Western Appliance Repair

2088633702 in Boise, ID reverse phone lookup. - (208) 863-3702.

2012-02-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

2088633702 in Boise, ID reverse phone lookup. - (208) 863-3702.

ApplianceRepairMeridianIdaho | Blog Talk Radio

2012-02-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

ApplianceRepairMeridianIdaho | Blog Talk Radio

Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry Clothes | Appliance Repair Boise

2011-11-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

Clothes Dryer is taking a long time to dry clothes?
The difference between gas and electric dryers is the way in which the heat is generated. In an electric dryer, AC current flows through a low resistance coil network causing high current flow through the wire coils. Because of the low resistance heater coil, current flow is high so it generates heat. Air from the internal dryer ducting flows through these wire coils to heat the air and a blower wheel, usually attached to the drum motor, pulls the heated air through the dryer drum.

If you look closely in the dryer drum you will see an inlet and an outlet. The intake is usually at the rear of the inside of the drum, commonly described as looking like a cheese grate. This is where your heat comes from. Well, if you have heat coming in, you have to have heat leaving the drum. The heat duct outlet is located either on the inside next to the intake or on the front of the machine at the lint filter. If the outlet is on the inside rear, you’ll see the lint filter located on top panel of the dryer. If your outlet is on the inside front, you’ll see the lint filter in the same location
In a properly working dryer, electric or gas, you will have heated air coming into the drum and you will have one addition to the heated air that leaves the drum – MOISTURE. The heated air from the heat source blends with your clothes and creates moisture in the air. This moisture MUST escape the drum for your clothes to dry properly. I can guess what you’re thinking at this point – “but I always clean the lint filter.” Yes, most of my customers diligently clean their lint filter but ask yourself this – When was the last time you had a professional vent-cleaning company come in to clean your dryer vent? I don’t mean that flexible venting behind your dryer. I mean the vent that goes from the wall behind your dryer that extends to the outside wall or roof of your house. These should be cleaned AT LEAST every 5 years.
Here is some typical problems a clogged or obstructed vent will cause: Blown heater element – coils overheat from low air-flow causing overheat condition which reduces the lifetime of the element. Blown high-limit thermostat and thermal fuse – caused by an overheat condition. If your dryer is still heating properly but not drying clothes than you are in luck, you still can prevent damage to your dryer and avoid a costly repair. Most dryer repair calls I make are directly related to a restricted or clogged dryer vent.

Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho | Replacing Washer Hoses

2011-11-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Replace any hose that leaks from a crack or puncture. If the leak seems to be at the connection, try moving the clamp to a lightly different position on the hose. Be sure the clamp grips the hose and pipe end. The best tool to use is hose-clamp pliers, because it's made for the job. If you use regular pliers, watch your fingers. This tool easily slips off the springy clamp. To replace a worn-out gasket, just lift it off the tub rim and slip a duplicate on.

Rich
Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho
208-599-1086

Washer - Dryer Motor Windings Clean | Western Appliance Repair Meridian

2011-09-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Cleaning Washer and Dryer Motor Windings:

Most trouble with Washer and Dryer motor windings can be blamed on dirt, grease, and moisture which create such an undesirable conduction medium which may result in a breakdown of insulation. Dirt and grease collected on the inner and outer surfaces of electrical units prevent proper circulation of air and conduction of heat to the outer surfaces and air. This could cause the appliance motor to overheat and decrease the life of your appliance. It is, therefore, very important that all accumulations of dirt, grease, and moisture be removed. The best means of cleaning motors and generators are air pressure, vacuum suction, and grease solvents.

Air pressure, reversing a vacuum cleaner and blowing dust off the windings is the most satisfactory device.

Vacuum suction, use a vacuum cleaner or hose to remove grit, carbon, iron, and copper dust. Be sure the hose is not made of metal.

Rich - Western Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho

Automatic Washing Machines - Western Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho

2011-07-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Automatic washers offer various cycles of operation. Provisions for soaking, rates of agitation, lengths of washing time, rates of spinning, and kind and number of rinses differ among models such as whirlpool, kenmore, maytag, and ge. Here, however, are the basic operations common to all automatic washers.

