Posted on Fri, Mar. 14, 2008

-- Have you thought about your refrigerator's condenser coils lately? Spent any time with your dryer hoses this week?

The answer is likely no, since we tend to think about these things only when they cause us trouble. Knowing your appliances more intimately can take a little time, but can save you money and effort in the long run.

Your owner's manuals have valuable information about maintenance, which can vary by manufacturer. Mr. Appliance Corp., based in Waco, Texas, suggests regular maintenance every 12 to 18 months on all household appliances, whether you do it yourself or call a professional.

If you can't remember the last time you spent time examining your hot water heater, put your appliances on an inspection schedule. And, when the inevitable occurs and an appliance breaks, have other appliances inspected when the faulty one is repaired.

Before that happens though, here are some surprisingly simple ways to add to your appliances' longevity and effectiveness from Mr. Appliance, mrappliance.com, and the book "In the Kitchen with Heloise" (Perigee, 2000):

Refrigerator

Average life span: 14 years

What you need to do: Locate the condenser coils by checking your owner's manual. Clean them by unplugging the fridge and removing dust gently with a broom or brush. Check the seals by sliding a piece of paper in the closed door. If it falls out, you need to replace your seals. And defrosting regularly can't hurt.

Inspected and cleaned: Have it done if your at-home remedies don't work or if there are noises you can't locate.

Washer, dryer

Average life span: Washer: 12 years; Dryer: 14 years

What to do: Clean the dryer's lint filter and hoses. Kinks or ridges can cause highly flammable lint to build up, a major cause of fire.

Inspected and cleaned: Replace the hoses on your washing machine every 3 to 5 years.

Window air conditioner

Average life span: 13 years

What you need to do: Changing the air filter every month helps the system run more efficiently and improves air quality. Dirt and neglect are the main causes of AC failures, so clean it well.

Inspected and cleaned: Do it twice a year, usually fall and spring.

Garbage disposal

Average life span: 13 years

What you need to do: Keep anything stringy, like pumpkin pulp, out of it. Also leave out tough produce, anything hard that can dull the blades, and grease, which can clog your pipes.

Inspected and cleaned: Have this looked at whenever your plumbing is checked.

Microwave

Average life span: 5 to 8 years

What you need to do: Microwaves are simple appliances; they don't know the difference between the food you want cooked and old splatters in the chamber, so keep it clean and don't exceed the recommended usage.

Inspected and cleaned: Anytime there's a problem. You should never attempt to work on it yourself.

Dishwasher

Average life span: 9 to 12 years

What you need to do: Be mindful of what you put in it. Leave out small pieces that can get lodged in the drain and make sure everything is dishwasher-safe. Use a powdered detergent, because gels can cloud dispenser and glasswear. Spend the few dollars on a rinse aid, such as Jet-Dry, every month or so.

Inspected and cleaned: Every 2 to 3 years.

Water heater

Average life span: electric: 6 to 14 years; gas: 5 to 9 years

What you need to do: Check your hoses, fittings and release valves. Also watch for damaged areas on the outside of the tank and leaking.

Inspected and cleaned: Every couple of years.

Stove

Average life span: electric, 16 years; gas, 19 years

What you need to do: Check temperature with a thermometer or by following a basic white cake mix and making sure it cooks correctly. Keep it clean inside and out, using nonabrasive cleaners. Check your seals and the hinges, which can bend over time and let heat escape.

Inspected and cleaned: Any time it's not heating properly.

Central air system

Average life span: 10 to 20 years

What you need to do: Check for leaks around the system and with hose connections. You should also change your filter monthly.

Inspect and cleaned: Seasonally