastic ring that went around the door and control panel area. In order to do almost any repair on this dryer, you needed to remove this "beauty ring." Unfortunately, for most of us techs that worked on this dryer the first time, we weren't aware of how this flimsy plastic piece was attached, and we broke almost every tab. Not only did this add time to the repair because now I had to replace this piece I didn't bring with me, but it was a $150 part! This scenario isn't even the worst outcome I've seen. I remember a customer trying to save money by replacing a small part on his dryer. I sold him the part and explained the basics of how to perform the job. A few hours later, the man comes back holding his control panel. Come to find out that while he was working on his dryer, he dropped the control panel with the wires attached, ripping the wires out of the board and ruining his dryer.

Knowing When to Call a Professional

I personally have a rule of thumb: if I have the potential to break something else while working on something or if the part I'm replacing costs more than $75-$100, I'm going to call a professional. As I said earlier, breaking something else can be detrimental to your appliance, and "shotgunning" parts can quickly become very expensive. Currently, in my shop, I have a few-year-old stack washer and dryer. This stack came into the shop because every time the customer put in a new part, a new problem arose. The issue is, he's already spent enough money to have purchased another stack, in his own words. After several hours of diagnosing, I still cannot figure out what is going on. There are several pieces of plastic that have been broken and "repaired," missing screws, missing wiring schematics, and the potential that whatever they replaced actually made things worse. Unfortunately, I had to call the customer and tell him I'm cutting my losses, and he should as well. If we were to add up everything that was spent on this unit, it adds up to a little over $4000. $1499 for the original stack, $1000 in erroneous parts, $89 from our shop for labor to say it's unrepairable, and another $1499 to buy another stack. It breaks my heart, and I wish there was something that could be done, but at this point, there's no use putting another $400 in parts to try and figure it out.

Empowering You with Knowledge

In a world where most things continue to rise in price and where every penny counts, the allure of DIY appliance repair can be overwhelming. However, as we've discovered in this short blog, the hidden costs of relying solely on advice from the internet can quickly evolve, resulting in wasted time, frustration, and even thousands of dollars spent on a still broken appliance. But fear not! We have not left you empty-handed. Alongside cautionary tales, we've shared valuable tips, tricks, and professional insights that can empower you to make informed decisions when it comes to your machines. From understanding when to hire a professional to providing DIY guidance backed by years of expertise, we aim to equip you with the knowledge you need to repair things successfully. Stay tuned for our upcoming blogs, where we'll dive deeper into the fascinating world of appliances, uncover more industry secrets, and help you navigate the often murky waters of DIY repairs. Join us on this journey of knowledge as we strive to empower you to make the best choices for you, your family, and your appliances.

Imagine this scenario:  It's a busy morning, and you're in the middle of your morning routine when suddenly, your trusty refrigerator starts making a mysterious noise you’ve never heard before. Panic sets in as you realize that your overnight oats or lunch may be at risk. In moments like these, we all wish for a superhero to come to our aid and save the day. Fear not! You have the power within you to become your household's hero, armed with the knowledge to troubleshoot most of the common major appliance issues that plague our homes. From finicky or not working dishwashers to temperamental or leaking washing machines, this blog gets to the bottom of these secrets and mysteries to keep your household running smoothly. Get ready to learn the world of appliance troubleshooting and emerge the hero you're home deserves!

In this blog, we’re going to dive into several issues that we hear on a daily basis and what we tell our clients to check before sending out a pro. 


Washing machines

Envision a time when automatic washers didn't exist and cleaning your clothes meant using a barrel or even a rock at the river. Frankly, I don't want to imagine that either. The reality is, clean clothes are an essential requirement in our modern era. Visiting a Laundromat is often not feasible for many individuals, and hand-washing clothes in a sink would become a time-consuming occupation. Now, let's explore the common issues we frequently encounter at our shop.




1) Not draining water

This problem can manifest itself in various codes or indications that offer clues about the underlying issue. When faced with a drainage problem, our initial assessment involves inspecting the amount of residual detergent inside the tub. If we observe lingering soap suds, our focus shifts to investigating potential over-sudsing, indicated by an excessive amount of bubbles. Excessive soap in the water makes it challenging for the water pump to effectively expel the water from the machine. Instead, the pump churns the soap into a foam that doesn't drain properly.

If you suspect over-sudsing, a simple solution is to add a few tablespoons of cooking oil, such as olive or vegetable oil, to reduce the suds and facilitate quicker water drainage.

Once you've determined that soap isn't the cause of the issue, the next step involves examining the pump itself. In a front-loading washing machine with an access panel below the door, you can easily expose the pump by removing the 3 or 4 screws securing the lower panel. The pump will have several hoses and wires attached to it. CAUTION: There is a risk of flooding. With this type of pump, you can unscrew the side to reveal a filter that may have accumulated debris over the years. Be prepared for any water that may come out. Clearing the debris and re-installing the filter should resolve the problem.

If you've gone through these steps and are still experiencing issues, it is likely that a component needs replacement, and it is advisable to seek professional assistance.


2) Not filling with water. 

When a washer fails to fill, there are typically three potential problems to consider. The first and most common issue for homeowners to check is the incoming water pressure. To assess this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water valve supplying water to the washer.
2. Unscrew the hose end connected to the washer, while keeping the hose attached to the house.
3. Place the water hose in the washer's drain pipe and turn the water back on.
4. Check the pressure of the water coming out of the hose. It should be strong enough to spray the wall across the room.

If the water pressure is good, the next step is to inspect the metal or plastic screens located on the washer. These screens can become blocked with dirt and grime, preventing water from passing through into the machine.

If both the water pressure and screens are fine, there may be an issue with the valve that controls water flow, or the safety switch known as the pressure switch might not be allowing water to pass through the valve.


Clothes Dryers

While the dryer may not be as crucial as its washing counterpart, nobody wants to hang their clothes outside only for birds to land on them. It results in a crunchy texture, takes an eternity to dry, and when it's snowing, it feels like it takes months for your clothes to be ready. Well, it's a humorous exaggeration, but you get the idea. Despite having fewer components that can break, clothes dryers incorporate numerous safety features to prevent accidental house fires in case of malfunctions.

Now, let's delve into the common issues we receive calls about almost every day and explore troubleshooting steps you, as a consumer, can undertake before resorting to hiring a professional.

3) Taking Too Long To Dry

When your dryer fails to dry efficiently, it can have various costly implications. Dryers are notorious for consuming significant amounts of electricity, often surpassing other appliances in your household. If you find yourself restarting the cycle multiple times because your clothes aren't drying, you're not only using two or three times more electricity but also wearing out the parts of the dryer faster. Additionally, it's wasting your valuable time that could be spent on Netflix or other activities.

If you're facing this issue, let's go over some simple checks you can perform. Firstly, examine the lint filter. Dryers rely on proper airflow for effective operation. If the airflow is restricted due to a clogged lint filter, the heater won't function efficiently, leading to significantly longer drying times. Clean the lint filter thoroughly to ensure it's not impeding airflow.

