Do it yourself fix it

Archive for the ‘Appliance Repairs’ Category

The television is just one of those appliances that come up with innovations every now and then. For the “techies”, these are welcome treats. However, for people not very well-versed with electronics, they are just things that baffle the mind. Because of many people’s aversion to tweaking high-tech gadgets, a TV glitch is immediately referred to a professional repair technician. This may not always be necessary if one is equipped with some knowledge about the boob tube.

Generally, there are three common malfunctions that can be handled without consulting the experts and without having to dissect the TV set.

How to deal with snow on the screen

A poor signal may cause snow on the TV screen. This may be due to a misaligned antenna that may have veered against the direction of the frequency transmission. The antennas narrow end must be aligned towards the transmissions direction. Before examining the antenna, though, you should inspect the TV cable for any breakage.

If the problem persists, the tuner may be the culprit, in which case professional assistance is required. This is because a small circuit called the “Intermediate Frequency Section” needs to be replaced by a professional. The cost of the repair will not drain your pocket. If the snow on the screen has a matching “sound” of snow, this is definitely an antenna or tuner problem and is likewise inexpensive to repair.

How to deal with the sound of snow but with a clear reception

If you encounter a snow sound but without snow on the TV screen, fine-tuning the set will do the trick. A little turning of the antenna is likewise advised. However, if the reception is very clear but still no sound comes out, it might be a speaker or volume control malfunction. Audio circuits are seldom replaced.

What to do with the vertical rolling of the picture

This is generally rectified by tuning adjustment. At times though, a small, hidden control at the middle part of the back of the set needs a little “fidgeting”.

Extreme caution must be undertaken when opening up a TV set because of high voltage risks, which may cause severe shock. This, however, should not discourage you from learning basic electronics so as not to be fooled by unscrupulous repairmen who may take advantage of your ignorance.

One common house problem is a stubborn or sticky lock. To attend to this issue, rub the edges of the key with a soft-leaded pencil so that the key is now graphite-laden. Insert the key into the lock and then move it in and out so that the graphite is now inside the key hole and the problem is solved.

Another solution to a sticky lock is to buy powdered graphite and pour some of the powdered graphite into the key hole. This is recommended over lubricating, because the latter makes the lock dirty and more difficult to use. Powdered graphite is available in hardware stores and home centers.

Another common house problem is a creaking drawer, and this may be solved by replacing it with a ball-bearing type that rolls smoothly.

A washing machine that takes hours to fill with water may mean that the fill valve screens are plugged. To remedy this, the screens should be cleaned and the valve replaced, and it only costs less than $25! Your washer will now be able to fill faster, and your chore will be finished earlier.

Lets look at the case of a broken storm door handle. The tools you will need are a drill with 1/8″ and 5/16″ bits and a good screwdriver.

1. First, unscrew the handle.

2. Using the template that accompanies the new handle, mark the new spots for the hole. Make sure that the new holes are not placed over the old ones.

3. Drill 1/8″ pilot holes through the door at the new marked spots, then enlarge the holes using the 5/16″ drill bit halfway through the door at both sides.

4. You can now assemble the door handle according to specifications. Screw the two halves together with machine screws.

5. Mark the screw slots as you hold the strike plate in position.

6. Upon closing the door, remove the plate and bore 1/16″ pilot holes in the middle of each slot mark.

7. Adjust the strike plate after screwing it to the door frame so that the door frame fastens firmly before finally tightening the screws.

Homeowners can deal with air conditioning problems in a variety of ways. For simple problems, they can refer to the operation manuals, surf the Internet for solutions or even visit the nearest library. However, for the more difficult ones, it is best to contact the professionals.

Self-Guide to Air conditioning Maintenance

To get the most out of your air conditioning system, the most important thing to consider is cleanliness. Keep the the air conditioning unit dirt free. Other problems may eventually be avoided if the air conditioning components are clean.

First, the reusable filter must be cleaned according to the operation manual by detaching it from the furnace/air handler, which is near the air inlet side. You may opt to substitute a disposable filter for a less tedious task of cleaning.

Second, the evaporator/condenser coils are brushed or vacuumed after removing the access panels. You may also spray these coils with a mixture of water and detergent, working from the inside towards the outside, and then rinsing in the same manner. However, caution must be taken not to spray the electrical parts, bend the fins or damage the coils. Bent fins can be straightened using a special comb available at an appliance parts outlet.

Third, the condenser drain should be inspected if it needs cleaning.

Fourth, the blowers fan blades should be cleaned to tone down the air conditions noise. Lastly, it must be ensured that the mounting bolts are tightened and the oil caps lubricated. This will surely extend the air conditioners working capacity.

Problems encountered with the refrigeration system or condenser defects are best dealt with by the expert technicians. Their closed-system nature may be too risky for an amateur handyman.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Since air conditioning units eject hot air, they are usually placed on windows or wall openings. The outside vent must be regularly cleaned for an efficient cooling system and increased functionality and durability. Likewise, the filter and condenser coils must be cleaned on a monthly basis for that lasting cooling effect.