Soaking clothes in a washer:
In some washing machines, separate user settings are provided for a soak cycle. The clothes are agitated about in warm or cold water in the same manner as for washing. Water is extracted and drained at the end of the soak cycle. The user setting may have to be reset to start the regular washing machine cycle. If there is not a user control setting for soak, the wash setting can be used with warm water, and after the water has be drained, the setting will be reset for the regular wash cycle.

Western Appliance Repair Meridian
email
Meridian, Idaho 83642
208-599-1086
http://www.western-appliance.com

Washer Electrical System - Washer Timers

2011-07-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

Some of the parts in a automatic washing machine appliance, new and old, include timers, solenoids, switches, motors, pumps, and motors.
The most important, or the "brains" behind all the operations performed is the washer timer. The timer programs the other electrical components in such a manner as to control the mechanical functions, water fill system, dispenser, drain, agitate, and spin. There are also different modes of timer control such as Delicate, Permanent Press, Second Rinse, Normal Wash, Pre-wash, and Pre-soak. These merely identify the various cycles available and the setting of the timer to obtain those cycles. Timer settings require the operator to set it manually and select and set the wash and rinse water temperatures. Some of the more modern Front Load Washers, have sensing features that choose load size, wash time, and spin time automatically.

For more appliance repair articles in Meridian and Boise Idaho, please visit our website at http://www.western-appliance.com
You can also email Western Appliance Repair

Dishwasher Repair - Soft Water | Dishwasher Repair Meridian

2011-06-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Soft water, as used in dishwashers, is virtually mineral free. Total dissolved solids are usually low, in the range of 100 to 200 ppm. Water is considered soft when the grain hardness does not exceed 4 grains/gal.
In naturally soft water the temporary hardness, or bicarbonate content, is the important factor affecting the Ph. Solutions of bicarbonate, when heated to a high temperature, undergo a chemical reaction to form a carbonate. In the presence of hardness, the carbonate with the calcium and magnesium, precipitates out of solution as scale. In soft water this precipitation does not take place, and the carbonate stays in the solution. Carbonate is much more alkaline than bicarbonate, causing the alkalinity of the final rinse water in a dishwasher to increase. The carbonate and bicarbonate content of water is part of the total dissolved solids. Most naturally soft water will have some calcium and magnesium dissolved in it, even though the amount may be small.

Many appliance repairs in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle areas of Idaho have to do with white scaling found on glassware and dishes. In the majority of these dishwasher calls the problem lies with the hard water that is being used to clean the dishes. If you suspect you may have hard water the best cure would be to invest in a good water softener. This will help your dishwasher clean better and it will minimize the white scale you see on your dishes.

Another Tip from Western Appliance Repair Meridian and Boise. You can contact us at 208-599-1086 or Email Me .

Refrigerator Door Seals Replacement | http://www.western-appliance.com

2011-04-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Refrigerator Door Seals Diagnosis and Repair
Refrigerator door seals may be one of the most misunderstood parts of the refrigerator. Ask a layman or do-it-yourselfer about why his refrigerator is not functioning or warming properly and the first thing he may say after “I don’t work on compressors” is “but let’s check the door seals." The door seals rarely go bad or have a problem over the lifetime of the refrigerator. The only door seals I’ve seen go bad are when dogs or cats chew or sharpen their claws on them, or kids that like to climb or hang on the refrigerator door. A really bad door seal problem is most likely to show up as a defrost problem or frost buildup on the interior of the freezer. This is due to humid air getting into the refrigerator.
Door seals are magnetically held to the door frame to keep the doors closed. Unless the seal is shredded or you can physically see a gap between the seal and the door frame with the door closed, there is no reason to suspect a door seal problem.
To replace the refrigerator door seal, you should have a nut driver of the proper size. A cordless drill-driver is better choice. A magnetic tip will prevent you from going crazy trying to hold the driver, the screw and the seal at the same time and allow you to complete the job faster. There are lots of screws holding the seal on so be prepared. Remove the screws from no more than two sides at a time. One side at a time is better. The idea is to prevent the plastic inner door liner from drifting around. If you have to re align it, it can be a long, frustrating process. The new seal will fit in the same way as the old one came out.
You are much more likely to have a door alignment issue or warping. There’s not much you can do with a badly warped refrigerator door except to try to warp it, or bend it, back into shape or replace it.
With the door closed, measure the gap around it, top and bottom, left and right. Check if the door edges and the refrigerator edges are parallel. If the measurements indicate that the door is badly out of alignment, re align it by loosening the hinges slightly and shifting the door around. It may take a few tries to get it aligned properly.
Remove anything that might be obstructing the door seals. Sometimes the kick plate or drawer will get in the way. If it’s metal, you may be able to bend it slightly to solve your problem.
For more information on this appliance repair articles please visit our website. For Appliance Repair needs in the Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, Star areas please visit our homepage or call us at 208-599-1086.

