Common Dryer Problems and How to Fix Them

DIY Tips for Troubleshooting Your Home’s Dryer

Nothing beats the convenience of having a washer and dryer in your own home. Just turn a few knobs and presto, your work is done. But what happens when your dryer goes off the rails? Your clothes come out soaking wet, or maybe your dryer just stops working all together. If you’re having trouble with your dryer, use these tips to see if you can fix the problem yourself.

Dryer Spins But There’s No Heat

Before you examine or tinker with anything, make sure that the dryer is unplugged and at room temperature. If your dryer refuses to heat up during a normal cycle, there’s probably a connectivity issue or something wrong with the appliance’s internal temperature monitor.

Broken Fuse

Now, take a look at the machine’s back panel. You should be able to remove it using a small screwdriver. You should see a small fuse connected to the back. If it appears broken or frayed, you’ll need to replace it with a new fuse.

Checking the Thermostat

You should find the thermometer located on the back panel. Connect an A/C voltage multimeter to the thermometer and you should get a reading of 0. If not, you’ll need to replace your thermostat with a new one.

Checking the Temperature Switch

The same thing goes for the machine’s temperature switch. Remove the top button on your temperature switch and connect the multimeter. Adjust the switch and see if there is any change in the meter’s readout. If not, your temperature switch will need to be replaced.

Dryer Turns On But It Won’t Spin

If the machine turns on, but refuses to spin, chances are that you have a broken belt on your hands. Buy a replacement and open the back of the machine. Remove the old belt and insert the new one. Slide it through the motor pulley until the new belt is firmly in place. If that doesn’t fix the problem, keep troubleshooting.

Replacing the Roller

You should also see a roller underneath the belt next to the tumbler. Take out the roller and inspect it for any damage. Rollers can easily get worn out, especially if your machine is more than 10 years old. Swap out the roller for a new one to see if that fixes the problem.

Replacing the Motor

If you’re still out of luck, you probably need a new motor. In order to replace the motor, you’ll have to pull out the air duct and the blower wheel and then slide in a new motor. You might want to take photos of the inside of the machine before you begin tearing it apart.

Trapped Heat

If your dryer refuses to turn on all together or is getting too hot during a normal cycle, your air vent could be clogged. Empty out the lint trap and inspect the vent. Clear away any debris that might be blocking the airflow.

Taking apart your home’s dryer can be a labor-intensive endeavor. If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting such a large piece of machinery, you’re better off calling the pros at Absolute Appliances Repair, offering reliable washer dryer repair to the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, Mill Valley, Marin County, Novato, and Larkspur.

What to Do When Your Refrigerator Dies

The refrigerator is one of those appliances that’s pretty hard to live without—even if it’s for few hours. So when you’re refrigerator suddenly dies, or is in the process of dying, it can be really nerve-wracking. Fortunately, there are signs that tell you when your refrigerator is dying so you can address the problems before it completely gives out. Read on for more information.

Signs your refrigerator is dying

Your food keeps expiring before it’s supposed to

A faulty fridge can cause food to go bad before its expiration date. This could mean that the thermostat isn’t working properly, the condenser coils are covered in dust, or the motor is working overtime because condenser coils are too hot.

Your energy bills are increasing

If your energy bills are going up, it may be a sign that your kitchen appliances are using too much energy. And because your refrigerator and freezer are on all the time, they may be to blame. The thermostat, motor, or compressor may be on its way out.

The interior feels relatively warm

Ideally, the interior of your refrigerator should be 35˚F at all times, with the freezer being at 0˚. If your refrigerator isn’t staying at the correct temperature, it may be dying. Check the door seal to make sure it’s not loose and make sure the condenser coils are clean.

The compressor or motor is constantly running

Your refrigerator will always emit a soft humming sound; however, when the internal temperature rises above its set level, the compressor and the motor will turn on to lower the temperature. This increases the noise level for a short time. If the sound doesn’t decrease, though, this may be a sign that something is wrong with the refrigerator.

