Forgotten But Vital Home Addition Tips

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Derek

Adding on to your home is a great way to get more space, and you almost definitely want to do it. However, what isn’t as obvious is how much work and planning will go into it.

Whether you want to build a garage or expand an existing one, add another room, or simply fix its foundation, there are some forgotten but vital home addition tips you need to know before getting down to the actual work of making your home addition. Which are these tips? Here they are as given by architects builders:

Adhere to the building laws

A home addition is a major undertaking. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself with major problems down the road. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have all your bases covered before starting construction.

Most towns and cities require permits for home additions, and they’ll only give them out if your plans meet local building codes.

If the project involves plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes, you’ll also want to call in the appropriate professionals before beginning the construction work. Depending on where you live and what type of work you’re doing, you may have to obtain various permits.

Hiring an architect who specializes in home additions can help ensure that your permit is approved the first time around, saving you time and money.

Value-adding property

Additions can be anything from a new kitchen or bathroom, an addition to a room, a finished basement, or even an attached garage.

Keep your home’s existing architecture in mind if you’re planning an addition to your house. Many people make the mistake of building additions that clash with their home’s original style.

Interfering with the structural integrity of your home can significantly bring down the value. Consider the future value of the addition. If you plan on selling the house in a few years, think of the potential return on investment.

Go for professionals

Hiring a professional contractor is the best way to add a home addition. This is because they are experienced and know what it takes to get the job done. They will also ensure that everything is done according to code, which will help your home addition pass inspection.

Of course, there are some areas where you can DIY if you want to keep the costs low, but it is best to leave the heavy lifting to the experts for a successful job.

Insurance

Insurance is one of the most important things to consider but is often ignored or forgotten. Many people are unaware of what their insurance covers in the event of home additions.

If you’re making any home additions, it’s crucial to check with your insurer that you’re covered during the construction period and whether the new addition will be included in your existing cover.

Most insurance policies will only cover a certain amount of building materials on site before they need declaring, so it’s best to let them know beforehand.

Taxes

Nobody likes to pay taxes so when adding an extra room, make sure your addition doesn’t increase the size of your lot too much to avoid paying more taxes on it later on.
However, if the goal is to sell the property, you don’t have to worry much because the addition will likely boost the sale.

Bottom Line

When it comes to home addition projects, you can’t just wing it. Do your research, speak with home remodeling architects DC and other professionals, and get the help you need to ensure the job is done right.

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What Not To Put In Your Garbage Disposal

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Derek

Garbage disposal is a beautiful thing: it makes quick work of food scraps and other waste products, converting them into products that can easily be transported away.

However, many of us do not take proper advantage of a disposal’s usefulness and often put things down there that we really should not.

If you use a garbage disposal and don’t follow any rules, it can be problematic. To be on the safe side, commercial garbage disposal repair professionals recommend you to be ultra-cautious of what you allow down your unit.

What shouldn’t you put down your garbage disposal? Here are some of them:

Raw foods

Raw vegetables and meat are a big no-no in the disposal. Even if they’re ground up, they can still get caught in the blades, where they will oxidize and create messy deposits on the moving parts.

Raw meat, eggs, and vegetables — These all contain certain enzymes that break down protein-based foods. When these enzymes contact metal and plastic parts in the disposal, they can cause corrosion leading to leaks or even complete breakdown of the unit.

If you need to dispose of raw meat, eggs, or vegetables after cooking them, place them in a sealed bag before tossing them into the trash.

Fats, oils and grease

Many people use their garbage disposal to get rid of leftover food and other organic items like grease, fat, and gristle. But this can prove to be extremely harmful to your plumbing.

Tossing these things into the garbage disposal can cause clogs and expensive plumbing repairs.
Fatty foods like bacon grease, butter, or any vegetable oil cause them to liquefy and form a solid mass that can easily clog your pipes. That’s why it’s best to keep these items away from a garbage disposal.

Not only will these clog up your pipes, but they also can solidify in cold weather and create an enormous mess outside your home when they thaw out.