Refrigerator Defrost System | Method of Operation

2011-03-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.western-appliance.com
Refrigerator Defrost System
When opening the refrigerator and freezer doors repeatedly to add and remove food you also let warm moist air enter the interior compartment. The humidity from this warm air gets attracted the refrigerator evaporator coils and will freeze directly to the coils. This will form a uniform frost layer to the outside of coils. If too much frost builds up on these coils, airflow will be restricted and the evaporator cannot absorb heat from the interior compartment. The result will be the freezer operating at a lower temperature and a partial or full restriction in cold air flow to the refrigerator.
To prevent too much frost from collecting on the evaporator coils, a self-defrosting refrigerator will actually stop itself for approx 20 minutes every six to twelve hours to melt off this frost. This defrost cycle is switched off and on by an electric defrost timer or electronic ADC board. The timer stops the compressor and switches current to an electric defrost heater located directly beneath most evaporator coils. When the heater is energized the heat is radiated upwards to melt the frost. The frost water drains into a pan located at the bottom of the evaporator and is diverted through a tube into little pan which is located on the bottom of most refrigerators. Most Maytag, Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire models will have this type of system. The condenser fan circulates warm air across the water filled pan and evaporates the drain water before the next defrost cycle.
If all the frost melts before the defrost timer finishes the defrost cycle, a terminating thermostat, or bimetal, will keep the defrost heater from overheating the evaporator compartment. When the freezer compartment reaches a fixed temperature, the terminating thermostat will open the circuit and shut off the electricity to the defrost heater.
Many of the later electronic refrigerators incorporate an electronic device called an adaptive defrost control board. This electronic control board provides the same function of the defrost timer but adds a new element to save energy and to adjust the defrost cycles to “adapt” to customer usage. The adaptive defrost board monitors how many times the door is opened and closed. The more the refrigerator doors are opened and closed, the more humidity has entered the compartment. The more humidity that has entered the refrigerator the more frost that has accumulated thus the “period” between each defrost cycle will be reduced.
For refrigerator repair boise needs, whether it be Whirlpool, Kenmore, GE, Maytag, or Frigidaire, please contact Western Appliance Repair. We offer the following services:
Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho
Appliance Repair Kuna Idaho
Appliance Repair Star Idaho
Appliance Repair Eagle Idaho
Appliance Repair Boise Idaho
208-599-1086

Appliance Repair Meridian | Washing Machine Washer Hoses

2011-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com
When installing any washer or washing machine hose, be sure it is not twisted or kinked or positioned in such a manner that it might kink in the future and stop the proper flow of water. Most hoses used inside washers and washing machines are secured on each end by hose clamps, and easily removed and replaced by using a screwdriver, hex driver, or special hose clamp pliers.
Water Inlet Hoses
Extreme care should be taken when attaching the water inlet hoses to the washer inlet valves with nylon bodies. Cross threading of these hose couplings on the valve inlets can cause leaks and can damage the threads. Do not over tighten. A filter washer screen is provided for each hose and is to be installed cup side up in the shoes end that is to be attached to the faucet. A standard rubber washer is provided for use in the end that attaches to the valve. Two 3/8 inch inside diameter rubber molded or reinforced stainless hose is used to carry the water from the water supply valve to a water inlet valve of washing machine.
Fill Control Hose
The fill control hose and recirculation inlet hose are secured to the tub by special internal retaining rings that can be removed by use of regular or needle-nose pliers. The reducing connector that couples the fill control hose to the plastic tubing should be tightly secured to the inside of the fill control hose by use of rubber cement.
Recirculation Hoses
On many washers here are two hoses used to recirculation the water from the outer tub through the recirculation pump and through the filter at the top of the tub. The hose between the tub and the pump is attached to a plastic side outlet assembly which is secured to the tub side by a locking ring. The other hose runs from the outlet of the recirculation pump to the filter housing. Because the filter housing is secured to the top, the recirculation hose must be removed to raise the top for servicing.
Pump Outlet Hose
On machines that do not have a two-way valve, the hose runs from the pump outlet to a hole in the rear of the cabinet and is secured to a hose coupling by a hose clamp. On machines equipped with a two-way valve, the hose runs from the pump outlet to the inlet on the two-way valve.

