Why you should ‘spring clean’ your home appliances
Avoid unexpected, costly repairs with a HomeSmart appliance repair plan
If there’s one activity that’s synonymous with spring, it’s cleaning. But sprucing up your home should be more than emptying your closets and scrubbing the baseboards. Your appliances need attention, too.
According to Angie’s List, the average cost of fixing a refrigerator is $200-$400. For air conditioner repairs, homeowners pay $300 annually.
As you can imagine, those costs add up. By incorporating your appliances into your spring cleaning regimen, you will not only increase their longevity, but you can also potentially save money in the long run.
How to Protect Major Home Appliances
Clean refrigerator coils
Refrigerator condenser coils, located behind or beneath the unit, are a haven for dust, debris, and pet hair. Dirty coils hinder the refrigeration process, which causes the unit to work longer and harder than usual. To clean, use a coil brush or gently vacuum debris.
Check the washer and dryer
Keep your washer at peak performance by cleaning its interior and exterior, especially the detergent dispenser. Inspect your washer hoses for cracks or loose connections, too. For your dryer, clean the lint filter to maximize efficiency and to reduce fire hazards. And last but not least, inspect the exhaust duct.
Flush out the water heater
Flushing out your water heater is a simple process, but one that is often overlooked. Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, which causes the appliance to use more energy to heat the water; sediment buildup can also lead to rust, corrosion, and leaks.
Maintain your air conditioner
Maintain the quality of your air conditioner by clearing leaves and other debris away from the condenser unit with a brush or vacuum. You can also seal air leaks around windows and doors to keep the cool air inside.
How to Save Money on Home Appliance Repairs
Although regular cleaning and maintenance of your appliances is critical, they can only run so long. That’s where Xcel Energy’s HomeSmart appliance repair plans can help you and your budget.
With a repair plan, you can not only avoid unexpected, costly appliance repairs, but you can also gain peace of mind.
What Is HomeSmart?
HomeSmart is a customized appliance maintenance repair and replacement service designed to keep your appliances running efficiently and safely – all year round. Our certified and trusted technicians provide services to Xcel Energy customers in Colorado and Minnesota. We also sell and install heating and cooling equipment and water heaters.
How to Sign Up for a HomeSmart Appliance Repair Plan
Xcel Energy customers can choose from two customized appliance repair plans. Customize your service by choosing the appliances that fit your needs and the coverage that fits your budget.
One of the most important appliances in your home is your air conditioner. This is an appliance you want in tip-top shape, especially for the warmer months ahead.
With Xcel Energy’s HomeSmart team, you can schedule an annual Preventive Maintenance (PM) check to ensure your air conditioner is in proper working order. New customers may be eligible to receive a FREE PM on their furnace or air conditioner during their first year of service.
If you enroll in a HomeSmart repair plan (Essential or Premium), you will receive three months free – a 25% discount. To learn more about HomeSmart or to sign up for coverage, call 866-837-9762 or sign up online. Use promo code HSBLOG to claim your offer.