DIY Tips for Appliance Installation

While it’s always a good idea to hire a professional to install an appliance, doing it yourself can help you save money while helping you understand your appliance repair Anchorage better. However, it’s important to have a certain level of know-how about appliance installation before you attempt to DIY. But if you’re really up for the task then it shouldn’t be difficult to understand the process. Here are some pointers to consider before you take on a DIY appliance installation, which we hope will make you confident enough to do a good job.

Make Sure There’s Enough Room

The first step you should take before you even purchase the appliance is to take measurements of the space that you’ll be installing it in because newer models are often made larger than the old appliance repair Anchorage AK that they’re replacing. You’ll also want to get the correct dimensions of the entryway that you’ll be using to bring the appliance in, to prevent it from getting dings and scratches on the way in.

Door Swing Clearance

Apart from making sure that the appliance fits comfortably into the designated space and doorway, it’s also important to have enough space for the appliance door to open comfortably. For example, refrigerator doors need to be opened at a 135 degree angle, while experts also advise against placing a refrigerator next to a wall as that may not allow the door to open properly.

Check the Wattage

You should also find out what the wattage rating of the new appliance is, so that you can add new circuitry if your circuits won’t be able to handle the power requirements of the new appliance. The good news is that you may not need to do this because new appliances are energy-efficient.

However, should you require new circuits, then we’d recommend you get a subpanel to accommodate those additional circuits.

Shut Off the Water or Gas Valve

For safety’s sake, switch off all the valves that are connected to the new appliance before you hook it up. Gas refrigerator repair Anchorage are specifically fussy, and need to be properly hooked up to avoid dangerous leaks. Speaking of which, you can test for leaks by performing the ‘bubble test’, where you apply a little bit of dish soap on the joints and connections. If the soap forms bubbles then you know that you have a leak.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

While some appliances do include the necessary accessories, others require you to purchase them separately. So, check what the situation is with your appliance, as you may need new three-pronged plugs to accommodate the power cord, or new connections and hoses if the ones you have are getting old.  

Make Sure the Appliances are Level

It’s incredibly important to make sure that your Anchorage appliance repair are level when you install them. For ovens, you’ll want to install an anti-tip device to prevent them from leaning over and causing injuries.