There’s a puddle of water around the fridge

This could mean that the door isn’t closing all the way, the drip pan is broken, the fridge is filled with frost, or hoses from the fridge to the drip pan might be loose.

If your refrigerator is showing signs of imminent death, don’t panic. Help is usually just a phone call away. If you live in the San Francisco area and you’re in need of refrigerator repair or freezer repair, contact Absolute Appliances Repair for professional, reliable service.

Keeping Food Safe When the Fridge Dies

How to Avoid Food Contamination without a Fridge

Keeping food safe during a power outage is about being prepared. If there’s a major storm headed to your neighborhood, you need to take certain precautions to avoid getting stuck with a fridge full of rotten food. Losing all that food isn’t just about wasting money; it’s about protecting your family from harmful bacteria and pathogens. Prevent a worst-case scenario and use these tips to keep your family’s food as fresh as possible.

Prepare for a Major Power Outage

Sometimes it’s impossible to predict the weather or when your fridge is going to fail. But if you have a warning such as a major storm, you can make a few preparations ahead of time. Start by making sure that you have a working, accurate thermostat in your refrigerator and freezer. If you’re not sure if your thermostat is accurate, leave a new one in the fridge and then compare the readings. Your goal is to keep the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees or below. The next step is to fill plastic bags with water and keep them on hand in case you need to keep certain foods cold while the power is out. If you have ice packs or freezer packs, keep those cold as well. You should also have a store in mind that’s nearby in case you need to run out and buy ice.

What to Do When You Lose the Fridge

Whether you’re facing a power outage from a storm or your fridge bites the dust, you need to act fast if your fridge is no longer working correctly. Keep the doors on the fridge and freezer closed as much as possible. If you need to reach in and grab something, think carefully about what you need and where to find it. Your fridge will maintain its current temperature for about 4 hours. Your freezer should stay frozen for about 48 hours if it’s full of food. It will only last for about 24 hours if it’s half-full. If the temperature starts to drop, you can add bags of ice from a local store. Stuff the ice around sensitive items like meat and produce. You can also bundle items around or on top of each other to help them maintain their current temperature.

To prevent cross-contamination, place any meat in separate plastic bags and place them on one side of the fridge or freezer. If any juices from the meat start to leak out, you’re better off throwing the meat out rather than exposing your sanitary food to harmful contaminants.

When you finally get the fridge working again, be cautious when deciding which foods to keep and which to throw out. If you’re not sure, don’t take a risk. Be safe and toss it in the trash.

If your family’s fridge or freezer is on its last leg, contact Absolute Appliances Repair for appliance repair in San Francisco, San Rafael, Mill Valley or Marin County.

How You Can Get the Most from Your Dishwasher

A dishwasher is quite the investment, and as such, you want to make sure you’re getting every penny’s worth from it. Like many other appliances, your dishwasher may need repairs at some point during its lifetime. If yours does, Absolute Appliances Repair services San Francisco, Mill Valley, Marin County and many other locations. They offer washer repair, dryer repair and are able to service many other appliances – including dishwashers!

Did you know you can help preserve the lifespan and function of your dishwasher by performing regular maintenance and cleaning? Repairs and service may get expensive, but by following tips below, you can get the most from your dishwasher regardless of its age.

Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher in Tip-Top Shape

Your dishwasher deserves some TLC, just like your other appliances and electronics. If you’re noticing that a first run-through isn’t leaving your dishes with a sparkle, it may be time to make some adjustments. Rather than spending money on unnecessary repairs, why not try these tricks first?