Metals

Many people throw metal objects down their garbage disposals without a thought, but you should never do this; even if you’re disposing of a small piece of metal, it can cause serious damage to the blades. This can be extremely dangerous if you use a garbage disposal with blades.

Sharp objects can damage your garbage disposal and even cause personal injury. Even if you attempt to grind up glass, metal, or another hard object, you may find that it does not grind up well. It will most likely become stuck in the disposal and could cause damage as you try to dislodge it.

Eggshells

Tossing eggshells into the garbage disposal is a common mistake made by homeowners who want to remove the shells quickly. But eggshells can clog the disposal and make it difficult to use.

If you want to dispose of eggshells down your disposal, you need to put them in a bag first. Then put the bag in something else so that it can’t get caught in the blades of your disposal. You could also try freezing them before disposing of them down the garbage disposal to don’t break apart too much.

Bottom Line

Garbage disposals are vital in disposing of wastes like food waste and even toys, but we should remember that some things shouldn’t be put in them for safety or environmental reasons.

If you put the wrong things down your disposal or don’t use it properly, you’re asking for trouble. The good news is that avoiding these items altogether can help you keep your disposal in great shape and eliminate many of the problems associated with improper use.

As you can guess, this saves you money as you don’t need to regularly hire commercial appliances repair McLean to fix your appliance.

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What Is The Benefit Of A Food Steamer?

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Derek

Food steamers can make a lot of things easier for you. When you have a busy life, this kind of equipment can be a valuable investment to make your life less stressful. Anyone who loves food knows that eating healthy is the key to living better and enjoying life more.

So, what is the benefit of a food steamer?

When you cook vegetables and other foods in your kitchen, the nutritional value remains intact. The vitamins and minerals you eat retain their value, and you are more aware of what goes into your body.

One way to control the kind of nutrients you eat is to use a food steamer, both for cooking and storage. But what is the benefit of a food steamer compared with a regular pot or oven?

Retain food nutrients

According to commercial steamer repair the primary advantage of using a food steamer is that it allows you to continue eating healthy while saving time in preparing your food. In addition, research shows that steamed vegetables retain most of their nutrients compared to boiled vegetables because they do not lose any water content.

Steaming retains more vitamins than boiling or frying foods. Many foods also retain their natural flavor because they’re not being marinated in fat as they cook. This helps you stay healthier while eating delicious foods.

When you cook foods, particularly veggies high in nutrients, it can impact their nutritional value. Steaming is better because it prevents nutrient loss. This can help promote healthy living and ensure that you’re getting the most nutrition out of your meals every day.

Save time

It only takes minutes to steam all kinds of foods! A good steamer will cut prep time in half. You won’t have to worry about chopping or dicing ingredients before you start cooking because they’ll already be prepped when they go into the steamer basket!

Food steamers cook food evenly, too, so there’s no need for constant vigilance over your meal when you’re using one. In addition, you won’t have to worry about overcooking foods that need longer cook times.

Helps maintain a healthy diet

One of the main reasons that many people like using these is because they can help keep their nutrition up and their health. This is true because they are able to provide fresh foods by using steam for cooking them instead of using oil, which is a significant benefit.

They will also be able to retain the majority of the nutrients in these foods since they are cooking them without any oil. Not only does this help when trying to maintain a healthy diet, but it is also great for people who want to lose weight or just maintain their current weight.

Save money

A single appliance can be used to steam vegetables, meat, or fish in just a few minutes with minimum effort. For example, you can steam vegetables while cooking rice or meat simultaneously.

Food steamers are cost-effective because they reduce electricity consumption compared to other cooking appliances like rice cookers or pressure cookers.

Bottom Line

According to commercial kitchen appliance repair, a food steamer is a great tool to have in your kitchen if you are trying to eat healthier. This simple addition to your kitchen can help retain nutrients and save time when preparing meals.

Just the convenience of this device can save you much time and money to buy healthy and delicious food. Not to mention, it is always fun to try different recipes with new appliances.

