dryer

Energy Tips During the Summer: Save Money and Stay Cool

Summer is a season of high temperatures and increased energy consumption. As the mercury rises, so does the demand on your household appliances, leading to higher energy bills. However, with a few smart strategies, you can keep your home cool and your energy costs down. In this blog post, we’ll share practical energy-saving tips for refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens to help you make the most of the summer months without breaking the bank.

Refrigerator Tips

1. Maintain Optimal Temperature Settings

Set your refrigerator temperature to 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. These settings ensure efficient cooling without overworking the appliance.

2. Keep the Coils Clean

Dust and debris on the refrigerator coils can cause the compressor to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Clean the coils at least twice a year using a vacuum or brush.

3. Ensure Proper Airflow

Avoid overloading your refrigerator, as it can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Leave some space between items to allow for proper air circulation.

4. Check Door Seals

Inspect the door seals for any cracks or gaps. A tight seal prevents cool air from escaping, reducing the workload on the compressor. Replace worn-out seals promptly.

5. Limit Door Opening

Minimize the frequency and duration of opening the refrigerator door. Each time the door is opened, cool air escapes, and the appliance uses more energy to restore the temperature.

Washer Tips

1. Wash with Cold Water

Using cold water for laundry can significantly reduce energy consumption, as heating water accounts for a substantial portion of a washing machine’s energy use. Most detergents work effectively in cold water.

2. Full Loads Only

Run the washing machine only when you have a full load. Washing fewer loads with more items per load maximizes energy efficiency and reduces water usage.

3. Choose Energy-Efficient Cycles

Use energy-saving or eco-friendly wash cycles whenever possible. These settings use less water and energy without compromising cleaning performance.

4. Regular Maintenance

Keep the washing machine in top condition by regularly cleaning the drum, filter, and detergent dispenser. A well-maintained machine operates more efficiently and lasts longer.

Dryer Tips

1. Air-Dry When Possible

Take advantage of the summer heat by air-drying clothes outdoors. Use a clothesline or drying rack to save energy and reduce wear and tear on your dryer.

2. Clean the Lint Filter

Clean the lint filter before every load to ensure proper airflow and improve drying efficiency. A clogged filter can cause the dryer to overheat and use more energy.

3. Use the Sensor Dry Setting

Many modern dryers have a sensor dry setting that detects moisture levels and automatically stops the cycle when clothes are dry. This prevents over-drying and saves energy.

4. Dry Full Loads

Like washing machines, dryers operate more efficiently with full loads. However, avoid overloading, as this can reduce airflow and increase drying time.

Oven Tips

1. Avoid Using the Oven During Peak Heat

Using the oven can significantly increase indoor temperatures, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Try to cook during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

2. Opt for Smaller Appliances

Use smaller appliances like toaster ovens, microwaves, or slow cookers for cooking small meals. These appliances consume less energy and generate less heat.

3. Keep the Oven Door Closed

Every time you open the oven door, the temperature drops by about 25 degrees, and the oven uses more energy to return to the set temperature. Use the oven light to check on food instead.

4. Use Residual Heat

Turn off the oven a few minutes before your food is fully cooked. The residual heat will finish the cooking process, saving energy.

5. Regular Maintenance

Ensure your oven is in good working condition. A well-maintained oven heats more efficiently, saving energy and improving cooking performance.

By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can reduce your household’s energy consumption during the summer, keeping your home comfortable and your utility bills in check. Small changes in how you use and maintain your appliances can make a significant difference in overall energy efficiency. Enjoy a cooler, more cost-effective summer!

young repairman in protective workwear fixing oven in kitchen

Is Oven Maintenance Necessary After Holiday Cooking?

The kitchen becomes the epicenter of the house during the holidays, enabling families to gather around delicious dishes that really took a lot of cooking power to create. Everyone knows that it’s important for all of your appliances to be in good working order before and during the holidays, so people are pretty diligent about having any appliance repair in San Francisco done prior to this time of year.

