Appliance Parts and Repair

Keeping your Washing Machine leveled - Leveling Legs

2008-09-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

A Quick Tip that will prove EXTREMELY important in extending the life of your washing machine.

If your washing machine is not level, it can vibrate strongly during the spin cycle. This can also happen if you have a large rug, towel or blanket that is bundling up on one side of the machine. It can also happen if you overload the machine.

But if your washing machine is not perfectly level--with all four legs touching the floor--it can bang and rock back and forth, and even begin to "walk" across the room. Keeping the machine level can really prevent a TON of damage.

This type of walking isn't good for the machine and may damage anything near the machine. Use the adjustable front and/or back leveling legs on the washer to adjust the machine to the proper height, then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg from rotating.

Most washing machines have "self-adjusting" rear legs. You set these legs by tilting the entire machine forward onto its front legs (with the rear legs 3 to 4 inches off the floor) and then setting the machine back down. The legs should adjust automatically.

If they don't, you may need to tilt the machine forward and rap on the rear legs with the handle of a hammer to loosen them--a procedure that's easier to accomplish with a helper.

Place a carpenter's level across the front of the clothes washer and check to see if the machine is level side to side. If it isn't, use adjustable pliers to rotate one front leveling foot or the other until the washer is level.

Washing Machine Functionality 101

2008-08-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Traditional clothes washers work by completing three major cycles:

the fill,
wash or agitate, and
drain cycles.

First, load the washer with the clothes they are to be cleaned. Always make sure that the clothes are not packed in too tight because you want the wash water to be able to circulate amongst the clothes to get them as clean as possible. In most washing machines, you can choose small, medium or large load.The controls are different for each washer manufacturer and sometimes they depend on the year of the washer, also.

The controls let you adjust wash settings, such as the water temperatures, spin speeds, timer cycles, etc. When operating properly the washing machine completes the cycle selected on the timer.Your washer may have more than one selector switch.

One of the switches allows you to select your desired settings for clothes load size and another will allow you to choose whether you want to use cold, warm, or hot water (for the wash cycle and the rinse cycle). The start switch is usually integrated with the timer assembly. When you set the timer to the desired cycle, you either pull out or push in the timer knob to begin the cycle.

Next, a solenoid operated water mixing valve opens and lets the washer fill up with cold water, hot water, or a mix of both, according to what you have selected using the selector switch.

The water-inlet valve consists of three main parts which include: the cold water solenoid, the hot water solenoid, and the valve mixing body.

Two hoses are clamped to the valve intakes from the house, one hot, one cold. A third hose connects at the valve mixing body to the washer tub. Its purpose is to fill the washer. The water then mixes with the detergent and clothes. The selector switch and timer interact with a pressure switch which measures the depth of water in the tub. When the desired level of water is reached, the switch sends a signal to the solenoid that closes the water-inlet valve.Next, the agitator begins to work.

The agitator is the plastic upside down cone with arms or fins on it, located in the center of the tub. It is driven by a clutch and transmission system attached to the motor. This system then rotates the agitator arms back and forth. This motion pulls the clothes down and through the wash water and washing machine detergent mixture repeatedly, loosening the dirt from the clothes.

The pump re-circulates the wash water from the bottom to the top during the wash cycle. When the timer tells it to, the washer then pumps the water out of the tub, while the tub is also spinning between 400 to 800 rpm. This spinning provides a force that pushes the water to the outside of the tub where the pump can pull all the wash water out of the tub.

For top load washers, the agitator is in the center of the tub; there is no agitator for front load washers, but the concept is the same. The washer tub tumbles, moving the clothes through the wash water and moving the wash water over and through the clothes.The selector switch and timer work together to complete the cycle you have chosen.

The timer switch is usually mechanical, and is motor driven with cams to open and close switches. Newer models may use an electronic control circuit board. The timer tells the washing machine what to do next by sending the instructions and power to the washer's parts at the right time.After the agitation or tumbling is completed, the timer advances, and the dirty water is pumped out of the washer. More water is brought in to rinse the clothes while the washer agitates or tumbles some more to make sure the clothes are rinsed well.

The machine spins the clothes again to get as much water out of them as it can while pumping out the rinse water.There are three basic ways that washers pump water:

direct drive,
belt drive, and
a separate pump and motor assembly.

There are certain safety features that are integrated into washing machines. What happens if you lift the lid on your washer? It stops spinning or agitating immediately because the lid switch activates the brake.

This is to prevent injury to your arms and hands. There is a brake system built into washers by law because many people have been injured in the past by putting their hands and arms into a spinning wash tub.

The brake system operates in much the same way as car and motorcycle brakes. With the lid open, your washer may still fill, but it will not spin or agitate. There are times the lid switch can fail, and your washer won't work until you replace it. Electric motors can reach full speed in under a second, however, under a load of clothes and water, attempting to reach full-speed too quickly can cause problems.

The clutch and transmission assembly comes in handy here, allowing the tub to gradually increase its spin speed, without damaging any internal parts. The clutch basically lets the belt slip a bit and gradually tightens it until full speed is reached.

