WINTER is almost behind us and as warmer weather approaches you may be turning your attention to spring cleaning.
As part of this, it’s worth paying attention to your electrical appliances and checking for faults or other issues.
If you neglect problems now, there’s a risk you could end up facing a much bigger bill in the future because things have got much worse.
We spoke to Chris McGrath, co-founder of MAK Electrical Solutions, about the importance of giving your appliances the once-over.
Chris told The Sun: “This is an essential time to carry out a health-check to ensure the harsher weather conditions of the winter months haven’t taken their toll.
This will alert you to any potential problems which can often be fixed swiftly, and relatively cheaply, on your own.”
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Fail to address these issues and you could end up facing a far more serious issue further down the line.
“You then have to decide whether to have your appliance repaired or replaced,” said Chris.
“A repair will likely cost you in excess of £100-£200 for the work itself, depending on the issue at hand. In addition, you need to factor in the labour rate. This averages out at about £40 per hour.”
We asked Chris to set out the key appliances you need to check – or have checked – now.
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Washing machine
Many families rely very heavily on their washing machine, so will want to be sure their model is in good working order.
“Check the valves at the wall connection are properly fitted, and that there are no cracks,” said Chris.
“Also look around to ensure no leaks are visible. Make sure the wiring is intact, plugs are in good condition, and that the appliance is working as it should be.”
If a washing machine needs repairing, you could expect to pay around £140.
And, if you have no choice but to buy a replacement model, this could set you back upwards of £220.
To get the most out of your washing machine, fill it up three quarters of the way.
Having too little in it is much less cost-effective and energy-efficient, but over-fill it, and your clothes won’t get washed properly.
Slash your bills by a further £35 a year by reducing the temperature to 30°C and doing one less load per week.
Tumble dryer
According to Chris, it’s especially important to give your tumble-dryer a good once-over.
Check that it’s functioning as it should be, and that the extractor vent is working properly.
“If this appliance is not well-maintained, it could be a major fire hazard,” said Chris.
“It could cost you as much as £180 to get your device repaired, but this is still cheaper than having to fork out for a new one at a cost of £200 or more.”
Equally, as we move into spring, the weather should start to warm, meaning you can start hanging clothes outside to dry, if you have the space to do so, saving you money on energy bills.
If you are looking to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, Chris recommends investing in a heat pump tumble dryer.
Fridge and freezer
When it comes to your fridge and freezer, you need to make sure the temperature is set correctly.
“There’s no need for the fridge to be a whole lot colder than 5°C or 6°C, or you’ll find you’re not running the appliance efficiently,” said Chris.
“This could mean you’re spending money unnecessarily.”
Experts recommend a freezer should be just under -18°C.
As part of your spring clean, spend time checking the fridge and freezer’s doors and seals, and look around for any rusting.
Also take a moment to clean behind your units to help keep them cool, and working as efficiently as possible.
Remember to clean the condenser coils on the back, as fluffed coils can reduce working efficiency by 25%, according to The Energy Saving Trust.
“As a guide, you could be looking at a bill of £180 to repair a fridge freezer,” said Chris.
“If you need to buy a new one, this could cost upwards of £200. Be aware that the cost of repairing a major appliance such as this can run as high as the cost of buying a new, entry-level one.
"With this in mind, always be sure to get a quote upfront, and shop around to see how it compares with other tradespeople, as well as with the cost of a new model.”
Dishwasher
In a busy household, a dishwasher can be in use on an almost daily basis.
“This is one of the most gas-guzzling appliances so you want to be sure it’s working as efficiently as possible,” said Chris.
“Be sure to check water hoses and valves for leaks.”
Also take a look at how the door operates to see if there are any problems with the spring mechanism.
“Keep an eye out for any corrosion or rust,” added the electricity whizz.
“And if you see any water leaks on the floor or under the sink, this should set the alarm bells ringing.”
The same applies if there’s water left in the unit after the cycle is over. This could be a sign the pump is not functioning as it should be.
According to Chris, it could cost around £150 to repair a dishwasher. If you need to buy a replacement, you could be looking at anything from £200.
Remember that an easy way to save on energy bills is by making use of an eco-setting. Equally, even bigger savings can be made by ditching the dishwasher and washing up by hand.
Oven/cooker
When it comes to your oven or cooker, you need to check the burners on a gas model are heating as they should be.
“With an electric model, check the electrical connections and make sure there are no faults,” said Chris.
“Also check the oven seals are working correctly, as well as the timer.”
As a guide, you could expect to pay around £100 for repairs to a cooker or oven.
Chris said: “You might be able to pick up a replacement model for under £200.
"That said, buying the cheapest option available will often mean issues arise more frequently compared to some of the top-notch appliances, though these can cost upwards of £500.
"It’s a matter of weighing up what you can afford, and over what time period.
"But if you already own a top-of-the-range cooker, you may find it more cost-effective to have it repaired.”
Electric shower
Households with an electric shower need to ensure it’s working efficiently
“Check for issues such as oscillating temperature, low water pressure or too much pressure,” said the electrics whizz.
“Other problems to look out for include ‘no-flow’ and electrical faults.”
According to Chris, it could cost around £100 to repair an electrical shower, and around £150 if you need to fork out for a replacement.
Safety first
If you are concerned about anything to do with the electrics in your home, Chris recommends getting a professional to carry out an EICR (electrical installation condition report).
This ensures all appliances in your home are in safe working order.
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He said: “This will give you the peace of mind of knowing fixed wiring is safe and fit for purpose.”
Crucially, for all but the most basic of tasks, such as wiring a socket, get jobs carried out by an electrician approved through a scheme, such as NICEIC.
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