AC-Appliance Pros
Preventive Maintenance
Appliances
Refrigerator / Freezer
Almost all of today's refrigerators use less energy than those
made previously. These units are built with extra-thick foam
insulation providing a more energy efficient operation.
Choose a temperature setting in a refrigerator between 36°F
to 38°F. Choose a setting between 0°F to 5°F in a
freezer. Controls numbered 1-9, should be set at 5. Controls
lettered A-E, should be set at the letter C. Test temperature
by setting liquid on the top shelf of the fresh food for at least
24 hours. Taste and adjust accordingly.
Clean the inside with a solution of baking soda and water,
one tablespoon per quart warm water.
Clean door gaskets with a baking soda water solution. Apply
a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the door gasket at the hinge
side. This helps keep the gasets from sticking and bending out
of shape.
Turn off "energy saver" switch if moisture forms
on cabinet around gasket. Keep coils on the back and bottom refrigerator/freezer
clean for optimum efficiency. Replace worn gaskets. Try to limit
door openings and length of time they are open, especially in
hot, humid weather. Keep refrigerator full for peak performance.
If refrigerator does not opreate - No interior light, plug
a small lamp into same outlet to check outlet. May be in defrost
cycle, wait 30 minutes.
If motor operates for long periods - Remove grill and clean
condenser.
If door is not closing properly - Clean door gasket as instruted
above.
Ice cubes have odor or taste - Unsealed packages in refrigerator
or freezer compartment may be transmitting odor or taste to ice
cubes. Poor tasting incoming water, install water filter. Ice
cubes too small - water line or filter may be cologged. Cheand
clean or replace.
If there is water on kitchen floor or bottom of freezer -
The drain may be clogged - clean by using a meat baster to force
hot soapy water through drain.
Dishwashers
Maintain a temperature setting as low as possible (140F for
dishwasher). Turn off the breaker before lowering thermostat.
If the dishwasher has a water heating device that will heat
the water inside the dishwasher, turn down the water heater thermostat
to 120F. When there is no danger of freezing water pipes, turn
off the water heater breaker if you go away for a week or longer.
Install specially designed low flow shower heads to save water
and save on the cost of heating the water.
Look for energy saving features and wash systems, dispensers
and rack positions to meet family needs.
Use only dishwasher detergent, never laundry or handwashing
detergent.
Operate dishwasher with full loads only.
Run hot water or sink before starting dishwasher to assure
the cycle starts with adequate hot water.
Repair leaky hot water faucets. One drop a second can add
up to over 100 gallons a month.
Range
Since the electric range accounts for about 3.2% of energy
usage, select the size and style of range (or oven and cooktop)
that meets the cooking needs and space requirements.
Preheat oven 8-10 minutes - only for baked goods.
Avoid opening oven door when baking to prevent 20% heat loss.
Use range and other heat producing appliance during cooler parts
of the day.
Never use oven cleaning products on continuous or self cleaning
oven surfaces.
Start cooking on HIGH, then reduce to LOW when food begins
to cook.
Using an electric ovnfretngtheoom is very inefficient.
Microwave
The choice of wattage, features and style of oven depends
on the intended use, individual preferences and budget limitations.
Microwave cooking can save energy up to 75% over conventional
cooking.
Do not use scouring powder or scouring pads which can scratch
liner.
Disposer
Operate with cold running water. Turn off disposer then turn
off cold water.
Laundry Equipment
Wash with cold or warm water whenever possible and rinse in
cold water.
Wash full loads whenever possible.
Clean dryer filter before each load.
Properly vent clothes driers. Be sure your clothes dryer is
vented to the outside. Also ensure that your clothes dryer is
vented away from your outdoor unit.
If you don't know which firm to call, ask if the contractor
is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
consumers can call (972)247-5383 or 1-800-260-8041 to confirm
the contractor is a member or to locate a contractor who subscribes
to the organization's code or ethics.
©2007 AC-Appliance Pros All Rights Reserved
1701 North Greenville Ave. Suite 606
Richardson, Texas 75081
972-664-0055
TACL B00027067E
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