The electric motor powers the agitator during wash cycles and spins the inner tub during the damp dry or spin cycle; the motor also drives the pump on many models. After washing or rinsing, the pump removes the water from the tub through the drain hose, and lifts it out to the drain.Many washers have a reversible motor, it can turn clockwise and counterclockwise.

In one direction the motor uses the transmission or clutch system to spin the inner tub; while in the other direction, it uses the same transmission or clutch system to work the agitator.

For washers that don't have a reversible motor, a solenoid automatically shifts the transmission from agitate settings to spin settings.Some washers use plastic and rubber coupler assemblies that connect the motor directly to the transmission.

It makes the connection without the need for a belt. This part breaks fairly often.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs - Why should people use CFLs?

2008-08-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

Learning about how a simple light bulb change can save you money and at the same time work towards preserving our earth for future generations.

Switching from the traditional light bulbs in your home (which are referred to as incandescent) to CFLs (Compact Flourescent Lights) is an effective, simple change that everyone in America can do right now.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Coupons

According to EnergyStar.gov - "Making this change will help to use less electricity at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change."

Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’selectric bill. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy (electricity) than incandescent lightbulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment.

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, in oneyear it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes. That would prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of about 800,000 cars.

Many People worry that CFLs contain mercury.

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 4 milligrams – about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury – an amount equal to the mercury in 125 CFLs.

Mercury is an essential part of CFLs; it allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact (not broken) or inuse. Most makers of light bulbs have reduced mercury in their fluorescent lighting products. Thanks to technology advances and a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the average mercury content in CFLs has dropped at least 20 percent in the past year.

Some manufacturers have even made further reductions, dropping mercury content to 1.4 – 2.5 milligrams per light bulb.

The time is now to make the switch. The staff and editors at ApplianceLife urge you to do so!

Sharpening the Impellers in your Garbage Disposal

2008-08-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Servicing Worn Impellers:

To remove a garbage disposal to sharpen impellers:

Unplug the garbage disposal, remembering to trip the circuit breaker first or remove the fuse at the main electrical box if the disposal is wired directly into the house. (Circuit breakers act to limit the current in a single circuit in most household applications. Typically a single circuit is limited to 20 amperes, although breakers come in many sizes.)
Remove all hose fittings leading into or away from the disposal. Some garbage disposals can then be removed by twisting to free them from the support ring. Others require that the unit be unscrewed from the ring.
Remember that a garbage disposer is a relatively heavy small appliance, so freeing it will suddenly put its full weight in your hands.
To service worn impellers on many models, you must remove the flywheel. Lock the flywheel in place with a screwdriver, then loosen the flywheel lock nut.
Once the flywheel is removed, the impellers can be removed or sharpened in place. If the impellers cannot be sharpened, the flywheel assembly will need to be replaced

Garbage disposal maintainence requires some knowledge of plumbing as well as electrical work. If you are not sure of your abilities, a plumber can help.

Help, My Dishwasher is Not Draining!

2008-07-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

A non-draining dishwasher is a very common problem. We know that it doesn't seem simple when you are sitting with a ton of water and dirty dishers - but maybe these quick tips can make a difference.

First check is underneath the sump entrance screen. This is located on the bottom of the dishwasher (on the inside). There are usually a couple of screws that you have to remove to peek in. Check in there for any crud or gook. There may be small pieces of glass so wear work gloves. Get all of the crap out of there.

Many dishwashers have a self clean filter inside the basin, at the back of the dishwasher. The draining water must pass through a plunger in the self clean filter body. This can get clogged up and you may need a new one if it is twisted or distorted. The draining water must get past this. The filter can be easily removed from the inside to check to see if it is okay and the plunger will twist out of the self cleaning body so that you can check for distortion.

The back flush valve is sometimes the culprit of draining problems. This can be viewed on the back of your dishwasher. All hoses between the the drain hose to the house plumbing should be checked for any type of restrictions.

Newer dishwashers have a separate drain pump and motor. Older model dishwashers used a drain solenoid valve. If this solenoid fails, the dishwasher won’t drain and you will have to replace it. If the solenoid cannot pull in the plunger, the drain port will not open to allow the motor and pump assembly to drain the water out.
Use a ohm meter to test the continuity of the solenoid coil. You should also test to see if it’s receiving voltage when the dishwasher is supposed to be draining.

Some Hints on Buying Appliance Parts

2008-07-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

We can't say enough about doing your homework before purchasing replacement parts for your appliances. It can safe alot of your time, money and most of all - it will say you from getting a headache!

Here are some things that are important for you to understand when buying parts for your air conditioner, washing machine or other household appliance.

It is basically an "appliance parts industry standard" to NOT accept returns for electrical appliance parts! Electrical parts may be calibrated and can easily be damaged by mishandling or improper installation, without showing any signs to the naked eye - therefore in most cases - your part will not be returnable
Many times - appliance part stores charge a restocking fee of 15% to 50%. This is to help defray the cost of time involved in helping you and stocking the parts
Always check your warranty. If a part or appliance is under warranty - chances are you will not have to pay the restocking fee, of course
On-line merchants usually make you apply for a return authorization before they will accept returned goods. This is in part because many online retailers ship from warehouses directly and may not have parts in thier store. (Some online retailers may not even have a store)
Special order parts are usually NOT RETURNABLE unless a mistake is made by the parts supplier or the manufacturer.
Before ordering anything, be sure to read the store policies!