For all your appliance repair needs choose Western Appliance Repair in Meridian Idaho. We provide the following services:
Appliance Repair Boise - We provide appliance repair throughout the treasure valley and includes garden city and hidden springs areas.
Appliance Repair Meridian - Our appliance repair in Meridian is second to none. As our home base, we can get to the job quickly and get your appliance running properly.
Maytag Repair Washer and Refrigerator Repair Experts.
208-599-1086

Washer Repair Meridian Idaho | Washing Machine Water Level Control

2011-02-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com/

Washer | Washing Machine | Water Level Control

Regardless of the brand or design of water level switch used on Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire washers, it’s main function is to control the amount of water that enters the tub. As soon as the correct water level is reached in the washer, the switch completes a circuit to the timer motor, machine motor and agitator control.

During the fill portion of the washing machine cycle, a circuit is completed through the pressure switch contacts to either one or both of the water control valves on the water inlet, permitting water to enter the washing machine.. since the timer motor does not operate until the proper water level is reached, not operating time is lost during the fill process.

Earlier models of washers used a float-type switch to control water level in the washer. Because they are now obsolete we’ll keep our discussion to the pressure-type of water level switches.

Modern washers now use a pressure-type switch. A hose is connected to an air bell on the bottom of the outer tub. It then connects to the pressure switch – which is usually mounted behind the control panel. As the washer is filled with water, an air pocket is formed in the plastic hose. As the water rises in the tub, the air pressure in the tube increases until it is sufficient to cause the diaphragm in the pressure switch to actuate the switch contacts; thus, opening the circuit to the water control solenoid, or valve, and stopping the flow of water into the washer. As the water drains out of the tub the air pressure in the hose gradually decreases allowing the pressure switch diaphragm to reset the switch contacts.

For all your Meridian Appliance Repair Idaho needs, choose Western Appliance Repair. 208-599-1086

Western Appliance Repair | Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho

2011-01-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

If you would like some money saving tips to keep your appliance in top condition then this video may be helpful. Our goal at Western Appliance Repair in Meridian Idaho is to provide the most solid, professional appliance repair service here in the treasure valley. Whether it be washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, or other, we can fix it. 208-599-1086

Front Load Washer | Clothes Still Wet | Leveling and Balance

2011-01-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com/
Front load washers are more efficient, using just 13 gallons of water verses 35 gallons for a typical top load machine. Front load machines use less energy. Front load machines also cause less wear on clothes. However, occasionally, consumers may comment on longer wash times, increased washer vibration or movement, clothes coming out wet, or that washer paused and consumer had to restart.

Clothes coming out too wet
1. Adjust out-of-balance load. It is best to washer similar fabrics in reasonable amounts for best results.
2. An extremely heavy load can lower the wash basket below the drain pump inlet resulting in wet clothes (water in basket during spin).

Clothes coming out Damp
1. Many washers spin at 2 different speeds ranges based on load and balance. A slower speed spin will cause clothes to retain more moisture.

