How to make your appliances last longer?

One of the biggest issues when it comes to choosing the right appliances and taking care of them is how to make them last, remaining useful, preventing more expenses for you, and wastefulness. Appliances like most machinery do have life expectancy due to wear on the materials and internal systems, etc. However, you can sometimes extend that time or at the very least make sure to maximize it just by following a few simple tips. 

Appliance life expectancy can be divided into three stages:

  1. Choosing the appliance correctly 
  2. Installing and using the appliance properly 
  3. Picking the best appliance repairs services 

Now let’s take a closer look at each of these stages in appliance maintenance and care.

Choosing the appliance correctly 

This is the first essential step in making sure your appliances last longer, picking the right type of appliance for your home and needs will make it easier for the appliance to respond and last. What do we mean? If you choose a smaller fridge for a big family with lots of food needs, the appliance will have to work harder and might last less. 

Here is a short guide to choosing the right appliance:

  • Make sure it’s the proper size, in terms of making the installation process easier and for it to be able to handle the work you need to use it for. 
  • Check the electrical needs of the appliance, nothing like a faulty electric balance to damage a perfectly fine appliance.
  • Go with energy-saving and eco-friendly, these appliances tend to have more gentle cycles, newer technology and save you money! 
  • Read the reviews on the model, reviews are a good guide on how well the appliance performs and can shine a light on things you wouldn’t know unless you used the appliance for a long time. 

Installing and using the appliance properly 

A good installation is the starting point in having a good long run with your appliances, especially the more intricate the installation like a dishwasher or refrigerator the more important it is. 

To better install a new appliance:

After installation, you will need to make sure you are using your appliances the way they were meant to be used, to avoid repairs and damages. 

How to use appliances properly:

  • Read the appliance’s guide 
  • Use only approved products with it like detergents, etc. 
  • Clean often 
  • Turn them off when you are not using them 
  • Don’t overload them 

Picking the best appliance repairs services 

Appliances break and you have to fix them, that’s just a fact of life unless you get really lucky with the one you buy. Because appliances need repairs, it’s important that you choose the best appliance repairs services to avoid getting bad parts or repair work that can completely damage your appliances. 

To pick the best appliance repairs services:

  • Check the reviews the service has, this is super important as it shows how actual customers feel about the service
  • Make sure they use original parts for repairing 
  • Only call companies with certified technicians 

What are the basic appliances a new home needs?

Congratulations on your new home! Now, that you are the proud owner of a home there are some things you’ll need to get to make sure all that live there are comfortable and can enjoy the space, plus get their needs meet. One of the things every new home needs is appliances, and with so many options, brands, and styles it can be hard to settle on the right ones to get for your home. Don’t worry, Maydone is here to help! 

Equipping a new home with the things that you need can be a daunting and intimidating task, so let’s set a few ground rules to get you started, here are the most important factors to consider:

  1. Your habits, what is it that you like to do, eat and how do you usually do it.
  2. Your budget, how much can you spend and where should the money go. 
  3. Your style, what do you want your home to look like. 
  4. Your space, what can you get and where will it go. 
  5. Your number, how many people will this appliance serve. 

These five factors will help you in determining which of the appliances on the list make sense to you, what size should you get them in, and the brand, plus model features you want them to have. 

A good refrigerator 

Refrigerators are one of the most used and needed appliances in any home, just think of surviving the summer months without a cold drink or keeping food safe and fresh. So, picking one of these is all about needs vs wants. You can go high-end, smart features, glass door or you can get a mini-fridge to satisfy your needs and safe space, it’s all up to you. 

Best brands for refrigerators:

  • Samsung 
  • Whirlpool 
  • Bosch 

Washing machine and dryer 

Having clean laundry is one of the best feelings once you are a full adult, so a washer dryer should definitely be on your priority list. When it comes to these appliances the most important factor is space. How much you have available will determine if you get a side-by-side set or some other model. You can even get a one in all appliance. 

