While it may seem as though our homes and everything within them are static entities, the truth is that this is growing older just like the rest of us. After all – if you leave a household alone for a year, it tends to become worse and not better in its condition. For that reason, the minor maintenance habits we keep up with every week are essential to living in a home and environment that stays pleasant over the long term.
Little issues can crop up from time to time. It might be that a home appliance of yours isn’t quite working, or dies on you suddenly. This can be quite the inconvenience, especially if you really needed that coffee to wake up this morning, or if you are genuinely unsure of how to move forward.
Never fear. In this first-time homeowner guide, we’ll give you some handy processes to follow in order to help you when a problem persists and you’re not sure what to do about it:
Consider Service Updates
In some cases, service updates from the manufacturer may help you understand what’s going on. For instance, if your router is flashing a funny color, it might not be that there’s a fault or a power issue, but rather your internet service provider may be struggling to provide seamless service during a difficult storm. If your appliance has internet access (as many smart devices increasingly do), then don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s website or Twitter page for any additional information.
Check Your Fuse Box
If there’s been a fault, sometimes your fuse box may flick off in order to avoid further power issues. Your circuit box in your household will be arranged in a series of switches, some of these may have triggered off. Restoring power to the household or particular room could be an essential use of your time. If you rent property, especially in a HMO setting, then it may be this circuit box is in another apartment or a secured part of the building, and contacting your management is more important. Make sure that the device that triggered the fault is unplugged before you do this.
Consider Device-Specific Maintenance
Of course, the specific device requirements laid out in the manual may shed some light on what to do. Resetting the device entirely, replacing a part, ensuring you check to see if the thermal fuse has blown, all of this can ensure you gain a deeper understanding of your appliance and what it requires. For some, this might be as simple as replacing a worn-out filter. For others, it might mean exercising your ‘right to repair,’ which has become an essential law in many countries now, including the UK. This might help you gain further life in your appliance, such as replacing the coils in a loudly buzzing refrigerator.
With this advice, you’re certain to see if a home appliance is working as intended or not, and if not, focus on the solution with care and attention.