Machine meltdown

Don’t automatically dump your white goods when they fail, writes Kya deLongchamps

The latest Zeolith Dishwasher from Siemens. The new hydro-dry function improves the efficiency of drying by using heat generated in the wash to pre-heat water used later in the rinse cycles. €899.99

A mysteriously leaking machine is generally not good news, and requires investigation

WE really only notice the charms of our white goods when they start doddering along or die abruptly. There will be economic as well as environmental considerations for the greener minded homeowner, but for many of us, replacement really is not an option until the unit actually breaks down. Some of the cannier repair specialists carry replacement machines, ready to rescue a damsel up to her ears in a mouldering load. It’s handy to have the old washer, dyer, fridge or dishwasher hauled off and instantly plumbed back into place, but replacing a machine does put at least some parts of the machine into landfill.

Don’t automatically dump a ten year old machine if it’s economically viable to repair and performing to a reasonable standard.

Before calling out a professional, dig out the manual and read over the troubleshooting section. For example if the outside outlet valve is blocked, it may simply be backing up water in your washing machine. Don’t be tempted to tinker with electrical issues beyond replacing a fuse in the plug. If you still have no joy, check your guarantee to see if you are covered for parts and labour. Ensure you have the model number of your machine to hand so that the repair person can have the parts you need on the day. Outline the problem over the phone and the technician may be able to advise you if it’s worth fixing, and if so, how much it will cost.

WASHERS

Drive belts, door-seals, and cycle faults are typical small faults, but the call out of a service agent together with the parts and labour may cost half the price of a modest machine. A washing machine should run 7-8 loads a week happily for up to 8 years without major trouble. A mysteriously leaking machine is generally not good news, and requires intricate, expensive investigation. Half the power used to run a washer is used to heat the water, so a new water frugal machine will save you money on two fronts if you decide to make a change. Washer/dryers are less economical than a separate set of machines, so if you have room, stack a pair.

DRYERS

If the drum isn’t turning or the machine is not heating, you need help. Running a dryer for longer than needed not only wastes money but stresses fabrics. The most important advance in dryer technology is moisture sensors, which detect when the load is dry or ‘cupboard dry’ if you prefer to finish them in the hot-press or by ironing. If your F rated vintage machine has a simple dial up timer and is taking a long time to dry clothes, cash it in for even a simply specified A to B rated machine. Otherwise common problems of drum belts, thermostat failures, and debris falling into remote mechanical parts of the machine can be sorted out.

DISHWASHERS

Dishwashers are tough, relatively simple machines. Blocked hoses and drain pumps account for the vast majority of failures and are easily put right by a repair specialist. Digital machines may even deliver an ‘error code’, allowing you to either fix it yourself or get in the engineer. A service and repair can get most machines up and running. The newest dishwashers use a lot less water than their early inspirations and run quieter too, so if your machine is an ongoing repair trail, cranking out a din worthy of AC/DC and returning greasy dishes, it could be time for a change. Ensure the entire machine is clean by running it empty with a proprietary cleaning tablet before making up your mind. Sensors in new machines will lengthen or shorten up the wash cycle saving your money and water wash by wash.

FRIDGE/FREEZERS:

Often slaves to fashion when changing a kitchen, the fridge is the one appliance in your home that’s always on. Cooling appliances made since 2001 are likely to be at least 75% more energy efficient, so if the fridge is a more than 12 years old, consider replacement with a new AA model to cut those running costs. Thermostats and defrost sensor failures are simple repairs that either let the fridge ice/freezer ice up or stop cooling sufficiently. Keeps an eye on the fridge/freezer following the manufacturer’s recommendations for best performance. Don’t forget to keep any fins at the rear of the machine clean with the occasion vacuum. If your fridge or upright freezer can hold a bank note in the closed door, the seal is tight enough.

Using the appliance label to buy your white goods

1 Model/Manufacturer. This shows the manufacturers name/brand and the specific model name/number. Very often a parade of numbers and lower case letters.

2 Energy Efficiency. The pretty line bands of colour running across the second section of the label from top to bottom. A is the most efficient, G the least. A+ and A++ are rare ratings that are only seen on the most highly efficient refrigeration products. These ratings are energy ratings NOT performance ratings.

3 Energy Consumption. Expressed in kilowatt hours based on a ‘standard’ cycle or year of use. For refrigeration the consumption is given over a year (kWh/year) as these are always-ON appliance.

4 Performance. In respect of some appliances that have more than one working cycle, like a washing machine, washer/dryer or dishwasher, their may be more than one performance rating to cover each phase of the appliance’s working cycle.

5 Noise: This is a measure of the noise typically emitted during the machines standard cycle, indicated in db or decibels. 48dB for example would be considered very quiet in a dishwasher that occasionally roars to life, but 10dB would be acceptable in a freezer running 24 hours at a bearable hum.

6 Fridges & Freezers: Check the ‘volume’ of the cavity in the bulky exterior carcass which can make the appliance look a good deal larger. The Star Rating indicates the rating for the frozen food compartments. One star indicates a storage temperature of -6°C, four stars -18°C with deep freezing capacity. Siemens have reached an A+++ rating for their latest models in fridge/freezers. (RRP €839.99)

7 Dishwashers. Cleaning performance (A-G) and drying performance (A-G) measured over a standard cycle of 60ºC. The cleaning performance is a comment on the cleanliness of the dishes coming out of the machine.

8 Washing machines. A is a great rating for energy efficiency, and AA the best rating in terms of wash performance and drying performance. Energy consumption is judged on a 60ºC cotton cycle, so hopefully you will be dialling down to 30ºC or even cold wash of 15ºC.