Most of them take up very little space, so they don’t need to be a big investment. Maybe it’s time you considered picking one up for your own kitchen!

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How to Identify Rug Origin

Posted on November 20, 2021 by Derek

For most people, rugs are simply what they put under their feet to stay warm or add a little bit of pomp and style to their homes. But has the thought of where your rug comes from ever crossed your mind?

With different types of tribal rugs all over the world, it can be challenging for ordinary people to identify where their rugs come from. So, how do you identify rug origin?

Well, there are plenty of things you can look out for such as:

Type of knots

To identify the origin of a rug will require expertise. You must be familiar with the country and its culture. This will help you identify the type of knots they use when sewing the rugs.

The knots in a rug are based on hundreds of years worth of tradition. Thus, each region has its own knotting technique and continues to develop to this day.

Some knots are hard to distinguish, but some can easily be tied to a specific region. For instance, rugs with symmetrical knots largely originate from Turkey. Those with asymmetrical knots can be traced to Persian origin.
Although there are other types of knots, they are less widespread and may be harder to identify their origin. You may require the services of an expert to help you distinguish these types of knots.

Design

It is always interesting when you visit different homes and see different types of rugs with different patterns. Well, you can tell where a rug is from by its design.

You will notice that some rugs have some sort of a traditional and tribal design. The rug will have rich, bold colors. Such designs are usually common in the Afghan region. The deep and dark colors are what make rugs with such designs unique to the area.

Material

The material used will tell you a lot about a rug. The most common materials used are cotton, silk, and wool. Some cultures use expensive materials such as gold and pearls for decoration.

Cotton rugs are commonly placed in living rooms because there are a lot of movements and can withstand many washes. Silk and wool, on the other hand, are used in areas such as the guest bedroom.

The choice of material also determines the cost of the rug. Anyone with a silk rug is definitely on the level of a royal. Silk rugs are expensive as they place their owners in a class of luxury and opulence.
You will most likely find silk rugs in Persia, Istanbul, and Northwest China.

Theme

The theme used in a rug can also be instrumental in identifying the origin. Some rugs have simple drawings such as flowers, gardens, animals, and other symbols. The use of symbols and different colors carries a deeper meaning.
In such rugs, the colors used are also simple and toned-down to allow the drawings to stand out. Such rugs are mainly from China. Rugs that usually have animals can be traced back to Persia and Iran.

Bottom Line

Identifying the origin of antique rugs Northern VA is no small feat. They come in different designs, shapes, colors, and patterns that can be confusing. However, with the tips outlined above, it doesn’t have to be hard. .
Take your time to look out for clues such as distinct patterns, symbolic drawings, and the type of knots used as a guide. Remember, a lot of regions share traditions and culture, so they may borrow from each other.

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How Do You Get the Shine Back on Granite Countertops?

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Derek

Once upon a time, not long ago, you used to hear all these compliments for your exquisite
granite countertops. Everyone who walked into your kitchen was in awe.

But now, your once shiny, beautiful countertops have turned a bit dull and look like just any regular countertops. So you are wondering every day, how do you get the shine back on granite countertops? Well, look no further. This article tells you all you need to know.

Ways to Give the Shine Back to Your Granite Countertops

Keep the Countertops Clean

The first and the most important tip is to ensure that you keep your countertops clean. Grease and grime make the counters look dull even when they are not.

Use a mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the surface often – preferably after every use. After cleaning and rinsing your granite, use a soft dry cloth to dry polish the granite to bring back the shine thoroughly.

Alternatively, use a store-bought granite cleaner to clean the surface. Most of the available cleaners on the market use granite polish as the base of the cleaner. Hence, this gives the surface an even more thorough shine than a regular detergent.

Polish Your Granite Often

In addition to cleaning regularly, ensure to polish your granite often using a granite-safe polish. There are two options to use here:

Store-Bought Granite Polish

You can buy a good granite-safe polish from any local home improvement or big box store. However, ensure that you do not use anything with high acid levels, which could permanently damage your granite. Avoid anything that contains vinegar, lime, ammonia, or bleach.