If the lint filter is clean and the issue persists, it's time to venture outside and locate the vent that exhausts the dryer air from your house. Typically, you'll find either a grate or flapper covering the vent outside. With the dryer running, feel around the opening of the vent. You should feel a substantial amount of air flowing from the vent. However, if there is minimal to no air coming out, it indicates a restriction either in the vent pipe directly behind the dryer or inside the wall. You can purchase an extendable lint brush to scrub the inside of your vent, or alternatively, seek assistance from a professional. It is crucial to address a lint restriction promptly to avoid the risk of a fire inside the vent.

By performing these checks and addressing any lint restrictions, you can improve the efficiency of your dryer and avoid potential hazards.


4) Dryer Too Hot

We’ve all experienced it. Your favorite shirt ruined in the dryer because it over dried or got burnt against the hot metal panel in the back. Of course, that band doesn’t play anymore either. Over drying is usually worse than under drying because it means your clothes are ruined instead of just a little damp. Let’s go over some common reasons why your dryer could be over drying your clothes. 

One of the first things to check is the temperature setting. Most people have gotten away with using 1 cycle on their dryer and it’s not really the way it’s supposed to be. If you checked the tag on your clothes for the drying instructions, it would say to tumble dry LOW. This is because the materials used to make shirts can not withstand the heat generated in a HIGH heat cycle. Usually, a dryer runs at about 180-210 degrees F on a high heat cycle, depending on what dryer you have. This is good for towels, rugs, jeans and heavy material items. A t-shirt can probably get away with these high heats, but it isn’t extending the life of your shirt at all. 

If you’ve determined that the temperature setting is correct, the next thing to do would be to check the vent pipe behind the dryer. If this is crushed and the safeties inside the dryer aren’t working right, this would cause the dryer to heat up uncontrollably. If you’ve noticed that your vent is crushed, it’s best to go to a local appliance store and get the correct length of venting needed to properly install your dryer again. Making sure that you have proper airflow going to the outside of your house is ideal for maintaining a healthy, safe dryer.


Dishwashers

In my household, the dishwasher is one of the most loved items. Due to our large family, we use a bunch of dishes. When it’s busy or needs to be emptied and there are dishes to go in behind it, it brings our kitchen to a standstill. Even more important, is making sure it’s operating correctly so you have properly washed and sanitized dishes, because no one wants to use the bowl with lettuce attached to it. Let’s check out some common issues with dishwashers and what you can do to minimize the amount of time you spend hand washing dishes.




5) Not Washing Well

Ah, the persistent issue of dried, crusty food residue on our dishes. We've all encountered it, running the dishwasher again and again only to have the same disappointing outcome. After a week of finding a quarter of your dishes still dirty after a cycle, you realize it's time to take action. But what can you do?

Around four years ago, dishwashers introduced a filtration system to remove food particles from the interior. However, most retailers failed to inform customers about the importance of cleaning this filter, which can wreak havoc on your dishes. If you're experiencing poor washing results, let's locate and clean that filter. Pull out the bottom rack of your dishwasher and inspect the bottom area. Typically, there is a round filter that twists out for cleaning. Remove this filter, along with any other attached mesh filters. Use soap to clean the fine mesh thoroughly because even if it appears clean, there might be grime obstructing the small holes, preventing water from passing through effectively. Dirty filters hinder the dishwasher's ability to circulate water strongly enough to clean your dishes.

If your filter is clean or you're fortunate enough not to have one, another effective option is to run a long, hot cycle with powdered Tang, the fruit drink famously taken to space. Tang contains citric acid, which works wonders in removing built-up calcium or lime scale and breaking down leftover food particles that might be lurking in your dishwasher. Add a few tablespoons of Tang to the bottom of your dishwasher and fill the main and pre-wash areas of the soap dispenser. As the dishwasher runs, the solution will spread throughout, breaking down substances that can cause dirty or cloudy dishes. After approximately 15 minutes, consider opening the door or pausing the cycle for a brief soak before resuming.

If these solutions don't resolve the issue, it may be time to call a technician who can further investigate and identify any underlying problems with your dishwasher.


6) Not Draining The Water Out

Having your dishwasher filled with dirty, nasty water is one of the worst things imaginable. If you have that water sit around for a while, it will start a science experiment in your dishwasher that will inevitably make your kitchen start to smell funky. Luckily, there are a few things to check before hiring out a pro. 

First off, did you just have your garbage disposal replaced? If the person installing the disposal doesn’t take out the plug that you attach your dishwasher to, your water will have nowhere to go besides back inside the unit. This happens so often, that it is the first thing I ask someone when they are having an issue with water not draining.

Another thing to check would be the air gap, which is the thing on top of the sink that spills water out when your dishwasher is draining into a restriction. The air gap has a tube that goes to your disposal or into your sink piping. Food can get lodged into this tube creating a blockage. To clean this hose, either remove the hose entirely and blow through it, yuck, or take the air gap apart from the top and run a brush down into the sink. This will clean out any junk and get your water flowing correctly again.


Refrigerators

Refrigerators, a true modern marvel. Without it, we would still be eating pemmican and foraging for our foods. Refrigeration has helped us eat safer because our food is fresh and maintained at a good temperature. But when this modern marvel goes out, it spells disaster for our waistlines and wallets. Eating out has become a luxury with the increase in food costs and it never has been very healthy. Cooking at home with fresh ingredients is just the smart choice. Let’s go over some common issues that plague refrigerator owners. 




7) Cleaning The Coil

Cleaning the coil. What the heck does that even mean? Even though cleaning the coil isn’t an issue per say, it can and will cause a lot of expensive issues that can cause you to lose food. 

First off, the coil is the common term for the condenser. Unsure of what the condenser exactly is? Check out our glossary of terms here, https://www.sargentsoutlet.com/p/refrigerator-glossary-of-terms. The condenser is below the refrigerator and is responsible for cooling the refrigerant as it does the refrigeration cycle. When dirt or lint build up on this coil, it loses its ability to cool correctly. This makes the refrigerator run warmer, as well as heating up the compressor and connecting wires and tubes that supply electricity and water throughout the unit. If these wires or tubes heat up, they can break causing an electrical problem, or a hose can break causing a leaking problem. Both of these issues can cause major issues in your house or for your flooring.

The best way to keep the condenser clean is too regularly, once a year, clean it with your vacuum. This is done by opening the doors and removing the grill or toe kick. This will expose black tubes that will usually be warm. Using your vacuum often on these coils ensures it doesn’t impact inside the coil, which makes cleaning it inside the house almost impossible. There are also brushes specific for this job, allowing you to scrub stuck lint off the coil. 


8) Water Leaking Mysteriously

One of the creepiest things to happen to me in the middle of the night is stepping in ice cold water while trying to fill up my water glass. You’re unsure of where it’s coming from, it’s cold and it’s the middle of the night. Did someone drop an ice cube? Odds are, actually, that the defrost drain is clogged. In the normal operation of your refrigeration, moisture is accumulated on the other coil inside the refrigerator, the evaporator coil. This coil is the part that actually gets cold and it freezes water to it constantly. Every 8 hours that your refrigerator is cooling, it initiates a defrost cycle to melt this frost away. The water from this process travels down, or is supposed to at least, a tube that evaporates from below the unit. When this tube becomes clogged, the water has no where to go besides on to the floor of the refrigerator and eventually, on to your kitchen floor. 