If something fails - get some expert help or read up online at Appliance Life before purchasing your parts!

Appliance Safety - A Note of Caution in Discarding Appliances

2008-07-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is a special reminder from Appliance Life during the biggest remodeling season of the year. If you are getting new appliances - please take note to discard your old appliances safely. The lives of children are at stake.

Cooking.com Coupons for Appliances and more

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC) has received reports of numerous suffocation deaths involving children who crawled inside latch freezers, clothes dryers, combination washer/dryer units, picnic coolers, ice boxes in campers, and oldstyle latch type refrigerators.

Most of the victims were four to seven years old. In all cases, the doors could not be easily pushed open from the inside. In some the incidents associated with clothes dryers, the appliance was accidentally turned on while the child inside. Frequently, the children were playing “hide-and-seek” and the appliance or chest provided a deceptively good place to hide.

When the door slammed shut, tight fitting gasket on most of the appliances cut off air to the child. This, along with the insulated construction of the appliance, also prevented the child’s screams from being heard.

But abandoned appliances are the only items involved with accidents like these. Entrapment deaths have been reported in products use or stored in the kitchen, laundry room, basement, or garage.

Deaths also have occurred in ice boxes located in campers parked outside the home.

Take care to remove the door from refrigerators, dryers, washing machines and other appliances when discarding them.

Keep the door to your laundry room locked shut if you have small children OR you will have small children visiting your home.

Parents - please remind all children of all ages to never crawl inside an appliance.

Happy 4th of July from Appliance Life - Your Appliance Parts Store

2008-07-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

For many homeowners - the 4th of July weekend marks the perfect opportunity
to either fix or ditch. Another words - should you fix that old refrigerator or buy a new one. If it's not too old, the answer (from a financial point of view) is fix it, of course.

Over the years, experts have approximated the average life of most household appliances (see the chart below). If your appliance is younger than indicated in below - you probably have a good chance to find a the part you are looking for and fix it.

Air conditioners: 8 to 15 years
Dishwashers: 5 to 12 years
Disposals: 5 to 12 years
Dryers: 8 to 12 years
Freezers: 15 to 20 years
Furnaces: 8 to 12 years
Heat pumps: 8 to 12 years
Refrigerators: 15 to 20 years
Stoves: 15 to 20 years
Washers: 8 to 12 years
Water heaters: 8 to 12 years

Featured Repair Part for the Maytag Washers:

Outer Tub Bearing Repair Kit

Used on Maytag top-load clothes washers from 1950 to present
Also suggested to replace 22204012 at the same time.
Replaces: 204013, 3056, AP244279, PS60151
Maytag Washer Tub Bearing Repair Kit

Good luck this 4th of July weekend on all your appliance repairs!

Moving your Refrigerator - some tips and tricks

2008-06-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer mark the "Moving Season" and even though the housing market is in a slump across the US - many of you may still be moving and need to take the reliable Ole' refrigerator with you.

Refrigerators should be transported in a vehicle in an upright position. However, it can be tilted back when placed on a dolly to take into the home.

When moving refrigerators to a new location, we recommend the following:

Turn refrigerator to Off. This should be done a couple of hours before moving to allow the evaporator time to defrost.

Disconnect power cord from wall.

Remove all foods and clean the interior. If the refrigerator is going to be in transit for more than a day, you may want to place a small bag of activated charcoal or carbon (such as used in fish tanks) in the refrigerator to absorb odors.

Secure loose items, such as the grille, shelves, storage pans, ice trays, ice storage bucket. Covers and removable parts should be protected with tape - this prevents their coming loose and causing damage.

Secure the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is on rollers, be sure it is properly secured in the moving van to prevent rolling and damage.

Handle with care - many a back injury occur when moving large items - be careful!

The exterior of your refrigerator should be protected with a blanket covering. When loading the refrigerator in a moving van, truck, etc., it is best to keep it standing upright.

If laying the refrigerator on its side cannot be avoided, it is important to follow the above instructions on securing the parts inside the refrigerator to prevent possible damage.

When using a dolly or hand truck, always truck from the side. Possible damage could occur if trucked from the front or rear.

If it is necessary to lay the refrigerator down, lay it on its side

Happy moving and don't forget to take breaks in the heat!

Air Filters for Air Conditioners

2008-06-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

The most important maintenance tip for air conditioners and conserving energy when using an air conditioning is to regularly replace your air conditioner filters. Of course, making sure that the air conditioner is turned down when you leave the house for extended periods is very important - but we are assuming that you already do that as a matter of habit.

Replacing the filter in your air conditioner is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to keep your air conditioner running at its most optimum and energy efficient state.

If you do not replace the filters on a regular basis, the dirt and other impurities that naturally occur will not only be very unhealthy for you (can you say AHH CHOO), but they can also cause harm the air conditioner unit itself.