  1. Keep the filter in your dishwasher clean. This is one item that many people tend to overlook in the hurry to get dishes loaded and into the wash cycle. The filter can easily get clogged with food and water deposits, which can definitely have an effect on how clean your dishes get during a typical wash cycle. Keep it clean and clear for optimal results.
  2. Scrape leftover food from your dishes, rather than pre-rinsing or soaking. You’ve probably heard that rinsing your dishes before running them through the dishwasher is a necessary part of the process. It’s not. Rinsing and/or soaking is a big waste of water, and you’d be better served to scrape your dishes thoroughly before putting them in the dishwasher. This also cuts down on the food and other dish grime that can gather on the filter.
  3. Always run hot water through your faucet before starting a dishwashing cycle. This is incredibly important, but is another tip that is easily overlooked or forgotten. Hot water helps kill bacteria on your dishes and inside the dishwasher much more effectively than cold or luke-warm water. Plus, hot water can help rinse your dishes cleaner as well.
  4. Consider having your water tested every so often. An issue many people may not think about, hard water can have negative effects on your dishwasher’s ability to thoroughly clean your dishes. It can also be bad for your dishwasher in general, leaving hard water deposits on moving parts and on the filter. Clean, balanced water is not only good for you and your family, but for the life of your dishwasher, too!

If you’ve tried these tips and are still having troubles, your best option for Bay Area appliance repair is Absolute Appliances Repair. Protect your investment. Take the proper steps to care for your dishwasher and keep it running.

Common Freezer Issues & How to Diagnose Them

Whether you’ve just purchased a new freezer or are using one that’s a few years old, it’s no secret that something can go wrong. Just like every other household appliance, your freezer can experience performance issues from time to time. When it comes to freezer repair, Absolute Appliances Repair offers quality repair services in San Francisco, San Rafael, Mill Valley and other locations in the Bay Area.

Before focusing on freezer repair, it’s important to understand what may or may not be wrong with your freezer. A number of common problems exist in this realm, and they include the following, according to the APWagner Appliance Parts Blog:

  • The freezer has a large amount of frost built up inside it
  • The freezer isn’t keeping anything frozen
  • Food kept in the freezer looks iced or burned (known as freezer burn)
  • The freezer isn’t working at all
  • The freezer runs constantly

Now that you’re aware of the issues that can affect the performance of your freezer, how do you diagnose them? While diagnosing some issues may be better left to the professionals at Absolute Appliances Repair, there are some simple things you can do to diagnose the more basic issues that may be plaguing your freezer.

Some of the simpler ways to diagnose problems include the following:

  • Check the power cord or extension cord (if you’re using one) for any damage, and make sure it’s plugged in
  • Test the temperature control mechanism and ensure it’s set to your desired temperature
  • Make sure there is enough room in your freezer for a proper amount of airflow
  • Test your freezers defrost timer and other defrosting components

For other diagnosing tips and ideas, go here.

Understanding the common issues that can affect the performance of your freezer is important, but if you’re still unsure, contact a professional. Absolute Appliance Repair services San Francisco and the surrounding area.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine – and Why You Should Do It

You may not have every had it cross your mind that a washing machine would need cleaning – after all, the detergents used in it would keep the machine itself clean too, right? Actually, the truth is that any good Bay appliance repair pro will tell you that washing machines do need regular cleaning; detergents for clothes are not going to keep your machine clear of issues. Neglecting to perform regular maintenance and cleaning is going to lead to you having to pay for unnecessary washer repair, and will also contribute to you having to purchase a replacement machine faster.

Minerals from the water (whether it’s iron, calcium, or anything else) along with soap residue are going to build up in your machine over time. You might eventually start to notice that clothes that come out of the wash just don’t seem quite as clean as they used to. Although you might at first think it’s because you shove too many items in at once, or because your washing machine is breaking, it might just be that your machine is long overdue for a cleaning. Read on before you make the call to a professional for washer repair in San Francisco.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

There are many products available at grocery stores, hardware stores, appliance stores, and just about anywhere that were designed specifically to clean your washer. If you instead want to pass on these products and try a quick and easy two-step method that will do the job, all you’ll need is bleach and white vinegar – that’s it! (You can also skip the bleach step if you’re not comfortable using the chemical in your machine.)

