HomeQuicks

Appliances

Troubleshooting, maintenance and buying advice for the machines that run your home, from refrigerators to water heaters.

Appliances fail in patterns. A refrigerator that stops cooling, a disposal that hums without spinning, a water heater that runs lukewarm: each has a short list of usual suspects, and the cheapest one is the culprit more often than the repair industry would like you to know. This section exists to walk you down that list in order, so a two dollar part gets its chance before a two hundred dollar service call.

Coverage runs from the kitchen out: refrigerators, freezers, ovens, microwaves and dishwashers; water heaters, softeners and filters; air conditioners, furnaces, space heaters, humidifiers and fans; washers, dryers, vacuums and the small-appliance bench of coffee makers, blenders and their kin. Troubleshooting guides pair symptoms with checks you can do with hands and a screwdriver, maintenance guides cover the filters and flushes that prevent the failure entirely, and buying guides explain which specs matter and which are showroom noise.

Safety draws the hard lines here. Anything behind an access panel with a capacitor, anything on the gas side of a furnace or range, and anything inside the sealed refrigeration loop belongs to a technician, and the guides say so at the exact step where the handoff happens. Everything short of that line is more learnable than the repair bill suggests. Start with the machine that is misbehaving today; the search page knows all of them by name.

Appliances

Louvered ventilation grille set into a brick wall

How Does an HVAC System Work? Read This Right Now

9 min read

Today, HVAC systems have become a standard installation for regulating the temperature and air quality in most buildings and automobile cabin spaces. We shall find out what an HVAC system actually is, and how it works.

Braised meat in tomato sauce cooking in a heavy pot

3 Good Alternatives to a Dutch Oven That Work Equally Well

3 min read

A Dutch oven is a heavy and thick-walled cooking pot. It has been used for over 300 years and is still regarded as a essential cooking pot. But, not everyone has one. We give some other options which can be used instead of a Dutch oven.

Person pouring water through a filter cone into a carafe

ZeroWater Vs. Mavea Water Filter

6 min read

Choosing a good water filter can be confusing, especially when aspects like cost, performance, filter replacement, and the flavor of purified water are concerned. This piece makes this job simpler…

Water filter pitcher filling at a kitchen faucet

Comparison of PUR and Brita Water Filter - Which is Better?

6 min read

PUR and Brita water filters are so popular that it’s hard to decide which brand is better. This HomeQuicks article helps you with this, by giving you a point-by-point comparison of PUR vs. Brita filters, including both, their pitcher and faucet varieties.

Colorful button-down shirts hanging in a row

Instructions for Using a Scunci Steamer

4 min read

The Scunci Steamer has received a lot of positive reviews from its many consumers. A speckless house is just a few steps away if you opt for this steamer. HomeQuicks guides you on how to use the Scunci Steamer with a few simple steps.

Rain lamp with oil strands falling from a domed shade

Information About the Rain Lamp

7 min read

Rain lamps are very attractive pieces of artwork that impart an atmosphere of serenity and grace to their surroundings. In this HomeQuicks article, we shall learn how a rain lamp works, its making, its maintenance, and more.

Cordless stick vacuum standing in a living room

Shark Vs. Dyson: Which Vacuum Cleaner Brand is Better?

6 min read

Shark and Dyson are two of the most popular upright vacuum cleaners around. Are you confused between the two? If yes, then this HomeQuicks article is a must-read. It gives a comparison of Shark vs. Dyson, along with their reviews, so that you can decide which vacuum cleaner is the best for your particular needs.

Red single-serve pod coffee machine with scattered coffee capsules

Senseo Vs. Keurig Vs. Tassimo: Which Coffee Maker is the Best?

8 min read

Are you planning to buy a coffee maker, but are confused between the different brands available? You need not look any further! This HomeQuicks article gives the comparison between Senseo vs. Keurig vs. Tassimo coffee makers, and tells you which one suits your needs the best.

Masticating auger juicer extruding green juice into a glass

Masticating Vs. Centrifugal Juicers

4 min read

In our kitchen cabinets, we all want a juicer which can help pour some health in our glasses. But among the wide variety of juicers on the market, which one should you opt for? HomeQuicks gives you a comparison between two popularly used juicers - masticating and centrifugal - their mechanism, and how they perform.