What many do not think about, however, is how important it is to ensure that appliances are maintained after heavy use during the holidays, too. The oven is probably the appliance that gets revved up and used the most during the season, so read on to learn some very simple – yet important – tips that will help you keep it in good order after the holidays.

Clean Out the Food Bits

While you don’t have to call an expert in appliance repair in San Rafael, Mill Valley, or Larkspur automatically for professional maintenance after the holidays, you do need to do some preventative maintenance.  Many people don’t keep the oven clean; however, food build-up inside can not only be a fire hazard, but also cause the appliance to unevenly heat food. This certainly has the potential to ruin your holiday meals and any meals afterwards! Be sure to clean all food residue out of the oven to keep it working properly.

Test the Temperature

In addition, test the oven’s temperature after it’s worked hard cooking holiday meals. You can simply use a thermometer suitable for high heat to make sure it’s cooking food at the proper temperatures. If your appliance seems to be cooking things too quickly or too slowly, checking the temperature accuracy of your oven is your first step.

Check the Door

Doors are fairly common causes of oven issues after the holidays, so you’ll want to check around the outside of it after all that cooking is finished. Look for leaky seals and moisture; if you notice moisture around the outside of your appliance, it could mean that there is a defective or broken gasket that is preventing the door from closing properly. The problems that result include wasted energy and higher utility bills, lower temperatures inside the oven, and longer cook times. The same holds true for any cracks in the door in general, including any glass in the front.

While you’re at it, take a quick look at your microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher to make sure the doors on those appliances are still in good shape and seal completely. Should you notice that your appliances need repairs that are out of your comfort zone, don’t hesitate to call on our team of experts.

We can help with any and all appliance repairs, and we serve customers in San Francisco, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Novato, and all of Marin County. Contact us and let us know how we can help you!

Most Common Oven Problems and What to Try to Fix Them

Most Common Oven Problems and What to Try to Fix Them

The oven is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen – whether you’re whipping up a quick late-night snack for two or you’ve been voted to be the one to cook Thanksgiving dinner, you need that oven! Holiday meal or not, you don’t have time for unexpected oven issues. Following are some of the most common issues and how to try to fix them before calling for appliance repair in San Francisco:

  1. The Oven Won’t Turn On

It’s a good idea right off the bat – before problems arise – to make sure your major appliances (oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator) each has its own circuit to prevent breakers tripping. Check your junction box and make sure no breakers have tripped. Just for kicks, make sure the plug hasn’t worked its way out of the outlet, too.

So your oven is plugged in and the breaker hasn’t tripped; if it is electric, some other things that could be preventing it from turning on include the wrong amount of electricity coming into the unit, a broken wire, or a bad bake, broil, or control element. For gas oven owners, it could be a faulty gas valve, igniter, or control. These issues require the skill of a San Rafael area appliance repair pro, due to the risk of electric shock.

 

  1. The Door won’t Open or Shut

If your unit does turn on, it won’t do you any good if the oven door won’t open or close! If you’ve just finished a self-cleaning cycle and it won’t open, try unplugging the unit or flipping the breaker off for a few minutes. Once power is restored, try moving the door lock lever. If it doesn’t open, reset the self-clean cycle and let it run for 15 minutes, then cancel it. Let the oven cool down for a while, and try to open it again.

If you have the opposite problem and the door won’t stay shut, you may have something caught that has fallen and is blocking one of the door hinges. You might also have a broken hinge. You’ll need to take the oven door apart and sometimes may need to remove a side panel, too. While you can do this yourself, if you need help, don’t hesitate to call a San Francisco oven repair repair expert.

 

  1. The Light Won’t Turn On

This one seems pretty obvious at first: If a light doesn’t work, replace the bulb, right? Well, not always – it could be something else causing the issue. Your oven could have a faulty electronic control, a faulty light switch, or a faulty connecting wire. Go ahead and start by replacing the bulb, but if that doesn’t work, you may have to call a pro in Marin County.