Our mission is to extend the life of your household appliances, including
your air conditioner, so we have this special report on how to change the filter
in your air conditioner.

First, find your filter. Check along the air conditioner ductwork for the filter. It will most likely be covered with a slotted metal door of some type.

Find the correct size of filter that you need. It is very important to buy the right air conditioner filter. Try Repair Clinic's Air Conditioning Part Department if you need help determining the right filter.

Look on the top and sides of the filter for the size. It will be something
like this: 12x16x1 or 12x16. If there is no filter in the unit, measure the size
of the filter area and make note of it. Also, jot down the brand of air
conditioner that you have and the model number if you can find it. Many
online stores like ours can find the right filter just based on the model
number.
Most of our filters will ship out today. So when you recieve the
filter, make sure you put the date on the filter prior to replacing it. In
most cases, there is a designated place on the filter, itself, to write the
date on.

It's pretty easy to put the new filter in. Lift up the
filters metal covering. There might be some screws or other holding device
keeping the covering in place. Take out the old filter and dispose of it
properly. Check the side of the new filter for an arrow showing the correct
airflow direction. Make sure that you place it in the right
direction.

Don't forget to secure the metal door covering the air conditioner
filter after you have placed the new one in.

Pretty easy process .. saves alot of money... can save in doctor bills and now you can save on the filter itself!!! CLICK HERE for deals at Repair clinic on your airconditioner filters.

NEVR-DULL Metal Polish for your Cookware and Appliances

2008-06-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Cleaning and polishing your cookware and appliances can be a tedious job and the specialty products on the market for cleaning can be expensive. We found an age-old product and "rediscovered" it's ability to economically keep your cookware and appliances clean.

It is so effective and so economical, NEVR-DULL is the only metal polish you'll ever have to buy, ( we think ).

NEVR-DULL can Clean and Polish the following

Aluminum

Copper

Pewter

Brass

Gold

Silver

Chromium

Nickel

Zinc

NEVR-DULL is the perfect choice for any polishing need and besides the metal on your appliances and throughout your laundry room and kitchen (as well as any metal on your microwave) .... you can use it on the following:

Automotive and Motorcycle Trim

Marine Accessories and Hardware

Tools

Cookware

Silverware

Try NEVR-DULL, we think you'll agree that no other product of its kind cleans or shines better and is more economical.

Dishwasher Cleaning Tips / Dishwasher Replacement Part

2008-06-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Let's face it - your dishwasher can get pretty grimy and it's not the most fun task you can think of doing on a Saturday afternoon - but giving the dishwasher a thorough cleaning just like other item in your home is a necessity if you are going to get the longevity that you want out of your dishwasher.

And in today's economy - longevity (and of course energy savings) is vital.

Cleaning the spray arm can get your dishes cleaner and save you money on your energy bills.

Over time, the small holes in the spray arm (or multiple spray arms depending on the brand and model number of your dishwasher) of your dishwasher may become clogged with bits of hard food, toothpick pieces, nut pieces, glass, etc. Your dishwasher will do an enormously better job of cleaning your dishes if you take a moment to clean out the small holes in the spray arm, from time to time.

If you need a new spray arm for your dishwasher - click here.

If there are any parts of your dishwasher that are developing rust - you can use a rust remover. Rust Removers can remove rust stains from the inside of your dishwasher.

If your suspect that your dishwasher is leaking at all - you will want to take a look at this floor mat:

The Dishwasher Leak Catcher is an innovative floor mat that slides underneath your dishwasher to divert any water leak to the front of the dishwasher. This will allow you to see the leak and make necessary repairs. No more rotted out floors or leaking ceiling below. No special tools necessary.

Shed light with Fluorescent Tube for DIY Weekend Warriors

2008-06-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Most of us appliance Do-It-Yourselfers have (or at least desire) a space in the basement or garage or even an outdoor shed to keep all of our tools in.

I recently came across a neat and clean lighting option for your shed or workspace that I wanted to tell you about. It is economical and I love it!

Gardman has hit the nail on the head (no pun intended) with it's new Shed light featuring a Fluorescent Tube. Make your shed, workshop, greenhouse, summer house or garage accessible at night - or brighten it up on rainy days. The right light can make the difference between a shabby job and the perfect job.

East DIY installation for this shed light means no mains wiring to worry about. It has a bright white fluorescent light that keeps on going. The light is perfect for seeing small crevices and appliance sections. Best of all, it is portable and can be moved behind that dryer or washer to see everything clearly.

Exterior mounted weather proof solar panel.
Complete with rechargeable batteries and all fixings for sheds and greenhouses
1.5 hours of bright light at full charge

Sub-Zero - Rated Top Green Brand - SubZero Parts

2008-05-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

We recently featured an article that talked quite a bit about the Energy Star ratings of specific appliance brands and this is a continuation of that article. Two brands GE and Subzero should be given a pat on the back for thier additional efforts in helping our planet stay green.

