As a homeowner, it seems that there’s always something in need of replacement or repair, and if that something is an appliance, the costs can quickly skyrocket. Below, you’ll learn some excellent tips and tricks that are designed to extend the life of your oven, reduce the likelihood of repairs, and keep it working efficiently for many years to come.
A Clean Oven Lasts Longer
Cleaning your oven may not be at the top of your priority list now, but believe it or not, continuing to use a dirty oven could actually shorten its lifespan. When remnants of food remain inside, the oven has to work harder – and use more energy – to heat and stay hot. Most homeowners clean their ovens once or twice a year, but if you use yours daily, or if something is spilled or splattered in the oven, you should clean it more frequently.
Inspect Your Oven for Rust
Most of today’s newer ovens have been designed in such a way that they resist rust and corrosion, but this is not always the case, especially if you have an older model. Every so often, take a look at your oven both inside and check for areas of rust. If you find any, removal is key, but you will want to make sure you use the right product. On the outside of the oven, products containing oxalic acid will do a great job; on the inside, you’ll need something non-toxic such as a baking soda and vinegar paste.
Put it Under Warranty
Many companies will supplement your traditional homeowner’s insurance with what is known as an “extended warranty” for your home. These warranties come in many different types, but many will cover electronics and appliances for a monthly premium. Look to see what kind of warranty plans you can find in your area, then consider the value. If you’ll spend less each year on the premiums than you’re likely to spend on repairs, it may be a good idea to consider it.
Look for Bad Seals
When you open your oven door, you’ll likely see a rubber seal that fits just between the door and the opening of the oven. This seal, though seemingly insignificant, actually goes quite a long way toward insulating the oven and keeping heat inside where it belongs. Over time, it can become brittle and even erode, which means your oven will need to work harder and burn more fuel to get and stay hot. Fortunately, replacing these seals is simple enough, and a relatively cheap fix could end up saving you hundreds of dollars.
Your oven works hard all year to provide you and your family with delicious home-cooked meals and tasty treats, and while you may not give much thought to maintenance and repair until you have a problem, it’s important to catch things before they become problems in the first place. Follow the tips above to rest comfortably in the knowledge that your oven will continue to serve you well by working correctly and efficiently for many years to come.