Another really important aspect when it comes to washing machines and dryers is installation. You will need to set up water supply, electricity and make sure they are stable and well places, so be sure you know what you are doing if you decide to DIY, or just call Maydone. 

A full kitchen 

Besides the refrigerator, there are tons of kitchen appliances that you need and some you are just going to crave. From cooking tops to ovens and air firers, you can really let your imagination fly here. 

The kitchen basics

  • Cooktop or stove 
  • Microwave 
  • Coffee maker 
  • Oven 
  • Dishwasher 
  • Smaller appliances like toaster, air frier, etc. 

What are the best dishwasher brands?

A dishwasher can be a total game changer for your home. Those 30 plus minutes you can spend washing dishes after a dinner party or being more conscious with your water use. All of this is achievable with just one appliance: a dishwasher! 

Remember than added to choosing the brand, you also have to consider:

  • Space
  • Style matching the rest of your appliances 
  • Installation 
  • Durability 
  • Price 
  • Warranty 
  • Capacity 

Get your features and durability with Miele 

German brand Miele is behind some of the best appliances in the market, with all the bells and shitle you desire from Wifi connectivity to their own app Miele@Mobile, you won’t be missing out on the latest trends with this choice. But what makes Miele stand out amongst  its competition is the promise to bring the best to all their products. Because no matter the price or size range you buy from, with Miele, you will get some cool new features like ergonomic baskets and water softeners from budget to luxury, this brand doesn’t miss the assignment.

Reliable and impressive – Bosch

This brand lives up to every bit of its reputation as a manufacturer of reliable, useful and well designed appliances. These dishwasher’s tend to have a large capacity, great engineering and high quality standard, all you’ve come to expect from the German brand. Do you want more Bosch selling points? They have one of the higher energy star ratings and most of their dishwashers come with EcoSilence Drive motors for more boost at a lower noise level. You want a dishwasher that can stand heavy use, reliable and quiet? This one’s for you!

A classic that doesn’t disappoint – GE 

General electric has been the biggest name in appliances for decades, they are one of the most recognizable and trusted brands out there, for a reason. One of the biggest advantages of GE dishwashers is their huge variety of models, going all the way from portable to professional grade. What they all deliver is on quality and efficiency. A big plus od GE dishwasher is the Piranha™, a food disposer which helps you say goodbye to the pre-rinse. If you can’t device or want a ton of choices then look around the GE catalog and maybe you’ll find your match. 

Now that you know the top 3 dishwasher brands of 2021, here are 6 tips to take care of your new dishwasher:

  1. Get it installed by professionals 
  2. Use the appropriate products for washing 
  3. Read the manual 
  4. Clean the door seals regularly 
  5. Use the self-cleaning setting to clean the appliance 
  6. Call the pro’s when you need repairs

Enjoy your new dishwasher!

How to choose an oven for your home? 

Ovens are one of the most multi-faceted home appliances out there, offering an incredible range of cooking perks and time benefits. You can bake your favorite sweets, put a timer on a roast and take care of something else, plus so much more with an oven. Because of its popularity, there is a great variety of models, features, and prices, how do you choose the right oven for you? Maydone is here to help!

Here are the factors to take a closer look at when choosing an oven for your home:

  1. Power source
  2. You home’s design style
  3. Cooking variety 
  4. Features 
  5. Size 

Power source 

Your oven is going to need a power source to cook all that delicious food, so what fits your home better. Explore some of the positives for each option. 

Electric 

Gas 

  • Lower long term cost 
  • More heat control
  • Instant activation 

Does it fit your design

There are plenty of options to choose from here and it all depends on your vision for your kitchen and home. Here are some styles to pick from and their perks.

Single Wall

  • Can give more space to play with the layout of the kitchen 
  • Fits easily in most spaces 
  • You can install this oven to match your height 

Freestanding

  • It’s an eye catcher 
  • Comes in many types 
  • Sleecker designs and more compartment 

Double Oven

  • Good for big family needs
  • You can do two things at once 

Slide-in Oven:

  • Fits right in the countertop 
  • Stylist and space saving 

Cooking types 

This is all about what you need your oven to do for you. 