The easiest way to diagnose this is to find water in the bottom of the refrigerator, or ice in the bottom of the freezer. If you have water or ice, you will want to locate the air fins located on the back panel, low in the freezer. Inspect that area for ice. If ice is present, your defrost drain is most likely clogged. To clean it, you’ll need to find the blockage. First off, check the back of the unit by the compressor. This area is covered by a panel you will have to remove. You will need to locate the pan that water sits in and then locate the tube that deposits water into this pan. In many cases, there is a “duck bill” that covers the tube. This can get dirty and gum up not allowing water to pass. You’ll want to clean this valve and reinstall it. Next, you’ll need to clean the ice inside that we located earlier. Below this ice, you’ll find a hole. Be careful not to touch the shiny aluminum as it is very fragile. When the defrost hole has been located, you’ll want to flush it with hot water, usually from a turkey baster. You’ll know it’s clean when water flows through without pooling up inside the defrosting area. 

If you repair this and it continues to happen, there are heaters that can be installed, but this is a last ditch repair and not to be done the first time. 


Cooking: Ranges and Ovens

It's true that most people prefer home-cooked meals. There's a certain satisfaction that comes from food prepared with love in the comfort of one's own home. Homemade meatballs, tacos, soups, and sauces are just a few examples of culinary delights that fulfill our cravings. However, when you're left with microwavable meals or cold items, that special magic seems to fade away. Now, let's explore some common issues and steps you can take before resorting to calling a technician.




9) Gas Igniter Won’t Light

Dealing with a gas stove that keeps clicking without igniting can be incredibly frustrating. While you can manually light it with a lighter or match, that's not what you paid for. If you can hear the igniter sparking but don't see a flame, there's a potential solution we can try.

In many cases, a small amount of water may have found its way into the bottom pan of the burners, causing electrical issues. If you suspect water might be contributing to the problem, the best approach is to manually light all the burners and let them stay on for a while, preferably up to an hour. This allows the trapped water below the burners to evaporate and dries out the connections, improving the ignition process.

If this method doesn't resolve the issue, it's worth cleaning the caps that go onto the burners. The igniter relies on an electrical connection with the burner assembly, and if there is grease or grime buildup on the burner, the igniter may struggle to find a suitable surface to spark.

If neither of these steps resolves the problem, it's recommended to contact a technician who can diagnose the issue further. They will be able to determine whether the problem lies with the igniter probe itself or the spark module, and take the appropriate steps to fix it.

By attempting these troubleshooting methods, you may be able to address the clicking issue and restore proper ignition to your gas stove.


10) Cleaning The Always Dirty Glass Cooktop

Glass cooktops have usually been marketed as a cleaner option then coil or gas because of the smoothness of the surface. If that’s true, why does it always look so dirty and grimy? I’m going to lose some friends here, but it’s your cooking habits. As with many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you clean up your mess right as it happens, you don’t have to worry about deep cleaning as often. The issue is the surface is usually very hot because you were cooking. How do you combat this? The answer is a metal, razor blade scraper with square blades. These work magic as they are sharp, metal and cheap to maintain. I keep it right next to my stove. The trick is to keep the blades new so they don’t damage the top when dull. 

Once a month or so, you can do a deep clean, using a cooktop cleaning paste to soak the top in, and your scraper to scrape the dry paste and debris off. If you keep up on these 2 steps, your glass cooktop will look brand new 5 or 10 years in the future. 


Conclusion

Congratulations on acquiring the essential skills for appliance troubleshooting! With your newfound knowledge, you are now equipped to tackle various household challenges that may arise. As we conclude this blog, it's important to remember that you are not alone on this journey. We have embarked on this exploration of common appliance issues together, empowering ourselves with valuable knowledge along the way. We have emerged smarter and more capable than before.

However, this is merely the start of our adventures together. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog, where we will delve into even more fascinating and vital topics that will transform you into a true household superhero. The journey continues, and we're excited to have you on board.

Appliance Installation.
 The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

            You’ve chosen your product, paid for it and now you need to decide about the install. Are you going to do it? Are you going to have your friend’s cousin Jed install it? Do you pay the professionals to do it? What is the best course of action? In this article, we’ll cover these different options and their potential benefits and downfalls.

            We’ve all seen the advertisements for “free delivery” and like me, you’re probably wondering what the catch is. Most of the time, there is no catch. You are getting exactly as advertised, free delivery; nothing more or less. As I like to say to customers, we’re going to take it off the truck at your curb and wave at you as we drive away. If you need a power cord, hoses or the unit brought inside your house, you’re out of luck. This is unfortunate for a lot of people because they have a heavy object sitting outside their house with no way of getting it hooked up. If you do manage to get it inside, what are you going to do about the hookups needed to get it installed? A lot of people will opt into using their old hookups; reusing hoses, power cords and venting. This is often dangerous because the manufacturer of these installation parts have recommended life spans for their equipment. If you’re using 10 year old washer fill hoses on your new machine, you may be looking at a very costly remediation bill when your house floods due to a rupture in the hose. Let’s say you had the product dropped off and paid for the additional hookups. Are you qualified to install a 220 volt power cord? If this isn’t done correctly, it could cause your appliance to breakdown prematurely or even catch on fire. If you find yourself in this situation and the delivery techs are still there, it may be in your best interest to offer them a tip for them to install your hookups. This way, you at least know that it was done correctly. I would say give them some beer, but we don’t need our drivers driving around with beer in their truck.

            Speaking of beer, what about your friend’s cousin Jed? He used to install appliances back in the 90’s and he’ll do it for a few bucks and a six pack. Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes people know what they are doing and you should allow them to do it. However, sometimes they act like they know what they are doing, when in reality, they don’t. If you forget to secure a washer drain hose, it could pop out of the drain mid-cycle, releasing all the water from inside the machine on to the floor of your house. I have seen this many times and I’ve even been hired by insurance companies to inspect a flooded house to see exactly what went wrong. This, along with how to correctly and carefully move an appliance so you don’t damage it, are all things that professional techs take into consideration every time they enter a customers house. Granted, some companies hire these “cousin Jed” types and you know it as soon as you answer the door. Unfortunately, this is fairly common now-a-days and even the box stores have joined the trend.

            With all this being said, if you’re going to have a company install your appliances, how do you choose that company? If you want to feel comfortable, ask a few questions. If you’re at a local company, ask a few nice questions about their techs like what’s their name or how long have they been installing. Small companies don’t have much to hide in regards to their employees. If they are like me, they are proud of their employees and can’t wait to tell you about them. I could talk forever about my techs and what they bring to the table. Starting a conversation with your salesperson may make you feel a lot better about your upcoming installation and may put some of your worries to rest. Many people have had bad experiences with workers in their homes and are leery about most people entering their house. As a business owner, it is my job to ensure my techs give off good energy, so they don’t inadvertently offend or make a client feel uncomfortable. At my shop we call our install techs the last 30 feet. This means that our install techs are the last 30 feet the customer will see from our company before the interaction is over. If my sales person gives the client the best service they ever had and gave them an extremely good deal, but my install techs were late, rude and unprofessional, the client will forget everything up to that point and the bad service is all they will remember. It is a tough but real truth. They are the final face of the company and it is important to make sure you have the right person for the job.

