All automatic washers employ a 110-volt, A/C (alternating current) electrical power source. This power source is used not only to power the washer drive motor, but also the various electrical components such as timer, solenoids, valves, water level control, and switches. Listed below are components and their functions, which will help you in understanding, diagnosing, and repairing common electrical and mechanical failures. Read the rest of this entry »
Clothes dryers accomplish their task by furnishing heated air in large volumes to the interior of a rotating drum where the clothes are tumbled and tossed while being exposed to the passing air. For the clothes dryer to work, the machine needs a source of heat, tumbling capability, large volumes of fresh air, and the ability to remove large amounts of moisture-laden air from the interior of the dryer cabinet. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) The clothes dryer is running longer than normal. 2) The clothes are extremely damp at the end of the drying cycle.
Although the problem could be that the automatic washer is not spinning your clothes properly, in most cases the problem is inadequate air movement in the dryer.
Before blaming the dryer, you should check the automatic washer. At the end of the spin cycle, open the washer lid and check to see if there is excess water left in the washer basket. Read the rest of this entry »
The home repairmen should be very cautious when it comes to repair of the household refrigerator. They should be aware of the fact that they are dealing with a very expensive product, and one that contains a very delicately balanced cooling system. One small error could damage the system beyond repair.
Replacing a faulty compressor requires special vacuum and freon filling equipment that only professional technicians can handle.
The refrigerator cooling system is not like the family automobile air conditioner. You can’t simply attach a hose and add a little freon when it isn’t cooling properly. The refrigerator is a carefully balanced, sealed system, and normally should not have a freon-loss problem. If the unit is not cooling properly, and you have determined that the compressor is running, then there are several electrical components in the system that could be at fault. Read the rest of this entry »
Night storage heaters operate on the principle of thermal storage blocks being charged with heat during an overnight period when electricity is supplied at a lower price and releases the heat during the day when electricity is more expensive. Heat is stored during an 8-hour period starting at about 11 p.m. and ending at 7 a.m. the following morning. The times vary slightly between areas and some electricity boards have a 10-hour period starting at 9 p.m. An 8-hour period is sufficient to fully charge a heater. Read the rest of this entry »
Cooker hoods are becoming a standard fitting in many new and refurbished kitchens and are certainly a boon in alleviating cooking smells and the reduction of steam from boiling pans.
Extraction is achieved by means of a motor, usually a shaded-pole type, which drives a normal or barrel fan. Variable speeds are often included for coping with different conditions, and a light to illuminate the hob, independently switched, is another helpful addition. Read the rest of this entry »
Cooker hoods are becoming a standard fitting in many new and refurbished kitchens and are certainly a boon in alleviating cooking smells and the reduction of steam from boiling pans.
Extraction is achieved by means of a motor, usually a shaded-pole type, which drives a normal or barrel fan. Variable speeds are often included for coping with different conditions, and a light to illuminate the hob, independently switched, is another helpful addition.
When the hood is switched on, the fan sucks air through a filter system to remove grease particles and cooking smells. Read the rest of this entry »
Nearly every household possesses a hairdryer. Designs vary from hand-held models to large hooded ones supported on a stand. They all work on the same principle of blowing air over a heating element by means of a fan. The fan is either a simple bladed type or a cylindrical version. As the air passes over the hot element, it is heated and is then vented from the appliance. The element is usually a wound exposed wire on a heat-resistant mount. A more solid version is mounted in a zig-zag fashion on a mica former. The element is protected by a thermostat to control the safe working temperature of both heater and appliance, and is usually self-resetting. Read the rest of this entry »
Three main types of domestic, free-standing, portable electric heaters are widely used: radiant, convector and fan heaters. Some appliances combine different heater types, such as a convector plus a radiant bar.
Heat is produced by an element that glows red-hot when power is supplied to it. The heat generated by this action is directed by a highly polished reflector through an open front protected by a metal grill. The element can be externally wound on a ceramic mount or internally mounted in a heat-resistant silica glass tube. Simple switching of the element/s is included and faults can easily be traced. Read the rest of this entry »
The domestic vacuum cleaner has been with us now for some 90 years, during which time it has become the most popular labour-saving appliance in the home. The basic principle of operation is quite simple. An electric motor drives fans to create a fast-moving air flow. At one end, a vacuum (suction) of air is created, while at the opposite end the air is exhausted. If the air is moved quickly enough at the inlet end, it will carry with it any debris that enters the airflow. A means of removing the debris from the airflow is required to prevent its redistribution as the air is expelled. Read the rest of this entry »
