Appliance Repair Pro Tips
Pro Tips from the Tech Repair Team Technicians
Smart advice, step-by-step care, and time-tested appliance knowledge from the people who fix them every day.
Filter by ProTip type
Filter by appliance type
Avoid Scraping Ice From Freezer Walls
Resist the urge to scrape ice from freezer walls with sharp objects. This can puncture refrigerant coils or crack the interior liner, causing irreversible damage and expensive repairs.
Instead, perform a full defrost or gently clean with warm water. Check door seals every few months to prevent the ice buildup in the first place.
How Often Should I Calibrate My Oven?
Oven calibration is not a routine maintenance task but a solution for inconsistent cooking results. You should only calibrate your oven when you notice that recipes are consistently overcooking or undercooking, or after a major repair or move.
If an oven thermometer reveals a temperature discrepancy greater than 30°F, calibration is warranted. Otherwise, performance issues—not a fixed schedule—are your best indicator.
Freezer Running Constantly
-
Unplug freezer for safety before starting any inspection or repair work.
-
Check door/lid gasket for cracks, warping, or debris. Clean with mild soap and water.
-
Look for frost buildup inside – indicates gasket seal problems requiring replacement.
-
Clean condenser coils (rear/underneath) with vacuum or coil brush to remove dust buildup.
-
Test door gasket seal by closing door on dollar bill – should resist pulling out.
-
Check if condenser fan (if equipped) spins freely and is unobstructed by debris.
-
For frost-free models, manually advance defrost timer to test defrost cycle function.
-
Verify thermostat sensor bulb is properly positioned and securely attached to liner.
-
If issues persist after these checks, call Tech Repair Team Appliance Repair for expert diagnosis.
-
Oven Won't Hold Set Temperature
-
Place an oven thermometer inside and preheat to 350°F. Check if actual temperature matches display after 15 minutes.
-
If temperatures don’t match by more than 25°F, try calibrating through your control panel (check owner’s manual for button combination).
-
Turn off power and visually inspect heating elements for cracks, blistering, or dark spots that indicate damage.
-
For gas ovens, observe the igniter during heating cycle. If it glows but doesn’t light gas consistently, it may be failing.
-
Check door seal for gaps or damage that could cause heat loss. Replace gasket if worn or torn.
-
If problem persists after these checks, call Tech Repair Team Appliance Repair for professional diagnosis of control board or sensor issues.
-
Cook-Top Burner Heats Intermittently
-
Turn off power at circuit breaker and ensure cooktop is completely cool before starting any inspection.
-
Test by swapping the intermittent burner element with another element of the same size to isolate the problem.
-
If problem follows the element, replace the burner element. If problem stays with the same control, continue troubleshooting.
-
Visually inspect the element receptacle for burned, blackened, or damaged contacts that could interrupt power delivery.
-
Check wire connections near the surface element for loose connections, discoloration, melting, or physical wear.
-
Examine the burner socket from underneath for signs of burning or charring that could cause intermittent heating.
-
If multiple burners have issues, the control board may need professional diagnosis with specialized testing equipment.
-
For complex wiring issues or control board problems, call Tech Repair Team Appliance Repair for expert diagnosis and safe repair.
-
Cover Food With a Lid to Reduce Microwave Cooking Time
Reduce microwave cooking time by up to 30% by covering food with a microwave-safe lid. Trapped steam and moisture accelerate heat transfer for faster, more even cooking, which lowers your energy bill.
This simple practice keeps your microwave cleaner, ensuring long-term efficiency. For advanced energy savings, our experts at Tech Repair Team can optimize all your appliance settings.