Is your dishwasher making noise? Know why.

If your dishwasher is getting loud or making a weird noise, you should check the heater fan, motor, water-inlet valve, and pump. Sometimes the bearings in the heater fan may get worn out or rust. If this happens, it may become very noisy, either grinding on the bearings, or scraping against the rust. If this happens you need to replace the fan motor. Sometimes, a fan blade may come loose, and you need to replace it.

Sometimes it’s the motor that makes the noise you hear. The motor has bearings in it which may become worn or get rusty. When the bearings get worn, they allow the shaft to wobble which can get quite loud. If there is a spin seal leak, water may get inside the motor, washing the bearing grease away. If the spin seal is leaking, you’ll notice water leaking from under the dishwasher.

There is also a disc attached to the top of the motor called a slinger. It sometimes breaks off and spins around the motor's shaft while it turns, causing some noises. You will need to replace the motor if the bearings are bad. You also need to replace the motor if the slinger is broken as well.

Newer dishwashers may make a squealing or rattling noise on the first run. This is because it has not had any water in it yet, and the motor seals are dry. You may hear this in a unit that hasn't been run in a week or more as well. You should operate the dishwasher regularly to keep the sump water from getting smelly, and to keep the seals lubricated. You can add a quart of water to the sump before running it.

Rattling noises may be produced by dishes rattling inside the dishwasher due to the water pressure from the sprayer arms on the dishes. To determine if the rattling is a loading issue, run the unit empty. If the sound is persistent, it may be that there is debris in the pump.

dishwasher water-inlet valves are noted to make a hum that lasts about 60-90 seconds several times during a washing cycle. This hum is a different hum than the sound of the motor running.

A rhythmic knocking or thumping sound may be caused the sprayer arms hitting something as they go around and around. Rearrange the dishes and resume the wash.

A clunking or clanking may be heard when the detergent cup or detergent dispenser opens; while a clicking sound may be produced by the timer or electronic control panel.

A solenoid makes a snap sound when it opens. This happens about six times during each load.

Pipes rattling or banging may be caused by a water hammer effect. Water hammer sounds are caused by a valve closing in the system, and yet the water in the pipe is still flowing because of its kinetic energy. The sound is caused by the water slamming into the closed section of pipe. A plumber can install an anti-hammer device.

Small objects can sometimes get stuck in the pump. When this occurs, you’ll need to open the pump and then remove the item that is making the noise or replace the pump. The dishwasher pump is usually mounted directly to the motor and runs off the motor as well. The pump is also attached to the bottom of your dishwasher.

Source: http://appliancerepairnews.blogspot.com/ 

Problem with your Maytag Washer?

Model #MAV4755AWW, this top load washer seemed to be washing clothes alright, but when it came time to spin the water out, it wasn't quite up to the task. The customer noted the motor would run and it sounded like it was spinning, but when they opened the lid, the spin basket was just sitting in one place. With the clothes remaining damp at the end of the cycle, the dryer was doing much more work then normal.

This washer, like many other top load designs, uses a gear case or transmission to convert the rotational motion of the drive motor into the back and forth action used during agitation. Then when it is time to start the spin cycle, the motor will reverse direction and the drive will be transferred into the basket to draw the water out of the clothing. Some washers use a motor mounted to the gear case with a coupler, while others, like this washer, use a belt to transfer the drive from the motor to the drive components.

Since the washer was agitating properly, I suspected the gear case was doing what it should be doing so instead concentrated on the one component that makes this washer spin. Under the base plate is the location of the drive belt along with the motor, pump, and spin pulleys. The motor provides the drive to each of these components via their individual drive pulleys. The pump simply pumps out of the tub in one directions and back in in the other so when the motor changes direction from agitate to spin, the water in the tub goes in the correct direction. The spin pulley, however, works a bit differently.

On the end of the transmission shaft is mounted the spin pulley which is responsible for not only providing rotational drive during the spin cycle, but also is the component that releases the brake assembly which holds the basket in place during agitation. The pulley is connected at the end of the shaft by an 'E' clip and is held tight by one or more metal spacers. Behind these spacers is a helix uses to apply pressure to the break, which will then allow the basket to spin freely. With age, time, and the addition of debris, the spin pulley will no longer be able to completely release the brake. With the brake still partially engaged, and the weight of a full load of clothes, the motor will not be able to start the basket spinning leaving the clothes damp at the end of the cycle. 

