Home Improvement Tips & Appliance Repair Guides

Want to make your house work better without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find straight‑forward advice on fixing common appliances, extending their life, and keeping your home comfortable year after year. Grab a notebook and let’s get practical.

DIY Kitchen & Laundry Fixes

Start with the heart of the home – the kitchen. If your extractor fan is getting noisy or losing suction, check the filter every month and clean it with warm soapy water. A clean filter can add several years to a fan’s life and save you a pricey replacement.

Oven troubles are another frequent headache. Before you call a tech, look at the heating element and thermostat. A quick visual check for a broken coil or a burnt smell often points to the culprit. If the element looks fine but the oven still won’t heat, the thermostat may need swapping – a job most DIY‑savvy homeowners can handle with a screwdriver and a multimeter.

Washing machines and dishwashers share a simple rule: don’t overload them. Overloading shortens the motor’s lifespan and can cause leaks. Clean the filter every few weeks and run a hot wash cycle with vinegar once a month to prevent mould and odors. Following these steps can keep a washing machine running smoothly for 10‑12 years.

Keeping Your Heating & Water Systems Healthy

Boilers and hot water heaters need regular attention. A boiler that’s humming but not heating usually has a stuck pump or air in the system. Bleed the radiators and check the pressure gauge – most boilers run best at 1‑1.5 bar. If pressure drops, refill using the filling loop and watch for leaks.

Hot water heaters that won’t turn on often suffer from a tripped breaker or a failed thermostat. Reset the breaker first; if the unit still stays cold, the thermostat may need replacement. This is a quick swap that most homeowners can do safely with the power off.

Fridge and freezer problems are usually about airflow. Keep the coils behind the unit clean and make sure there’s at least a few inches of clearance on all sides. If the fridge isn’t cooling, defrost the freezer and clean the evaporator fan. In many cases the issue resolves without a service call.

By tackling these small tasks yourself, you’ll stretch the life of your appliances, cut down on service bills, and feel more in control of your home. If you ever hit a snag you can’t solve, the team at Northampton Appliance Repairs is just a phone call away – ready to help you get back to a comfortable, well‑running house.