(1) Refrigerator - Freezer temperature should be 0º F; refrigerator temperature 35º-37º F. Clean the condenser coil and wash the door gaskets with warm soapy water at least once per year. If your refrigerator has a water filter, be sure to change it regularly per the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually every 6 months).

(2) Clothes Dryer - Clogged dryer vents and interiors cause fires in many homes every year, so have them check and cleaned regularly. A free flowing vent line to the outside of the house is necessary for good performance. Restricted air flow in a vent line is caused by the vent line being too long, kinked, having too many bends or being partially clogged with lint build-up. Make sure to clean the lint out of the vent line at least once per year. Clean lint screens with dishwashing detergent, water and a soft brush. Replace any white plastic vent hose with new foil or metal vents.

(3) Clothes Washer - Washing machines are much more efficient these days. Using the correct amount and type of detergent will allow the washer to do a better job. Investing in new stainless steel braided hoses helps avoid costly damages such as bursting hoses.

(4) Ovens - When using foil inside the oven to keep it clean, keep it at least one inch from any electric heating element. The foil can reflect the heat back to the element, causing overheating and premature failure.

(5) Cook Tops - When cooking on an electric surface element, do not allow the heater to glow red hot. The pot cannot absorb all the heat generated, and excessive heat can damage the element, drip bowl and cook- top surface. Keeping grease and foodstuff away from gas range top electrodes will allow for more efficient ignition.

(6) Dishwashers - Hot water is essential for clean, dry dishes - it should be at least 130 degrees F. Run the hot water at the sink next to the dishwasher until the cold water is purged out of the hot water line. Keeping the dishwasher sump and drains clear of debris will help it clean better and last longer. New energy and safety standards may require rinse agent for proper drying. Make sure the silverware basket has no holes; cutlery can fall through the hole, inhibit the spray arm from turning and cause poor washing.

(7) Microwave Ovens - Do not operate the oven without food inside. When there is no load to absorb the microwaves, they can be redirected back to the magnetron tube and cause premature failure. Always keep the inside of the microwave clean and cover foods when heating. Splattering foods can get behind the wave guide cover and cause sparking and burning.

(8) Garbage Disposals - Be sure to run water and the disposal before feeding the food waste into it and be sure the food is ground up and flushed out of the disposal before turning it off. Feeding the disposal a large quantity of waste too fast can result in clogged pipes. Do not put stringy items such as corn husks and celery into the disposal because they will not grind up and will clog the mechanism. Cleaning the disposer can be done by running a whole container of ice through it.