Common oven

  • Can roast, grill meats and veggies. 
  • Bake breads, cakes and more. 
  • Reheat meals 

Convection Oven

  • Does the same a bit faster and might dry foods some. 

Toaster Oven

A smaller alternative to a full oven, cheaper and handy in small spaces. 

  • Competes the same function but in smaller portions. 

Wood Oven

  • Used for pizza and bread making mostly  

Size 

Most ovens range from 27 to 30 inch width. This factor is a case by case call, think about what would benefit your kitchen space, take into account moving about while using it and the heat it produces while working. 

Another important aspect to take into consideration here is capacity, if you need to feed more then go for the bigger sizes, if it’s a smaller household then a smaller oven is fine. 

Features 

Ovens, like other appliances, have experienced a surge in features from voice activation to other smart technologies. Keep in mind the more you get, the higher the price. If it has a timer and enough setting for your cooking desires, then anything else is just an extra.

How to choose the best color for your appliances?

Getting a new appliance can be fun now! Yup, that’s right. Changing your appliances comes in all colors now thanks to customers’ demands and an adapting industry looking to make itself more personal. Now, you can go beyond white and grey when selecting your appliances. Which is great, but it also leads to the question of what appliance color is best for my home? 

Given the cost of new appliances you certainly hope that they will last for a long time, so consider that when choosing some of the most bold colors out there, also keep in mind other factors like the decoration of the rest of the house, etc. 

Let’s get started with picking the color of your appliance

Does it match your home?

Because appliance are usually out and visible, if you do want to go for the more colorful tipe you will need to make sure it matches the general decor of your home. 

Here are some tips for getting a color match: 

  1. Use complementary colors 
  2. Use opposites on the color wheel 
  3. Create a palate with a theme, for example: tropical or mediterranean
  4. Choose a central piece and match with that, for example: a large painting or rug 
  5. Muted walls or decor and bring color with the appliance 

There are many option to make your new colorful appliance fit right into your home, becoming a more stylish addition than you ever thought before because of all the possibilities available now.

Decision making 

This one is tough because if you are planning on going with a color appliance, please remember to ask other members of the house what they think of the choice. Avoid discussion and other misunderstandings by making the decision together as a unit. 

Color and stock 

Another important detail to keep in mind when shopping for colorful appliances is that color specific ones may go out of stock more often and those personalized color details could be a bit more difficult to replace in case of repairs to the appliance. It won’t be impossible to find, but they might take a few more days. 

Changing home purposes 

If you have future plans to rent or sell your home, then you might fare better with the standard finishes on appliances. The regular silver touch lets prospective buyers or renters imagine the space as their own more easily. While personalized or not common colors on appliances could turn them away from your home. 

What is the best time to buy an air conditioner and how to choose an AC unit?

So, temperatures are climbing and you want to get a jump start on finding the perfect Air Conditioner, let Maydone help you out with these tips on getting your AC at a lower price and picking the right unit for your home appliance needs. 

Get a jump on the off season 

The best time to go ahead and get a brand new air conditioner unit is usually in the colder months of the year so winter and spring are your best options for finding these appliances at a lower price in any store. But that’s not all, you also can take advantage of special sales and other appliance tricks. 

  1. Black Friday is an optimal date to go shopping for an AC or any other appliance, so keep track of those dates. 
  2. Cyber Monday is a smaller ‘digital’ Black Friday 
  3. Seasonal summer deals have become more common so keep an eye out for those 
  4. Special event sales for labor day or other dates 

How to choose an AC unit that’s right for your home? 

One of the main issues when picking an air conditioner is power. Meaning how much power and what size will work to keep the right temperature in your home. Plus, whether a window unit or central is better for your needs. 