Store-bought granite polish comes in either wet or dry options. But both work just the same. For the dry option, just add water before you polish. For use instructions, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the package.

Homemade Granite Polish

You can make a great homemade granite polish with the ingredients you already have at home. There are various DIY recipes online that give you a step-by-step guide on how to go about it.

See this video, for example.

One safe polish recipe to make at home is:

Ingredients:
2 cups of warm water

1/4 cup of baking soda

Procedure:
Mix the two together and stir thoroughly.
Apply the mixture on the counters and give it a few minutes to rest using a soft cloth.
Use another different material to ‘buff’ the counters dry.
Use a wet cloth to clean and polish the counters thoroughly.

Other Solutions

If your counters are still dull even after trying all the above methods, then it is time to check the condition of your sealant. A sealant is supposed to last approximately 3-5 years. If it is old and chipped, it is likely to give your counters a dull look.

However, do not worry too much. The solution is as simple as giving your countertops a fresh layer of sealant, and it will be as good as new.

Conclusion

A granite countertop should remain in excellent condition for decades if you give it proper care. All it needs is a regular wipe-down (after every meal preparation preferably), regular polishing and checking, and applying a fresh layer of sealant every so often to ensure it does not deteriorate.

This will ensure that your beautiful granite countertops remain in good condition for a long, long time. If you are unsure how to care for your granite countertops or what products are best, do not hesitate to consult your local granite countertop installers Rockville. They know best and are ready to help.

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What Costs the Most When Building a Pool?

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Derek

Having a clear budget is the most critical part of starting any project as it gives you direction and tells you exactly where and what your money will be doing, just like a roadmap.

This is the same case when it comes to building a pool. You want to have a clear budget that tells you how much money you need to hire pool builders and invest in the project. It is also equally important to know what costs the most when building a pool so that you can have an idea of where to pay the closest attention to.

This article aims to give you a vivid idea of what to expect of the costs side of your pool construction plan.
What to Expect

The bulk expense of building a pool goes to the installation stage.

However, the cost of every process on the whole construction varies from one project to the other depending on various factors. For instance, the cost of excavation varies depending on the complexity of your landscaping.

Moreover, a lot of other costs depend on the size and design of your pool. Sometimes the cost of decking can be higher if your pool requires a very particular and intricate design that requires different specialists.

Here is a breakdown of the various costs of an average-sized pool.

Excavation

As earlier mentioned, this cost varies depending on the complexity of your landscaping. However, for the purposes of this comparison, pool contractors will charge different figures for one square foot to excavate on a green landscape that has not been tampered with.

This price can vary either way depending on the number of obstacles the contractors have to deal with. The cost also varies depending on the contracting company as well as the features of the pool.

Installation

Usually pool installation is the central part of the whole process, and the prices are based on the type of pool you are installing. Here are the average estimate for different materials on an average-sized pool;
• Fiberglass
• Concrete
• Vinyl

Decking

Decking has the most variable cost of all. It mainly depends on the size and design of your pool, the materials used, and the area that needs to be decked.

The higher the complexity and durability of the materials used, the higher the costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a homeowner build their own pool?

Absolutely! Building a pool is not rocket science, and if you have the basic skills required to do basic construction, then you can take up the challenge.

Do you need permits to construct a pool?

There are usually no permits required to construct a pool. A pool is considered a garden project. However, it is essential to check your local regulations before you start the project.

Can I design my own pool?

Yes! It is actually recommended that you design your own pool (or at least work with your contractor for the design). A pool is a big home project, and you must make all the crucial decisions.

In summary

In reality, there are many processes involved in constructing a pool. The cost of each process depends on many varying factors – the size of the pool, materials used, the complexity, etc. However, the installation always involves the most work and takes the most time and money among all the processes.