           Now, what if you’re at a box store? The first things you should be asking is do they use their own techs, or is it a contracted business that will be doing the installs. Something I am not a fan of is the use of sub-contractors. For some projects or industries it may work great. In the world of appliances, it doesn’t work out so well. Box stores use sub-contractors for a few reasons. Hiring employees is hard. Hiring skilled employees is even harder. If they don’t have to worry about the hiring process of skilled employees, they can worry about other things. Another reason is liability. Since they aren’t the ones installing the appliances, they have no liability. If your floor or wall gets damaged or there is a flood, the box stores have zero liability because they didn’t touch the appliance. This also goes for service. Box stores don’t have a service department, nor do they want one. If something breaks, once again, there is no liability. When a problem arises with installation or with the product under warranty, they have no obligation to take care of you, and most likely will give you some sort of 1-800 number. Using sub-contractors doesn’t allow you to meet and have  relationships with the people that are doing your installs; The last 30 feet. This creates distension with your clients, and makes it difficult to take care of the customer when there is a problem. If you have a problem with your appliance and it was purchased and installed by 1 company, there is 1 phone call that needs to be made. If you purchased an appliance from one store, but another company installed it and another company will service it, you have many phone calls to make before you can potentially get a solution, if a problem arises. We call this silo management.

          In closing, there are a lot of things to consider if you’re trying to finalize the purchase of your appliance. Are you capable of installing your appliance to the manufacturer’s specifications when your product is dropped off? Do you have the means of moving your appliance into its space without damaging it? If you’re paying for install, do you know who is coming to your house to install your appliance and what company they actually work for? These are just a few things to consider before the arrival of your product.

          If you find yourself looking for advice, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you out and answer any questions you find yourself asking.  

Good For The Environment, But….

How the newest Freon going into refrigerators is changing everything we knew about refrigeration.

     Refrigeration has been one of the greatest modern marvels of our time. Created in the late 1800’s, compressed vapor refrigeration or the process of compressing and then boiling a chemical to remove heat from a sealed space, has been something that truly brought us into the modern era. This process hasn’t changed much in terms of the components used to create the “cooling” effect. We still use a compressor that takes in gas and compresses it, a condenser that cools the hot compressed Freon, and an evaporator where the boiling takes place to remove the heat or start the cooling process. However, the chemical that we use in this process, known as Freon, has changed many times throughout the years. The first refrigeration system used a highly toxic and flammable substance called ether. We then moved to ammonia, sulphur dioxide and methyl chloride, all of which are toxic and not so great for anything it comes into contact with. In later years we began using more stable and less toxic chemicals like r-12 and r-22, which were very common in car and household AC systems. Some of these Freon were even used as a propellant in aerosol cans like hair spray. It was at this time world governments began discovering what effects certain types of Freon have on our atmosphere. In the 80’s and 90’s there was this big scare on holes in the ozone layer caused by certain elements in the chemical make up of the Freon. These Freon, known as CFC’s or chlorofluorocarbons, contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon. The chlorine in this compound is what they believed to cause the holes in the ozone layer. These holes were allowing harmful radiation into the planet that some believed to be the cause of certain cancers and ailments. In 1994 they changed over the CFC Freon to HFC’s, hydrofluorocarbon which contain hydrogen, fluorine and carbon. They removed the potential harmful chemical chlorine which made it to where our atmosphere wasn’t under constant attack. These Freon are known to be safe and effective for what they do. The only downside to these gases is the creation of the greenhouse gas effect, which is when radiation can enter into the atmosphere, but not exit.

     You may be wondering where I’m going with this. Now that we’ve laid the groundwork lets jump into the meat and potatoes of this article.

     As with all things, governments like to get involved and change things around when they don’t like something. Due to the greenhouse gas effect that has been linked to our modern Freon, world governments began enacting another change over of our refrigeration systems. This time, instead of using non-toxic, non-flammable gases to put into our household appliances, they began using r600a, also known as butane. Yes, the same butane that we use in lighters. If you’ve ever filled a refillable butane lighter, you would realize that there is a cooling effect that happens when the gas escapes out of the can. This makes it ideal for cooling as it has a fantastic cooling effect when used as a Freon. However, due to its flammable nature, r600a systems use a non heat technique of attaching connective tubing that has yet to be perfected. Whirlpool used this technique called LockRing in the late 90’s into the 2000’s and had a pretty high rate of Freon leakage. This technique uses a tool and ring system to pinch the tubes together where the tried and true system uses a gas torch to heat the pipes and a soldering metal to then connect them. This method has been around forever and is considered one of the best ways to attach copper tubing to each other. With the LockRing system, you need to make sure that you take each step slow to ensure you are doing it right and within the tool manufacturer’s specifications or you’ll have a Freon leak. The issue that we run into is that the tool manufacturer is changing the steps every few months. When we as techs were first being trained in using these tools, the time to wait between each joint was 1 minute. That time has changed several times and now we are at 10 minutes. If you don’t wait the correct amount of time, you get a Freon leak. In fact, if everything is not done 100% correct, you will get a Freon leak. This is a major problem because you don’t want to have a flammable gas leaking into your kitchen. Another issue that we are running into is the sophistication of the repairs needed with this new Freon. There are several steps that we need to take to ensure you don’t catch a refrigerator, a house or yourself on fire when you are working on an r600a system. I consider myself a top tier tech and I still struggle with doing repairs on these systems. I talk with other business owners and techs that have the same feelings I do and are struggling to get these refrigerators up and running 100%. What’s worse is the amount of these systems that have already gone bad and need a repair that involves getting into this sealed system. The technology hasn’t been out long and has been prevalent since around 2019. If we are already having a ton of issues with refrigerators that are 3 years old, it doesn’t look promising for the longevity of this design. My grandfather’s generation made appliances that could last 50 years. My father’s generation made appliances that could last 30. My generation makes appliances that last 15 years. I can foresee that my children’s generation will make appliances that will only last 5. It is a sad truth that if we don’t get a good grasp on, could cause a bunch of people a bunch of problems.

     If r600a is so bad, why are we switching to it? It has to do with the environment. This gas burns up in our atmosphere and does not hang around. Thus, we have eliminated the greenhouse gas effect caused by Freon. It is also cheaper to manufacture and the amount used in a system is far less than its CFC and HFC counterparts. Overall, it is better for the environment if you don’t take into consideration that refrigerators are going to the dump faster. It’s a hard trade off. It may be good for the environment but is it ideal for proper food management? In a world where food prices are on the rise, are we sure we want our refrigerator’s to be more temperamental? If you’ve ever had a freezer full of meat that decided to stop working, you understand the pain as you’re throwing away hundreds of dollars of food.

Sargents Maytag has been offering unbeatable appliance sales and repair service in Reno and Sparks, NV since 1974. Get the best appliances and repair services with us. Call now!

Cheap Product or Misuse?