Long Wash Times
1. Select SpeedWash set on Normal Soil for fastest possible wash cycle. Wash similar fabrics together to reduce the number of rebalances.
2. Depending on the wash cycle selected, initial wash cycle time estimates vary from 40 minutes for the shortest cycle to nearly 3 hours for the longest cycle. In addition, out-of-balance load rebalancing can add as much as 63 minutes to a given cycle. Adjust an out-of-balance load to minimize rebalances and shorten overall wash cycle time. It is best to wash similar fabrics in reasonable amounts for best results.
3. Legs out of adjustment. Each of the 4 legs should be adjusted to carry equal weight to reduce rebalancing.
4. Too much or wrong detergent creating excess foam and triggering pressure switch. During Washer, if the machine determines there is too much foam, it will stop rotating the basket and turn on both the drain pump and the water valve to flush excess suds. The pump may run for an extended period of time until foam level drops below the machine set-point. This can add an hour or more to the cycle time.

Re Leveling the Washer
1. Ensure the unit is level and all four leveling legs are properly adjusted and securely on the floor. The objective is for each of the four legs to carry equal weight, four on the floor. As little as ¼ or ½ turn on a single leveling leg can be significant. A helpful quick check is to place your left hand on the top left front corner and your right hand on the top rear corner. Then, push the washer in the direction of your hands and note force required to remove the weight from the front leg. Now, reverse hands, right in top right front corner and lift in top left rear corner and not the force required to remove weight from the front leg. The two forces should be equal.

Why does the washer move?
1. Both the front load washer and pedestal are made o move. They absorb the energy from spinning to reduce vibration. If they were rigid, and did not move, they would hammer the floor as the basket spins.
2. Top load washers vibrate side-to-side and front-to-back. Front load washers vibrate up and down. While accelerating into spin, the legs on one side push harder on the floor and the other side push less. This force can be very large. A load of clothes and the machine together could weigh 400 to 500 lb.
3. Front load washers are more efficient using just 13 gallons of water verses 35 gallons for a top load machine. Front load machines have a shorter dryer time and use less energy. Front load machines cause less wear on clothes; however, Front load washers vibrate more in spin. Front load washers can spin at more than 1000 rpm verses just 500-500 rpm for top load washers.
4. Below 12 rpm, the front load washer cannot calculate or adjust to out-of-balance load conditions. The solution to a slow speed vibration issue is to adjust or change the load. It is best to washer similar fabrics in reasonable amounts for best results.
5. Front load washer must be level for the dispenser to work properly.
6. Each of the four front load washer legs must carry approximately equal weight to minimize movement and vibration.
Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho
Appliance Repair Eagle Idaho

White Film on Dishes - Dishwasher Help

2011-01-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com
White film may form on glassware and dishes when using phosphate-free dishwasher detergent.

Dishwasher detergent manufacturers are phasing in a new phosphate-free formula to comply with various EPA regulations that became effective July 1, 2010. This switch to the new formula has been gradually happening since late 2009 and is continuing to the present.

Phosphates are added to dishwasher detergents to remove minerals from the water and thus improve dishwasher performance. Many detergents that do not include phosphates in their formula tend to leave mineral deposits on glassware, plastic items, pots and pans. It also causes poor wash performance and many complaints.

The deposits are in the form of a white film on glassware and other items, even the interior of the dishwasher itself. The white film is often mistaken to be a problem with the dishwasher instead of the detergent. All phosphate-free dishwasher detergent formulas appear to have this issue. Some appear to have this problem more than others.

Testing has shown that packs and tablets perform better than some powder or gel detergents.

If a white film develops on glassware, then we can safely assume that phosphate-free detergent is the problem.

The easiest way to remove the white mineral film or build-up is to run the glassware and dishware through a dishwasher cycle using citric acid additive. There is a citric acid kit made by GE. The part no. is WD35X151. Pour the mixture in the detergent cup and close the cover and let it disperse normally in the dishwasher cycle.

Place the glassware and dishware in the dishwasher. Remove silverware and other metal items out of the dishwasher and run the cycle with the additive. Turn the dishwasher on and let it run through a cycle with the citric acid and without detergent. The dishes and glassware should come out sparkling.

Dishwasher manufacturers are working to resolve the phosphate-free filming issue but the problems are likely to be with us for a long while. Dishwasher owners may want to repeat the citric acid rinse several times a year to reduce the mineral buildup on dishes.

