Home Appliance Repairs You Can Do Yourself

While there are certainly some home appliance repairs that are better left to professionals, there are others that are so simple that nearly any homeowner (even those of us that are less mechanically inclined) can handle. Here are a few of those home appliance repairs that will help you save money on service calls and labor.

Refrigerators

Oftentimes when refrigerators “break”, it’s because of a faulty gasket. The gaskets on fridge doors is an important mechanism. Gaskets work to maintain energy efficiency and food preservation by maintaining a tight seal. As these gaskets age or get frequently used, they can become ripped or cracked. Luckily, these rips and cracks are relatively simple home appliance repairs.

More often than not, the gasket slips out of place from overuse and just needs to be pushed back into place. Older refrigerators may have screws keeping their gaskets in place. Ones that need to be loosened or replaced with newer ones that aren’t going to slide or wiggle out.

Ovens

Elements in your electric oven that allow your oven to bake and broil food, can fail as they get older. Just like with the gasket of a fridge, it’s a pretty simple process to repair an old element. Make sure to turn your oven off (if you just baked something, make sure to give your oven enough time to cool off!) and unplug it. Unscrew and remove the old element and replace it with a new one.

For gas stoves, the glow bar igniter can fail. While this part is fragile, it’s also fairly easy to replace. You may need to remove access panels to get to it, but replacement is typically the same as what you would do with an element.

Dishwashers

Just like fridges, dishwashers have gaskets that can experience wear and tear. You may only need to push the gasket back into place. You’ll know that your gasket is cracked or torn because you’ll likely have a leaky dishwasher. Replacement gaskets can usually be ordered from your dishwasher’s manufacturer or any home store.

The detergent dispenser in your dishwasher is also a pretty easy home appliance repair. Depending on the model of your dishwasher, you may just need to replace a spring or the entire dispenser module. While it may be a little pricey to replace the whole module, removing it and putting a new one in isn’t too tricky.

Furnace

Homeowners often don’t realize that there are actually parts of their furnaces that they can fix. While there are some elements and parts of a furnace that are better left to professionals like A-Abel to repair or replace, there are a few simple homeowner home appliance repairs that you can do yourself.

Air Filters

The best place to start when it comes to repairing your furnace is to replace or clean the air filter. A clean air filter in your furnace not only helps ensure pollutants and contaminants aren’t blowing through your home, it also allows for proper air flow and increased energy efficiency.

If you don’t already do it, regularly turn off the power switch of your furnace. Remove the front panel of the furnace and gently clean inside with a vacuum attachment or soft dust pad. This will get dust off of the furnace components. This a simple way to cut down on allergies. It can also ensure there isn’t build up on expensive electronic components.

Ductwork

If you haven’t your ductwork inspected by an HVAC technician in awhile, it may be time to take a look at them. If you’ve noticed any leaks yourself, you can seal them off with a liquid sealant or heavy-duty aluminum foil HVAC tape. Your best option for leaks or cracks in your ductwork, however, is to have a professional come in to inspect and repair any damage. A small investment in a quality repair job is worth more in the long run.

Furnace Humidifier

If the humidity within your home is low, it may be time to replace your furnace humidifier (which, in most cases, is a separate appliance from the actual furnace). This part helps regulate humidity levels within your home. It can also help prevent your home from drying out during the winter months. Replace the water panel, set the humidity to about 35-45% and turn the water supply on to the furnace.

Some home appliance repairs are DIY projects suitable for the weekend warrior. Other jobs need the help of an experienced home improvement professional. If you ever have any plumbing, furnace, or heating/cooling concerns, don’t hesitate to call A-Abel to get a technician to come out and take a look.