If you have been spending more time inside the past few months, things around your home have been getting more use lately. At Butler Contracting, we want to make sure that things are working properly to avoid repairs and breaks at the worst times. We are focusing on kitchen appliance efficiency and bathroom preventative maintenance this month. Take a look at the items listed below to proactively find issues before they turn into full-scale problems.
Refrigerator Coils: The condenser coils on a refrigerator remove heat from inside the unit. If they accumulate dirt and dust, they don’t run as well, putting strain on your refrigerator and costing you more in electricity to run it. The coil is located either on the bottom behind the kickplate or on the back of the refrigerator. To clean refrigerator coils, turn off the power to the refrigerator, then carefully vacuum the coils using a vacuum cleaner brush attachment.
Refrigerator Door Gasket: The flexible magnetic rubber gaskets on your refrigerator doors can wear out and reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator. Start by inspecting the seals for cracks or tears, then clean the gaskets with soap and water. Next, test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper or dollar bill, then gently pull it out. You should feel resistance if the seal is working properly. If the paper pulls out easily, you may need to realign the door or replace the gasket.
Water and Ice-maker Filters: Replace disposable water filters on your water filtration system and/or ice maker as recommended by the manufacturer (usually every six months). This prevents mold and mildew from growing in the filter and keeps your water clean and fresh.
Range Hood and Filter: Grease builds up easily on range hoods and over-the-stove microwave fans, which can reduce their efficiency and shorten their lifespan. Use a citrus-based cleaner to clean the outer and inner surfaces of your range hood or microwave. Be sure to remove and clean the range hood grease filter regularly by washing it with hot, soapy water.
Bathroom Vent Fans: Bathroom ceiling vent fans become noisy and inefficient when they collect dust. To clean the bathroom vent fan, remove the cover, vacuum any dust, and spray moving parts with a silicone lubricant.
Shower Heads: If your shower head seems to have lost pressure or the spray seems to shoot all over, your shower head may be clogged with mineral deposits. Tie a plastic bag of vinegar over the shower head and allow it to soak overnight. After you remove the bag of vinegar, turn the hot water on to rinse the shower head off.
Give Butler Contracting a call for all of your home repair and preventative maintenance needs: (844) 6BUTLER.