 

  1. The Temperature Isn’t Correct

Once your oven is preheated, it should maintain that temperature until you turn it off. If your food is constantly taking forever to cook or it’s burning to a crisp, you may need to recalibrate the controls for the temperature.

You can do this yourself – instructions for your model should be in the owner’s manual (if you don’t have a copy, you can almost always find one online). Most of the time, this involves pressing and holding certain buttons on the control panel according to the instructions.

 

  1. The Self-Cleaning Feature Won’t Work

The first thing you need to check on your oven in this case is the lever, to make sure the door switch is locking properly. A self-cleaning cycle won’t start until the door is completely latched. If it seems to be latched, you might have a problem with the temperature control wiring, switch, thermal fuse, or oven control board. These issues require special tools and skills, so you’ll want to call an appliance repair expert in Novato.

While not every issue can be corrected by the average homeowner, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot before you call an expert. If you’re just not sure what the issue is or you’d rather leave it all in expert hands, be sure to contact Absolute Appliances Repair. We will get your oven working again in no time, whether you’re in San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, or anywhere else in the San Francisco area.

best-ways-to-clean

The Best Ways to Clean your Oven and Get it Looking Brand New

While you may clean your kitchen every day, it is easy for months to go by without even taking a second look at your oven. It isn’t until you see a crispy crusty residue on the surface, a collection of grease or grime coating in its insides when you open it that you begin to realize how long it’s been since you’ve actually got down on your knees and gave it a good scrubbing. So, chances are it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive in with a bit of elbow grease.

 

Get Ready

Before you start, it is best to gather your materials.

A good cleaner: Make sure that you get one that is strong enough to remove the majority of the greasy buildup on the surface. Be careful, these cleaners can be quite harsh, so if you have any sensitivities to caustic chemicals, you might want to try using a mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar; a more natural cleaning solution. It works well if you have a very crusty oven to clean. Another all-natural solution you can use is lemons and water. Use this solution if you only have a small amount of residue to clean.

 

In addition to the cleaner, you’ll also need.

  • Rubber gloves
  • Protective safety glasses
  • Old newspapers or paper towels
  • Damp rags
  • Scouring pumice
  • Large garbage bag

 

It helps to have a methodic approach to the job.

  1. Remove all removable parts from inside the oven.
  2. Lay old newspapers on the floor beneath the oven to catch any drips or debris.
  3. Put on the gloves and safety glasses.
  4. Spray the cleaner all over the inside of the oven. Make sure you cover the back, sides, bottom, top, door, corner, and all crevices thoroughly. Avoid spraying any heating elements for electric stoves or any gas openings for a gas stove.
  5. Close the oven when finished.
  6. Allow the spray to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. If it is especially dirty, then wait for several hours.
  7. While waiting, take the oven racks outside and spray them thoroughly with cleaner.
  8. Place them in a large garbage bag and seal it and leave them.
  9. When the time is up, take a damp rag and wipe down all the surfaces.
  10. If there is any debris remaining, scrub them with the wet pumice.
  11. Collect the racks from outside and rinse them thoroughly in hot, soapy water.
  12. Use the pumice to clear any baked on sticky spots.
  13. Put the racks, thermometer, and any other removable parts back.
  14. All done!

For a baking soda and vinegar solution, mix ½ cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water, into a spreadable paste. Allow the paste to sit in the oven for 10-12 hours. When the time is up, follow steps 7-14 to finish cleaning.

 

To Clean With Lemons

  1. Fill a medium-sized ovenproof bowl with water.
  2. Cut two lemons in half and place them in the water
  3. Pre-heat oven to 250F.
  4. Place the bowl on the middle rack inside the oven
  5. Leave for one hour.
  6. After the hour, turn off the oven.
  7. Allow the oven to cool down just enough so you can touch the inside without getting burned.
  8. Put on your gloves and safety glasses.
  9. Wipe down all the interior surfaces with a damp cloth.
  10. If necessary, use a wet pumice to scour tough areas.