Top 10 Green Brands according to the ImagePower Green Brands Survey:

Whole Foods Market
Wild Oats Markets
Trader Joe's
Toyota
Honda
Sub-Zero
Ikea
Body Shop
G.E.
Aveda

Sub-Zero was ranked on the Top 10 list of Green Brands in 2007 by the ImagePower Green Brands Survey. In this independent, 3rd party research, more than 3000 consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom were polled to rate the most ‘green’ brands.

I read a little bit about SubZero's effort on the corporate website. It seems that for Sub-Zero, green is more than just an Energy Star rating. Even the largest refrigeration product they manufacture, the Sub-Zero PRO 48, uses less energy per month than a 100-watt light bulb according to the website.

From being built in the USA, to supporting organic farmers and food artisans, to using renewable energy, to extensive recycling, to sourcing environmentally friendly materials and supplies, to providing living wages to factory workers - Sub-Zero & Wolf have been ‘green’ long before the term even existed.

Subzero featured product: Practically an in-home ice factory, the Sub-Zero 315I Ice Maker holds 26 pounds of ice cubes and can crank out up to 30 pounds of ice a day. The unit is compact, slightly over 15" wide.

The most common part needed for this is the Subzero Water Pump Replacement Part

Memorial Day Weekend Appliance Fix Em' Jobs

2008-05-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know of any family that is staying home for the weekend that doesn't have a list of tasks to do around the house.

Maybe your dishwasher racks have the little knobby things missing from the ends .. or your refrigerator needs a new light bulb - there is always something that needs to be done. Order you appliance parts online and save!

Whether you are ordering your parts online or taking a run to the local Sears Stores (check here first for Sears Coupons) you will need a few things before going.

The Appliance model number is the key reference to the home appliance you have. The appliance's serial number may identify the age of the product but is not necessarily needed if you are looking for appliance replacement parts (although there are some exceptions to this rule).

Whenever inquiring about your dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave or other appliance, you should have at least the brand name and the model and serial numbers of the appliance.

I know that Repair Clinic will honor manufacturer warranties, and there may be other stores that do also .. but be sure to check our handy Appliance Part Warranty Chart.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend .. take a break here and there for all of your tasks!

Energy Star Washing Machines and Energy Star Diswashers

2008-05-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

We often get asked what the difference is between an energy star washing machine or dishwasher and a normal one. The quick and easy answer is Saved Money. You will save money on a monthly basis. Just how much depends on how many people in your household and how often you wash clothes and wash dishes (as well as take showers and so forth)

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Here is the official energy star website.

Energy Star Washing Machines

Most washing machines use 40 or more gallons per load. This is an huge number. Not only is it wasteful, but it can get very expensive when you consider how many of these gallons need to be heated and how much energy is needed and paid for to make this work. For washing machine replacement parts -click here.

Energy Star rated washing machines use between 18-25 gallons. These appliances will save you 38-55% on water consumption per load, and depending on how many loads you wash on Hot. It will also reduce the heating bill by nearly half per load.

Energy Star Dishwashers

A typical dishwasher uses 12 gallons per load, all of which is hot water. Energy Star rated dishwashers use 3 gallons less per load, which again not only saves the cost of those three gallons, but also the cost to heat them. An energy star dishwasher will save 25% every time you run it. Click here for Dishwasher Coupons

Water usage is a culprit of high cost in home energy bills. Depending on how many showers people take, and how many people there are in the home to take them as mentioned above, sprinklers, pools and fish tanks, water can become a huge spender, especially when you have to heat it.

Simple actions can make a big difference. If just one in 10 homes in the United States used ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, the change would be like planting 1.7 million new acres of trees.

Some Energy Star Appliance Rebates for you:

The Jenn-Air® brand "Invitation to Inspiration" escalating cash back event offers consumers who purchase select Jenn-Air brand appliances between February 10, 2008 and July 12, 2008 an opportunity to receive up to $1,000 cash back by mail. Jenn-Air Appliance Parts here.
Consumers purchasing 5 select Jenn-Air brand appliances, which may include specific ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators and dishwashers are eligible to receive $750 cash back by mail. Consumers purchasing 4 select products are eligible to receive $500 cash back, while those purchasing 3 select products are eligible to receive $300 cash back by mail. More Jenn-Air Coupons here

Consumers will receive a bonus $250 cash back by mail when the package purchase includes a select Jenn-Air built-in-refrigerator. Check all Jenn-Air Rebates here.

------------------

The Amana brand "Suite Deal on Stainless" event, running April 13, 2008
through July 26, 2008, offers consumers that purchase select Amana brand
stainless steel kitchen appliance packages up to $300 cash back by mail. Amana Coupons are here.
Consumers can receive $150 cash back for purchasing a package containing 4
select Amana brand stainless steel appliances of which includes an Energy Star
qualified dishwasher. Amana Appliance Parts and Accessories are here.
Consumers purchasing packages containing 3 select Amana
brand stainless steel kitchen appliances are eligible to receive $100 cash back
by mail. As a bonus, consumers will have an opportunity to receive an additional
$50 - $120 cash back when they upgrade the refrigerator within the package to
qualified models. Find more Amana Rebates here.
There is an additional $30 bonus cash back when consumers
upgrade the dishwasher within the package to an eligible Energy Star qualified
model.

Save Money, Time and the Environment!

