Appliance Repair Specialists

Refrigerator cabinet is warm to the touch

appliancerepairspecialists — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:15:45 +0000

The refrigerator exterior should feel warm in the area where the gaskets meet the frame. These areas are the mullion and cabinet flanges. This heat is generated by a heat loop located within the refrigerator walls near the gasket areas. This heat is necessary to keep moisture and frost from forming on the refrigerator exterior.

At times, the refrigerator exterior may feel even warmer than usual in these areas. This could last up to 24 hours. This condition may be caused by one or more of the following:

Initial startup of the refrigerator from room temperature
Loading fresh food or food that is near room temperature
Heavy usage during certain times of the day

If the refrigerator exterior continually feels hot in these areas, check the condenser for excessive dirt or debris and clean if necessary. Airflow blocked by lint, pet hair and dirt will cause the condenser and heat loop temperature to increase.

John G.

appliancerepairspecialists — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:52 +0000

WOW! Called this morning needing service on a squealing dryer and installation of a water actuator paddle on a refrigerator. Technician was available in my area within 45 minutes of my call (Mario). Mario was obviously familiar with my particular dryer model and had it disassembled in 5 minutes and diagnosed the problem as a bad idler pulley. Part was available on the truck. Checked other parts to ensure no others were worn and needed to be replaced. Quoted me a fair price for both the dryer fix and the refigerator part installation and proceeded to make the dryer repair. Completed the job in 20 minutes, start to finish. Neat, fast and efficient – knew what he was doing. On to the fridge. I had purchased the part online months ago but had been reticent to install it since I had read the instructions and it was pretty tricky. Mario checked the part, knew how much it cost (expensive piece of plastic) and proceeded to do the installation. As he was doing t he disassembly, he mentioned the ‘tricky part’ regarding the water hose. Had the old part out and the new part installed in less than 10 minutes. Works perfect. Total time on the job from arrival in my driveway to out the door with my check in hand was 35 minutes. No upselling or needless replacement of parts. Neat, fast, and efficient. The world needs more Marios. Thanks for the great service.

Vickie R.

appliancerepairspecialists — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:03:23 +0000

We had just moved into our home and the refrigerator icemaker wasn’t working properly. We kept getting water on the floor. We tightened the couplings at the water line but that didn’t solve the problem. We couldn’t find a leak but kept getting water on the floor.We called and they sent someone out. The tech was extremely nice and professional. He found that the problem was the water was spurting out of the back of the machine when it was trying to fill the icetrays. He said it was because the line was frozen. He took the tube down, used a steamer to melt buildup, put it back together, tested it and was done. Great service, good response time and very professional service tech. Thanks!

Kathy G.

appliancerepairspecialists — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:59:37 +0000

What a refreshing experience. We had just purchased a Dryer from a department store that had turned out to be a nightmare. The unit was only one day old and had only been used twice before we experienced problems. The location from where we purchased the unit would not repair it(even though it was their warranty). We contacted Appliance Repair Specialists and were able to get the same day service for their opinion. When Mario arrived he knew exactly what the problem was. He was able to get the unit working so I could at least get some laundry done before the store came back to pick up both units. Not only did it get the dryer working but he answered many of the questions we had regarding various brands of washers & dryers. It was so nice for a change to find an honest repair person and company. If we experience any problems with any other appliance again, they are the only company we will call. Great Job!

Mike T.

appliancerepairspecialists — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:02:12 +0000

Stellar service and save me literally a couple thousand on another refrigerator. It started not getting cold yesterday so we found Appliance Repair Specialists on Angie’s list. My wife thought it was dead and already picked out a $2300 new one at Lowes. The tech arrived right on time and only took him 30 minutes to analysis the issue and install the new part. Had it cooling again in no time. Cannot thank them enough! Regards, Mike T.

Miriam R.

appliancerepairspecialists — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:04:55 +0000

Your repairman was very polite, and I appreciated the fact that I was billed according to a standard price list, as opposed to a previous appliance repair person who seemed to be giving me an extravagantly expensive repair estimate out of the top of his head.