With the brake still engaged, the motor will be able to spin resulting in the drive belt slipping on the spin pulley and oftentimes gives off a burning rubber smell. So if your washer smells like the drag strip, it may be time to have a look underneath. 

I installed a new spin pulley after removing the old one and cleaning up the mess of dirt and cobwebs under the base. The new pulley comes with instructions and everything needed to complete the repair. I do want to point out that it is important to use the spacers properly from the kit. Getting the 'E' clip back on the end of the shaft takes some work because the spacers will make for a very tight fit, but that is how it should be. And proper lubrication of the pulley, with the included grease, is important for good long term operation. With the new pulley in place, the washer took off spinning like new even with a full load of damp towels. 

Presented by - All Tech Appliance Service, your Portland Oregon appliance repair company. We service many brands of refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers, freezers, ovens and microwaves including popular brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Frigidaire, Amana, GE, Jenn Air, Ikea, Sears, Estate, Roper, Electrolux, KitchenAid, Fisher & Paykel and more. We also provide preventative appliance maintenance, dryer vent cleaning, replacement appliance installation, and property management appliance service. Visit us online at www.AllTechAppliance.com


Source: http://www.technicianbrian.com 

ENERGY STAR PRODUCT MANUFACTURER PARTNER OF THE YEAR IS AWARDED TO FRIGIDAIRE FOR THE YEAR 2011

The maker of Frigidaire brand appliances has been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Product Manufacturer by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The award recognizes the company for increasing their selection and delivery of environmentally-conscious ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and helping to educate consumers about the ENERGY STAR program.  Award winners are selected from more than 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“Today, EPA is recognizing Electrolux for their leadership in addressing climate change through energy efficiency,” said Elizabeth Craig, Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs.  “Electrolux is producing and promoting energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products that help American consumers join in the effort to increase our nation’s energy efficiency and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases.  We look forward continuing to partner with these winners as they create the next generation of energy efficient products.”

In 2010, Frigidaire encouraged consumers to recycle old appliances and replace them with ENERGY STAR qualified appliances through the Swap and Save program, which so far has saved U.S. consumers more than $240 million dollars in energy savings and more than 7.4 billion gallons of water.

“As a proud ENERGY STAR partner, Frigidaire is committed to helping our customers save money and increase energy efficiency in their homes,” said Marty O’Gorman, general manager of Frigidaire.  “This recognition is an honor and a testament to our long-standing relationship with the ENERGY STAR program.”

Frigidaire’s new collections of kitchen and laundry appliances include ENERGY STAR qualified appliances in every product category, where applicable, offering a wide variety of stylish appliances that are from 10% to 80% more energy-efficient than non-ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances.  Innovative features that minimize energy and water consumption are a priority across the appliance line, from washers that use up to 82% less energy and 60% less water to refrigerators and freezers that use at least 10% less energy, to dishwashers that use at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than was used just 10 years ago.  In fact, Frigidaire dishwashers use five gallons of water per load versus 27 gallons for hand washing – a savings of more than 50,000 gallons of water over the average life of the product.

The maker of Frigidaire applies this commitment to operational efficiency as well. The parent company of Frigidaire is recognized as leader in the Durable Household Products category in the most recent Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. As part of its sustainability strategy, the parent company of Frigidaire has committed that by the end of 2012, its factories, offices and warehouses will use 28% less energy than in 2005 and had achieved a 25% reduction versus 2005 at the end of 2010. Additionally, the company has set ambition targets related to water usage and transportation emissions reduction globally.

Frigidaire has always been committed to helping consumers save money and energy.  In fact, consumers who are interested in swapping out old appliances can calculate their potential cash and energy savings at frigidaire.com/energysaving or on Facebook at facebook.com/frigidaire.

The entire new Frigidaire appliance line is available nationwide at Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears and select independent appliance dealers.


Source: http://www.frigidaire.com 

Choosing Your Freezer the Best Way Possible

If you’re a bulk shopper and you are looking for additional space to store frozen foods, stand-alone freezers can help your family stay organized.  They can be placed in laundry rooms or basements and are great for making extra space and for storing items for extended periods of time.

When determining what type of freezer to buy, consider the amount of space you have and how often you’ll be accessing the items in the freezer. Frigidaire® offers chest and upright freezers in a variety of sizes.