Fill your washer with hot water, just as though you would if you were cleaning a large load of laundry. Add one quart of bleach and let the machine run for about one minute. Open the lid of your top-loading machine and let the bleach and water sit for one hour. After one hour, close the lid and finish the cycle. Repeat the above instructions, this time using one quart of white vinegar instead of the bleach. Let the tub fill, add the vinegar, allow the washer to run for a minute, open the lid and let it sit still, and then close the lid to allow the cycle to complete. Once all is said and done, you should notice that the inside of your machine’s tub feels smooth and clean, instead of rough with soapy build-up and hard water spots.

All it takes is two common, inexpensive household products and a couple of hours to clean your washing machine. It also costs only about $3.00! If you’ve noticed lately that your washing machine just is not performing up to par with the level of cleaning that it used to when it was new, you may want to consider a cleaning. If, after cleaning your machine, it still is not performing well, then you’ll want to think about calling us for appliance repair in San Francisco and the surrounding areas. We serve customers in places from San Rafael, Novato and Larkspur to Marin County, Mill Valley, and more.

Happy Washing!

Troubleshooting a Malfunctioning Ice Maker

An ice maker is one of those luxuries we take for granted so much that we usually only ever think about it when it stops working. But when that day eventually comes, it can be extremely frustrating. There are many different things that can go wrong with an ice maker, but the good news is that most common ice maker issues are pretty easy to fix. So, before you shell out your hard-earned cash to a technician or handyman, take a look at this quick and easy ice maker troubleshooting guide.

Safety First: When working with the electrical components of any major appliance, disconnect the appliance from its power source. If you run into a problem that you do not feel comfortable fixing yourself, call an appliance repair professional to avoid risking physical harm, or damaging your appliance further. Call Absolute Appliances Repair for appliance repair in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Not Producing Ice

Problem: If your ice maker isn’t producing ice, the first thing you should do is check the shutoff arm. The shutoff arm is a bar that extends away from the ice maker over the ice cube bin. When ice piles up in your ice maker, it raises the bar up, automatically stopping the ice production process when the bin is full. However, it is quite common for people to accidentally nudge the shutoff arm into the off position when moving things around in the freezer.

Fix: This is a simple fix. Just locate the shutoff arm and move it into the on, or down position and you should be good to go.

Problem: If your shutoff arm is in the on/down position, but your ice maker still isn’t producing ice, you might have an issue with your water supply line.

Fix: The water supply line connects to a valve that’s usually located behind the freezer, or under the kitchen sink. If the supply line is pinched, or dented, or the valve is not opened wide enough to allow for the proper pressure, the water may not fill the ice mold. If you don’t see any kinks or dents in the line, try to open the valve a little more and see if that solves your problem. But, if the supply line or valve does appear to be damaged, it is best to replace it.

Problem: If the ice cube bin is filled with ice, but the shutoff arm is in the down/on position, the problem is most likely with the motor, gearbox or electrical connection.

Fix: Slide the refrigerator out from the wall, unplug it, and turn off the water supply valve. Find the quick release plug located on the rear wall of the inside of the freezer. Unplug the connection it and reconnect it to make sure it is fully connected. Remove any ice from the mold. Plug the refrigerator back in and lift the shutoff arm to the off position. Then lower the arm back down and wait 10 seconds or so for the mold to begin filling with water. Wait a few hours for the ice to freeze and then test the ice maker. If ice still won’t eject, you most likely need to replace the motor or gearbox.

Frozen Fill Tube or Mechanism

Problem: If your ice maker stops working, and you’ve noticed that the cubes have been getting smaller and smaller, that could indicate that your fill tube is frozen. Sometimes ice can get backed up around the mechanism, causing the fill tube to freeze, which will slow down and eventually stop ice production.

Fix: Unplug the refrigerator and remove the ice bin and any loose ice from the ice maker. Locate the fill tube. This should look like a white rubber hose that delivers water to the ice maker. Some ice makers have a small metal clip which holds the fill tube, if yours is one of those models, pull the clip off the housing that holds the fill tube. Warm the hose and surrounding mechanism with a hair dryer to melt any ice blocking the mechanism. It is best to keep the hair dryer on the low setting to avoid melting the plastic. Be very careful to collect the ice melt to avoid any potential risk of electrical shock.

