How to Protect your Appliances during Storms

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Home appliances have come a long way over the years and truly make our lives a lot easier. However, with the advancement we’ve all experienced with technology, there should be added measures for protection.

These high-tech appliances can easily blow circuit boards during storms that feature power outages and surges when power grids attempt to come online. Additionally, appliances that experience flooding need extra attention before being put back into use.

If you know that a storm is approaching, items such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, trash compactors, stoves, cook-tops, ovens and window air-conditioners should be turned off before a storm rolls through.

Any appliance with a touchpad or circuit board is especially vulnerable. The only exception to this rule is refrigerators.

What to do During a Storm

When the storm hits and the lights begin to flicker, unplug appliances or shut them off at the main circuit panel in your home. You shouldn’t leave your house during the storm if your appliances are on or operating.

There are many stories of homeowners that had left appliances unattended at home on during a storm and returned to find clothes dryers on fire from clogged lint discharge ductwork or flooded kitchen floors from malfunctioning dishwashers.

What to do After a Storm

If you were to lose power during a storm and it remains off, your most at-risk appliance is your refrigerator and its contents. It’s always a good idea to take items that spoil quickly to your freezer, as that will stay cooler longer. When power is restored, it can take up to 12 hours for your fridge and/or freezer to return to optimal performance.

Additionally, all other appliances should remain off until twenty minutes after the power is restored. It is crucial to wait this amount of time because large surges of power to your home in a short amount of time can create new outages and may even damage your circuit board.

Add Protection to your Home

Remember with power outages is that the outage itself isn’t exactly what causes harm, it’s the sudden surge of electricity when the power comes back on that can damage your appliances. The best way to protect your appliances during a power outage is to install surge protectors.

What are Surge Protectors?

Surge protectors are exactly as what the name suggests. They protect your appliances from electrical surges. However, there are two types of surge protectors you should be aware of. There are point of use surge protectors and whole-house surge protectors.

Point of use Surge Protectors

A point of use surge protector provides a buffer between the socket and the appliance and contains an extra wire called the ground wire. When there is an electrical surge, a tiny device inside your surge protector redirects the extra voltage to the ground wire and away from your appliance.

Whole-House Surge Protectors

A whole-home surge protector basically works in the same way a point-of-use surge protector does. It monitors the electric current and blocks or diverts the extra voltage. However, it is different in that is installed at your home’s main electrical panel to block surges that may come.

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Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia & North Virginia including: Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Bristow, Clifton, Dulles, Dumfries, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lorton, Manassas, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Vienna, Woodbridge

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What Appliances Can Able Appliance & HVAC Service Repair?

If you have it, we can probably fix it. Based in Bristow, VA, we service many areas, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Microwaves

Most people use microwaves daily to thaw frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and cook meals. Common problems your microwave can develop include:

The plate won’t turn.
The microwave doesn’t turn on or off.
The door won’t close or open.
The microwave doesn’t heat properly.
It makes strange or loud sounds.
The light stops working.
The touchpad won’t respond.

Call to schedule a repair today if you notice any of these warning signs.

Freezers

Whether you own a separate freezer or only the one on your refrigerator, you count on it to keep perishable items frozen for later use. If the freezer fails, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. Some warning signs of freezer malfunction include:

Water leaks
Frost or ice buildup
Strange sounds
Temperature variations
Constantly running compressor

The freezer also might just stop working.

Ice Makers

Many people enjoy the convenience of built-in ice makers. Signs that yours isn’t working correctly:

Ice is fractured, frosted, or strangely shaped.
Ice won’t release from the mold.
The outside ejector doesn’t produce ice.

Common issues include clogged water lines, incorrectly set thermostats, unlevel mounting, and clogged water filters.

Dishwashers

Gone are the days when someone had to wash dishes by hand in the sink daily. Most people use their dishwashers every day to avoid that manual task. You may notice:

Your dishes aren’t clean after a wash cycle.
The dishwasher won’t run.
The machine won’t fill or drain properly.
Your dishwasher has a foul odor.
Operation makes more noise than usual.
Water leaks onto the floor.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service can diagnose and repair your issue.

Refrigerators

Every kitchen has a refrigerator. Some people have them in garages and offices too. We count on these essential appliances to keep our food fresh. It’s time to schedule a repair if:

The refrigerator operates constantly or won’t come on at all.
The temperature is too hot or too cold, not adjusting with the thermostat.
Water leaks onto the floor.
The water dispenser won’t release water.
The appliance makes loud noises.

Most of these issues are easily repaired.

Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges

Families that enjoy home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts rely on their ovens and stoves. Owners can choose gas or electric appliances, and the repair issues can differ for each type. However, the problems you may notice remain similar.

Ovens

The oven won’t heat to the set temperature correctly or at all.
The interior light won’t come on or turn off.
The self-cleaning feature doesn’t work.
The door won’t open or close.
Your food cooks unevenly.
Your controls aren’t responsive.
The heating or broiling element won’t ignite or come on.

Stovetops and Ranges

Eyes won’t ignite or power on.
Temperatures don’t adjust to your settings.
The indicator lights don’t work.
Turning the eyes on produces sparks or strange smells.
Bubbles, cracks, or blisters appear on the cooktop or coils.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service technicians can repair all brands of electric and gas ovens, stoves, cooktops, and gas range tops.

Washers and Dryers

Everyone needs clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our washers and dryers make that easy to accomplish unless they stop working properly. Each appliance typically gives you signs that repairs are necessary.

Washers

Water won’t fill or drain.
Water overfills or leaks.
The agitator won’t spin.
The washer vibrates excessively or makes loud noises.
Unpleasant odors persist.
The door doesn’t open.
The machine ruins your laundry.
The washer won’t turn on or stop

Dryers

The dryer doesn’t power on or only runs for a short time.
The dryer won’t heat or overheat.
The machine takes too long to dry laundry.
The drum won’t spin.
The dryer is too noisy or vibrates excessively.
The laundry has wrinkles or lint.

These appliances come in many makes and models, and Able Appliance & HVAC Service can repair them all.

AC and Heating

When your heating or air conditioning isn’t working properly, your home can quickly become uncomfortable. Common issues you’ll notice are:

The air isn’t heated or cooled to the correct temperature, the heat blows cold air, or the AC blows hot air.
The unit runs constantly or won’t turn on.
Fluid leaks from your inside or outside units.
Your system is too loud.

Schedule a repair appointment to avoid further damage if you experience any of these problems.

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