To get the actual cost estimates for each process of your pool project, it is advisable to request a detailed quotation from your pool contractors.

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What Is the Most Efficient Way to Run an Air Conditioner?

Posted on August 28, 2021 by Derek

Air conditioners are an essential part of every home in today’s unpredictable climate changes and weather conditions. In most parts of the U.S., it is becoming harder and harder to live without an AC, especially in summer when temperatures are at the highest.

But these essential appliances have no mercy when it comes to energy conservation and, essentially, your electric bills. So what is the most efficient way to run an air conditioner without wasting energy or digging a hole into your pockets? Read these tips given by
air conditioner repair services providers.

5 Ways to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner

Ensure you have the correct size for your space.

The size matters! When it comes to AC, experts say it is not about what size fits your budget – it is more about what size works for your space. Having an AC too small for an area it is supposed to work in will make it work harder, thus making it inefficient.

This is a mistake many homeowners make – purchasing an air conditioner blind without the help of an expert. This makes it a lot harder to know what size to buy for your space. So, ensure that you have the correct size AC for your space.

Ensure you have the right thermostat.

A smart thermostat makes a whole lot of difference in the efficiency of your AC. They allow you to control what happens with your appliance even when you are not at home. You can easily regulate the temperature remotely using an app on your computer or phone, or by voice command when you are at home.

How efficient is that? So if you still haven’t upgraded your thermostat, then it is about time you started shopping around. Here is a list of some of the best thermostat brands in the market.

Let’s not cool the whole neighborhood.

The faster the cold air inside escapes, the harder the AC will work to cool more air on the inside. So ensure to minimize all the holes and cracks that could be letting air out. Keep the doors and windows closed, and the room is insulated from any possible gaps and cracks.

To ensure that your home is energy efficient, you can consult with your local electricity provider by booking a home energy audit. They will not only check your home for leaks, but they are likely to recommend more efficient ways to conserve energy.

Ensure that your AC is in good condition

An AC in tip-top condition is an efficient AC. It works optimally and consumes a lot less energy than an AC struggling due to one problem or another. For example, An Ac with dirty filters struggles to bring clean air into the room, consuming more energy.

Hence, ensure your clean your filters regularly and also maintain a strict maintenance schedule. It will not only ensure that you are efficiently using energy, but it will also ensure that the air coming into your home is clean and safe.

Keep your temperature stable.

You will be tempted to keep going lower and lower on the thermostat as the weather outside gets hotter and hotter. When you come from outside all hot and sweaty, your first stop will be the thermostat to tune it lower – but this is not an efficient way to use an AC.

Strive to have your AC set at a standard temperature all the time as this allows it to work much more efficiently. The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at a standard temperature of between 18-21°C. This can help you save up to 10% of your energy bills every year.

Conclusion

Running your AC efficiently is not only important because it will save you a few bucks. Most importantly, it is essential because it allows you to contribute to the greater good – energy conservation.

But thankfully, these two go hand in hand, and it is hard to get one without the other. Follow these tips given by AC repair services Stony Brook, and you will notice a difference before long.

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How Often Should You Snake Your Sewer Line?

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Derek

As the saying goes, ‘prevention is always better than cure.’ And when it comes to private property, this couldn’t be more true. For example, spending a little on fireplace and chimney maintenance could save you a fortune in repairs if the accumulated shoot could lead to a chimney fire.

The same logic also applies to your sewer lines. Your drainage systems need to be checked and maintained often to ensure that no surprising eventuality occurs. But how often should you snake your sewer line? Let’s find out.

How Often Should Sewer Lines Be Cleaned?

The fact that sewer lines are hidden makes it even more difficult to know when something is wrong. And most times, a sewer line issue is mistaken as a simple plumbing problem. This mistake can easily lead to more serious drainage problems that will cost you more in repairs.

As a preventative measure, drain contractors recommend that you have a routine check done every 18-22 months. Regular inspections help identify problems earlier and allows you time to remedy them before they blow out of proportion.