Jule D.

appliancerepairspecialists — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:04:01 +0000

Lance, I’m sure you would agree it is far too often we only hear from customers when they’ve had a less than positive experience. That said, I wanted to pass along my compliments to two of your staff – Andrew and Tyson. They were both competent, efficient and extremely professional. After having gone through two unsuccessful repair attempts with other companies, I am now confident that my dishwasher is back in working order. Please pass along my thanks and appreciation. I will be sure to pass along your company name, if I hear of others in need of your services. Best regards, Jule D.

9 Tips to Maximize the Life of your Oven

appliancerepairspecialists — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:12:13 +0000

Appliance repair specialists are treasure troves of information on maintaining home cooking appliances. Here are some time-tested tips for keeping an oven trouble-free for years.

1. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions to the letter when using self-cleaning and continuous-clean ovens. Avoid using steel wool, harsh abrasives, and chemical cleaners not specifically formulated for these ovens.

2. If possible, install a heavy-duty surge protector. It will guard the oven’s electronic controls against power spikes and surges.

3. Keep the oven and broiler pan clean and free of baked-on food to reduce the risk of a fire and to help the appliance perform more efficiently. Appliance repair Tampa technicians advise wiping up fresh spills soon after they happen, usually as soon as the oven cools.

4. Avoid using aluminum foil under stovetop burners, say appliance repair specialists. A foil sheet may cover the oven vent usually located under one of the rear burners.

5. Have an appliance repair services Tampa professional inspect the oven and stove once a year for snug electrical connections, a safe grounding, and wiring free from deteriorated insulation. On a gas stove, an appliance repair Tampa technician will check the lines and connectors to ensure safe operation.

6. Ask the appliance repair Tampa expert to check the oven thermostat for accuracy and to ensure the door, gasket, and hinges are in good operating condition. The components need to be well-maintained to ensure a good seal for efficient operation.

7. Request the appliance repair services Tampa person to check and calibrate the time, clock, and electronic controls during the same visit. Today’s stoves and ovens rely on electronics for many functions and these devices need to be in a good state of repair.

8. Run the self-cleaning cycle of one of these special stoves two to four weeks before cooking a big family dinner. The self-cleaning cycle places a heavy load on the wiring and elements of the oven. This is a prime time for a marginal heating element to stop working and replacement parts often takes two weeks or more to arrive.

9. Replace worn, missing or broken parts as soon as possible, especially control knobs, oven gaskets, and hinges. Throw the hopelessly grease-encrusted broiler pan away and buy a new one.

These nine tips not only keep an oven looking good. They also keep it working more efficiently and safely. Removing grease and grime allows inner surfaces to reflect heat better, one of the keys to perfect results when baking a cake or roasting a chicken. Keeping knobs and other controls clean also prolongs their life.

Investing a few minutes and a few pennies every day in routine cleaning adds to up to big savings on replacement costs and utility bills.

Tampa based Appliance Repair Specialists are equipped to fix most brands and models of washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ice machines and built-in ice-makers. We can help you with problems such as limescale buildup, heating element replacement and poor water in dishwashers and washers. Contact us at (813) 288-1900 or (727) 822-2600 or visit our website at www.appliancerepairspecialists.net. For a list of the locations where we provide services, please go to http://www.appliancerepairspecialists.net/area-of-service/.

High Efficiency (HE) Washing Machines

appliancerepairspecialists — Wed, 11 May 2011 11:11:46 +0000

Energy conservation measures have been on the table since the 1990s and high-efficiency washing machines made their first appearance in the latter years of that decade. With rising fuel prices and utility costs, many homeowners are now opting for these machines.

If you ask appliance repair specialists Tampa about the energy consumption of various washing machines and they will cite the energy-saving features of HE washing machines. It is estimated that about 15-20 percent of the average home electric bill can be attributed to doing laundry with a conventional machine.

HE washing machines work on a few principles that make them different from traditional machines. The fundamental difference is the unique spinning mechanisms that reduce the amount of water and electricity used while doing a load of laundry.

