WINTER is almost behind us and as warmer weather approaches, you can turn your attention to spring cleaning.
In this regard, it is worth paying attention to your electronic devices and checking for errors or other problems.
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Regular checks of frequently used household appliances can save money
If you neglect problems now, you risk being faced with a much larger bill in the future because things have gotten much worse.
We spoke to Chris McGrath, co-founder of MAK Electrical Solutions, about the importance of giving your equipment a thorough inspection.
Chris told The Sun: “This is an important time to do a health check to ensure the harsher weather conditions of the winter months have not taken their toll.
This alerts you to potential problems that you can often fix quickly and relatively inexpensively yourself.”
If you don’t address these issues, you could face a far more serious problem down the road.
“Then you have to decide whether to have your device repaired or replaced,” says Chris.
“A repair is likely to cost you upwards of £100 to £200 for the labor itself, depending on the problem at hand. Also, you need to consider labor costs. That works out to around £40 an hour on average.”
We asked Chris to list the top devices you need to check – or have checked – right now.
washing machine
Many families rely heavily on their washing machine, so they want to be sure that their model is in good working order.
“Check to make sure the valves on the wall outlet are installed properly and aren’t cracked,” Chris said.
“Also look around to make sure there are no visible leaks. Make sure the wiring is intact, the connectors are in good condition, and the device is working as it should.”
If a washing machine needs repairs, expect to pay around £140.
And if you have no choice but to buy a replacement model, it could set you back up to £220.
To get the most out of your washing machine, fill it three-quarters full.
Under-filling is far less cost-effective and energy-efficient, but over-filling your clothes will not wash properly.
Reduce your bills by a further £35 a year by dropping the temperature to 30°C and doing one less charge a week.
clothes dryer
According to Chris, it is particularly important to give your tumble dryer a thorough inspection.
Check that it works as it should and that the vent works properly.
“If this equipment is not well maintained, it could be a major fire hazard,” Chris said.
“It can cost up to £180 to have your device repaired, but it’s still cheaper than having to buy a new device for £200 or more.”
As we move into spring, the weather should also be getting warmer, meaning you can start hanging clothes outside to dry if you have the space and save money on energy bills.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a more energy efficient model, Chris recommends investing in a heat pump tumble dryer.
refrigerator and freezer
When it comes to your fridge and freezer, you need to make sure the temperature is set correctly.
“The fridge doesn’t have to be much colder than 5°C or 6°C or you’ll find you’re not running the unit efficiently,” says Chris.
“It could mean you’re spending money unnecessarily.”
Experts recommend that a freezer should be just under -18°C.
As part of your spring cleaning, spend time checking the doors and seals of the fridge and freezer, and looking around for rust.
Also, take a moment to clean behind your devices to keep them cool and working as efficiently as possible.
Remember to clean the condenser coils on the back as fluffed coils can reduce work efficiency by 25% according to The Energy Saving Trust.
“As a guide, you might see a £180 bill for a fridge freezer repair,” said Chris.
“If you have to buy a new one it can cost over £200. Note that the cost of repairing such a large device can be as high as the cost of buying a new entry-level device.
“With that in mind, you should always get a quote ahead of time and look around to see how it compares to other crafters and the cost of a new model.”
dishwasher
In a busy household, a dishwasher can be in use almost every day.
“This is one of the most gas-guzzling pieces of equipment, so you want to be sure it’s performing as efficiently as possible,” said Chris.
“Be sure to check water hoses and valves for leaks.”
Also look at how the door works to see if there are any problems with the spring mechanism.
“Watch out for corrosion or rust,” added the power geek.
“And if you see water leaks on the floor or under the sink, alarm bells should be ringing.”
The same applies if there is still water left in the device after the end of the cycle. This could be a sign that the pump is not working as it should.
According to Chris, it could cost around £150 to repair a dishwasher. If you need to buy a replacement, you can consider anything from £200 upwards.
Remember, an easy way to save on energy bills is to use an Eco setting. Even greater savings can be achieved if you do not use the dishwasher and wash by hand.
oven/stove
When it comes to your oven or stovetop, you need to verify that a gas model’s burners are heating properly.
“On an electric model, check the electrical connections and make sure there aren’t any faults,” Chris said.
“Also check that the seals of the oven and the timer are working properly.”
As a guide you can expect to pay around £100 to repair a cooker or oven.
Chris said: “You might be able to buy a replacement model for less than £200.
“However, buying the cheapest option available often means problems are more common than with some of the top-end devices, even though these can cost in excess of £500.
“You have to weigh what you can afford and over what timeframe.
“But if you already own a top-of-the-line stove, it might be cheaper for you to have it repaired.”
Electric shower
Households with an electric shower need to make sure it works efficiently
“Check for problems like fluctuating temperature, low water pressure, or excessive pressure,” the electrician said.
“Other issues to look out for are ‘no-flow’ and electrical faults.”
According to Chris, it could cost around £100 to fix an electric shower and around £150 if you need to get a replacement.
safety first
If you’re concerned about anything electrical in your home, Chris recommends hiring a professional to perform an EICR (Electrical Condition Report).
This ensures that all devices in your household are in perfect working order.
He said: “This gives you peace of mind that hardwiring is safe and fit for purpose.”
It is crucial that all but the most basic tasks, such as B. wiring an outlet, can be done by an electrician who is licensed by a system such as NICEIC.
www.thesun.co.uk
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/21965295/six-appliances-check-now-spring-cost-thousands-bill/