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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Appliance Parts in Alabama (and beyond)

Now our customers in Alabama, and those across the nation, can order appliance parts by calling 1-800-256-7594.

With a huge inventory, and 16+ locations throughout the U.S., most parts can be delivered by the next day for $9.95 standard shipping.

(Exclusions apply, guaranteed next-day shipping is extra, but it's been our experience that most of these parts will get there pretty fast. The parts also need to be in stock, of course.)

Just call 1-800-256-7594 for appliance parts, and the details will be explained by customer service.

(In the unlikely event that you need to return a part or cancel one on order, just call the same number. Again, details available when you call).

Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 3:28 PM
Categories: Appliances, Birmingham, Dishwasher, DIY, Dryer, Clothes, Ice Maker, Microwave, Refrigerator, Wall Oven, Washer, Clothes
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Thursday, December 09, 2010

DIY Washer Maintenance - Keep washing your clothes efficiently!

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Washer maintenance

  • If you want maximum water flow into your washer:
    • Turn off the water.
    • Disconnect the hot and cold water hoses from the back of the washer.
    • Remove the in-line water filters (a.k.a. intake screens) from inside the hose end.
    • Take to hardware store and ask for replacements (flat screened washers ok if they fit).
    • Put replacements in hose ends, reconnect and hand-tighten.
    • Turn on water, makes sure no drips, and you're good to go.
    • Tip: Don't clean the screens, replace them. Putting old ones back in can be messy and bad.
  • Check your water hoses. If they are bent, damaged, worn, bulging, cracked, or in any other way suspicious looking, replace with stainless-steel braided water hoses. (Rubber water hoses last about 5 years, steel about 2x as long).
    • Failure to do this yearly will lead a bad case of "House Lake".
  • Make sure the washer drain hose isn't sharply bent, creased or otherwise crimped. If it's old with bad flow, replace it.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

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Posted by Toxey at 11:37 AM
Categories: DIY, Washer, Clothes
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DIY Dryer Maintenance - Keep your clothes drying efficiently and safely!

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Dryer maintenance

  • While the dryer is running, hold a tissue close to the door edge (around entire door). If tissue is pulled or sucked towards the door edge, the seal is bad and should be replaced. This will save energy ($$) and increase dryer life.
  • Check your outside vent cover. It should open and close when the dryer turns on and off. If it doesn't it should be replaced.
  • Clean the lint filter with soap and water. This removes built-up soap and fabric softener. It also improves overall efficiency.
  • When dryer is off, disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer itself. Remove accumulated lint from the duct and inside the unit. (Caution: Dryer may be hot!)

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

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Posted by Toxey at 11:28 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:32 AM
Categories: DIY, Dryer, Clothes
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DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance - Keep your airconditioner cooling!

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should bring it to a qualified service provider if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Window Air Conditioner maintenance

  • Before it gets really hot, run the A/C and see if it's working.
    • If you're not already using it, of course.
  • Clear the evaporator fins of leaves, bugs and debris.
    • Optional: straighten fins with a fin comb, available at an appliance repair parts store.
  • Clear the drain hole in the chassis using a stiff wire (where the water drips outside). Add a capful of bleach to the tray or pan base (wherever water collects outside).
  • When not in use, and if not also a heater, remove the air conditioner from the window -or- cover the outside with a tight-fitting waterproof cover. This improves overall energy efficiency for your house during the colder months.
    • If you unplug the window unit, you'll prevent the compressor heater from running in cold months.
  • Clean your air conditioner filter with dish washing detergent, rinse out completely, and let dry. Put back in air conditioner. This will reduce operating costs and improve performance. (Consider doing this every month in use).

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 11:19 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 12:01 PM
Categories: DIY
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DIY Water Heater Maintenance

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself. (In the case of a water heater, we recommend you contact a licensed plumber).

Water Heater maintenance

  • Clear the sediment and particulate out of your water heater:
    • Get a big bucket (5+ gallons), and put it under the drain valve at the bottom.
    • Open the drain valve, letting water run out until it is clear of sediment (4 to 5 gallons will probably do the trick).
    • Sediment will clog up filters, lines, reduce flow in faucets and shower heads, etc.
  • Check the water supply hose to the water heater. Bent, kinked, old or leaking is bad. Replace bad hose with the recommended stainless steel, flexible braid hose. This can save your floors.
  • Safety issue: at least once a year, lift and release the lever handle on the temperature pressure relief valve, located near the top of the water heater, to make sure the valve operates freely. Make certain the discharged water is directed to an open drain, and allow several gallons to flush through the discharge line. If the pressure relief valve isn't working, call a plumber immediately, and I mean immediately.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 11:05 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:16 AM
Categories: DIY
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DIY Ice Maker Maintenance - Keep that Icemaker making ice!

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Ice Maker (Freestanding) maintenance - This does not apply to icemakers inside your refrigerator.