However, signs such as gurgling toilets and drains and clogged fixtures can warn you of an imminent sewer line problem. When this happens, it means that there is an obstruction in the sewer line, and if not immediately remedied, it can cause severe problems on the property.

Therefore, it is a clear sign that it is time to have your sewer line snaked.

5 Signs You Urgently Need Your Sewer Line Cleaned

If your drains are in good condition – or your house is relatively new – doing a check every 18-22 months is good enough to keep away possible accidents. However, older homes might not have the same luxury and might need more regular checks and maintenance.

Here are some of the signs to look out for that can warn you that your sewer needs to be cleaned urgently.

Multiple Fixtures Are Clogged

This is the most apparent sign of clogged drainage. If you notice more than one fixture backing up simultaneously, it is time to call in the plumber. Toilets and bathtubs are mainly the first to experience these problems.

If you notice any difference in how fast the toilet water drains out, then it is time to snake your sewer system. Also, note that this is likely to start on the main floor of your house.

Gurgling or Bubbling Noises

This is one of the other signs of trouble in paradise. If you start noticing epic noises coming from your drainage, it is time to go mining. The noises warn that the drains are not running smoothly and there might be air coming in from somewhere.

The damage of the pipes might be due to impact from the ground, wear and tear, or due to tree roots penetrating and damaging the pipes. Either way, the drainage needs a thorough check and possible repairs.

Bellied Piping

Sometimes, the soil around your pipes will become loose and unstable, causing them to sink together with the pipe. Over time, this makes the pipe sag around that area, creating what is known as the ‘belly effect.’

When the water and waste run through this area of the drain, the sagging part retains some residue, and over time, this accumulates and creates a blockage on the pipe. Snaking a sewer line is the only remedy that can identify and clear this kind of blockage.

Conclusion

Snaking and cleaning your sewer lines often will not only protect you from any smelly accidents, but it will also protect your pockets from significant repair expenses.

Therefore, do not wait until it is indispensable to check the drains. Schedule regularly cleaning and maintenance with certified drain cleaning companies Westchester and save yourself from all the headaches that come from botched sewer systems.

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Is Silestone Heat Resistant?

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Derek

If you are looking for a countertop material for your kitchen, it is important to check if the material is heat resistant. Besides, the kitchen is where most of the home’s heat-works happen, and you don’t want to destroy your expensive countertops, do you?

You need to fully understand what will happen if a hot pot is placed on the bare counter surface. Will it be okay, or would you need to replace the whole surface. Hence, in this article, we will analyze Silestone’s heat resistance level.  

Can Silestone withstand heat?

Silestone is a brand name for a product that is 94% quartz, and the rest is resins and other bonding materials. In their making, quartz, resins, and other materials are added. Some of these materials (e.g., resin) do not do well with heat, and therefore they reduce the original pure quartz heat resistance. 

Silestone countertops can handle temperatures of up to 150 degrees. They can withstand the heat from steam or hot taps, but anything hotter than this can damage the surface. 

Therefore, it is important to use heat covers on the counter before placing anything hot on top to protect the counter from heat damage.

How to protect your Silestone countertops from heat damage

Although Silestone can withstand temperatures of up to 150 degrees, exposing it to this temperature will leave scars on the slab. And once there is a scar, the countertop will not be as beautiful as before. Therefore, carefully taking care of your Silestone surface is of utmost importance. Here are some of the ways to care for your countertops. 

Don’t put pots and pans on a bare counter surface. 

Instead of placing the pot or pans on a bare countertop, why not leave them on the stove? While it might be difficult to refrain from picking the pan from the hot stove and placing it on the counter, it will save you the cost of repairs and allow your counters to serve you for a long time. 

Use hot pads or a metal trivet.

If you have to place your pans and pots on the counter, use trivets, and table pads. These will help block the heat from getting into the Silestone and melting the resins, therefore preserving your quartz countertop for a long time. All you have to do is place a few trivets around the counters for when you need them. 