Kitchen with a stainless steel refrigerator and oak cabinets

Best Refrigerator Brands In The World

6 min read

Brands define what their products stand for, no matter how large or small. It is something you can put your trust in. And some products like a refrigerator, which belongs so intrinsically to your kitchen, must come from the right kind of manufacturer. Here’s a list of some of the best refrigerator brands, that will probably help you make a decision faster and better.

Charcoal burning in a small grill

Barbecue Fest: Things to Consider Before Buying a Hibachi Grill

3 min read

Hibachi grills are convenient to use, portable, and excellent for grilling smaller portions of food. It takes just a few minutes for these charcoal-fired grills to cook meat and vegetables, thereby ensuring that your family and guests aren’t kept waiting for food during a cookout.

Smoothie being poured from a blender jar into a cup

Smoothie Maker Vs. Blender - Which is Better? Analyze and Choose

4 min read

The dilemma of buying a smoothie maker or blender belongs to each person who intends to set up a kitchen from scratch. Here are the differences between these two important kitchen appliances so that you can make an informed choice while buying one.

Car parked in front of an orange garage door

How to Program a Genie Intellicode Remote Control

2 min read

How long has it been since you manually opened your garage door? With a wide variety of remote door openers available, we are surely spoiled for choice. We, at HomeQuicks, have listed out the steps on how to program a Genie Intellicode remote control.

Toaster oven with two slices of bread on the rack

How to Choose the Best Toaster Oven

4 min read

There are so many things you can do with a toaster oven including baking pies, cooking sausages, melting cheese for your pizzas and pastas, and baking smaller servings of meat. It can be termed as more of a necessity than a mere commodity. HomeQuicks brings you a handy guide that will help you choose the best toaster oven that meets your requirements.

Cups holding orange slices, pine sprigs, cinnamon, and cloves

Natural and Safe Alternatives to Air Fresheners for a Healthy Home

5 min read

Considering the damage aerosols cause both to the environment and your own health, it is time to make a green choice with natural fresheners. HomeQuicks aims to acquaint you with safe alternatives that can be used in the house that will leave your house feeling clean and fresh.

Kitchen with a gas cooktop and double wall ovens

A Buying Guide to the Different Types of Cooktops

5 min read

Perplexed with the thought of choosing the right cooktop to suit your kitchen? This HomeQuicks article will help you choose one that will go well with your kitchen décor.

Robot vacuum cleaning while a woman relaxes on the couch

Weighing in on the Pros and Cons of a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

6 min read

A robotic vacuum cleaner can be programmed to clean the house when you’re away shopping at the local shopping mall or enjoying your favorite program on TV. Sounds great, isn’t it? However, just like every other product in the market, it has its own share of cons too.

Apartment building facade with window air conditioners

Evaporative Cooler Vs. Air Conditioner

5 min read

Both traditional air conditioners and evaporative coolers condition the air and are used widely. So, given a choice, which one is the best for your home? Find out in this HomeQuicks article.

Kitchen with a stainless steel built-in microwave and wall oven

Built-in Vs. Countertop Microwave Oven: Analyze and Choose

5 min read

If you are planning to buy a microwave and cannot decide whether to get it installed in cabinets or choose a freestanding one, then this HomeQuicks article provides some simple tips to help you make the right choice.

Woman checking her phone in front of an open refrigerator

5 Imperative Things to Look for When Buying a Used Refrigerator

4 min read

With electric appliances, you never know. The best top-end refrigerator model you buy might work fine and break down in a week’s time, or a used one might last you a lifetime. You can rely only on a few things before you make that hefty purchase. HomeQuicks tells you about the things you need to consider and what to check when buying a used refrigerator.

Outdoor air conditioner condenser on a pad beside a house

10 Myths and Facts You Didn’t Know About Air Conditioners

6 min read

Whether you’re planning to get an air conditioner for your room or you already own one, these myths and facts about air conditioners will go a long way in helping you save energy and reduce your electricity bills. Have a look!

Living room with a wall-mounted air conditioning unit

Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of a Portable Air Conditioner

5 min read

Which one to choose - a window air conditioner or a portable one? Well, if you are looking for a portable air conditioner, but don’t know whether it’s suitable for you, read this HomeQuicks piece to find out the advantages and disadvantages, before you buy one.

