Active Home Appliances Posts

How To: Clean a furnace filter

One of the biggest and most important appliances in a home is the furnace. It's the one source of heat that can't be unkept. Changing the filters, or cleaning the filters, on a regular basis is key to making sure your furnace is pumping out the heat properly. Keep your furnace working as efficiently as possible by following these simple steps.

How To: Bench check a central air-conditioner blower motor

If you're air-conditioner is acting a little funny, it's probably not just strain from excessive summertime usage. To prevent further damage or greater repairs, or even the purchase of a new A/C, regularly inspect an air-conditioner for any possible malfunctions. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to bench check a central air-conditioner blower motor.

How To: Remove an Oven/Cooker Door

When cleaning your oven, you'll want to take your oven door off its hinges first to give you more room to maneuver. Plus, take the door off makes it easier to clean the door itself, especially the glass areas. The following video from Nathan Cox talks about how easy it is to remove an oven door off, and it's very similar from brand to brand.

How To: Identify the model number and ID tag on fridge freezer

Check out this instructional home repair video to learn how to identify and find your manufacturer's label and model number on your refrigerators and freezers. The model number is usually essential. People make the mistake of assuming that the name and number on the front panel is all you need. Many fridge and freezer manufacturers use the model number as well as the serial number. Most have the ID plate inside of the door by the salad bowl, while some hide it behind the kick plate at the bas...

How To: Install an ice-maker or water dispenser valve

Maybe your fridge is old-fashioned or the old ice-maker or water dispenser just broke. Don't buy a whole new fridge, or pay for expensive repairs. With some help from this how-to video, you can do it yourself. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to install and ice-maker or water dispenser valve onto your refrigerator.

How To: Use Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops are a great option if you're interested in heating food faster and saving energy in the process. They operate a bit differently than other cooktops and you should understand how so, if you plant to own one. This quick tutorial will show you how to use an induction cooktop easily.

How To: Convert an old fridge into a meat smoker/cooker

Have an old fridge (or, like the creator of this video, easy access to a scrap metal yard)? Convert it into a meat smoker! This DIY guide will teach you how to repurpose a disused refrigerator for smoking meat. For complete, step-by-step instructions on how to make your own cooker from an old metal-body fridge or freezer, watch this free video tutorial.

How To: Replace a Dryer's Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse in your dryer is a safety device designed to prevent the dryer from overheating. The fuse is heat sensitive and when the dryer becomes too hot it will blow. If the fuse has blown then the dryer will either stop working or there will be no heat when the drum is turning. A blown thermal fuse is simple to replace. With a few tools, a do it yourself warrior can save valuable money from being wasted on a service call. Here is a detailed set of instructions on how to replace a ther...

How To: Replace the Dryer's High Limit Thermostat

The high limit thermostat can be found in gas and electric dryers and serves as a safety feature that helps to prevent the dryer from becoming too hot when it’s running. The thermostat is designed to shut off power to the dryer’s heater when the dryer vent is blocked or clogged. The high limit thermostat on your dryer is something that does need to be replaced from time to time. Fortunately, it is a job that you can do on your own with basic tools.

How To: Replace the Dryer's Idler Pulley

The dryer’s idler pulley provides tension to the dryer’s drum belt so the belt won’t slip when the drum is turning. It can become faulty over time due to increased friction. If your dryer is making a squeaking or squealing nose then the idler is probably faulty. Replacing this pulley is a simple project. Repair your noisy dryer with this step-by-step tutorial!

How To: Replace Your Dryer's Belt

Over time, the dryer belt can become hard and brittle when the drum is turning loud noises such as squeaking, squealing or thumping noises can occur. Replacing the belt is an easy task for the do-it-yourselfer. All that’s required is a few simple tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install a new belt in your dryer.

How To: Check a washing machine pump for blockages

Ultimate Handyman demonstrates how to check a washing machine pump for blockages. First, disconnect the washing machine from the electricity source and remove the pump. The water sucks through the inlet and is pumped out of the outlet. Check to make sure that the pump doesn't have any open circuits by attaching the leads to the multimeter. Remove the screws to look inside the pump. Remove any debris that may be clogging the propellor. Make sure the O-ring around the edge creates the seal and ...

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