Chest freezers have a long, single top door. They are perfect for placing underneath shelving and can be easily locked.

Upright freezers have a single door and generally take up around the same amount of space as a refrigerator. They allow greater organization and easier access to frozen items.

Source: http://www.frigidaire.com 

Whirpool Once Again Named One of the Most Trustworthy Companies in the US.

Whirlpool Corporation has been named one of the Most Respected U.S. Companies by Forbes magazine and the Reputation Institute. Whirlpool has been included as one of the Most Respected Companies five years in a row.  

In the seventh annual survey conducted by the Reputation Institute, U.S. consumers placed Whirlpool 37th on the list of the largest 150 U.S.-headquartered companies based on revenue.

"It is an honor to be named one of the most respected companies in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO ofWhirlpool Corporation. "Whirlpool Corporation's values and ideals allow us to continuously provide innovative products and trusted brands that meet consumer needs, conduct business with integrity, and work to improve the communities in which we do business. These principles have been a staple in the company's 100 year history and will continue to move our company forward."

The Reputation Institute focuses on seven dimensions of corporate reputation, which include Workplace, Governance, Citizenship, Financial Performance, Leadership, Products & Services and Innovation. The analyses of these dimensions prove that company perceptions outweigh product perceptions when it comes to driving behaviors.

The Most Respected list is determined by Reputation Institute's U.S. RepTrak™ Pulse Study of consumers. This study measures the 150 largest independent U.S. public and mutual companies by revenue that are familiar to the general public. The U.S. RepTrak™ Pulse score measures corporate reputation by calculating the average perception of four indictors - trust, esteem, admiration, and good feeling. These perceptions are obtained from a representative sample of at least 100 U.S. respondents who are familiar with the company. These ratings are based on 10,198 responses from online consumers in the first quarter of 2012. More information on the Most Respected Companies can be found at ReputationInstitute.com.

Source: http://www.whirlpool.com 

Space Planning 101

To create the best plan for your kitchen, you need to consider all your space requirements. Space planning should be driven by your needs.

Storage Space
Is there ever enough storage space? No matter how you try, there seems to never be enough room, especially in the kitchen.

Some things to remember about storage: it should be accessible to people of all ages who will use the kitchen; it should accommodate changing work needs and storage preferences.

When planning work areas keep in mind that frequently used items should be stored where they are first used and should be easy to access. Well designed storage spaces will make your kitchen more functional and less tiring to work in.

The kitchen can create quite a bit of garbage and refuse. Be sure not to overlook this important area - from trash compactors, to garbage cans, to recycling bins.

Work Areas
The Basic Work Stations include Storage (refrigerated and unrefrigerated), Water use (food preparation, washing, and clean-up), Cooking or heating, and Meal staging. Each of these areas is used for multiple tasks. They must complement one another in the way they are created, and in their spatial relationships. Work station locations should support an efficient work flow from storage, to food preparation, to meal serving, to clean-up. Don't crowd any one area, and keep in mind how each area relates to the others.

For example, the sink and adjoining area is critical to a smart kitchen. It's not just for washing dishes or pots and pans, but also for cleaning foods, preparing vegetables, getting water, mounting a disposer and for general clean-up. It might also be used for short- term dirty holding. Remember, you rarely use your sink for only one thing at a time!

Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are popular in new and remodeled homes, reflecting today's more informal living patterns. They typically open the kitchen to adjoining spaces such as family or great rooms, entertainment areas, or expanded dining areas. While not for everybody or every home, they can multiply living space, integrate those working in the kitchen with on-going family activities, and enhance informal entertainment.

Open floor plans can also create new design opportunities. They can help eliminate bottlenecks, improve traffic flow, and create the perception of more overall space in the home.

Source: http://www.geappliances.com 

Sears Kitchen Remodeling Services Makes Your Dream Kitchen Real for Less

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Keep it healthy and happy with expert kitchen remodeling services from Sears professionals. Whether you need kitchen cabinet installation or kitchen cabinet refacing, kitchen countertop installation or a total kitchen makeover, we’re here to help.

Our flexible financing puts the new kitchen you want within reach, and expert kitchen remodeling advice from our project coordinators helps you find the products you want from our full range of colors, materials and textures.

Licensed Sears contractors will handle your kitchen remodel quickly and safely. And we back our work with warranties and a strong satisfaction guarantee. 

Source: http://www.searshomeservices.com