Kitchen with a stainless steel French-door refrigerator

How to Fix a Dent in a Stainless Steel Refrigerator

4 min read

Dent removal isn’t a tough task. Attempt doing it on your own before shelling out cash to an expert to fix the problem. Learn to mitigate the damage by trying out some DIY methods to fix that dent in your stainless steel refrigerator.

Canister vacuum with its hose and floor tool on a rug

Upright Vs. Canister Vacuum Cleaners

3 min read

If you’re looking to buy a vacuum cleaner, there is a fair bit of chance that you’d be spoiled for choice. Let’s run through the basics and help you choose the one that perfectly fits your needs.

Swirl of white mist against a dark blue background

Dangers of an Ultrasonic Humidifier

4 min read

Ultrasonic humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to maintain a comfortable level of moisture inside a room. However, their use is linked with some dangers to human health. Go through the following article to know about these dangers and ways to prevent them.

Water running into a kitchen sink drain

Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts to Follow for Proper Functioning

5 min read

Ever since its invention in 1927, garbage disposal has become an indispensable part of the kitchen. However, improper maintenance can result in clogging and malfunction of the unit. Let us have a look at some primary garbage disposal dos and don’ts, which help ensure proper functioning.

Juicer strainer basket and reamer being rinsed under a kitchen faucet

How to Clean a Juicer

3 min read

Juicers tend to build up a brown crust or coating along the corners when they are not cleaned properly after use. This build-up decays overtime and contaminates the extracted juice. To be on the safe side, read the cleaning instructions given below so that you always get to enjoy nothing less than fresh and healthy juices.

A row of front-loading dryers in a laundromat

8 Methods That Show How to Get Chewing Gum Out of a Clothes Dryer

4 min read

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding chewing gum stuck to the insides of your clothes dryer when you are removing a load of freshly dried clothes. Here are a few methods to remove the gum from the dryer without harming the appliance.

Bowls of chopped vegetables and mushrooms

How to Choose the Best Food Processor

3 min read

Too many brands, and the varying cost and features, can make the task of choosing a food processor difficult. Well, you do not have to worry, the following article will help you choose the best food processor.

Sheet of crumpled aluminum foil

How to Remove Melted Aluminum Foil from the Oven

4 min read

There’s all kinds of household messes. There’s dirt-on-floor, stain-on-rug, dog-stuff-on-porch and lazy-husband-on-couch. This also includes metal-on-metal in case of ovens. Let’s face it, we all make mistakes, all we can do is hope they ain’t too costly.

Bowl of fresh lemons beside cut-glass tumblers

Impressive Ideas on How to Remove Odor from a Microwave

4 min read

Are you fed up of the burnt smell that lingers in the kitchen for long after you prepare something in your microwave? Do you want to get rid of that unwanted odor? Keep reading to know some simple yet effective ideas to remove odor from microwave.

Bedroom with a ceiling fan above the bed

How to Fix a Noisy Ceiling Fan

6 min read

Is the incessant screeching noise from your ceiling fan driving you nuts? Worry not, for here’s help! This article on how to fix a noisy ceiling fan, will show you how to free yourself from the racket caused by a loud fan.

Gloved technician testing an appliance with a multimeter

How to Test and Replace a Water Heater Thermostat

4 min read

I think we can all agree that waking up to take a shower in the middle of winter, only to find out that all the water is cold, is not the best thing to happen to anyone. You know when your shower spits ice cubes instead of hot water that it’s time to replace the thermostat for your water heater.

Plug-in air freshener in a wall outlet

Are Plug-in Air Fresheners Safe?

4 min read

Air freshener is an accessory that is found almost in all houses these days. But, is it safe to use a plug-in air freshener? What harm can it cause? These and other such questions will be answered in this article.

LED bulbs on a blue background

Tips on How to Install LED Tube Lights

4 min read

LED technology is soon replacing the traditional lighting system. And if you are planning to replace the fluorescent tube lights in your house or anywhere for that matter, here are tips on how to install LED tube lights. Keep reading.

Living room with a painted brick fireplace

Removing Paint from Brick Fireplace

4 min read

Bought a new home with a distastefully painted brick fireplace? No need to worry. Here are some non-stressful and quick methods to get that original red brick look to your fireplace.