Here are some things to consider:

  • Window units are cheaper and easier to install 
  • Central air systems can also function for heating purposes 
  • Central air require professional installation and more work usually 

When it comes to power these references may help:

  • A small room of about 100-300 square feet would require a potency of around: 5,000 – 6,000 BTU*
  • A medium room of about 250-550 square feet would require a potency of  around:  7,000 – 8,200 BTU
  • A large room of about 350-950 square feet would require a potency of around: 9,800 to 12,500 BTU

*BTU is a British thermal measurement unit that is commonly used for air conditioner appliances, the higher the number the more the power it has.  

How to install a new air conditioner unit?

If you want to go ahead and install your new AC unit yourself you will have to carefully read the models instruction manual and follow every step carefully, to get you started do this:

  1. Prepare the area where the unit will be placed by cleaning and clearing the space. 
  2. Get all your tools together before starting. 
  3. Make sure to have another person helping if the unit is heavy. 
  4. Watch tutorials when possible. 
  5. Have materials ready to clean up any mess. 
  6. Install with power cutoff in order to avoid electrical accidents. 

Call Maydone!

One of the best ways to take care of your new investment is to have top rated professional technicians handle your AC installation. This way you make sure things are in order and that you are all set to enjoy your new air conditioner. 

Maydone has been in business for several years with tons of experience, great reviews and it also offers 24/7 repair service in the Greater Toronto Area. 

What to consider when installing a new appliance?

Getting a new appliance can be a challenging experience, not only do you have to navigate the thousands of options in the stores but you also have to consider the installation process after you make your decision. There are many aspects of the installation to take into account so get started here and hopefully it helps in your appliance journey! 

Finding the right appliance 

First thing first, you need to find the right appliance for your needs and home. That means researching models plus brands, maybe going to stores to see them in person and finally getting the one for you. There are a ton of good brands you can turn to when in doubt and try to keep a style in mind so it fits with the rest of your decor and other appliances. 

Have confidence in your skills 

One of the most important aspects of installing a new appliance is being confident enough in your skills to do so. Because you are dealing with potentially delicate equipment and your home, you need to be sure you can do it. Get an idea of what the work entails before embarking on it. 

Make sure you have all the tools you need 

Depending on the type of appliance you are installing you will need different tools to get the job done. You might need other tools for installing a dishwasher than you do an AC, so do your research and get organised beforehand. 

Prepare your home as well 

Make sure your home is ready to install the new appliance, this means having the right power outlets or drains, plus making sure the appliances fits correctly. Don’t forget the clean up required after installing. 

Disconnect and read the instruction manual

Getting your old appliance out is as important as getting the new one in. You’ll need to carefully remove the old appliance in order to keep the space, outlets and cords in good shape so you can reuse them if you need to. Best way to go about this is to read the instruction manual that comes with the appliance or get some help from online tutorials. 

When to call for appliance installation help?

Call for help when you need to, so you can prevent damage to your new appliance and your home. There are some things you can do by yourself, and that’s perfectly fine! Calling technicians that have more experience and do this for a living is always a right answer to appliance installation problems. 

Get proper disposal for your old appliances 

Say goodbye to your appliances the right way. If they still work you can donate them to those in need or pass them on to someone looking for an appliance. If they are out for good, do your research to see what is the best appliance disposal service in your area. Avoid getting fined for overlooking this small detail and enjoy your new appliance! 

How to Perfectly Install a New Dishwasher?

Dishwashers have been around for decades making life at home easier and speeding up the process of dealing with dirty dishes and big dinners. That’s why dishwashers are one of the preferred appliances of most homeowners, and why you should take all the care in installing yours correctly. 

If you decide to go at this yourself because remember you can always trust a professional crew to handle your new dishwasher installation with just one call, then you need to be fully prepared to get the job done right! 

Here are some tools you’ll need to install a dishwasher: 

  • Multiple screwdrivers 
  • A wrench that can be adjusted 
  • A level
  • Some pliers
  • A voltage tester

Plus, a few extra that can come in handy:

  • Wiring materials that match what you have 
  • Tape 

Measure everything to start installing or replacing the dishwasher

While most dishwashers are 24 inches wide you still need to measure to be sure the space that you have is right for the appliance you are installing. So take out the measuring tape and write things down. 

