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ENERGY STAR WASHER AND DRYER TIPS

 

Washer Tips

  • Always use HE (High Efficiency) detergent.

    Front-loading clothes washers are designed to use High Efficiency detergent. Using regular detergent creates too much suds, which will affect the machine’s washing and rinsing performance. Over time, it can lead to odors and mechanical problems.

  • Fill it up.

    Clothes washers use about the same amount of energy regardless of the size of the load, so run full loads whenever possible.

  • Wash in cold water.

    Water heating consumes about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, washing in cold water will generally do a good job of cleaning. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more.

  • Use a drying rack or hang clothes outside.

    Where and when possible, air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer not only saves energy, but also helps them last longer.

  • Avoid the sanitary cycle.

    This super hot cycle, available on some models, increases energy use significantly. Only use it when absolutely necessary.

  • Activate the high spin speed option.

    If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or the extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture in your clothes after washing. This decreases the amount of time it takes to dry your clothes.

  • Leave the door open after use.

    Front-loading washers use airtight seals to prevent water from leaking while the machine is in use. When the machine is not in use, this seal can trap moisture in the machine and lead to mold. Leave the door ajar for an hour or two after use to allow moisture to evaporate. Make sure children do not climb into the machine while the door is open.

  • Rinse the washer every month.

    Some manufacturers recommend rinsing the washer each month by running a normal cycle with 1 cup of bleach to help reduce the risk of mold or mildew buildup. Consult the product owner’s manual before attempting.

Dryer Tips

ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because there is little difference in energy use among models. Here are some ways to reduce energy consumption when using your clothes dryer:

  • Use the moisture sensor option.

    Many new clothes dryers come designed with a moisture sensor, which automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, but it will also save wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.

  • Clean the lint filter.

    Cleaning the filter after every load will improve air circulation and increase the efficiency of the dryer. It’s also an important safety measure.

  • Scrub the lint filter regularly if you use dryer sheets.

    Dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow and, over time, can affect the performance of the motor. Use a toothbrush to scrub it clean once a month.

Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Web site to learn more about clothes dryers and energy efficiency

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your washer or dryer!

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(415) 831-1259 San Francisco
(415) 388-0690 Marin County
(650) 525-0512 South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

 

TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR HOME APPLIANCES

Just like your car, your home systems and appliances all need periodic maintenance checks to make sure they’re operating safely and efficiently. A professional preventative maintenance program can help homeowners when it comes to the upkeep of their heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical system, and most major appliances. Having professional preventative maintenance services performed is key to ensuring tasks are done right and can save you time and money in the long run.

Here are some tips to help keep your home’s systems and appliances in great shape:

Air Conditioning

  • Check filters every month. Clean or replace as needed.
  • Keep the condensing unit free of debris.
  • Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper air flow and circulation.
  • Bent condensing unit fins can often be easily straightened with a fin comb.

Washing Machine

  • Inspect cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks and deterioration.
  • Look for signs of water or oil leakage.
  • Check to make sure the machine is level, and adjust it, if needed, by turning the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.

Dryer

  • Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried.
  • For gas and electric dryers, check and tighten supply connections.
  • Check to see if the dryer is level; if it’s not, the drum may vibrate and damage the unit. To adjust the level, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.

Water Heater

  • Drain and flush sediment from tank twice a year.
  • Check pressure-relief valve once a year to make sure this crucial safety device is not clogged.

 

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your Appliances!

Phone lines

(415) 831-1259 San Francisco
(415) 388-0690 Marin County
(650) 525-0512 South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

 

HISTORY OF WASHING MACHINES

Washing machines might be considered as one of the greatest inventions of science. Washing machines are there to help us out while doing laundry; they are used to automate the whole process of laundry and making it a child’s play.

In early times people use to wash clothes with hands and later on buckets were used to squeeze tumble and wash the clothes. The process was both painful and time consuming.

The first version of washing machine was not as dreamy as most people think but it was a blessing for many. The first washers created were more of a car engine then a washing machine and worked on a low speed one cylinder, the casing were also wooden and metal tubs were used. Back then washing clothes was a concept that was only to be used with hot water therefore the tubs were heated from below to create a good temperature. Apart from that there were no modern day fancy features in the machines and all the squeezing, twisting and tumbling were done by hand or manually. But with the advent of electronic motors, spinning system was introduced.

The first washing machine came into being in 1851 by James king and since that time there has been numerous modifications in the washing machines to make it according to the elevating demands of the modern times.

The first modern machine was introduced in the market in 1937 by General Electric. The invention of the washers was an instant hit and reached up to the mark of 913,000 units sold just in few years of being marketed. Since that time there have been number of washing machines producers from around the world and the modern day washing machine brings the same purpose of washing clothes but now it’s done with style and more convenience.