5 minor appliance repairs you can do to save money

Is your washing machine not draining? There’s a filter along the drain line that catches coins and other small items that are left in pockets. Most machines have an access panel at the bottom. If not, you’ll have to remove a couple of screws to access the filter. Either way, you’ll need a container to catch a few cups of water when you remove the filter. Give the filter a rinse before replacing. Bonus tip: Modern machines will give an error code indicating the potential problem. Google the manufacturer’s name and code number to start sleuthing potential fixes.

Does your dryer seem to be taking a lot longer to dry your clothes? The vent hose and/or exterior vent cover might be clogged with lint. Disconnect the hose from the back of the machine, and vacuum it out. Check and clean the exterior vent cover every month or so. And don’t forget to clean the lint trap after every load. Clogged lint traps are a common cause of house fires.

Are you starting to detect odours from your composting toilet? It might be time to change the carbon filter. Another possibility could be that the fan isn’t working properly. Check the power supply.

Do the dishes coming out of the dishwasher look worse than when you put them in? The filter at the base of the unit could be clogged, preventing food debris from draining away. You’ll need to remove the racks and spray arms to access the filter. Google your specific make and model, and you’ll find video tutorials on how to remove the various parts.

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling down like it used to, one common cause is (you guessed it) clogged filters. For a whole-house model connected to the furnace, replace the filter a couple times a season. With ductless systems, there’s a mesh filter on the inside unit that you can remove and rinse in the sink.