If you are changing sizes in appliances you might need to alter your cabinets and kitchen layout, this will require additional work, so keep this in mind when choosing a new dishwasher. 

Sometimes the extra layers of flooring can raise the floor heigh directly in front of the old dishwasher which can cause difficulties in removing it, for this, we recommend losing the counter or even removing the flooring. If this seems like a step above what you wanted to go, consult a professional installation team

If you don’t find any of these issues, then get something to cover and protect your floor while you remove the old dishwasher and get started! 

You’ll also need the other tools mentioned before, plus a bucket and rags to collect any discarded water from the drain lines after you disconnect them. 

Fully turn off your old dishwasher and unplug it, cut off the water to the appliance by shutting the nearest valve. 

Completely disconnect the old dishwasher 

 You will need to remove the front panel from the old appliance, then disconnect the wires and pull the cable box out. Both water and electrical connections are underneath the dishwasher behind the first panel that you will unscrew. 

Always check with your voltage detector in order to make sure the power is completely cut off and it’s safe to work on. Now the water supply usually comes from a copper or stainless steel line, you will need to remove a nut that secures it at a 90-degree angle and you can keep the parts if they look to be in good condition. Make sure to remove with care, slowly and in the same direction the new dishwasher will need ti to be so you don’t damage the waterline. Clean any water residue and you are good to go. Now. you can remove the old dishwasher. 

Get your new dishwasher ready and installed 

Unbox your new appliance according to instructions and get started. Inside you will find additional manuals and more instructions, read those before carrying on. Remember to use the new drain hose that comes with the new dishwasher. 

Lean the dishwasher on its back and connect the 90-degree fitting. To prevent any clog issues look the flexible drain line up to the countertop. You might need to check your own plumbing codes since some require a special air gap fitting in the drain line.  

Connect and go! 

Now all that’s left is connecting the power and water supply. This needs to be done carefully, especially the copper line so it doesn’t leak. Align it so it goes in straight at the threaded part of the elbow. Then connect the appliance to electric power. 

Once, you are done connecting turn both power and water on, check for leaks or issues. Make sure the position is good, when satisfies, screw the dishwasher or secure it to the countertop and done! 

The top 3 refrigerators for big family’s

Having a large family can be one of the most rewarding ways of living but it does come with its challenges. Like having enough space to cover everyone’s needs or wants. This dilemma also applies to refrigerators, if your family needs more room for all the snacks, meals, and treats, then you need to check out this list of the best refrigerators for big families. It’s also a good idea for families with athletes, meal prep enthusiasts, and big appetites, plus the “more space in the fridge the better” people. 

Once you are set on your choice for a new fridge go check the 3 top things to look for when getting your new appliance and call the expert at Maydone for installation services. 

Here’s a clarification before getting to the list, to be considered large a refrigerator must have at least a width of 35 inches or 88.9 centimeters. So take that as your basis for measuring the space you’ll need in your kitchen to install one of these.  

At number 3 the Samsung RF28T5001SR

This Samsung appliance is super impressive. It is the refrigerators with the most capacity on the ranking coming in at 19.6 cu. Ft including gallon door boxes, an ice maker with storage for about   2.2 Kilos of ice, and plenty more space.

The freezer on the Samsung RF28T5001SR refrigerators is, unfortunately, the smallest on the list with only 8.6 cu. Ft. But it very comfortable and accessible thanks to its custom-made EZ-Open Handle.

How much will it cost you? Around $1,705.00*

Top perks: 

  • It is fingerprint resistant, minimizing blemishes on its surface for a better look. 
  • The massive ice maker.
  • Huge gallon bins for your drinks. 
  • Comfortable food handles unique and top quality.
  • It has Energy Star certification, saving you money and more eco-friendly.