Producing Too Much Ice

Problem: If your ice maker keeps making ice even when it’s full, this could be another problem with the shutoff arm.

Fix: Make sure that the arm is firmly in place and that nothing is impeding its movement. Then test it by raising it into the off position and leaving it there. Check back later to confirm that no ice has been made. If it still continues to produce ice, you might need to replace the control module.

Final note: Whenever you are working with the electronic components of your appliance, be sure that your appliance is disconnected from its power source. And if you run into a problem that you do not feel comfortable fixing yourself, it is always best to call an appliance repair professional to avoid risking physical harm, or damaging your appliance further. Call Absolute Appliances Repair for appliance repair in San Francisco Bay Area, and the surrounding areas. We serve customers in places from San Rafael, Novato and Larkspur to Marin County, Mill Valley, and more.

Stoves vs. Cooktops: Which is Best?

One of the most important appliances in your kitchen is your stove, and for very good reason. It’s the centerpiece for cooking a good, wholesome meal. If you’re in the market for something new or new-used, there are two options for you to choose from — ranges and cooktops.

Whether you’re making your choice through appliance repair in San Francisco or through other means, it’s crucial to know the difference between a range and a cooktop before making your final decision. But what exactly are the differences?

What You Should Know

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing between a range and a cooktop is the biggest difference between the two appliances.

A cooktop functions much like a regular stove, but does not contain the oven portion — it’s burners and the knobs to operate them, and it is installed into a countertop. A range contains the burners and function knobs, but also includes an oven.

While there is really only this one difference, it’s obviously an important one. You’ll need to understand your cooking needs before making your choice between the two, of course. For an even bigger decision-making influence, let’s look at the benefits of ranges and cooktops.

The Benefits of Choosing a Range

A range is a great choice for large or small kitchens, as it is the hub of the cooking area. It also gives you what you need — burners and a stove — in an attractive, simple package. Deciding on a range gives you numerous options when deciding on size, finish, cooking style and much more. You’re even able to choose from a slide-in or drop-in range, a freestanding range, or even dual-fuel option — all of which have their own distinct benefits.

Ranges come on a spectrum of price points, which is a huge benefit if you’re working on a budget. Because sizes and other options vary, you’ll be able to find an option that’s perfect for your home without spending a boatload of money.

The Benefits of Choosing a Cooktop

  • Cooktops are much smaller than a range and therefore are easier to install. Because they are only a set of burners, you’ll also have extra space below for a cabinet or other item.
  • When choosing a cooktop, you’ll have plenty of options for burner size and finish. Plus, glass and smooth cooktop options make cleanup much easier.
  • A cooktop stove has its controls on the countertop, making this option a safer choice if you have children in your home. They won’t be able to reach the controls as easily as they might with a range.

Purchasing a new appliance can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that doing your research beforehand can make the process easier. When you know what you need to create meals you can be proud of, it’s easier to narrow down your options. You’ll want to do everything possible to make the process quick and painless so you can get back to cooking!

If ever (or whenever) you’re in the need for stove repair, call Absolute Appliances Repair!

Which Dishwasher Style Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing new appliances, making a final decision can be pretty daunting. Numerous brands and styles of washers, dryers, and refrigerators exist, but did you know that there are plenty of dishwashers to choose from too? Whether you’re choosing something brand new or one that may need dishwasher repair, navigating the sea of options can be difficult.

Understanding what each dishwasher style can offer is an important part of making a final decision. From traditional to drawer styles, each has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the different options.

So, just what are the options a consumer has to choose from today?

Built-In Under-the- Counter Dishwashers (Traditional Dishwashers)

This option is immobile and resides under the counter in a kitchen and can normally be found near the sink. It is incredibly convenient, allowing your kitchen sink to be used for other things as it washes dishes, thanks to the fact that it doesn’t need to be hooked up to the faucet to be used. It also never needs to be moved or put away.

There are negatives to closing the traditional dishwasher, however. This option almost always needs to be installed by a qualified plumber to avoid the chance of an accident. Not only do you have to buy the dishwasher, but you’ll likely have to pay a plumber as well.