Congratulations! You’re all done!

 

Let’s face it, cleaning the oven is no picnic, but with the right tools and know-how, oven cleaning doesn’t have to be the horrendous chore we think it to be. For those who need more than a deep cleaning, set an appointment up with us for an oven repair. Here at Absolute Appliances Repair, pride ourselves in meeting all of your major appliance repair needs in the San Francisco area. Call us today to book your appointment (415) 831-1259 or email us at info@absoluteappliancesrepair.com.

When to Repair Vs. Replace Your Large Home Appliances

How to Spend Your Money Wisely When Repairing or Replacing Appliances

Large home appliances are some of the most expensive items to a person’s name, right behind their car and the deed to their house. But many homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about or caring for their appliances until the damage has already been done. Suddenly, the refrigerator or the oven stops working, and the person has no idea whether they should repair or replace one of the biggest items in their home. This is a common dilemma for many homeowners. A person can save a lot of money when dealing with a broken appliance if they’re willing to do some homework.

Know the Life the Appliance

When dealing with a broken appliance, it’s important to understand the lifespan of the item. This will tell the person how much longer their appliance will last and whether or not it’s worth spending the money to have it repaired. The National Association of Homeowners recommends using these numbers as a reference:

  • Air conditioner: 15 years.
  • Dishwasher: 9 years.
  • Dryer: 13 years.
  • Garbage disposal: 12 years.
  • Refrigerator: 13 years.
  • Stove: 13 to 15 years.
  • Washer: 10 years.

These numbers can vary a bit based on the brand and whether the appliance has been well maintained over the years. If an appliance is getting towards the end of its lifespan, it’s probably best to have it replaced.

Check Your Warranty

Homeowners should also take the time to check their warranty information. If the appliance is still covered by the warranty, the person should have it repaired while they still can. Most manufacturers offer long-term warranties, so there’s a good chance that the item is still protected. Homeowners should also get in the habit of keeping a copy of their warranties in a safe place.

Consider Your Current Financial Situation

If the appliance isn’t covered by a warranty, the homeowner should contact an appliance repair company in their area to get an estimate. If the repairs will cost around 50% of the item’s total cost, it’s best to start from scratch and buy a new one.

If the person doesn’t have a lot of money when their appliance breaks down, they might have to have it repaired just to get by in the short-term. It all depends on what the person can afford. It usually makes more financial sense to replace the broken item sooner rather than later instead of spending money on intermittent repairs over the next several years.

Those looking for a company that provides appliance repair in Marin should contact Absolute Appliances Repair for the best customer service in town!

 

The Benefits of Luxury High-End Appliances

The possibilities when it comes to integrating convenience and appliances in today’s tech-savvy world cannot be overstated. These days, the finest ovens take cooking commands from smartphones and the top-of-the-line refrigerators can text you to pick up a dozen eggs. Every so often, manufacturers entice buyers with all kinds of new features and options for luxury kitchen appliances – some prove to be valuable and others – well, not so much. It might be hard to imagine life without your self-cleaning oven, but what about the refrigerator that has a television installed in its door?

Luxury Appliances for All Generations

Some of the most popular new appliances are those that have features that make life a little more convenient for more than one generation. Today’s modern family often includes people spanning at least a couple of generations, and oftentimes up to three.

For example, Bosch Appliances brand manager, Micaela Shaw, says that the company’s new best-sellers have features and designs that consider young hands, aging eyes, and middle-aged backs. Many control panels have larger numbers and letters that are easy to see, one of its dishwashers shines a light on the floor to relay the current status of the appliance, and one of Bosch’s ovens has a side door that eliminates the need to bend over a door to pull out that Thanksgiving turkey.

Another benefit of many luxury kitchen appliances is their smaller sizes; BlueStar features a 24” oven that easily fits into tiny spaces (perfect for the adult child or in-laws in the attached suite at home) and Blomberg offers a refrigerator/freezer that, at just 22” wide, fits easily into small kitchens.