Universal or Adaptable Appliance Replacement Parts

2008-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Aftermarket or generic universal appliance replacement parts may be made by the same exact company that supplies the original appliance parts to the appliance manufacturer or they might be manufactured by a company not affiliated with the appliance manufacturer in any way.

Think about shopping at a grocery store that offers their own "generic" grocery brands. These brands are really made by the companies that make the national brands but are packaged for the grocery store. This is the same way that the appliance parts vertical works.

Switches, controls, motors, belts and appliance hinges may be parts that are manufactured universally. In most cases these types of appliance parts will be the exact (or very close) fit as the original but their specifications may vary slightly from the OEM.

Listed below are example universal parts for Ranges, Ovens or Cooktops

There are also OEM appliance replacement kits which may work for other multiple appliance brands. An example appliance part is the universal electric range and cooktop surface element infinite heat switch controls.

In this case the part manufacturer (Robertshaw) supplies the same appliance part to the various appliance manufacturers whom each then just label it with their own appliance part number.

It can be riskier to order a universal appliance part - so be sure that you are purchasing from an Appliance Parts Retailer that offers an excellent return policy.

Spring Clean your Range

2008-05-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's time to get your range ready for summer. Replace your old surface and bake units and dull drip pans with shiny new parts if you can't get the old ones clean!

First, let's talk about keeping your range clean to begin with. Cleaning after each use of the cooktop with cleaning cream will keep the cooktop looking new and easy to clean. Ceramic cooktop cleaning creams are the best. Cooktop Cleaning Cream, gently cleans glass ceramic, stainless steel or glass cooktops.

If your appliances are stainless steel - pick up a stainless steel cleaner, also. Stainless Steel Magic - Gently polishes and removes water spots, grease and stains from all your stainless steel sinks and appliances for a gleaming finish. Keep that old stove of yours looking and working like new!

Also popular for cleaning and prepping is CERAMA BRYTE Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner. It is designed for use on ALL glass-ceramic cooktops. It is tested and qualified for CERAN® by SCHOTT GLAS and is recommended by EuroKera. It is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Industry wide testing shows that if you are have a spillover from high sugar mixtures or melted plastic you should:

Turn off all surface units. Remove hot pans.
Wear an oven mitt.
Use a razor scraper to move the spill to a cool area on the cooktop. (Hold the razor at about a 45 degree angle to scrape)
Remove the spill with paper towels.
Any remaining spillover should be left until the surface of the cooktop has cooled.
Do not use the surface units again until all residue has been completely removed.

If your electric surface burners are not heating as normal, lightly sandpaper the contacts on the element and the block they plug into. Safety first, unplug your stove. If service is still impaired, replace blocks first, then the coiled element.

Can't get the top burners clean no matter what you do? You may have to replace your top burnersWhen replacing Range top burners, plug in type, always check for burnt contacts in burner receptacle. To be safe replace receptacle with top burner.

To find the correct burners - find the model number first.

How to find the Part number of your range:

Open oven door wide, model number plate located on mullion between the hinges.
Lift the left front surface unit, model number plate is on the inner left side of frame.
On the frame behind oven door.
Pull lower drawer out. Model number plate is on horizontal or vertical member of frame.
Lift right front or rear surface unit. Model number is on inside, right side of frame or the back corner of the frame.
Use the search bar on top of this blog .. or click here to find shiny new oven and range parts!

LG Appliance Parts - Model LRG30357 Gas Range Parts

2008-05-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Style and Design With LG’s freestanding gas ranges.

If you have a LG Gas Range, you understand the premium styling and technology. But as with all appliances, there are parts that can fail occassionally. Features of Model LRG30357 (the range comes in 3 colors - Stainless Steel LRG30357ST , Black LRG30357SB and White LRG30357SW finish) are listed below:

One Touch Controls on these gas ranges
LG offers style and convenience with One Touch Controls on these gas ranges. The SmoothTouch controls are attractive, easy to use (and easy to replace) and effortless wipe clean.

SuperBoil
One of the most powerful burners available in a freestanding range. Reliable .. but sometimes things go wrong. The LG 16.5K BTU burner enables you to bring large amounts of water to a rapid boil resulting in faster cooking time and saved energy.

Simmer Burner on the Gas Ranges
This burner can maintain a low 700 BTU setting which is excellent for delicate cooking tasks such as melting butter or chocolate. These seldom need replacement ..but if you need one, you can find it here.

Wideview Window
This cool window allows you to easily check the progress of a meal in the oven without having to open the door and get hot air blasted at you!

Here are some parts that can fail with links to low price LG Parts

LG knob Assembly Stainless Steel

LG knob assembly Super BOI

LG Range Glass and trim ASM

Burner Cap for LG Ranges

For more information on other LG Appliance parts, CLICK HERE

For Amana Appliance Coupons, Click here

Happy Mother's Day from Appliance Life Parts & Repair

2008-05-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

We wanted to find a poem for Mom that was applicable to the nature of our website. In many households a Mom does everything .. from fixing booboo's to fixing appliances. Unfortunately, the author is unknown on this beautiful poem so we are unable to give credit where credit is due.