Coming in second place the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ

You’ll get the most bang for your money with this one. One of the coolest features of this appliance is the FreshFlow Air Filter which is super effective at keeping odors at bay in your fridge. Another great feature you will enjoy with this model is the Adaptive Defrost that allows you to defrost items as you wish. Plus the Accu-Chill system that measures and regulates the internal temperature, chilling your food quickly if it needs it. 

How much will it cost you? Around $1,614.10*

Top perks: 

  • The ice bin is placed in the doot giving you more indoor space. 
  • The Adaptive defrost capabilities. 
  • Acci-Chill internal temperature system that cools food with a cold flash. 
  • The water system is also external.
  • Better food preservation thanks to humidity control bins
  • Reduced odors thanks to the FreshFlow Air Filter

Presenting the king of large fridges at number 1 The Sub-Zero

Make room for the biggest refrigerator for large families. The Sub-Zero is the largest in this list both in overall capacity and freezer space. It comes with an impressive 11.7 cu. Ft freezer equipped with Dial Refrigeration that helps avoid freezer burns and frost. This mammoth refrigerator does not skimp on the class either with a UV resistant glass door, glass shelves, and high-quality finish. 

How much will it cost you? $15,200*

Top Perks:

  • It’s smart capable, so you can connect with an app and monitor from your phone 
  • The dual refrigeration system 
  • The UV resistant glass door, make sit great for storing wine 
  • Less noisy and kid-friendly soft-close doors 
  • Quality ice thanks to the automatic icemaker
  • Sabbath feature, a star K Kosher certification for use during Sabbat and other religious holidays. 
  • Two-year full warranty, 5-year limited warranty plus a 12 year sealed system warranty.

*Prices may vary

The ultimate guide to eco-friendly and efficient use of heating appliances in your home

The passing of winter makes heating necessary and frequently used appliances in many homes, and with it concerns on how to best use it. There are a few tips that can help to get the most in terms of cost and heat from your equipment.

Your home can have any of the appliances or heating systems: 

  • Furnace
  • Central heating radiators
  • Fireplace 
  • Electric space heaters 
  • Heat pumping mini-splits 
  • Wood burning furnace 
  • Oil Radiator Heater
  • Furnace Gas Heater
  • Boiler Heater
  • Unvented Gas Heater
  • Water heart (with a tank or tankless) 

All of these even though different can be used more efficiently by just accepting a few changes and habits. 

So, what can you do to be cozy while not overusing your heating appliances? 

Use the sun 

Take advantage of natural warmth as much as possible, that means:

  • Opening drapes during sunny hours 
  • If possible opening windows as well 
  • When you are working from home try to follow the sun when it’s out, that way you are always at the natural warmers room always and can avoid turning on the heating system

Repair your heating appliances 

Making sure that your heating appliances and systems are working properly by having professionals assess them is key, why?

  • You avoid wasting energy on a system that is not working 
  • Prevent further damage to the appliance 
  • Saves you time and money 

The importance of windows and doors 

Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of heat loss in any home because they literary let the warmth of your home escape. How to prevent this loss?

  • Check your window and door frames for possible heat loss cracks to fill and insulate them 
  • Use clear covers or tape on the inside of your windows for more insulations 
  • Replace windows with more durable frames and glass options 

Control the thermostat

Having control over the thermostat is a privilñege and huge responsibility, this little factor determines smooch of how much and how well you spend energy heating your home. Here’s what you can do to master the thermostat use.

  • Use the timer so that it turns off or on fter a certain time. You can have a warmer home in the morning and prevent excess energy waste when you are tucked in at night. 
  • Turn it off when you are not home. 
  • Activate app control if you can. This way you can control from wherever you are. 
  • If you have a heat pump system or no thermostat control then just set a timer for it to turn off after a few hours, the heat will remain and you will be saving on your spending.

For homes with fireplaces: 

  • Read up on how to use your damper for maximizing the efficiency of the heat 
  • Use quality wood 
  • Keep an eye on your fire
If you are still having cold feet over all of these just check in with the pros at Maydone for more advice and appliance help.