            In the world of mechanical and electronic devices, there are written and unwritten rules on how to operate them to get the maximum life span out of it. Traditionally, there are user manuals that spell out how the manufacturer expects the product to be operated to reduce unexpected failures. With that being said, most people don’t spend the time to read the manual and use their past experiences to guide them with their new product. The amount of times I’ve heard, “I’ve had a refrigerator my entire life, I know how to use one.” or “I’ve been using a washer since I was little, there’s not much you can teach me.” Is enough to make me rip my hair out. To make things worse, these same people throw around the phrases, “I got a lemon!” or “my old one didn’t do this!” when something breaks. Unfortunately, most warranty service calls are caused by the client not using it correctly or doing something that causes the machine to break. In our experience, up to 50% of warranty jobs are caused by something other than the machine breaking or what we call, customer instruct calls. In the manufacturer’s eyes, customer instruct calls are non-warrantable and we as servicers are either on the hook for the service, or we need to charge the customer. Being a servicer of empathy, we unfortunately can’t charge a customer for something that is still under the warranty period. Instead, we try to educate them so it doesn’t happen again, usually to no avail.

            With such a large amount of service calls not really involving a broken part that needs to be replaced, what is the deal? Why does it seem that products are becoming usable for only a few years before you need to buy a new one? Although there are several answers to this, most of them can be summed up by the fact that most people become unhappy with a product after a single failure, whether it was the machine or misuse. Ask yourself this. Have you ever had a failure in a car, had it repaired and the first time you drove it you think there a different noise or something else wrong with it? This is due to you being hyper aware of your car now that it has had a failure. The odds are, that “new” sound was there before you took your car in, but you didn’t pay attention to it because it was actually a normal sound of operation. The issue is, now that you’ve had one problem, you think there is another one. Then when something else goes wrong, you start to incorrectly tally these failures and before you know it you think your vehicle has broken down 5 times. This happens with appliances as well. Let’s say you bought a new front load washer because you wanted to try something different than your old top loader. In the first few uses, you realize there are a bunch of soap suds, there’s a code displaying and it won’t unlock the door. A tech comes out, clears out the soap suds, checks the machine out and everything is working correctly, you just used too much soap. Unfortunately, most of the time people go to the old tried and true statement, “my old one didn’t do that.” Then when you ask if they checked out the manual, you get my other favorite statement, “I’ve been washing longer than you’ve been alive. I don’t need a manual.” This experience is going to negatively affect how the consumer views their appliance for the rest of its lifespan, and in some cases, cause it to be replaced long before it really needed to be. In the consumer’s eyes, the product should operate as they intend, in the techs eyes, the product is doing exactly what it should be doing, it’s just being misused.

            With that being said, we are living in a time where things are being made cheaper with the invention of more sophisticated manufacturing equipment. There are more electronic control boards, more plastic and that does cause things to breakdown faster if you are unaware of how to handle it. With manufacturing practices becoming more streamlined, more manufacturers and brands that haven’t made major appliance in the past, are starting to make major appliances. Manufacturers that once made only electronic devices are now starting to venture into the world of mechanical devices. Brands that have been around for 50 or even 100 years have been in constant research and development to make sure the parts that are going into their product can last the test of time. With newer brands, sometimes they will develop a product and a few years later, a part will fail because of a manufacturing flaw. In most cases, they will either send you the exact same part that has already failed, or go in a completely different direction; reinventing the wheel if you will. This is an issue because there is constantly a new product being made, instead of making the old one better. For instance, instead of having the Ford F-150 model lasting since 1974, we would be on the latest ideation, the Ford F-2450. This constant redesigning makes it to where a good idea that has minor flaws, is scrapped in order to make something new, usually with more innovative features, which doesn’t necessarily make it last longer. In years past, manufacturers like Maytag and Whirlpool would have the same design washer and dryer for 20 or even 40 years, with varying features like a quiet package or more buttons. Now a days, you’d be happy to find a design that has been around 10 years.

            Through my years of being an appliance technician, I’ve learned a lot about people and how they use their products. Most people mean well with their intentions; reading manuals, researching online about tips and tricks and overall trying to handle their investment with as much care as possible. However, sometimes what we are reading isn’t as solid as we wish it would be. Sometimes we read or watch advertisements and expect what they are saying to be held as factual and 100% true. The harsh reality is that these advertisements are designed to sell a product. When you hear that fabric softner is something you should be using in your washing machine, you believe that to be true. Unfortunately, add on products aren’t something you need in your washer and something that can actually harm your machine. Softner is something that when overused, can create a mold issue that will eventually make your machine smell foul. The first time you get a whiff of it, you start to look for a product to remove it. Enter the new pellets you can add to your wash to help your clothes and washer smell good after use. It’s like we’re constantly on the search for a new product to use. The issue from a tech standpoint is that you shouldn’t have to mask the smell of your washer. Correct care from the 1^st day you received your washer should be top priority. Trust in the manufacturer or your dealer to ensure they will give you correct info. When a delivery or service tech says you should be using very little soap, take that advice. We are aware the manufacturer says to use an entire cup of soap or 3 pods for large loads, but it is not something you want to do if you want a good smelling, long lasting machine. The soap manufacturers are looking to sell soap, of course they are going to tell you to use 3x more than you really need. In reality, energy efficient or HE washers could get away with a few table spoons of soap and still get your clothes just as clean.

            We as technicians are here to help you maintain your home appliances so you can continue to use them for a long time. Sometimes, we come off as know it all's when we say one thing or another. We know that there are certain flaws with certain machines and we try to guide you in a way that helps you operate the machine in a manner that will keep you from having to deal with these flaws. For the most part, if a product is used gently and within the manufacturer’s guidelines, you’re in for many years of trouble free usage. If something does happen and a tech gives you a piece of advice, listen up, ask questions. You may learn something that you can pass on to a friend or loved one because we all deal with the same issues, just at different times.

            If you enjoy this content, consider leaving a comment with a question or topic for our next article. You may find it discussed in our next article.

Nuts & Bolts VS Bells & Whistles.

What Are You Really Getting When You Buy High-End?

            The old saying goes “you get what you pay for”. When it comes to several products, that saying holds true. However, how does that phrase hold up when you’re talking about major household appliances? Today, we will jump in and tackle this question and learn what models are receiving upgraded parts and what models are adorned in more bells and whistles.

            We’ve all been there; standing in front of 2 items with wildly different price points, wondering if the extra cost adds additional value. Whether it was a car, alarm clock or bottle of BBQ sauce, we’ve all had to make this decision before. What are the differences? Will it be worth it? Does it last longer? These are all things that pass through our minds when we’re trying to finalize the purchase. With household appliances, this especially holds true. This is one category that truly has a “good, better, best” mentality, but what are you actually getting when spending $200, $500 or even $1000 more. This question is a little tough to answer, because it depends on what appliance category you’re shopping, ie: dishwasher, refrigerator, washer or dryer. It also depends on if you’re comparing different brands, like L.G. compared to Maytag. Many factors truly come in to play when you’re deciding on what price point you want to stay in.

            One of the biggest determining factors in an appliance’s price is innovation or features. Innovation is defined as making changes to something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. Innovation is an important process that has truly taken us from the dark times in human history, to the bustling society we have now. In appliances, it has brought us the automatic defrosting refrigerator, the automatic washing machine and the steam dryer. However, it has also brought us refrigerators with coffee makers, washers with WiFi and gas ranges that can re-ignite a blown out burner, but won’t work in a power outage. Some of these features, although trendy, haven’t really added anything that will truly better our lives. Instead, they have increased the prices of these goods exponentially, and in some cases, lowered the lifespan because of added parts that can fail. A phrase I’ve heard in the past is “more innovation, equals less life.” When searching for an appliance, you may want to ask yourself if you’re going to use these features. If not, maybe look for something that fits your needs a little better. If you don’t need a 5.3 cubic foot washing machine, search for a smaller one that fits your lifestyle. If your dishwasher isn’t a few feet away from your couch, you probably don’t need a $1500 dishwasher with a 39 dB wash noise level. It’s all about getting the features you need while not going for the most expensive.

