Troubleshooting

Electrical Appliance Troubleshooting

Many times, electrical appliances fail to work because they are not getting any power. Before you call for appliance repair, make sure electricity is flowing by following these steps:

1. Check to make sure the appliance is plugged in. If it has a built-in digital clock or a “ready” light that is not on, it’s a sign of a power-flow problem.
2. Ground-fault interrupter (GFI) outlets can shut themselves off if they detect a power surge. Be sure that the interruptor has not tripped. If a GFI outlet trips repeatedly, it could be a sign of a faulty outlet or an electrical problem with your appliance.
3. Unplug the appliance and test the outlet by plugging in a night light or alarm clock. If there is power going to the outlet, check the cord on the appliance for signs of fraying or breakage.
4. If no power is flowing to the outlet, check the fuse box and make sure that no fuses have been tripped.

If an appliance’s electrical outlet has power and the appliance does not start, you will need to call for appliance repairs.

Caring for Ceramic and Induction Cooktops

Ceramic and induction cooktops need a solid connection between the cooktop and the cookware for even, efficient heating. Follow these steps to keep your cooktops clean and residue-free.

1. Wipe down cooktops after use with a sponge soaked in warm water to remove crumbs and splatters. Be sure the surface is cool to the touch before cleaning.
2. Ground-fault interrupter (GFI) outlets can shut themselves off if they detect a power surge. Be sure that the interruptor has not tripped. If a GFI outlet trips repeatedly, it could be a sign of a faulty outlet or an electrical problem with your appliance.
3. Polish the cooktop once a week with a ceramic cooktop cleaner to keep it in peak condition. Use a soft cloth to buff the polish, and a clean soft cloth to wipe away any residue. Yale Appliance recommends our own Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner, a natural, citrus-based cleaner that cuts through grease and will not scratch your ceramic cooktop.
4. Avoid using paper towels to clean or polish a ceramic cooktop. Some rougher types of paper towels can scratch the surface, which makes the cooktop less efficient.

Caring for Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances will look beautiful in your home for many years, but they do need regular cleaning and polishing to look their best. Follow these steps to keep your stainless steel appliances looking new.

1. Wash the stainless steel regularly with a sponge soaked in warm water and some liquid dish detergent. Rub evenly in the direction of the grain.
2. 2. Rinse with clean water and dry completely with a soft, clean cloth.
3. Give stainless steel appliances a thorough cleaning a few times a year with a stainless steel cleaner. Yale Appliance recommends our own Stainless Steel cleaner, a biodegradable, oil-based cleaner that leaves a protective finish on stainless steel appliances. Use a clean, dry cloth and polish in the direction of the grain.
4. Never clean stainless steel appliances with scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cleaners or cleaners that contain bleach. Avoid cleaning stainless steel appliances with paper towels, which can scratch the metal.

Controlling Dishwasher and Disposal Odors

If you have a disposal and not a dishwasher, you can remove odors by dropping a lemon wedge and two tablespoons of baking soda into the disposal. Run some cold water, then turn on the disposal. Put two tablespoons of baking soda in your disposal once a week, turn on the water and let the disposal run for a few minutes to prevent odors from returning.

If you have a dishwasher and a disposal, Yale Appliance recommends Affresh Dishwasher and Disposal Cleaner to remove odors. Simply drop one of these tablets into the dishwasher once a month and let a cycle run. Affresh removes stains and sources of odor, and it cleans the disposal as it drains from the dishwasher.

Grill Care

Keeping your BBQ grill clean will ensure more even cooking and better tasting food.

• Before turning on your grill, wipe down the inside of the cover and all cooking surfaces with warm water and a bit of dishwashing liquid.
• Scrape cooking surfaces clean while they’re still warm. Once the grill has cooled completely, wipe down cooking surfaces and the inside of the cover with warm water and a bit of dishwashing liquid. Dry these surfaces with a clean cloth or paper towels.
• After use, be sure to close the valve on the propane tank.
• During the winter months, disconnect the propane tank and find a sheltered place outdoors to store it. Never store propane tanks indoors. Propane can leak, creating a risk of explosion and fire.
• Store portable grills indoors if you can. For fixed grills and larger portables that you can’t keep indoors, invest in a grill cover that is designed to fit your model of grill. A properly fit grill cover should reach the ground and cover all grill components. Exposing your grill to snow may harm the finish or cause internal components to corrode.

Preventing Washer Odors

If you notice a damp or musty smell coming from your clothes washer, you can remove it with Affresh Dishwasher and Disposal Cleaner. Just drop a tab into the machine and let it run through a short cycle.

Washing machine doors and the interior of the machine can be a haven for mold. Always keep the door closed when the machine is not in use, and wipe it down with a clean cloth or paper towel after every few loads to keep it clean.

Preventing Fires in Dryer Vents

Lint buildup in dryer vents is a fire hazard. Make sure that your dryer’s lint trap is completely clean before drying each load of laundry. Schedule a professional inspection and dryer vent cleaning once a year to reduce the risk of a dryer vent fire.

Through-the-Door Water Dispensers

If you own a refrigerator with a through-the-door water dispenser, you’ll need to change the water filter on a regular basis. Most filters need to be changed every 6 to 12 months. Check your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If there’s a slow drip coming from your through-the-door water dispenser, it’s a sign that the filter needs to be replaced.