• Keep a thermometer in the center of the middle rack to compare with the built in thermometer which is usually up top on the left side and some of those fail or are erratic over time so you can monitor the temp yourself in case of failure thereby preventing spoiled food in advance.

Dont forget that during the defrost cycle the temp can change (raise) by as much as 11 degrees in the fridge so don’t be alarmed at this point unless it continues to raise.

In the defrost mode you will hear no fans or motors or compressor or anything because everything just shuts down and a heater comes on in the freezer but you might hear some dripping going on in the back.

• Clean or vacuum the cooling coils in the front and back on your refrigerator systems and in your independant freezers once a year. Twice a year if you have pets or are on a dusty road environment.

• Always leave your washing machine door open especially on a front loader until the condensation has dissipated to prevent mold buildup and stenchy odors.
• Use Affresh laundry tablets ($10 for 5 tablets at Walmart) once a month or as needed to keep that front loader clean and clothes coming out fresh.
• For a cheap alternative go to Winco bulk foods and get some Tang orange drink powder (a few pennies a pound) and put 1 cupful in a dishwasher or 2 cups in a clothes washer and let the citric acid wash the interior and plumbing and the odor will make the appliance smell fresh and keep things cleaned and operating properly longer.
• Never use these silly ‘Pods’ detergent things in any appliance as the clear rubbery membrane does not dissolve completely therefore I find that I’m replacing too many gummed up pumps and seeing too many plugged up hoses. I’m not saying they aren’t a great idea, just simply wait until they perfect the membrane or develop one that doesn’t wreak havoc on our appliances. Until then just go back to a good powder name brand powder or liquid, and always use a rinse agent.
• And if you DO decide to use a pod for your washer make sure you throw it into the drum and not into the dispenser.

• Make sure your slotted vents in the back of the freezer compartment are not obstructed so that there is at least one inch of airflow space. I also recommend at least one fingers width of a gap down the right side because that’s where air flows into the fridge on a side by side.
• On a bottom freezer don’t worry it because the racks compensate for it by design. But don’t load it to the gills either. Simple rule is common sense, weed out the old stuff and eat up what you’ve got before you restock. It’s helpful to put dates on packages too.

• In days prior self cleaning ovens worked just fine but today’s ovens even though they offer the self cleaning option the option should never be used unless you consult a professional or the manufacturer. The ovens tend to reach temperatures way above what the electronics and other components can handle and then after you’ve cleaned it the next time or few times later you go to bake something and your oven won’t work because components have burnt up or fried. Just clean it the old fashioned way to be safe. Many will disagree with me but I’m only sharing what I experience.

• Never ever start the microwave with nothing in it. This will prematurely damage something at some time down the road. Most often it’s only a thermal fuse but that can cost $80 to repair. Simply always make sure there is water or bread or anything in it and also never use a dish with gold or other metals embedded in them, these will fry a microwave too. If you hear crackling and see tiny sparks inside shut the unit off immediately.

• Use Affresh laundry tablets ($10 for 5 tablets at Walmart) once a month or as needed to keep that front loader clean and clothes coming out fresh.
• For a cheap alternative go to Winco bulk foods and get some Tang orange drink powder (a few pennies a pound) and put 1 cupful in a dishwasher or 2 cups in a clothes washer and let the citric acid wash the interior and plumbing and the odor will make the appliance smell fresh and keep things cleaned and operating properly longer.
• Never use these silly ‘Pods’ detergent things in any appliance as the clear rubbery membrane does not dissolve completely therefore I find that I’m replacing too many gummed up pumps and seeing too many plugged up hoses. I’m not saying they aren’t a great idea, just simply wait until they perfect the membrane or develop one that doesn’t wreak havoc on our appliances. Until then just go back to a good powder name brand powder or liquid, and always use a rinse agent.
• I’m not trying to push a product but if you want to use a pod type convenient item in the dishwasher then stay with the ‘Finish’ tablets because you unwrap the tablet like a piece of candy and throw the wrapper away and no membrane goes into the appliance and remember to just throw the tablet down in the bottom, don’t put it in the dispenser.
• And if you DO decide to use a pod anyway for your washer make sure you throw it into the drum and not into the dispenser.

• Try to budget in for a whole home surge protection device which can cost under $200 installed.
• For the DIYer about $30 to $70. These units clip into your existing main fuse box and protect all of the appliances in your home which all have sensitive electronics these days as well as your computer and printer and TV and air conditioner and clocks and everything sensitive to power surges from AC voltage line inconsistencies and power outages when surges rip through the power lines as the grid comes back to life.
• If you’re not into this investment or maybe you rent then at least buy an individual surge protector for $8 to $13 that plugs into a wall socket and protects your most valuable items. I personally buy the big grey surge protection 6 outlet power strips from Staples because they are reliable and I trust them and they have status indicator lights.