Appliance, AC & Furnace Repair Tips

Washing machine door

All Moving Parts Are Subject to Wear The typical washing machine lasts 10-15 years — longer if you treat it well and shorter if you abuse it with heavy loads or run it several times a week. Some brands are more durable than others, but every washer will wear down eventually, even washers known for […]

Opening the oven

Ovens should last forever. They have no moving parts! Sadly, they don’t. No appliance lasts indefinitely, and one day your trusty oven will be hauled off to the scrapyard, along with the dishwasher before it, the washer and dryer, and the dozen or so air fryers you’ll have purchased and disposed of by then. That […]

Energy Star logo

What Is an Energy Star Rating? And Why Should It Matter to You? Energy Star = Efficiency The Energy Star program is a joint venture between the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the DoE (Department of Energy). It initially concerned itself with larger projects like electricity generation but has since expanded into areas […]

Microwave oven

The microwave oven is a handy kitchen appliance.

Sure, you can live without one, but would you want to? How would you reheat your morning coffee gone cold?

And what about those instant meals you’ve come to depend on? The quick oats? The afternoon packaged frozen dinner? The reheated leftovers from yesterday’s restaurant junket?

Rheem & Trane air conditioners

Rheem and Trane are two of the three most trusted names in air conditioning and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). The other trusted name? Why, West Coast Chief, of course! Time and again, we’ve responded to service calls at homes where cheap or generic AC has been installed. These inferior appliances break repeatedly, and […]

Fixing the air conditioning

American Standard air conditioners are among the most reliable on the market. Their compressors run cooler and last longer than average, and they use a refrigerant that’s less likely to leak. But even the best air conditioner can break down with age and heavy demand. Eventually, every air conditioner wears out and must be replaced, […]

Loading a front load washer
Front-loaders come with one significant drawback: a tendency to accumulate mold and, therefore, unpleasant smells. They seal tightly to prevent water leakage, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Recent redesigns have mostly eliminated this problem; still, you may encounter mold and stench, especially if you own an older front-loading model. The good news is that you can reduce the...
Dirty air conditioner filters

In Los Angeles, air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. Air conditioning is essential for comfort and safety during the city’s long, hot summers, which get hotter by the year. Unless they’re well-maintained, all ac units develop problems over time, from minor hiccups that compromise their performance to full-blown failure. We’re here to talk […]

A man feels the heat

Temperatures are rising, and energy bills mirror the temperature trend line. This article presents a few strategies to help you stay cool at home within a budget. We invite you to browse the information below and decide which strategies make the most sense for you. Air conditioners can be a massive drain on your energy […]

DIY repair

DIY Appliance Repair: Why Do It? The rewards are obvious! You save money (maybe)! Or perhaps you’re not thinking as clearly as you should when you undertake that DIY repair on your stove, fridge, or air conditioner that has been running a little rough lately. Dealing with a broken appliance is stressful. It’s also potentially […]

Sale prices

Many people wait until their appliances die before considering a replacement. While that approach squeezes the most out of an old appliance, it does nothing to help the buyer save money on a new appliance. If you know the average lifespan of your home appliances, you can plan your replacements accordingly. For example, most refrigerators […]

Stainless steel kitchen

Steel appliances are the number one choice for many homeowners due to their sleek appearance, ability to resist corrosion, and the fact that they match nearly any kitchen decor. The downside is that they’re notorious for collecting smudges and fingerprints! They need plenty of cleaning TLC to look their best. Read on if you own […]

Window air conditioner

As temperatures rise, you may feel the urge to crank up the air conditioning full blast. We recommend you check your AC before you do. Just like HVAC units, window air conditioners need regular maintenance to keep performing at their peak. With simple DIY care, you can keep your energy costs down and extend the […]

Dirty gas burner

How to Fix a Gas Stove Burner Let’s set the scene. You’ve planned a romantic evening of candlelight, wine, patchouli oil, and maybe a little throwback Kenny G. You’re preparing that special dish for that special someone. Not just any dish, but your specialty, the dish that never fails to amaze. You’ve chopped the scallops […]

New kitchen appliances

To repair or replace an aging appliance? It’s one of the bigger decisions you’ll face as a homeowner. Appliances are a huge investment, and you’ll want to make the right choice when it comes time to upgrade. Ongoing repairs are a nuisance and an investment in themselves, and an unreliable appliance will not only throw […]

Dishwasher inlet valve

Repair professionals understand that just a few components are responsible for most appliance problems.

With dishwashers, the water inlet valve is always a prime suspect. When your dishwasher goes rogue, expect to find the inlet valve in the subsequent police lineup.

An air conditioner condenser

In essence, the condenser is a simple device whose basic function is to expel heat, in most cases, it shares a housing with the compressor and they both comprise the Condenser Unit. The compressor receives the refrigerant in gaseous form at room temperature and increases the pressure which in turn increases the temperature. The hot […]

Appliance temperature controls

What’s a Thermostat? All heating and cooling devices contain at least one thermostat; otherwise, they wouldn’t know when to stop heating or cooling. A thermostat simply controls whether a device is operating or not. It doesn’t control the rate of cooling or heating. Turning the thermostat down to its lowest setting will not make the […]

Exposed air conditioning unit

Compressors for air conditioning units are one of the main components of your home’s cooling system and represent a significant cost. Call us for a price and up-to-date cost of repair, replacement, or installation. Your air conditioner is one of those essential devices during hot summer days. Keeping the indoor temperature at an acceptable level […]

Emptying the dryer

From Rocks to Bosch: A Brief History of Clothes Drying In simplest terms, a dryer extracts water from clothing, either in a liquid or gaseous state. Huh? We may have lost you already. But that’s just a highfalutin way of saying there are three ways to dry your wet laundry. You can force the water […]

A woman loads the washer

How to Extend the Life of Your Washer Most washing machine owners want to make sure that their machine lasts as long as possible and performs well. With a bit of regular washing machine maintenance, you can prolong the life of your appliance and prevent damage that would require repairs or worse, a replacement. Over […]

Nine key on a keyboard

Regular Refrigerator Maintenance Promotes Energy Efficiency Your refrigerator is a household appliance that needs maintenance to be energy efficient and save you money. Additionally, regular refrigerator maintenance will help extend the life of the appliance. However, if your refrigerator is over 15 years old, you may benefit by upgrading to a newer model to take […]

Repair equipment

Refrigerator Parts: What to Know No matter the age of your refrigerator, parts can break or wear out. It’s important to understand how refrigerator parts function in order to repair or replace them when needed. Some repairs can be handled as a DIY project, while others need a professional technician to diagnose and fix the […]

Ice crystals

While our troubleshooting guide can help you figure out what’s wrong with your fridge and the possible causes, it’s always best to get a professional opinion if you decide not to troubleshoot the issue yourself, or you’ve misdiagnosed the cause of the issue.