Another negative point is that you may end up losing a good chunk of cupboard space to the dishwasher. The good news here is that there are smaller traditional dishwashers that can be installed. However, the tradeoff to a smaller dishwasher is that not as many dishes can be washed at once. It is also useful to remember when choose this option that, should you decide to sell your house and move, the dishwasher will likely stay with the house (meaning you may have to buy a new one after moving).

Drawer Dishwashers

Typically meant for use in a smaller household, these dishwashers come in single-drawer and double-drawer styles and are also permanently installed in a home. They are a more expensive option, but provide a fairly large amount of convenience (for example, you don’t have to bend over to insert dishes).

Drawer dishwashers allow for different wash cycles to be chosen, but are also meant for smaller dish loads in each cycle. This option typically a bit more energy efficient than a traditional dishwasher, which is great for those who re especially energy-conscious when it comes to home appliances.

Countertop Dishwashers

Fairly small and very mobile, a countertop dishwasher is the perfect option for smaller living spaces, such as studio apartments. They do not require installation of any kind and simply connect to your kitchen faucet with a simple and easy-to- use adapter. Countertop models are economical and typically work very well as long as dishes are rinsed before being washed.

This type of dishwasher easily sits on a counter or stable cart and runs as long as you have the faucet turned on. For those on a limited income or in a small home or apartment, a countertop dishwasher is a great option.

Choosing a dishwasher doesn’t have to be a stressful decision. By understanding your own needs and options, your decision can be made easier. The best advice is to understand your own living situation and do your research on the dishwasher models you are considering.

If ever (or whenever) you’re in the need for dishwasher repair, call Absolute Appliances Repair! Happy shopping!

Major Appliances You Can Control with Your Phone

Smartphones can do some truly incredible things. In addition to enabling us to communicate with people around the world, take pictures and videos, read entire books, and monitor our health, they can also control major appliances in your home—when you’re not even there.

At the grocery store and not sure if you need to buy more milk? You can take a look inside your fridge. Don’t feel like going downstairs to see if the washing machine is still running? Check its progress on your phone.

Read on to find out some of the ways you can control major appliances in your home with your phone.

Oven

What if you could turn on your oven and keep tabs on your baking from afar? There are now apps and programs that allow you to do so. If your oven supports Alexa integration (Amazon’s smart home product), you can control your oven with Alexa. Additionally, GE has a range of Wi-Fi- connected smart appliances and these can now be controlled with Google Assistant, which works the same as it does with Alexa. Samsung also has smart ovens that can be controlled with and Android app.

All of these programs enable you to do things like turn your oven on and off and control cooking time. The Samsung oven can even tell you how much your food weighs and many calories are in your meal!

Refrigerator

Refrigerators are getting cooler (pun intended) all the time; they can do things like dispense sparkling water, cool areas within your fridge at different temperatures, and display calendars, notes, recipes, shopping lists, and even stream television with LCD touch-screens. If that’s not incredible enough, you can now peer into your refrigerator when you’re not home.

Samsung’s Family Hub Refrigerator includes three cameras which can be accessed through a smartphone app at any time. Now, you don’t need to rack your brain to remember if you have enough butter or your raspberries have gone bad—you just grab your phone and see!

Washers and dryers

Your phone can also make doing laundry easier. With the Whirlpool Smart Front Load Washer and Samsung’s Smart Care washers and dryers, consumers can download an app and monitor your laundry’s progress from anywhere. The Whirlpool washer’s app also enables you to set and change cycles from wherever you are and track the amount of energy you’re using. There are also electric LCD touchscreen washers and dryers which can send your smartphone notifications when your laundry is finished.

Controlling your appliances with your phone gives you more flexibility and peace of mind. Check on your washer’s progress, take a look inside your refrigerator, and make sure that you turned off your oven. And if you live in the San Francisco area and your smart appliances are in need of repair, contact the experienced and professional staff at Absolute Appliances Repair.