Housework Can Wait
Come in, but don't expect to find All dishes done, all floors ashine.

Observe the crumgs and toys galore.

The smudgy prints upon the door.

The little ones we shelter here

Don't thrive on a spotless atmosphere.

They're more inclined to disarray

And carefree even messy play.

Their needs are great, their patience small.

All day I'm at their beck and call.

It's Mommy come! Mommy see!

Wiggly worms and red scraped knee.

ainted pictures, blocks piled high.

My floors unshined, the days go by.

Some future day they'll flee this nest,

And I at last will have a rest!

Now you tell me which matters more,

A happy child or a polished floor?

...Author Unknown

Celebrate Mother's Day today with a day of relaxation - forget the broken washing machine, and the air conditioner that needs to be turned on for the summer.

Enjoy the day, Moms!

Tips to Dry Clothes More Efficiently - Dryer Parts

2008-05-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Clothes Dryers are a luxury that we cannot live without and when the clothes come out too damp, it can irritate even the best of us.

We count on our dryers 52 weeks of the year.

Here are some quick tips to extend the life of your clothes dryer and save energy.

Avoid kinking the exhaust vent behind dryer. Besides making it harder for the dryer to dry your clothes, you may need a replacement dryer vent quicker. If your dryer is very close to the wall, try a Dryer Vent Periscope. A periscope is designed to allow close placement of the dryer to the wall. Metal clamps on a dryer vent periscope make installation easy with common household tools.
The shorter the better (as far as vents go). Exhaust ducting should be of a metalized semi rigid/flexible material. Do not use vinyl as it can be easily smashed. Vinyl will not withstand heat as well as metalized ducting.
Check your outside vent hood for clogs and dirts. Make sure that you clean it regularily if necessary. Don't use mesh wire or grates to cover the vent hood unless you are willing to clean the grates out regularily. Grates will definitely help keep rodents or birds out of your exhaust but can easily cause clogging. Lint always makes it through the dryer's lint screen and can clog the grate.
The best dryer vent hood has a flapper that opens when the clothes dryer is in use and closes when off. Check the proper operation of the flapper on a regular basis.
Clean the lint screen between loads (we have all heard this one before). Featured: Upper & lower air duct assembly with lint screen
Do not overload dryer and do not underload the dryer. Too many clothes will inhibit proper circulation of heated air between the garments. On the other hand, too few clothes in the clothes dryer can create a similar problem by bunching and not allowing proper air flow through the clothes. Proper air flow will make for a faster dry time.
In winter months, dryers located in a heated area of the home will dry more quickly than in a basement or non-heated utility room. This may not be something you can control, though.
Drying loads sequentially will reduce overall dry time by using the heat retained by the dryer from previous loads. So go back to the "laundry day" idea that our Mothers had.
Recheck pants pockets and clothes cubby holes before putting clothes into dryer. Gum, pencils, pens, money, nails, earrings, jewelry, etc. can damage clothing as well as damage your appliance.
Improperly vented dryers can pose a serious fire hazard. This hazard can be drastically mitigated or even eliminated by installing a fire-safe venting system.

Load the Dishwasher Correctly and use Glisten

2008-05-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

I read a news article today about a new SteamClean Dishwasher by Maytag. The part that caught my eye was that the dishwasher runs approx. 24 minutes longer than a normal dishwasher. I have to wonder how much more energy this takes and is it worth it?

This triggered a little bit of research about how to properly load a dishwasher to maximize it's ability to clean your dishes.

Careful placement of dishes in the dishwasher, plus an enzyme detergent and rinse aid, can make the difference between glistening dishes and grungy ones that generate caked on residue!

We suggest that you skip prerinsing, because it wastes time, energy,and as much as 6,500 gallons of water per year.

Here are some loading tips that even your kids can follow to get cleaner dishes:

Keep large dishes and items at the sides and back, so that they don't block water and detergent from reaching other smaller dishes, cups and glasses.

Load the dirtier side of dishes toward the center for more exposure to the spray. This is an important one and is contrary to your natural instinct

Use the top rack for plastic and delicate items that are dishwasher safe.

Put silverware handles down, but knife handles up. Be careful when removing the cleaned utensils .. you don't want to get stabbed by a fork!

Place items with baked-on food facedown and toward the sprayer in thebottom rack.

Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer -

Environmentally Safe, Glisten gets your dishwasher sparkling clean and lemon fresh. Glisten works hard to remove built-up soap scum, food stains and discoloration due to iron and other water impurities. A clean dishwasher can help get your dishes cleaner.

Glisten is a non-toxic, citric acid mixture designed to remove iron and manganese, known as hard water stains. It is also safe for septic systems. Glisten will remove food stains on dishes as well.

Glisten can be used in small amounts with dishwasher soap to keep glasses and dishes clean.

Regular monthly use of Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner is recommended for best results.

Glisten can also be used as a laundry aid to brighten whites.

Each package contains one 3 ounce pouch. Dishwasher Parts

Glisten's Dishwasher Cleaner is not just for cleaning dishwashers, however. It's a multi-purpose cleaning product. It removes stains from dishes, sinks, plastic, and glassware.