Some other important things to remember when you’re preparing the dishwasher for the wash cycle are:

1. Run your kitchen sink hot water faucet for at least 1 minute or until maximum temperature is achieved. This will help reduce any white film deposits on dishes or glassware. For the best cleaning performance dishwasher manufacturers recommend a water temperature of at least 140 degrees F as it enters the dishwasher tub.

2. Remove seeds, nuts and plastics from bowls and plates before loading the dishwasher. Seeds and nuts do not break down easily and tend to clog filters and strainers, eventually restricting the water circulation and water pressure to the spray arm jets.

3. Do not load any plates, pots, pans, or any other large objects or dishes directly in front of the dishwasher soap dispenser. The spray-arm water flow must be allowed to flow and spray freely to dissipate the detergent in the dispenser.

See more information at Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho website http://www.western-appliance.com We also do
Whirlpool Repair Meridian Idaho, Maytag Repair Meridian Idaho.
208-599-1086

Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho | Dishwasher Not Cleaning

2011-01-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com/
Dishwasher preventative and maintenance tips that can extend the life of your dishwasher and help prevent unnecessary repairs. Below you will find some of my best recommendations for proper dishwasher operation.

Make sure that the dishwasher's is installed level. This is very important and a reliable and experienced installer should know how to install this properly. For the homeowner however, please pay special attention during installation. A properly leveled dishwasher will prevent the racks from falling forward as you're loading dishes and will also allow proper drainage.

Make sure the drain hose is properly routed to the air-gap. If there is no "air gap" mounted on the sink then it must be routed and mounted to the top of the underside of countertop before routing to the garbage disposal drain port. This will prevent food particles from entering the drain hose which will eventually form a clog.

Add a cup of white vinegar through the dishwasher to remove residue and odors. Do this at least once per month. You can also add a dishwasher detergent additive to achieve the same results.

Always run hot water in the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher. This will purge the hot water line and allow hot water to enter the dishwasher at first cycle. The water entering the dishwasher should be 140 F to properly clean the dishes and to prevent food buildup and soap scum. Most dishwashers have an interior heater element which is not of high enough wattage to heat cold water to the proper cleaning temperature.

Clean the door gaskets regularly with a soap solution to remove all food debris and hard water deposits. Rinse and dry. This area is especially important for cleaning since a proper seal is important to prevent leaks.

Clean and inspect the spray arm holes, lower and upper. Remove any food particles, plastics, or toothpicks that may have lodged there. Tweezers or needle-nose pliers may help to remove such items.
Make sure you do not overload your dishwasher. If the spray arm jets are obstructed by plates or other dishes then the dishes will not be cleaned properly. You may also get spray directed to the areas near the door seal and cause leakage.

Do not add more than the recommended amount of detergent. Excessive detergent will cause suds which will seep out door cracks and cause leakage. It may also cause unwanted damage to hardwood or vinyl flooring.

Add detergent additive such as LemonShine to remove unwanted hard water buildup and help cleaning. Phosphates are being phased out of all dishwasher detergent so additional cleaning power may be necessary.

Always use the "heated dry" option on the dishwasher. Most major brand dishwashers including Whirlpool, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire, and Maytag will have this option. Wet dishes and a wet damp area such as the inside of tub, does not allow enough air flow to prevent mildew buildup. Eventually unwanted mildew and mold will build up on the inside of the sump components and also on the inside walls of the tub.

Article was written by Rich C. of Appliance Repair Meridian Idaho Western Appliance. We repair washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, ranges, washing machines, cooktops, and most major appliances. We repair the following appliance brands: Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Sears, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Magic Chef, Amana, Hotpoint, and more. We provide appliance repair in Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Star, and Kuna Idaho. For immediate appliance repair help please visit http://www.western-appliance.com
208-599-1086