Front-loading HE machines use a horizontal agitator to swish clothes from side to side, a maneuver requiring lower energy consumption by the machine’s motor. Traditional machines employ a vertically mounted agitator that push clothes up and down.

Appliances are a major expenditure when furnishing a home. Choosing wisely and employing a few simple preventive measures will reduce the chances of needing the services of appliance repair specialists Tampa.

It is best to use using low-sudsing detergents specially formulated for use in HE washing machines. Using a regular type of detergent can create too many suds, a state that confuses the sophisticated electronic sensors inside the washer. This results in washing and rinsing cycles too short to get clothes completely clean. Manufacturers often recommend a specific brand for use in their products.

Washer repair Tampa personnel will recommend running the machine through a cycle using hot water and household bleach to eliminate any problems with mold and soap-scum deposits. This the most common issue with these energy-saving washers, especially the earlier generations of front-loading machines.

Design modifications have eliminated some of the problems, but it is still wise to follow the hot water and bleach cycle on a regular basis, especially if cold water is used in doing the majority of laundry. Additionally, washer repair Tampa technicians will recommend allowing the front or top lids to stand open when the machine it not in use. This prevents mold and offensive odors from forming inside the washer drum.

While high-efficiency washing machines require some very specific cleaning and maintenance steps, their supreme energy-saving characteristics outweigh the few negative aspects. By reducing energy and water consumption, the consumer not only saves money but also helps save the environment.

Tampa based Appliance Repair Specialists are equipped to fix most brands and models of high efficiency washing machines and washers. We can help you with problems such as poor spinning, leaks, improper operation, leveling, noisy operation and irregular wash cycles. Contact us at (813) 288-1900 or (727) 822-2600 or visit our website at www.appliancerepairspecialists.net. For a list of the locations where we provide services, please go our Areas of Service page. Our technicians are standing by and ready to assist with your washing machine!

Hard Water can Damage your Appliances

appliancerepairspecialists — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:47:21 +0000

As water flows through the ground, it can dissolve minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are then suspended in the water. Water with an abundance of these minerals is called hard water. Hard water can affect the performance of detergents and soaps and lead to significant problems with appliances such as ice-makers, washers, dishwashers, and water heaters.

Clothes laundered in hard water may become itchy, coarse, and grungy. The mineral deposits combine with the soil in the fabrics to form insoluble salts that are difficult to remove. More detergent may be needed, and fabric softeners will be needed to soften harsh, scratchy clothing, and the life of the clothing can be reduced by as much as 40%.

Dishes washed in hard water may be covered with spots or a light film due to the minerals in the water. When water is heated, the mineral deposits are more likely to occur, leaving streaking and heavy filming on clean dishes. If you regularly see deposits of this nature on your clean dishes, it may be time install a water softener.

Appliance Repair Tampa can help when hot water heaters and other water appliances become clogged with mineral deposits from hard water, also called limescale deposits. As limescale deposits build up, pipes and appliances experience reduced amounts of water flow and operate less efficiently.

Limescale deposits can lead to energy bills increasing by as much as 25 percent. Tanks and boilers can lose their capacity, and just a few millimeters of limescale deposits may reduce the efficiency of a hot water heater by almost 40 percent. The average life expectancy of all water appliances can be decreased dramatically.

Limescale insulates the water from heat sources, making certain appliances like water heaters operate less efficiently. Appliance Repair Tampa can help remove these limescale buildups and improve the life of your appliances.

Hard water can ultimately make it more difficult to complete ordinary household chores, as well as decrease the efficiency of many household appliances. To minimize the damaging effects of hard water deposits on appliances, consumers have several options.

Because limescale deposits increase along with higher water temperatures, lowering the temperature on the water heater may help reduce deposits. Switching to appropriate soaps and detergents formulated for use with hard water and using white vinegar as a rinse agent can improve cleaning and reduce soap scum deposits.

If you have hard water in your home, contact Appliance Repair Specialists Tampa to clean out old limescale deposits. Appliance Repair Tampa may also suggest you install a water softener or conditioner to reduce the risk of new limescale deposits and help appliances function more efficiently.