            Another factor that really determines the price of an appliance, is the parts that make up the machine. This is where different manufacturers and their pricing compared to each other really play a role. Speed Queen is on the higher end for washer pricing, but on the lower side for features. How can this be? Speed Queen, as compared to some other brands, uses considerably better parts to build their product. The amount of plastic you will find is far less than any other washer you can buy. Due to their commercial quality product, they have considerably more robust parts that make up the machine. Their motor is double the horsepower of any other machine, their bearings are better built bigger and they have the best warranty in the industry. A Maytag washer from the 90’s that still works, would’ve cost you around $699, depending on what model you got. In today’s money, that same product would cost you $1299+. If you use lifetime costing, or the price of a product over its lifespan, you’ll find you actually saved money going with a more expensive product.

            What about different products from the same manufacturer? What’s the major differences between their entry level and their top of the line? There are many changes that happen with the features and capacities, but sometimes the interior parts are similar if not the same. Other times, the products are very similar but have very different operating systems. For instance, entry level washers start at a smaller capacity, have a plastic console and have no glass lid. As you progress up the line, you’ll get a larger capacity, a metal console and a glass lid, as well as a better warranty and some nice comforts like a “finger faucet” or an area where you can wash your hands or pre-rinse your clothes. However, the interior parts like the water pump, motors and transmissions are all very similar to each other. You aren’t getting more robust parts, just features. Is this a bad thing? Not at all. It’s not like you’re getting cheap, low-end parts, you’re just getting the same parts whether you go high-end or low-end.

Now, if you bring refrigerators into the equation, things begin to change drastically. Refrigerators are constantly “evolving” and the higher priced refrigerators always get the newest technologies. For instance, you may have heard the phrase duel evaporator or dual cool when it comes to refrigerators. This is when you have 2 cooling components or evaporators in your refrigerator; one in the freezer and one in the fresh food compartment. This, in theory is a good idea. However, in practice it is nothing more than an innovation that increased price, but lowered the life expectancy. Sub Zero was the pioneer of this duel cool system, but did it in a way that makes much more sense. They used 2 completely different cooling systems; 2 compressors, 2 condensers and 2 evaporators to make their dual cool. The rest of the manufacturers are sharing a cooling system, but added an evaporator to both compartments. This added parts to fail, which increases the price but lowers its life. With refrigeration, you have a sealed system that carries the Freon throughout the system. When you add more sealed system components and tubing, you increase the likely hood for a leak, which is always an expensive repair. The sophistication in doing sealed system repairs is very high, and you want to minimize the potential for any kind of sealed system issue.

Another thing that you’ll see with more expensive refrigerators, is luxurious interiors. Many higher end refrigerators will have more shelves, colored interiors, wood grain and metal accents. Sometimes, you’ll even get multiple ice makers, cameras to access and view what’s inside your refrigerator and air filters that help keep the inside smelling clean and fresh. Although these features don’t add or detract from the life expectancy, it does add some nice, added flare to a usually boring appliance.

In closing, if you want to know if a products increased price is worth the value, look at the difference in features from its lower priced counterpart. If it has several features or add-ons that are nice but you aren’t going to use, odds are shelling out the additional funds won’t be worth it. Adversely, if the product is low on the features and add-ons, but has a higher price point than a brand or product that has more features, consider that maybe that appliance has added value in its warranty or the quality of the parts that were put into the unit.

If you enjoy these articles, suggest a topic for me to cover. You may see it covered in our next segment.

What To Expect When You Buy Appliances From A Small, Local Business Instead Of A Big Box Store.

• Knowledgeable Staff.
• Higher Quality Product.
• Sometimes Smaller Selection.
• In House Delivery & Service.
• Empathy.
• You May See The Owner Coaching Your Sons Baseball Team.
• Down To Earth Conversations.
• Straight To The Point Sales Techniques.
• Better Quality, Hard to Find Brands.
• A Neighbor Or Friend.

             Have you been searching for an appliance, found what you wanted but are having a hard time deciding what company to buy it from? With some product or another, we have all been there. This article will dive into what small, local businesses have to offer and how that differs from an experience at a large box retailer.

            When was the last time you were in a box store and were underwhelmed by the selection they had? Yeah, me either. I find myself either having to make my selection from too many options, or they didn’t have what I wanted at all. This problem holds true in their appliance selection. It seems nice to have your choice from 5 or more brands with several options in each brand, but in reality, if the employee helping you doesn’t know the features and talking points on 20+ models, odds are you aren’t going to get what you want. This either leads you on an online journey, sifting through several conflicting arguments on why one brand or product is either great or terrible, or the inevitable “guess” purchase.

            If you find yourself in a small business, you might realize there are less items to choose from and that the entry level price may be higher. In the case of our company, Sargents Maytag, this holds true. We hand pick and procure certain products instead of offering the entire product lines of the brands we cover. We do this strategically because not all products from the same manufacturer are built equally. When it comes to what we sell vs what’s available in the product lineup, we take many factors into consideration. We service what we sell both in and out of warranty. Due to this, we are very careful on the quality of what we offer. As a small company that’s been in business almost 50 years, reputation is everything. We’ve managed to keep our good reputation by shrinking the amount and brands of product we sell, but keeping the quality high and the service calls low. We take our warranty claims for each year into consideration when we reconsider what models we are going to sell. If we find one model is having a higher than normal service call rate, odds are, we are going to pull that model. We personally answer the phone and deal with our customers, so having disgruntled customers is not in our best interest. With box stores, you will have a hard time getting a hold of someone, and once you do, you will most likely be referred to a 1800 # to deal with your problems or have your answers completely blown off because they simply don’t know the answer. Small companies pride themselves on teaching their employees in house, and making sure they are as knowledgeable as possible. Our delivery and service staff is hand selected and trained in house to ensure they are knowledgeable and able to do your job. Our office staff is well trained and versed in the product we sell and are ready to answer questions.

             With many big box stores, they are simply a middle man. They collect the money, but do not hold their inventory, deliver or service their product. These crucial, after purchase services are usually bid out to a sub contractor by either the store or the manufacturer of the product. Because of this, the box stores can get away with selling cheaper brands, lower models and in some cases, models that were made specifically for that store, with less features or downgraded materials. When you shop at a small business, quality matters because reputation is everything. You know the phrase, you get what you pay for. We try to keep you from making the wrong decision by not even having some product available for purchase. Although it may hurt us financially to not sell some higher end products that we know are faulty, it allows us to sleep at night and engage in our community because we know deep down, we did our best to sell you a good product.

