Mastering Thanksgiving: A DIY Guide to Preparing Your Oven for the Perfect Feast

As the holiday season approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the joy of Thanksgiving – a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, a bountiful feast. One essential element of the Thanksgiving feast is the oven, the heart of the kitchen where the magic happens. To ensure a seamless and delicious Thanksgiving dinner, it’s crucial to prep your oven in advance. In this DIY guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your oven Thanksgiving-ready.

Step 1: Clean and Declutter

A clean oven is a happy oven, and a happy oven makes for a happy chef! Start by removing any lingering crumbs, spills, or debris from previous cooking adventures. There are a variety of options available to help clean the oven and make this task a breeze. Don’t forget to remove the oven racks for a thorough cleaning; they can be soaked in warm, soapy water and scrubbed clean.

Step 2: Check the Seals

A well-functioning oven seal is essential for maintaining the right temperature and ensuring even cooking. Inspect the gasket around the oven door for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice issues, consider replacing the seal to prevent heat from escaping, which can affect your cooking times and results.

Step 3: Calibrate the Temperature

Accurate oven temperature is crucial for cooking your Thanksgiving dishes to perfection. Invest in an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven’s temperature settings. If there’s a discrepancy, adjust the temperature accordingly or consult a professional for calibration.

Step 4: Test Your Oven’s Features

Make sure all the features of your oven are in working order. Check the broiler, convection fan, and any special settings your oven may have. This step is particularly important if you’re planning to prepare a variety of dishes that require different cooking methods.

Step 5: Stock Up on Essential Tools

Ensure you have the right tools for a smooth Thanksgiving cooking experience. Stock up on heavy-duty aluminum foil, roasting pans, and oven-safe thermometers. Having these items on hand will make the cooking process more efficient and help you tackle any unexpected challenges.

Step 6: Plan Your Cooking Schedule

Once your oven is in top-notch condition, plan your Thanksgiving cooking schedule. Consider the cooking times and temperatures for each dish, and create a timeline to ensure everything comes out of the oven at the perfect moment. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure a well-coordinated feast.

With your DIY oven ready for Thanksgiving, you’re now equipped to create a memorable and delicious holiday meal. Taking the time to clean, calibrate, and test your oven will set the stage for a stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – quality time with loved ones and savoring the flavors of the season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

Common Furnace Problems: What You Need to Know

The furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home warm and comfortable during the cold months. However, like any other appliance, furnaces are not immune to problems and malfunctions. Understanding common furnace problems can help you identify issues early and take the necessary steps to maintain your heating system efficiently.

• Lack of Regular Maintenance

One of the most common furnace problems is a lack of regular maintenance. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside your furnace, leading to reduced efficiency and potential breakdowns. To avoid this issue, it’s essential to schedule annual maintenance with a professional HVAC technician. They can clean, inspect, and lubricate your furnace, ensuring it operates at its best.

• Dirty or Clogged Filters

Dirty or clogged air filters can lead to a range of furnace issues. When filters become blocked, airflow is restricted, making your furnace work harder to heat your home. This not only reduces efficiency but can also damage the system. To prevent this problem, check and change your furnace filters regularly, typically every 3 months or so, depending on the type of filter and the level of usage.

• Pilot or Ignition Problems

If your furnace is not producing heat, it may be due to issues with the pilot light or ignitor. A malfunctioning pilot light or faulty ignition system can prevent your furnace from igniting properly. Common causes include dirty components, thermocouple problems, or gas supply issues. A professional technician can inspect and repair these components to ensure your furnace works reliably.

• Thermostat Malfunctions

The thermostat is the control center for your furnace, and if it’s not functioning correctly, it can lead to inconsistent heating. Common thermostat problems include calibration issues, wiring problems, or a dead battery. Checking your thermostat’s settings and ensuring it’s in a proper location (away from drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources) can help prevent these issues.

