Our Experts Answer Your Top Appliance Repair FAQs

Appliance repair isn’t the most popular topic among homeowners—at least, not until a home appliance breaks down. The pros at S&R Heating, Cooling & Appliance Repair are answering your top appliance repair FAQs and addressing concerns, including whether you should service your fireplace, replace your washing machine hose, or clean your dryer vent. Discover the answers to these questions and more below, then call us at 651-429-0001 or contact us online for more help.

How Will I Know If My Fridge Needs Replacing?

Appliance repair is our priority—we will do everything we can to keep your fridge up and running. However, sometimes a repair doesn’t make sense, whether for financial or safety reasons. If you can hear the fridge’s motor, the back of it feels hot, you see condensation or frost, or your energy bill goes up unexpectedly, it’s time for you to consider a replacement.

Should I Clean My Refrigerator Coils?

Yes—it helps cool your fridge better. The coils are usually located underneath or behind the appliance itself. Scrubbing the coils at least once a year reduces the amount of energy it needs to run properly, which can save you money on bills. It can also extend the life of the product and reduce the need for service repairs.

Why Should I Service My Fireplace?

Our service techs will clean the entire fireplace, getting rid of any potential safety hazards. It also improves the look and quality of the flame.

Should I Have My Dryer Vent Cleaned, and How Often?

This is an important step to take for your safety, as a dirty dryer vent is a serious fire hazard. Dryer vents should be cleaned every one to three years—depending on the length of the vent and how often your dryer is used. A clean vent will also dry your clothes faster and increase the efficiency of your appliance.

Should I Replace My Washing Machine Hose?

Yes. We recommend replacing them every three to five years to protect your Woodbury home.

Why Do I Run Out of Hot Water so Quickly?

It may be due to a broken dip tube in your water heater—this is the part that directs the cold incoming water to the bottom of the tank while the hot water remains on top, waiting for use. If you use an electric water heater, the lower portion that’s supposed to heat the water may not be working correctly. It could also be a problem with your lower element or a broken thermostat. We recommend consulting a certified professional to properly diagnose and repair the problem—S&R is here for you.

What’s the Difference Between a Traditional and a Tankless Water Heater?

There are a few differences: Size, cost, and function. Traditional water heaters take up much more room, while tankless systems are perfect for smaller or unique home layouts. A tankless unit will cost more to install than a traditional system but will save you money on your water bill in the long run. As far as performance, there is only so much water that a traditional heater can give you before it temporarily runs out, whereas tankless systems will have hot water ready for you whenever you need it.

Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

It could be caused by a few different things: Your sink may have an air gap that needs cleaning, you may have used the wrong detergent, or there could be a problem with the drain hose. Rest assured that S&R’s experts can diagnose the problem and help you fix it.

Why Isn’t My Garbage Disposal Working?

One of the most common reasons for this is that the disposal isn’t getting power. Make sure it’s plugged in and reset the breaker if need be. Turn the system back on and test it out. If it’s still not working, or if it turns on but doesn’t grind, it’s a sign of a more serious issue—call in one of our repair experts to help you.

Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking?

The first thing to do is to determine where the leak is coming from. If you see ice or condensation on the back wall inside the fridge, it could be a simple clog in the drain tube—removing that clog will get your unit back up and running. But if water is leaking from under the fridge, for example, the problem may be with the appliance’s water valve or its plumbing connection to the house. Call us right away for service.