The Wireless Revolution Comes to Luxury Appliances

“Smart” appliances that interact with you in new ways are rapidly infiltrating the scene, and they include everything from refrigerators that tell you when you are running out of an item to ranges that remind you to turn them off or clean them. Manufacturers seem to be moving along with the idea that people want to be able to connect with their appliances for everything – anything that offers a glimmer of the possibility of more convenience.

Nowadays you can find refrigerators with several different doors, freezers with compartments that offer individual temperature controls, fridges that let you re-order items right from their screens, dishwashers with new bottle-washing jets built right into their top racks, and more. Do you have any luxury appliances with new, modern features that make your life easier?

For Bay Area large home appliance repairs, contact Absolute Appliances Repair!

Keeping Your Appliances Safe When Moving to a New Home

So, you’re moving to a beautiful new home and you want to take all those hefty appliances with you. But before you load everything into the truck, you need to make sure that your appliances are ready for the big move. All that rattling around on the road can damage some of your most valuable items like the refrigerator, stove, automatic dishwasher and your washer and dryer. If you’re not careful, some of those big-ticket items might not work properly when you arrive at your new home. Protect your appliances with these moving tips from Absolute Appliance Repair, your local home appliance service company.

Packing Up Your Fridge

Before you pack up the fridge, make sure that you leave it unplugged for at least 24 hours. This gives the fridge some time to defrost. As soon as it’s unplugged, throw out any perishable items and thoroughly clean all surfaces including the bottom drawers, shelves, and the walls. Make sure that you’ve removed all the water from the freezer where large chunks of ice tend to form, unless you want to unpack a fridge full of mildew. Lastly, take out the shelves and drawers and secure them separately before you load the fridge onto the truck.

Clean Out the Stove/Oven

Just like your fridge, start by cleaning out the inside of your oven and wiping down the stovetop. Pack up and clean all the loose pieces, including the racks and knobs. Finally, you’ll need to unplug the stove from the wall. Make sure that the gas has been turned off before you try to unplug the stove. Unless you have experience installing and uninstalling your stove, you should contact the manufacturer or your local gas company for assistance or more information.

Removing the Dishwasher

To start, remove any dishes and the utensil rack. While most dishwashers are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, take a moment to examine the inside. Wipe down the sides, top and bottom if you notice any splashes or stains. Leave the door open and let the interior air dry for at least 24 hours to prevent mold and mildew.

Before you remove the unit, you’ll need to disconnect the power and water supply. Unless you have direct access to the power cord, you can switch off the electrical circuit. Once the power and water have been turned off, disconnect the water supply hose, let it drain, and dry it off with a towel.

Prepping Your Washer and Dryer

Washers and dryers tend to be extremely sensitive. Before you start tinkering with either machine, contact the manufacturer or the user’s manual for detailed moving instructions. You’ll need to disconnect the hoses and pack them in a separate container. The most vulnerable part of the machine is the drum, which is usually located at the back of the washer. Make sure that you’ve secured the drum before you begin handling the machine.

Final Preparations

For all appliances, make sure that all the doors have been tapped shut. Any loose items need to be packed separately or physically tapped to the inside of the machine. Secure all power cords with a zip tie or some tape. If you have any questions along the way, contact the manufacturer or your local appliance home service company for assistance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with such large, valuable pieces of equipment.

If you discover that some of your appliances have been damaged in the move, contact Absolute Appliance Repair for all your home and kitchen appliance repair needs!