  • Twice a year, if the unit has one, replace the water filter.
  • Dissolve 1 tsp baking soda in a quart of warm water. Use this with a soft rag to clean the door gasket. This will keep the seal soft and pliable for longer (and makes it look nice).
  • Consider having a professional technician inspect and maintain your ice maker at least once a year. The cost of this service considered against the cost of replacement is minimal, and will keep your ice maker working trouble-free for a long time.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 10:59 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:16 AM
Categories: DIY, Ice Maker
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DIY Refrigerator Maintenance - Keep that fridge cooling

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Refrigerator maintenance

  • Dissolve 1 tsp baking soda in a quart of warm water. Use this with a soft rag to clean both door gaskets. This will keep seal soft and pliable for longer (and makes it look nice).
  • After door gaskets are dry, close both doors on a dollar bill, and pull lightly. A good seal will grip the bill. Test in several spots.
  • If there is a drip pan under refrigerator, pull it out and clean thoroughly. Put back in place under the refrigerator.
  • Being careful not to scratch the floor, pull out your refrigerator and unplug it. Vacuum the wall and floor where the unit was.
  • Remove the kickplate from the bottom-front of the refrigerator. Use wand attachment of vacuum to carefully remove most of the dust on the coils and underside of the refrigerator. (Some models may have coils on back of unit).
  • Using a condenser coil brush to get the rest of the dust and dirt loose. Be gentle.
  • Plug the unit back in, push back into place, vacuum the dust off the floor, put kickplate back onto bottom of refrigerator.
  • Change the water filter twice yearly.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 10:56 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:27 AM
Categories: DIY, Refrigerator
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DIY Microwave Maintenance

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Microwave maintenance

  • (4 times a year, at least) Thoroughly wash inside and door edges with mild detergent and water. Rinse and wipe dry with either a paper towel or a clean cloth. Focus on edge of door/door opening and waveguide cover on the inside-right (normally). The waveguide is a thin rectangle the same color as the rest of the inside, and food and grime accumulate there and eventually cause arcing, fire, and may lead to an early death for your microwave.
  • Stinky Tip: To reduce microwave odors, mix 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water in a large microwave-safe glass cup. I wouldn't fill it over 3/4 full. Put it in the microwave and heat to boil for 3-5 minutes. Let the glass cool and remove. Wipe the inside of the microwave clean and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 10:53 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:16 AM
Categories: DIY, Microwave
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DIY Oven Maintenance - Keep your Wall Oven cooking!

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Wall Oven Maintenance

  • Two to three weeks before holidays and major events, find out if your oven is working properly. Test everything.
  • Check the door gasket. Soft/pliable or hard? A hard gasket is probably not sealing well. This makes the oven elements work too hard and leaks wasted heat into the kitchen.
  • Time to Self-Clean (if needed):
    • If available, consult your oven owner's manual for specific instructions & warnings about the self-cleaning process.
    • Remove everything from the oven.
    • DO NOT USE CLEANING PRODUCTS IN OVEN WHILE SELF-CLEANING!
    • Clean door edges & gaskets.
    • Sweep out crumbs to reduce smoke.
    • Lock door & engage Self-Clean mode.
    • Peek in door window to make sure top and bottom elements are getting hot (if not, you've got a bad element).
    • Will get very hot & run for several hours, keep kids away and don't touch!
    • When Self-Clean is done & cooled, wipe out ashes with a clean wet rag.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 10:37 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:24 AM
Categories: DIY, Wall Oven
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DIY Dishwasher Maintenance

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham, Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Dishwasher

  • Lift out the strainer/filter in bottom of tub (consult owner's manual if needed), and scrub with warm, soapy water and a scrubber pad (the soft, plastic kind). Check for drain blocking objects before putting back.
  • Clean the spray arm:
    • Remove spray arm (normally by turning clockwise, being careful not to drop the nut or washer into the motor below).
    • Clean out the holes with a stiff wire (a paperclip, pulled straight, will do) to clear any blockages or deposits.
    • Shake out any particulate (seeds, etc) stuck in spray arm.
    • Put on rubber gloves and scrub the spray arm with hot distilled white vinegar to remove mineral deposits.
    • Reinstall spray arm.
  • Fill two dishwasher safe cups with a cup of white vinegar and place one each in both top and bottom racks, then run a regular wash cycle. Vinegar will be dispersed and will dissolve soap residue and mineral deposits that can reduce the water flow and washing action of the dishwasher.

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 10:27 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:15 AM
Categories: Dishwasher, DIY
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DIY Television and Electronics Maintenance - Protect the life of your TV!

Four times a year, Service Care TV & Appliance Repair in Birmingham Alabama publishes a reminder to do maintenance on your appliances and electronics items. Right now, the only people receiving these maintenance reminders are people who have "Liked" us on Facebook (see lower right). I thought it would be a good idea to post them here as well (in case you just stumble on in).

Please consult the user manuals for your products, and follow the directions for care & maintenance of your products. There is always a risk of electrical shock when operating or maintaining electronics and appliances, and you should contact a qualified service provider (like Service Care!) if you feel uncomfortable doing this work yourself.

Televisions & Electronics

  • The enemies of electronics are heat, dust and moisture.
  • Your television is designed to vent out a massive amount of heat that it is producing. Make sure there is ventilation and air-space around the television or electronic item to allow the heat to escape.
  • Dust blocks air passages and accumulates on surfaces. Dust is highly attracted to your television and electronic products. This dust reduces the products ability to efficiently disperse and rid itself of heat, which ages and damages it. Wipe away dust, blow it out of vents with compressed air, or vacuum it. Whatever it takes, keep electronics free of accumulated dust.
  • Be very careful when using cleaning fluids on your television, as they may damage the finish or screen. Plain water or special cleaners recommended in your manual should be used, but only sparingly. Do not use so much that you drip inside the television (spray the cloth, then wipe. Do not spray directly on the screen).

If you feel you do need television or appliance service in the Birmingham Metro Area please do not hesitate to contact Service Care by phone at 205-956-3777 or by email at service@servicecare.net. You can also send us messages via our website at www.servicecare.net

Click the 'Like' button! Thanks!

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Posted by Toxey at 9:38 AM
Edited on: Thursday, December 09, 2010 11:15 AM
Categories: DIY, Televisions
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