Appliance Maintenance Tips to Help Maximize Efficiency

“They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.”
You hear people say things like that all the time. And in a way, they’re kind of right… today’s major appliances are absolute marvels of efficiency compared to the ones we all grew up with! Most of them use less energy, deliver better overall performance, and are easier to use than the models of yesteryear.
If you’d like to keep them working smarter (not harder) with maximum energy efficiency, it pays to treat them with a little TLC. From routine maintenance to basic care and use tips, we have some great ideas you can use to get the most out of your household workhorses every day, while saving money and doing your part to help ensure a greener future. Read on…
Keep It Cool: The Fridge Factor

Refrigerators are the unsung (and often overworked) heroes of the kitchen team. While other household appliances use their share of energy and other resources, fridges are the only ones doing their job 24/7/365. And not surprisingly, that all-day-all-night operation means that small inefficiencies can add up pretty quickly over time.
The good news? With just a few easy steps, you can make sure your fridge is working as it’s supposed to, with peak efficiency.
Clean the Coils
At least a couple times each year, take a few moments to pull your refrigerator out from the wall and dust off the condenser coils using a brush or vacuum. Consult your owner’s manual if you need help finding the coils on your model of fridge.
Clean the Rest of It, Too
Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to wipe down the interior. Pay special attention to the rubber door seals (gaskets). Over time, these can collect dirt and lose their effectiveness, leading to cold air leaks.
Mind the Settings
Set your refrigerator to 37-40°F (3-4°C) and your freezer to 0°F (-18°C). These temperatures are cold enough to keep your food fresh without making your appliance work overtime.
Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs
If you notice your fridge is constantly running, making odd noises, or your food is spoiling quicker than before, it’s a sign your fridge is working overtime. Get it checked out to prevent higher energy bills… or even bigger problems!
For more detailed information on the best ways to help maintain your refrigerator, check out our Fridge Spring Cleaning article.
Cleaner Dishes, Greener Operation

Most dishwashers these days are designed to save water and energy and save time compared to washing and drying dishes and glasses by hand. But with just a little bit of thoughtful care, it’s easy to improve the cleaning performance and energy efficiency of even the best dishwasher models.
Clean the dishwasher filter
Over time, your dishwasher’s filter can become clogged with food particles and other debris. Regular filter-cleaning ensures your dishes always come out sparkling.
Clear residue from spray arm holes
Hard water deposits can clog spray arm holes and mess with their spray patterns. Use a sharp tip (like a skewer) to gently clear deposits from the spray holes.
“Eco” Settings
This option uses less water and energy. Why not save both? If your load isn’t especially large or dirty, it makes sense to use it!
Skip the Pre-Rinse
Most dishwashers will heat the water to a higher temperature than hot tap water. When combined with the right amount of dishwashing detergent, it’s more than enough to get dishes clean without a water-wasting pre-rinse.
Repair Signs
If your dishwasher doesn’t drain completely, makes loud or unusual noises, or leaves dishes spotty, it might be working harder than it needs to. Consider getting it checked.
Ironing Out any Laundry Issues

Washers and dryers, compared to other major appliances in your home, are designed with a lot of moving mechanical parts… and that means they use a whole lot of energy. But remember, with just a little routine maintenance and common-sense operating know-how, you can optimize your laundry appliances for better efficiency, better cleaning and drying, and a longer lifespan.
Check the Hoses
Regularly check the hoses behind your washing machine for any signs of wear, such as cracks, bulges, or dripping. It’s a good idea to replace them every five years, even if they look fine, to prevent unexpected bursts or leaks.
Clean the Lint Filter
Lint buildup in your dryer’s air exhaust vent lowers efficiency and worse… it’s also a fire hazard! Clean the lint filter after every load and check the dryer vent for any blockages. Every year or two, it’s a good idea to have the dryer vent professionally cleaned to remove any accumulated lint that might have sneaked past the filter.
Keep a Clean Machine
Detergent residue can build up inside your washer over time. Run an empty load with hot water and two cups of white vinegar every few months to clean out any gunk.
Balance the Load
An unbalanced washing machine can make a lot of noise, lower efficiency and lead to premature wear and tear. Use a level to verify that your washer is sitting evenly on the floor. And if it’s not, adjust the feet until it’s balanced properly.
Right-Size the Load
Overloading your washer can lower cleaning performance and put extra stress on the motor and drum. But underloading can waste water and energy. Aim for a balanced load that allows clothes to move freely but fills the drum about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
Try Natural Drying
If you’re not in much of a hurry, and it’s a nice, warm and sunny day outside, you can conserve 100% of your dryer’s energy by hanging your clothes on a line! Here’s a tip or two on how to do it right!
Hot Tips for Cooking Appliances

The best way to keep your range, cooktop or wall oven in peak operating condition is to keep them clean!
Smooth Surface
For smooth-top cooking surfaces, simply use a mild cleanser and a soft cloth to remove splatters, spills, and cooked-on crud.
Gas Cooktops
For cleaning gas cooktop burners, follow the tips in this video provided by our good friends at Sears Home Services: How to clean gas burners and grates.
Oven Cleaning
For ovens, cleaning can be a serious chore. That’s why we recommend using an oven with a built-in self-cleaning cycle. Note: Kenmore gas and electric ranges feature self-cleaning ovens, plus a steam clean option for light, day-to-day cleaning.
Check the Seal
Make sure the seal on the oven door is in good condition. An uneven seal can let heat escape, making your oven less energy-efficient.
Don’t Forget the Vent
The filter in your range hood captures grease, smoke, and odors from cooking. Over time, it can become clogged, reducing its effectiveness. Clean it with warm, soapy water… or replace it if it’s beyond cleaning.
Rely on the Home Team

While DIY maintenance goes a long way, sometimes you need to call in the pros. Scheduling regular professional maintenance can catch small issues before they become big (and expensive) problems.
If you notice any unusual noises, leaks, or performance issues with your appliances, don’t wait to get them checked out. Call your trusted local service pros, or contact our friends in the Sears Home Services crew for quick, reliable maintenance and repair service.
A well-maintained set of home appliances works better and more efficiently, saving energy and money. Simple, routine maintenance and upkeep can also extend the life of your appliances, protecting your investment and reducing cumbersome landfill. But beyond that, it improves your quality of life with superior product performance while avoiding the headaches and expense of major repair or replacement.
Treat your appliances with care and love, and they’ll take care of you, too!

Kenmore
The Kenmore brand represents 100 years of trusted performance, backed by exclusive features and innovations that no other brand can bring to the table. We’re always evolving to ensure day-to-day tasks are taken care of with faster cooking, better cleaning and more living throughout the home.