Meridian Appliance Repair - Oven Ignitor Replacement

2011-01-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com
If your bake operation on your gas oven is not functioning properly and burner is not igniting consistently then chances are good you have a bad ignitor. This is a step by step appliance repair guide on how to properly install a new oven ignitor.
There is a wide variety of oven brands and designs vary considerably from one oven to another. Proper care should be taken to account for the differences between the body styles of ovens such as Whirlpool, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire, LG, and others. The procedures are very similar however give proper attention to detail to get the job done properly.
Ignitors are manufactured in round or flat (rectangular) designs depending on the oven model. Do not mix the two. If you have a round ignitor, replace it with a round one. If you have a flat ignitor, replace it with a flat one. If you are unsure of which ignitor to use than obtain a parts diagram for your specific oven and obtain the proper part number.
On most brands you can access the inner oven area without removing the door. If you would like to remove doors for ease of access then follow the manufacturer's procedure for removing the door. On most GE models, open the door partly and gently pull up on door to slide off the hinges. On Whirlpool and KitchenAid type ovens open the door to the full open position, lower hinge clips - see product manual for location -, close the door partly and slide the door off the hinges.
The inside bottom panel of the oven cavity will need to be removed. Remove thumbscrews at the back of the bottom panel. Grasp the back of the panel through vent openings and pull away and up to remove panel. This will expose the ignitor.
Remove the lower drawer to gain access to ignitor wire terminals. Disconnect the ignitor wires from valve and wire harness.
Remove the burner assembly. There should be one screw holding the front of the burner to front inside oven. With the drawer removed, locate the other screws securing the lower part of burner tube and remove the burner tube.
Remove the two screws securing the ignitor and install the new ignitor. A useful method of removing the two oxidized screws is to put a dab of liquid soap on each of the threads before removing the ignitor.
The plug and terminal ends of the old ignitors must be reused. Cut both ends 3-4 inches long and splice to the new ignitor wires using porcelain wire nuts.
Feed the wires back through the rear of the opening and reinstall the burner tube.
Plug the two wires back in and tuck the excess wiring behind paneling or gas tubing. Replace the bottom panel of oven.
The above procedure will work on most domestic models of ovens and ranges. It will usually take about 1 hour to perform this job.

Boise Appliance Repair - Dryer Repair

2010-12-30T18:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.western-appliance.com
Dryer Repair Tips and Information
Repairing a dryer can be a rewarding experience for the professional or a home do-it-yourselfer. You can save money and gain valuable knowledge and know-how. Below you will find the steps necessary to complete some of the most common dryer repairs.
Safety:
a) Before attempting any appliance repair disconnect the electrical power by removing the AC cord at the wall outlet. A small outlet can easily carry 150 times the current needed to kill a person. b) Wear cut or tear resistant gloves to protect your hands. There are many sharp edges from sheet-metal that can easily draw blood. c) Use knee pads to save your knees from strain.

Prevention: a) Proper maintenance and care is essential in keeping your dryer running efficiently. Improper care will cause your unit to overwork by using more electricity to keep you clothes dry than if properly maintained. By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your clothes dryer, prevent fires and avoid many costly repairs. b) Make sure the Dryer feet are level to prevent an imbalance in the machine that may cause loud noises and added wear to the Dryer. c) Empty the lint filter after use for efficient drying and fire prevention. Remove anything else that can impede good airflow. Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint settles. d) Vent your dryer to the outside, never vent it inside. Clean out exhaust vent system at least once a year to remove clogs or other obstructions that can impede good airflow. Never vent with plastic or vinyl. Many people hire a professional to do their venting and service their dryer yearly. Knowledgeable technicians can clean all interior and exterior dryer ducts to a smooth running system and help prevent fires. Note: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. e) Do not place foam backed rugs, rubber or plastic shoes or other heat sensitive articles in dryers. Also, to prevent fires, do not place clothing or other items soiled with flammable substances like gasoline and alcohol. Check the pockets of clothes for crayons and other heat sensitive items that may ruin the other clothes. f) Do not overload the dryer. This may eventually burn out the motor.

Component Replacement: Before starting any appliance repair task find the model number of your appliance. The dryer model number tag is located inside the door on the frame. On some of the Maytag models the tag is located on the back of the top console. Write down the model number and find the parts breakdown diagram on an online parts supply website.