Use it in the laundry room to remove unsightly iron stains from the tub of the washing machine.

Or try it in the bathroom to tackle those tub, sink, or toilet stains!

Replacement Icemaker for Maytag and Whirlpool Refrigerators

2008-05-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know of a single icemaker that has outlasted it's refrigerator. Have you? The Icemaker always goes first and in most cases -the owner doesn't realize how easy and inexpensive it is to purchase and install a replacement icemaker.

This Whirlpool 3417943 Ice Maker uses an electric motor, an electronically operated water valve, and an electrical heating unit. This ice maker hooks up to the plumbing line in your house to provide fresh water for ice cubes.

The water-fill valve supplies household water to the ice maker. When the water tray thermostat senses that the tray has reached the proper temperature, it signals the icemaker to start ejecting the ice cubes into the tray.

The picture above shows the replacement ice maker for Whirlpool refrigerators - both the round or flat plug. The valve and bin are not included.

The beauty of this Icemaker is that it replaces the following model icemakers (many of these are other brands .. not just Whirlpool and Maytag. Warmer days are upon us and although ice is a luxury and not a necessity .. go ahead and fix that icemaker.

4317943, D7824706, D7824705, D7824706Q, D7824705Q, 4211173,

D703817, D7824701, D7824702, D7824706Q, D7767601, D7824701,

R0156806, 95109-1, 4200520,

4200521, 4200522 4210317 4211173 480616 480617 482014

482015 482016 482017 482018 482019 482020 482394 482433

482990 53-8021 625601 625603 625610 625611 625622 625625

625653 625656 625660 626002 626201 626237 626366 626461 626489

626608 626609

626626 626662 626661 627572 797991 8114 833701

978552 978553 978556

(there are even more than these model numbers)

If you need to strip the wires, don't for to pick up a combination crimper. Take a look at this Combination Crimper, Wire Stripper and Bolt Cutter - the ultimate 3 in 1 tool for splicing wires. This useful tool is great for DIYourselfers and includes wire strippers for stripping off insulation from the wire. The crimpers are for crimping solderless connectors and the bolt cutters are for cutting small bolts. This is one of the highest quality tools of it's kind that we could find.

"Green" Appliance Maintenance - Save the Earth and Money

2008-05-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Earth Day this year affected me more than usual. Little things can help preserve our earth for our children and grandchildren. I compiled a list of "appliance-related" items to help conserve energy and the earth.

In the market for a new appliance? When you buy an appliance, you commit to paying both the first cost and the operating cost for as long as you own it. And over the life of an appliance, the energy cost to run it can be many times greater than the first cost. So it pays to buy an energy-efficient appliance.
Instead of ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar and water or baking soda and water for cleaning your appliances.
Don’t use electric tools and appliances when hand-operated ones will do the job.
Air-dry laundry when possible. Only use your dryer when needed.
Avoid keeping refrigerator or freezer too cold. Government recommended temperature for fresh food is 38 degrees F. For freezers it’s 5 degrees F.
Don’t use excessive amounts of detergent. Presoak dirty laundry. Washing Machine parts
Install water-conserving showerheads and sink-faucet aerators.
Insulate your water heater. Turn it down to 121 degrees F.
Visit the hardware store. Buy low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact fluorescent light bulbs, as needed. These can be purchased from any hardware or home improvement store. Northern Tool Coupons
Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator to reduce cooking times and to ensure food safety.
Repair leaks and drips as soon as they occur. A moderate drip wastes two gallons of water or more per hour.
Use small electric pans and ovens to reduce energy use. Believe it or not, when burner pans become blackened from heavy use, they can absorb a lot of heat, reducing burner efficiency. You want them to remain shiny so they reflect heat up to the cookware.
Run your dishwasher only when full, and use the energy saver cycle. Don't hand-wash. Studies are showing more and more that, when used to maximize energy-saving features, modern dishwashers can outperform all but the most frugal hand washers.
Keep lint screen in dryer clean .

If you have any other tips - please post them in the comments. Let's keep helping each other out!

Kosher Certified Stainless Steel Cleaners

2008-05-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances:

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel you will need to remember that stainless steel will scratch easily and when it does you’re either facing a power buffer or just living with it. So, never use steel wool or metal brushes to clean your stainless steel appliances.

Fingerprints are one of the biggest complaints about stainless steel, but can be taken care by using glass cleaner or Stainless Steel Wipes like KitchenAid's.

The KitchenAid Stainless Steel Wipes are an ideal solution for cleaning
stainless steel surfaces. Package includes 35 use and toss wipes that remove
fingerprints, smudges, spills, and grime from stainless steel refrigerators,
dishwashers, ranges, microwaves, grills, cookware, sinks and more.
There are some newer types of finishes for stainless steel that resist fingerprints, a must if your pint-sized helpers leave their mark on your stainless steel appliances.

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is also worth mentioning

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner and Polish is a kosher certified product that keeps stainless steel surfaces shining like new. Its powerful, no-shake formula works great on all appliances by removing food spills, grime, and stains. Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner and Polish also works on grills and sinks.