            Have you purchased something before that has broken down quickly and you were stuck feeling down about your purchase and it seems like no one cares? We’ve all been there and it’s pretty frustrating. Small businesses are staffed and owned by people that are in your community and have to make similar purchases to the ones you do. Due to this, owners of small businesses and their employees have more empathy when something does fail because we’ve probably been there. When things happen, we traditionally try and jump on it and get it rectified as efficient as possible. Throughout the pandemic and subsequent years, we’ve been faced with horrible back logs on parts needed to finish a repair job. It has not been abnormal for us to take a brand new unit, rob a part off of it and use that to fix our customers machine while we wait for the backordered part to come in so we can sell our unit. Even though we can’t sell that unit until it’s 100% again, we need to do what we can to ensure our customers have an operating product. It’s what needs to be done to keep things fair for all parties involved. Good luck with that kind of service if you’re dealing with someone from a 1800 #.

            When deciding where to buy a product, it comes down to a few key takeaways. Is access to service important to you? Is product education something you need to know before buying something or do you like to wing it and figure it out as you go along? Are you ok buying the same product every few years as long as you’re getting a good deal? How important is it to keep the money you spent in your local community?

            If you enjoyed this content, suggest a topic for our next segment. You may find it answered on our next blog post.

The Differences Between Top Load & Front Loading Washing Machines, explained.

• Top loading washers use more water.
• Front loaders are a gentle wash on all cycles.
• Top loaders wash everyday clothes better.
• Front loaders wash blankets and bulky items better.
• Top load washing machines are easier to service, in most cases.
• Front load washers will naturally have more smell or mildew issues if not properly maintained.
• Top loaders are traditionally less expensive.
• Front loaders spin at a higher RPM, so less water in your clothes for your dryer to remove.
• Top loaders have more options and models.
• Front loaders are stackable.

    One of the questions I get asked about quite often, is the difference between top loading and front loading washers. All though they are both “washers”, there are several differences between them that will determine whether you fall in love with it, or if it’s something you can’t wait to replace again. Most of the differences between these 2 styles of washers, is the method in how it gets your clothes clean and how well it is at cleaning varying  items and materials. Which style is better for washing work clothes? Is there a design that is better for washing bedding? Which one is easier to repair? These are some of the questions we will dive into.

    Top loading washers have been out the longest and have undergone many changes since the first automatic washer was rolled out in 1937. Now a days, you have larger capacities, steam cycles and even the ability to access your machine from your smart device. These innovations haven’t taken away from the base principals of how it operates. First, lets talk about how the agitation process works on a top load, then we’ll discuss how a front loader works. Top loading machines with an agitator are better at washing everyday clothes because they have a device, the agitator, to wash your clothes, instead of relying on water and soap to do most of the work. A vertical wash design, as compared to horizontal design like a front loader, allows the clothes to flow and move around in the water, moving from the bottom of the tub where the agitator is most aggressive, to the top of the tub. This cycle of moving the clothes up and down removes stains and grime that your clothes may have on it. However, the down side to having an agitator, is that your clothes may not last as long as an article of clothing that isn’t being beat into cleanliness. Something you may notice is that you have more lint build up on your dryers lint filter, than you would if you were using a front loader or agitator-less top loader. This is because the agitator is tearing fibers in your clothes, that are coming out in the dry. Another main take away from using a top load washer compared to a front load washer is the amount of water consumption. Due to the fact clothes have to move up and down in the tub to get cleaner, comes the need for having much more water for them to move around in. On average, a top load washer will use 8-15 gallons every time the washer fills, which is a minimum of 2 times, 3 if you’re using an extra rinse. This adds up over time and if you’re on a well or septic system, this may come into consideration on your purchase. If you take into consideration serviceability, top loaders are usually easier to work on because they are bottom and top serviceable, which means most of the mechanisms are either underneath the machine or on the top. With front loads, a lot of components are hidden behind panels which requires the machine to be thoroughly dismantled in order to repair it. This also affects repair costs, because longer repair times means a higher cost per repair.

    Front loading washing machines are more of a modern thing. Maytag created the Neptune front load in 1997, but not too many manufacturers started making them until 2005. There were many hurdles that Maytag endured to lay the ground work for the modern machines and there were growing pains that needed to be worked through. Due to the water tight design to keep the water from leaking out the front, comes the introduction of an environment that harbors mold. It took years to figure this problem out, so we as dealers and servicers could relay the correct method of using a front load to the consumer. This is why you hear people recommend leaving the door open after using it; to help dry left over water that may be hanging out inside the tub. The front loaders horizontal design inherently makes the machine energy and water efficient. Compared to the top loaders that use up to 15 gallons every time it fills. The front loading machines use in between 2 and 4 gallons every time it fills, which is 2-3 times through out a cycle. This really helps people that are water conscious or are trying to keep large amounts of water out of their septic system. Another benefit of this horizontal design is that it is a gentle wash that tumbles your clothes clean; something that you don’t get from having an agitator beat your clothes clean. This will help your clothes last longer because the wash isn’t as aggressive. If you want something that’s capable of washing large items like bedding or drapes, the tumbling action allows you to fit larger items, because there is more room for the material to move about without getting stuck against or around the agitator. The tumbling action also gives manufacturer’s the ability to increase the spin speed, because you have more robust suspension and bearings that help keep the machine stationary during high RPM spin cycles.

    If you have any more questions regarding the differences between washing machine designs or anything else appliance related, be sure to let us know. It could be the next topic we cover.

If you need repair, click the links below to get service from one of Washoe County's top companies.

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Washer Repair Service Reno Sparks NV

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Dryer Repair Service Reno Sparks NV

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Dishwasher Repair Service Reno Sparks NV

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Refrigerator Repair Service Reno Sparks NV

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Range Repair Service Reno Sparks NV

Refrigeration Glossary.

Have you heard a phrase about a refrigerator you own or are interested in purchasing but don’t know what it means?

This guide and glossary will help you figure out what manufacturers, technicians and sales people have been trying to tell you.

Use "Ctrl F" to quickly find the term you're interested in.

Dear Valued Customers & People Of The Reno Sparks Area:

     The staff at Sargent’s Maytag in Sparks NV would like to take this time to talk about the current situation unfolding here in our local area, the United States and around the World. In times of such angst, we need to remember to stay and work together if our society is going to prosper in the aftermath of this virus scare. If you have visited a store, driven down the street or used a gas station, the tension can be felt in the air. We need to use this as a time to double down on the core principals of what made this country great, and gives us the ability to stand together as a whole in the face of adversity. In previous times of national emergencies, we have banded together; fighting, working together, shopping and caring for each other as if our neighbors were our family members. In this time of a “biological” disaster, it is equally important to keep these values alive.

     We at Sargent’s Maytag have decided to stay open in order to take care of our community as the needs for services offered by ourselves and others like us will not go away, and will need to be addressed if people plan to continue on with their lives. We are taking extra steps that are necessary in order for us to serve our community during these times, including; Extra sanitization methods after a client interacts in our store, increased sanitization before we enter your home or deal with any of our clients, by keeping our technicians that are not feeling well at home, sharing overall basic but important hand washing methods with our staff. Most importantly, we are keeping a level head so members of our society have a place to come to as a bastion of hope, guidance or comedic relief.

     If you are in need of service for your appliance or need to purchase an appliance, whether it is new or used, Sargent’s Maytag is able to take care of you in a safe manner. Sargent’s has also expanded their rental washer, dryer and refrigerator program to better help people who may have been affected by some of the layoffs and closures that some people are experiencing.