Igniter Replacement: Symptoms of a defective flame igniter includes: tumbling clothes without heat, excessive time drying and/or intermittent heat. a) Locate the igniter on parts diagram. b) Remove panels to gain access to the dryer igniter. c) Remove the plug to the igniter and place the multimeter leads on each post of the igniter leads. Make sure your multimeter is on the ohms scale. If it measures "open" then replace the igniter. If it doesn't measure "open" this does not guarantee the igniter is good. Igniters work on a safety principle. Current travels through the igniter to the gas valve. The gas valve is calibrated to open at a specified current. As the igniter burns hotter and hotter it decreases resistance allowing more current -flow to the gas valve until the threshold current is reached and gas flow occurs. Thus, you may measure a good ohms reading on a bad igniter that doesn't burn hot enough. d) Remove screws holding down the igniter, install new one, and tighten the screws. Be very careful when you're doing this. The igniter element is very brittle and shatters easily. One small bump and you'll be on your way to the appliance parts store to buy another igniter. e) Re install panels and you should be ready to go. Test your dryer and hope that your replacement has fixed the problem.

Drum Roller Replacement: Symptoms of a defective drum roller include loud thumping and/or a squealing sound. a) Locate the drum roller on the parts diagram. b) Remove panels, drum belt and drum paying special attention detail. The parts will need to be re installed correctly when reversing the procedure. c) Locate and replace the bad drum rollers. You may need a snap ring removal tool to do this. If this tool is not available you can use a small screwdriver to remove the snap ring. d) Using light oil - 3 in 1 oil works fine - lube all the rollers before re assembly. e) Reinstall Drum, Belt, and outer panels to complete the job.

Heater Element Testing and Replacement: Symptoms of a bad heater element include a dryer that does not heat. Drum will still turn. a) Locate the location of the heater element on the parts diagram b) Before replacing the heater element be sure it is defective. Switch the meter to the ohms scale and measure continuity between the two legs of the heater element. If it measures open then you've found the problem. Replace it. When removing old element make a mental note of all screws, thermostats, etc, that will need returned to their proper locations when new heater is installed. c) Replace panels and turn on dryer to check functionality.

Thermal Fuse Testing and Replacement: Symptoms of a bad thermal fuse include a dryer that does not operate at all. Dryer is "dead". The drum does not turn but most of the time the interior light will work properly. a) Locate the location of the thermal fuse on the parts diagram. b) Remove panels to locate the thermal fuse. c) With the multimeter on the ohms scale, place each lead to each lead of the thermal fuse. You should see a "short". If not then the thermal fuse is blown and will need to be replaced. Please note that many thermal fuses blow due to overheating - caused by restricted outside vent. Restricted house vents are common. Vents should be cleaned every year to prevent lint build-up. d) Replace panels and test.

Conclusion: As with any appliance repair job this procedure can be a very rewarding experience. The challenge to tackle new things, to learn, to understand new principles provides personal enrichment and promotes self-confidence.

Article was written by Rich C. of Western Appliance Repair Boise We repair washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, ranges, washing machines, cooktops, and most major appliances. We repair the following appliance brands: Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Sears, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Magic Chef, Amana, Hotpoint, and more. We provide Boise Appliance Repair in Eagle, Meridian, Star, and Star Idaho. For immediate appliance repair help please visit http://www.western-appliance.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

from Western Appliance Repair

Rich
G8VD5AM54ZDX

kenmore repair

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Maytag Repair Meridian Whirlpool Repair

2010-12-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

whirlpool repair

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Maytag Repair Meridian Whirlpool Repair

2010-12-01T20:13:00.001-08:00

Here is a link to a great appliance repair video

Appliance Repair Boise Maytag Washer Won't Drain

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Maytag washers are notorious for drain pump failures. The most common complaint is that it won't spin, agitate, or mainly won't do anything. The pump bearing locks up and stops the washer belt from turning. Tilt washer up against the wall, remove belt, and turn each pulley by hand. If it doesn't move, then it's locked up. Remove the front panel and replace pump.

Rich
Western Appliance Repair
Meridian and Boise Idaho

Appliance Repair Meridian by Western Appliance Repair - Dryer Repair

2010-08-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

Worked one of the new Steam Dryers. The dryer steam valve was leaking a puddle on the floor. Replaced valve and all is good. Dryer Repair is complete.

Rich
Western Appliance Repair
208-599-1086