Use coasters

It is better to be safe than sorry. The heat from your cup of coffee might seem negligible enough when it comes to damaging the countertop. However, do not leave anything to chance. Always ensure to use coasters when you are pouring hot water into your cup.

Clean it frequently

Frequently cleaning the counter surface with cold water and cloth might help keep it cool and extend its lifespan. Also, using soap when cleaning will keep chemicals like alcohol from reacting with the resins and causing damage. 

Signs of heat damage

A white bruise and a discoloration will be visible at the point of contact if the surface comes into contact with something hot. This kind of damage is not easy to repair. The whiteness results from melted resin inside the countertop, and any attempt to repair it could lead to more damage. 

Therefore, the solution is to protect the countertop and be careful not to place hot appliances on top without any hot pads and other heat protection materials.  

In summary

 Silestone will not burn from the smallest amount of heat, but it is not heatproof either. To avoid having to undertake countertop replacement NC, you must protect your Silestone counters from too much exposure to heat so that it can serve you for a long time—besides, one of the main qualities of quartz is durability. 

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What Would Cause A Refrigerator To Stop Getting Cold?

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Derek

refrigerator repair

When you put anything in the fridge, you expect it to get cold, so if it’s not, there is definitely something wrong with your appliance. Is your appliance not cooling your food and wondering what would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold?

According to refrigerator repair professionals, this can be brought about by plenty of reasons that include:

The fridge isn’t plugged.

If you have been cleaning or moving things around, chances are you have disconnected the refrigerator from the power source hence the reason the fridge isn’t cooling. You might be panicking that your unit is faulty, yet all you need to do is reconnect the fridge to power.

The thermostat is improperly set.

If your thermostat has the wrong settings, there is no way it’s going to cool the food. The ideal cooling temperature is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your thermostat is out of this range, your refrigerator isn’t going to get cool.

Before you do anything drastic, check the thermostat and double-check it with the external thermometer to ensure its readings are accurate.

The door isn’t closing properly.

When the refrigerator door isn’t properly closing, it means plenty of cool air will be leaking to the outside, and the fridge won’t be getting cold.

Check the doors and gaskets. Also, check the light in the fridge and confirm that it turns on and off when you close the door. If it doesn’t, the door might not be functioning properly.

If you have had your unit for a long time, chances are the gaskets have worn out and allowing warm air to leak into the unit and humid air to get out of the fridge. Confirm whether the gasket is torn and if this is the case, replace it.

You have overstocked your fridge.

If you have a lot of food in your fridge, the food boxes might block the vents and obstruct the cold air from circulating through the fridge. If you recently stocked your refrigerator and started noticing that the unit isn’t getting as cold as it used to, it might be due to the excess food.

Thankfully, it’s easy to fix this issue. Simply organize the fridge and clear out the excess food causing the blockage and preventing the fridge from cooling.

The compressor is faulty.

The compressor is part of the fridge, and it compresses and pushes the refrigerant vapor into the coils outside the fridge. The pushing and pressure creates heat that forms gas that later cools and absorbs heat from the freezer and fridge.

If the freezer fan is running, but the fridge isn’t getting cold, your compressor or compressor start relay might be faulty.

The compressor is located behind the fridge at the bottom an in most refrigerators, you have to pull the fridge away from the wall to access it. You should test the compressor and compressor relay and replace the faulty part.

The condenser coils are insulated by dirt.

Condenser coils carry hot gas produced by the compressor to the evaporator coils. As the refrigerant travels through the coils at high pressure, it cools and turns back into a liquid. Clogged condenser coils produce poor air circulation restricting the refrigerator’s ability to cool the house.

These coils are located across the fridge’s bottom or at the back and often lead from the compressor and towards the freezer.

When the coils are caked with dirt and other debris, heat doesn’t flow out of the coils properly and instead stays in the fridge, hence the fridge doesn’t cool as well as it should.

If it’s been long since you cleaned the coils, you can do the cleaning by yourself or hire an appliance repair Northern VA professional to help out.

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