Fixing your own appliances might seem overwhelming at first, but luckily there are several DIY options for many common appliance issues. Checking in on your appliances frequently and performing DIY maintenance takes a small amount of time and a little bit of elbow grease. However, it can prevent you from having costly repairs down the road. If you are unsure how to get started, here are four easy DIY appliance fixes you can perform today.

Many appliances utilize air flow either in or out of the appliance. When airflow is involved, the air must travel through a vent or filter. As a result, the vents and filters can collect dust, lint, and debris over time. This accumulation often leads to clogs. Even worse, it could even become a fire hazard if heat is involved, which is often the case with dryers. By clearing vents and filters frequently, your appliances can avoid costly malfunctions.

Water filters remove impurities from drinking water and keep odors or odd tastes at bay. However, water filters do not last forever, and you need to change them every four to six months. If you live in a rural area, your water filter may be working overtime to remove excess impurities and minerals. As a result, this may require you to change your water filter more frequently, potentially once a month. Changing your refrigerator filter can help prevent potential hazards from leaking into your drinking water for an inexpensive price in return.

Refrigerators, freezers, and ovens are a few examples of appliances that rely on door seals to keep closed environments at the desired temperature. Door seals can become cracked or wear down over time, creating space for air and energy to leak out of the appliance. Consequently, leaking air can then cause your appliance to work harder, using more energy and driving up your energy bills. If you find temperature-based appliances aren’t working up to par, check your door seals for cracks or wear and tear. Most seals are available from an appliance parts retailer. Some take more skill than others to replace. Be sure to research replacement procedures for your particular model before attempting a replacement.

If you are smelling burnt or smoky odors each time you use your stove, food drippings and debris may be the culprit. Immediately after turning off the stove, check to see if food or other crumbs have melted on burners or dropped below into the drip tray. When the stove is cool, wipe burners and drip trays clear of crumbs using a moist cloth. This also helps prevent debris from falling into the stove and prevents costly fire hazards.

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