What’s going on with your Microwave
Posted On February 21, 2022Have you ever wondered how often to replace your Microwave? Something as sturdy as a microwave is thought to be indestructible. We hardly ever think to replace it or repair it if it doesn’t work as well as we first bought it. Here is a simple guide on everything you need to know about your Microwave and whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Are you doing lots of cooking or food preparation with a microwave? Have you noticed that your food takes longer to heat up or that the ‘popcorn’ button doesn’t pop all the corn kernels anymore? If you’re experiencing similar issues to this, it might be time to part ways with your favorite appliance. Or, if you’re not ready to part with your current Microwave just yet, you can always book an appointment with an appliance repair specialist in Los Angeles like AmPm Appliance Repair.
The Lifetime of A Microwave
Believe it or not, your Microwave doesn’t last forever. Depending on its usage, it has one of the shortest lifespans among common household appliances. An average lifetime of a microwave is between seven years depending on how much it is used and if it is well maintained and well kept. A microwave could last anywhere between four to five years for families of large numbers. So that built-in Microwave that came with the house you moved into as a child may not be working as well as it once was when it was first installed. In my place, the rule is ‘if it isn’t broken, then it doesn’t need replacing.” Still, for a household item used so often, like a built-in microwave, it’s always a good idea to call an appliance maintenance specialist to stop by and look at it and make sure things are operating how they are supposed to be. After all, we don’t want to be exposed to microwave radiation or other issues that will lead to health conditions.
Signs That You Need to Replace Your Microwave
Too Quick Or Too Slow
One of the many signs you will see that your Microwave is no longer working correctly is if the cooking time is either too quick or too slow. One way to test if this is the issue is by placing a cup of water inside the Microwave and turning it on for two minutes. Once those two minutes have passed, remove the cup, and if the cup isn’t boiling, then it is time to get a new appliance or call your repairman to see if your Microwave is salvageable.
Door Seal Is No Longer Working
The second issue that is a telltale sign that your appliance is terrible is if the door seal is no longer working or compromised. This door seal is super important to keep low levels of radiation from coming out and prevent any health issues caused by that leaky radiation. If you notice that the door seal has problems, unplug the Microwave, do not use it, and call your repairman.
Keypads Stop Working
A third issue is if the keypads on the unit stop working, making using the Microwave less effective. If this happens, take a damp washcloth and clean the keypad yourself. There might be grease or dirt build-up preventing the keys from being used. If the problem continues to persist, call your appliance repair specialist in Los Angeles to inspect the unit and help you decide to either repair (if possible) or replace the unit.
Gives Off Bad Odor
A final issue that one can telltale sign that it’s time to get a new microwave is if the unit is giving off bad smells such as burning or smoke. If this ever occurs, immediately turn off the Microwave, unplug it, and call your appliance repair to come and take a look at it.
A Few Simple Tips to Make your Microwave Last Longer
- Make sure there is enough air circulation around the Microwave at all times. When a microwave doesn’t get enough air circulation in its fan, dust build-up occurs, and the Microwave can start to become slower, eventually leading to more significant issues.
- Use a surge protector to protect the electrical board and parts. When there is a sudden power outage and power comes back on, that sudden rush of electricity can contribute to the decline of your Microwave’s functionality.
- Avoid placing any metal objects near the appliance. As we all know by now, you cannot microwave metal. This will cause an immediate shortage of Microwave and may even cause a fire.
- When cleaning, use only soap and water. Some cleaning products may have chemicals that can be harmful and reactive when exposed to microwave radiation.
- Never leave the appliance on when empty. As fun as it may be to see the microwave plate spin around and around when microwave energy is not being focused on something (food, etc.). That energy will cook you the Microwave in itself and eventually lead to faster wear and tear issues.
Now that you have some information about how your microwave works and the signs for it to either be repaired or replaced, you can rest a little easier knowing that your microwave repairman at AmPm Appliance Repair is just a call away if you need them.