If you need to contact us, we have several ways for you to do so:

CALL us at 775-358-4246

CHAT with us at our website www.SARGENTSOUTLET.com

EMAIL us at [email protected]   

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Is Your Range or Oven In Need Of Repair?

Sargents fixes all stove brands and types, and we love what we do.

• Burner or element replacement.   
• Electronic control diagnosis.
• Temperature adjustment. 
• Electronic control board repairs including resoldering.
• Oven door glass fix.
• Door hinge replacement.
• Ignitor or glow bar exchanges.

     FILL OUT THE FORM or ☏ Click to CALL ☏ if your oven is broken, and you're tired of eating out. Sargents can get to your house quick, and get you up and cooking in no time. We use factory parts supplied by top distributors, so our repair times are fast and our prices are fair. 

     When it comes to appliance repair, Sargent's Maytag knows the importance of getting things right the first time. Our technicians are highly experienced, factory-trained, and up-to-date on the latest technologies to handle issues with ovens, ranges, cooktops, and more. From mouse-infested storage drawers to grease fires in the cooktop, we've seen it all, and we're ready to get your home appliances running properly again. We even carry the parts for common repairs on our trucks, and with our 3 large part distributors, we're never short of solutions for more complex repairs.

     With over 45 years in business, Sargent's Maytag is the Reno and Sparks region's leading appliance service and repair company. We specialize in repairs for all major brands as well as repairs for lesser-known brands. So if you've got a broken appliance, whether it's an issue of heat, burnt smells, dead controls, or anything else, don't hesitate to give us a call. Our experienced technicians will get your appliance running as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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Is Your Refrigerator In Need Of Repair?

Sargents fixes all refrigerator brands and types, and we've been doing it forever.

• Evaporator or condenser fan replacements  
• Electronic or mechanical defrost diagnosis.
• Electronic board repairs. 
• Compressor change outs.
• Sealed system repairs including recharges.
• Door gasket exchanges.
• Ice maker and water fountain fixes.

     FILL OUT THE FORM or ☏ Click to CALL ☏ if you need your refrigerator repaired, stat. We have professional technicians that are trained in electronics repairs and sealed system fixes. We use OEM parts that come from trusted parts retailers. Our repairs are top quality, and we're quicker than most of the competition. 

     Refrigerators are a wonderful example of modern technology. Before refrigeration, people had to preserve food, which is not nearly as convenient or as tasty as fresh food. Furthermore, the risk of food-borne illnesses was much higher. Refrigeration has allowed us to enjoy fresh food safely in the twenty-first century.

     Although refrigerators are amazing, they can be complex appliances with multiple systems that need to be in working order for them to function properly. For instance, there is the sealed system that runs the cooling and heating. This system is filled with refrigerant, and involves multiple components, including the compressor. Additionally, there are air systems that include fans and create dual zones for both your frozen and fresh foods. Additionally, there is wiring and electrical components such as the controls, sensors and defrosting components. A malfunctioning refrigerator can be a major annoyance and financial burden.

     That's why Sargents Maytag is here to help. Established in 1974, we are a local appliance sales and repair service located in Reno and Sparks; and have been proven a local favorite for nearly 50 years. We are factory-trained and constantly educated on the latest appliance technology, such as the new iso-butane refrigerants. When it comes to customer service, we won't rest until you get your appliance back to full working order. And while we always strive to stay up-to-date and current with technology, we change slowly and strategically to ensure the best customer service experience and maintain our reputation. So when it comes to your appliances, let Sargents Maytag take care of you.

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Is Your Dishwasher In Need Of Repair?

Sargents fixes all dishwasher brands and types, and we do it right.

• Motor exchanges. 
• Timer or electronics repair and diagnosis.
• Repair of drain lines. 
• Rack replacements.
• Washarm cleaning or repair.
• Poor wash quality fixes.

     FILL OUT THE FORM or ☏ Click to CALL ☏ for one of our technicians to come out and get your dishes clean again. Stop hand washing dishes. We use factory supplied parts from top parts dealers to get your taken care of efficiently.  

     Having kids in the house, I appreciate the importance of a dishwasher. When it's not operating, it causes chaos for me and my family. We may pre-wash our dishes, but they hardly get completely clean. So far, our KitchenAid dishwasher has held up, but nothing lasts forever. To ensure that your dishwasher is in prime condition, turn to Sargent's Maytag. Our technicians are knowledgeable when it comes to different brands and models, so you don't have to worry about wasted money or a misdiagnosis. We've been in business since 1974 and consider our upstanding reputation and Customer Service to be of the utmost importance. Make sure you choose a company this time around that has experience and high Customer Service—choose Sargent's Maytag.

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Is Your Dryer In Need Of Repair?

Sargents fixes all clothes dryers brands and types, and we know our stuff.

• Belt exchange. 
• Timer repairs or replacements.
• Delinting of compacted lint. 
• Bearing or roller replacements.
• Vent cleaning using a rotary brush.
• Electronics diagnosing and repair.
• Removing stuck or lost socks or others articles of clothing.

     FILL OUT THE FORM or ☏ Click to CALL ☏ if you want one of our professional repair technicians to fix your clothes dryer. We work quickly and efficiently and use only new, OEM repair parts.

     Are you having issues with your electric or gas dryer? Let our experienced technicians take a look! We carry all the necessary parts on our truck and work with multiple part distributors, so no matter what the problem is, we've got everything you need. We understand the importance of having functional laundry machines and do our best to minimize any downtime your dryer might experience. Although dryers are relatively straightforward, they do require complex electrical and safety requirements to function properly - don't attempt to make a repair yourself, let the professionals handle it! For almost 50 years now, Sargents Maytag in Reno and Sparks has been providing quality appliance repair and service the "old-fashioned" way, so you can trust us to take care of all your needs quickly, safely and efficiently.

☏ Click to CALL ☏

Is Your Washer In Need Of Repair?

Sargents fixes all washer brands and types of washers and we do it FAST.

• Belt replacements. 
• Electronics diagnosing.
• Large jobs like transmission repairs or bearing and seal replacements. 
• Suspension upgrades.
• Lint trap or filter cleanings.
• Lid lock or latch repairs.
• Removing stuck or lost clothing.

     FILL OUT THE FORM or ☏ Click to CALL ☏ to have our staff fix, repair and/or diagnose your washer in home or at our service shop. We use OEM parts from trusted manufacturers, so we can guarantee your repairs. 

     Are you having trouble with your washer? Worry not, Sargents Maytag is here to help. We repair most major brands with our knowledgeable technicians and OEM factory parts. We only source our parts from reliable retailers that offer warranties, and never skimp by purchasing cheaper parts from Amazon or Ebay. With us, you can guarantee your washer won't have a prolonged downtime as we provide a loaner washer service.

     As a local business with almost 50 years of experience, we’ve seen our fair share of problems when it comes to washing machines. From leaks to squeals, floods to fires, our techs can diagnose the issue and provide you with the most effective solution. Our customers trust us time and time again and we have positive reviews across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and NextDoor- check it out for yourself. We are proud to be your go-to source for appliance repair in Reno and Sparks!