Getting Your Large Appliances Ready for Cooking during the Holiday Season

With the holiday season upon us, there are plenty of reasons to take a few minutes to look at your home – at your appliances, specifically. We all know it’s vital that everything runs as smoothly as possible while the turkey, dressing, and pies are cooking, whether you’re throwing a giant dinner for the masses or you’re getting a small feast for two together. Here are some tips you can use to get your appliances ready to operate at their best this holiday season:

    1. Refresh the Fridge

First and foremost, you’ll want to clean out your refrigerator before you do anything else, because so much of your holiday fixings will go into it. As part of your refrigerator fix, get rid of old condiments, condiments that hardly have anything left in the container, and anything you know darn well no one is going to eat. (Leftovers, anyone?) Be sure to wash shelves and drawers with warm soapy water and rinse well to get rid of any bacteria and germs.

    1. Crank Up the Ice Maker

You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of ice at the ready for your guests, so while you fix the refrigerator up for the holidays, turn up the ice maker settings on your freezer. Don’t have an ice maker? Not a problem – go to any store and buy an ice bin and get cubed up the old-fashioned way with ice trays. If you live in an area where the temperature is chilly, you can also keep drinks outside (in the garage, etc.) to help keep them cool.

    1. Clean Your Dishwasher

Once you get past the idea that it’s weird to clean an appliance that exists to clean, you’ll want to remove stains that can prevent your dishes from becoming truly clean. No one wants to eat off scale-ridden dishes, and no one wants to serve on them, either! Grab some specially formulated dishwasher cleanser or use lemon and vinegar to dissolve scale and freshen your appliance.

    1. Avoid Cooktop Repair Charges

Avoid disaster and the cooktop repair phone call that follows by cleaning your range, stovetop, and oven before all the cooking commences. A cooktop that isn’t clean is one that won’t function at its best, and we all know how important it is for this appliance to work properly for holiday cooking!

    1. Take a Look at Washer Hoses

This may not cross your mind right away with all the business of the season, but the last thing you need is a flood from a washing machine that’s leaked. Make sure there are no cracks or tears in the hoses that are in the rear of your washing machine and if there are, you can easily and quickly find new hoses and replace them.

If you find that any of your appliances are in need of some attention before the holidays arrive, or if you want our experts to check them out before a problem rears its ugly head, contact Absolute Appliances Repair. We can schedule a time for us to come out and make sure your appliances are in proper, safe, efficient working order to make your holidays the best yet. Contact us today.

Energy-Saving Tips for Large Home Appliances

Simple Ways to Use Less Energy in the Kitchen

The kitchen tends to be a hotbed of energy consumption. Large appliances such as your automatic dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven are some of the biggest energy hogs in your home, right after your air conditioner. If you’re looking to cut down on consumption, use these tips from the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce the amount of energy your home uses in the first place.

Shopping for Savings

Buying energy-efficient appliances is one of the best ways to reduce consumption in the long-term. Instead of adjusting your behavior on a day-by-day basis, energy-efficient appliances do most of the work for you. When shopping for appliances, look for the EnergyStar label. These products are designed to use a fraction of the energy that some older models require. When shopping for a refrigerator, look for models with a top-mounted freezer. They use anywhere from 10 – 25% less energy than side-by-side models and those with bottom-mounted freezers.

Reducing Energy Consumption by Changing Your Behavior

Let’s face it: most people don’t have the money to buy new energy-efficient appliances. Instead of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars at your local appliance store, you can reduce consumption by being mindful of how you use your existing appliances.

Stove and Oven

The best thing that you can do for your stove is to keep it clean. Messy burners and stovetops become barriers for heat, boosting the amount of energy needed to heat up a cup of soup or boil some water. Make sure that you use pans that match the size of the burner. Using a small pan on a large burner is a massive waste of heat. Using lids and kettles instead of open pots also helps to lock in the heat.

Dishwasher

Most of the energy used to power your automatic dishwasher comes from your home’s hot water heater. Check your user manual to see if you can lower the water temperature. Try to scrape off your dishes as much as possible instead of rinsing them before you load them into your dishwasher. Make sure that your dishwasher is full and not overloaded. And, lastly, try air drying your dishes by laying them out on the counter instead of using the dry cycle.

