Appliance tips from intelligent people for home renovation and repair - hiring, working, managing - for women, children and pets

When an electric oven doesn't heat correctly, it may be the thermostat. Turn on the oven and check both the baking element and the broiler element separately.

The garbage disposal grind wheel blades and the teeth of the shredder ring never need sharpening if the disposal is operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Heavy-duty disposals occasionally should grind bones in their units to remove any buildup of food soils.

If the garbage disposal jams, shut off its power source immediately. Remove the rubber-ringed splashguard and look for the obstruction. Insert the end of a broom handle into the grinding chamber. Pry against the turntable until it rotates freely. Remove the obstruction from the chamber. Some units have an Allen wrench that is inserted into a hole in the bottom of disposal to move the turntable. Turn on the power. You may have to push a reset button on the bottom of the unit. If it doesn’t start, check the fuse.

A clog in the garbage disposal drain is less likely to occur if you always use cold water when operating the disposal. Run both the disposal and the water for a full minute after all the food has been ground.

If the dishwasher doesn't fill, check to see if the float is dirty, stuck, or out of position. If the float isn't the problem, see if the inlet valve screen is clogged.

If the dishwasher doesn't drain properly, checked for a clogged strainer, pump, or drain valve. And make sure a hose is not kinked.

If dishes do not come out clean, check the water temperature by turning on the hot water faucet closest to the dishwasher and putting a cooking thermometer under the flow. Also check for a clogged strainer, sprayer, or detergent dispenser.

On average nationally, appliances account for about 28 pounds of carbon dioxide per dollar spent on oil and coal electricity, and 20 pounds of carbon dioxide per dollar spent on natural gas.

Refrigerators with the freezer on top are more efficient than the side-by-side models. Ones in the 15 to 20 ft. range are the most efficient.

A full automatic dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand: 6 gallons versus 16 gallons.

On your dishwasher, consider a booster heater, which produces 140° water. You satisfy the need for hygiene without raising the setting on your water heater.

Front load washing machines use a third less water than top load models. Heating the water accounts for 90% of the energy used by the washing machine.

Some dryers have sensors to detect moisture levels that shut off the machine when the clothes are dry.

Convection ovens cook food faster and at lower temperatures, making them up to 40% more efficient than conventional ovens.

Microwave ovens can be as much as 67% more efficient than conventional ovens, particularly with small portions.

Defrost whenever the frost layer gets above 1/4 inch. More than that takes away efficiency.

Damage to appliance surfaces is easy to repair. Kits are sold in a wide range of colors.

No garbage disposal is noiseless. Install a cushioned mounting bracket for silence.

In 1/3 of all washing machines service calls, the technician pointed to the manual for the customer to correct the problem.

When the washing machine inlet valve shuts suddenly, water rushing through the supply pipes comes to a slamming halt. The result is a loud banging noise. To quiet things down quickly, install a water-hammer shock absorber at the cold and hot water hose connections.

Use less detergent. Too many suds make a washing machine work harder.

For UL-listed, fireproof vent duct, the maximum length for a dryer vent duct is 22 feet for a straight run. One elbow in the duct reduces the length to 17 feet. Two elbows will shorten it to 12 feet. If you are using flexible plastic venting, reduce numbers 50% to 11,8 and 6 feet.

Ice cubes and lemon rinds will make the garbage disposal smell better.

There are stick-on fuel gauges for your gas-grill propane tanks. Activate the gauge by pouring hot water on it. Monitor the color - orange means empty, yellow is full.

To free a jammed disposal, one that hums but does not run, use the Allen wrench provided with most disposals and insert it into the center of the bottom of the unit and try to free the motor. If the motor turns freely with the Allen wrench but will still not run, try pushing the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal.