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Always Start By Checking the Obvious
It always pays to check for all the basic problems before you look for more serious problems and do your home appliance repair. And that includes checking power settings, making sure the appliance is plugged in and turned on, checking to see that the outlet is getting power, etc. Some appliances may refuse to work if they are placed on an uneven surface, or if their filters become clogged and they start to overheat. Cover these simple checks first before you dive down deeper.
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Know the 50% Rule
The 50% rule states: If the appliance is more than 50% through its expected lifespan (you can usually find life-span estimates in the manual or online). And the expected cost of repairs and replacements is more than 50% of buying a new appliance, you should probably replace the appliance entirely. This is helpful when comparing the costs of home appliance repair, professional services, DIY work and replacement.
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Listen to Your Moving Parts
Moving parts are by far the most likely to fail due to wear or malfunction. When repairing appliances, start by taking a look at the moving parts. And for most appliances, this means check out the fans and motors to make sure they are functioning correctly. Your best hint for home appliance repair is typically noise. Fans, motors and similar components tend to make a lot of noise when they are failing. Note that fans and fan belts are relatively easy to replace, while motors are expensive and more difficult to repair or replace.
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