Refrigerator

Operating 24/7, the refrigerator is a major energy hog, generally the second biggest consumer in your home. Keep an eye on the internal temperature of your unit. You should be able to control the temperature using a knob in the back. Your refrigerator should be set at around 36°F and your freezer should be at, you guessed it, 0°F. If you suspect that your internal temperature monitor is not accurate, which is often the case, fill a small glass with water and a thermometer and let it sit overnight. Compare the readings with what’s on the internal monitor. If the readings are off, the doors on your fridge might not be sealing properly. If that’s the case, it might be time to replace your fridge.

You can also reduce consumption by covering liquids and wrapping foods. You should also clear away spills, crumbs and any built-up frost that might be collecting in your fridge or freezer. All that extra gunk is just one more thing that your refrigerator needs to keep cool.

If you’ve noticed a major uptick in your utility bill, some of your appliances might be the culprit. Make sure that your large household appliances are working properly by calling Absolute Appliances Repair, your number-one choice for San Francisco Bay Area appliance repair.

Simple Fixes to Common Oven Problems

If your oven is getting older, or you use it heavily throughout the year, it’s not uncommon to encounter some issues here and there. Lucky for you, ovens are fairly simple appliances. So, before you splurge on a brand-new oven, or spend money on hiring professional help to fix your old one, take a look at this troubleshooting guide for common oven problems:

PROBLEM: NOT HEATING UP

Cause: With an electric oven, the heating elements can wear out over time causing your oven or range to stop heating up. To find out if this is the case, simply turn on the oven and/or ranges and look to see if the heating elements are glowing red. If the elements are not glowing, or are they are just barely glowing, it’s time to replace them.

Fix: To make this fix all you really need to do is order the correct part that matches your oven. Once you have that, the rest is a snap. Simply disconnect the oven from power, remove the heating element’s cover, take out the screws holding the heating element in place, exchange the old part for the new one, and screw everything back into place.

Cause: If you have a gas oven, the problem could be a faulty igniter. To find out if that’s the case, test it out by setting a temperature on the oven. If you do not hear the normal clicking and ‘wooshing’ sound of the gas igniting, you should consider replacing the igniter.

Fix: Replacing an igniter can involve a number of different processes depending on the model of your oven, and it is not quite as simple as replacing heating elements in an electric oven. Typically, the process requires unplugging the range, removing a few screws, disconnecting the wiring connection, inserting the new igniter, and then tightening everything back down. However, while this process can seem simple, if you have any concerns about working with gas lines or electrical components, contact a professional. Also, if your appliance is still under warranty, it might be best to seek a professional appliance repair service to ensure everything is kept up to standards.

Problem: Not heating to the correct temperature

Cause: If you notice that your food is undercooked, or taking longer to cook than usual, it might be because your oven’s temperature sensor is not working properly.

Fix: The first thing you should do is make sure that your temperature sensor is not touching the inside wall of your oven, as this will throw off your sensor and cause inaccurate readings. If this is happening, all you need to do is reposition it so that it’s not making contact with your oven walls. If it’s still not heating properly, you’ll probably just need to replace the sensor, which is a quick and easy fix.

PROBLEM: Clogged Burners

Cause: If the burners on your gas range won’t ignite, you could have clogged burners. This usually happens because food and liquid that spills on the burners accumulates over time and hardens into gunk, which can block the gas ports and prevent ignition.

Fix: Turn off the gas supply to your range, and disconnect your appliance from power. Lift the cover off your burners, and remove the burner itself from the range. Then soak the burner in a solution made of water and household detergent, and gently clean it with a soft cloth. When the burner is clean, allow it to dry completely before replacing it and reconnecting the power and the gas supply.

No matter what, make sure you always remember to unplug your appliance before you attempt any repairs. And again, if you are nervous about working with gas or electronic components, call a professional, such as the pros at Absolute Appliances Repair in San Francisco. If you can’t easily fix the problem yourself, you’re better off spending a little bit of money on the repairs than risking injury, or shelling out a big chunk of change on a whole new appliance.