• Noisy Furnace Operation

Unusual noises coming from your furnace can indicate various problems. Common sounds include banging, squealing, or rumbling noises. These noises may be caused by loose or damaged components, airflow issues, or wear and tear. Addressing these noises promptly can prevent more extensive damage and potentially dangerous situations.

• Cycling On and Off Frequently

If your furnace is cycling on and off too frequently, it can be due to several reasons, including a clogged filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or improper sizing of the furnace for your home. This issue can waste energy and put extra stress on the system, leading to premature wear and tear. A professional HVAC technician can help identify the root cause and recommend appropriate solutions.

• Uneven Heating

Uneven heating in your home can be attributed to issues with the ductwork, insufficient insulation, or imbalanced airflow. Proper insulation and sealing of ducts can help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home. If you’re experiencing uneven heating, consulting with an HVAC professional is advisable to diagnose and address the problem.

Understanding common furnace problems and their causes is the first step in ensuring your heating system works efficiently and reliably. Regular maintenance, filter changes, and attention to unusual sounds or heating issues are crucial for preventing furnace breakdowns and maintaining a comfortable living environment. If you encounter any of these problems keep these tips in mind and don’t hesitate to contact a qualified HVAC technician to assess and repair your furnace, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy throughout the cold seasons.

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

Five Easy Air Conditioning Problems To Check Before Making A Repair Call

The cooling season is upon us and even with professional routine maintenance, issues can occur impacting the performance of your AC unit.  If this happens to you, we’ve put together a few quick and easy things to check before making a repair call.

Thermostat

This may seem obvious which is also why it’s often overlooked.  When it comes to issues with your AC a good place to start is the thermostat.  Check the batteries and connections making sure there’s power to the unit. Clean out any grime and build up that may have accumulated.

Filter

A clogged filter is as easy and over looked at the thermostat.  Filters should be replaced every three – six months depending on circumstances. One tip to determine if it’s time to change a filter, hold it up and if light doesn’t pass through it’s time for a new one.

Bad Capacitors

Capacitors are typically good for several years however they eventually will fail.  There can be two capacitors, a run capacitor and a start capacitor.  What do they do?  They store energy and provide that energy to the motor upon starting and running.  Capacitors are vital to a functioning system.

Coils

Evaporator coils absorb the heat and humidity in the air making it cool before it’s sent back into the home.

Condenser coils dissipate the heat collected from the home and transfer it outside.

It’s normal for the coils to become dirty making them inefficient.  A quick clean typically does the trick and should be included in regular maintenance.

Drain Line

Drain lines can clog easily impacting air quality and causing damage.  Some systems have sensors which shut off the AC unit when the drain line is clogged.  Mold, dust, dirt, and particles build up in the lines causing the condensation water to back up.  Keeping these lines clean is key to a functioning system.

Keep cool and comfortable this cooling season with an AC system in tip top shape.

Be Prepared With 5 Easy Winter Furnace Tips

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Winter is not the time when we want to have issues with the furnace. A little preparation can go a long way to reduce the chance of being stuck in the cold during the heating season.

Scheduled Furnace Maintenance

An annual furnace maintenance check-up is the best place to start. Regular maintenance can help prevent system failure and safe money in heating costs.  An HVAC professional can perform a complete system tune-up which should include….

• Test and calibrate thermostat
• Cleaning the system
• Lubricating moving parts
• Tightening connections
• Check safety switches
• Measure voltage and current on motor
• Clean condenser coils
• Check ignition system

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Even though carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are not tied directly to an HVAC system they are still important as safety features for a home. Batteries should be replaced once a year and tested monthly.  When replacing the batteries this is a good time to clean and inspect the units as well.  Smoke detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every 5-7 yrs.

Filters

Simply put, the furnace won’t turn on if the filter is clogged.  When air can’t pass through the filter the furnace overheats and as a safety measure shuts off.  Filters need to be replaced frequently.  We recommend every three – six months depending on the filter.  Some recommendations are once a month during peak use.

Thermostats

Thermostats are key to keeping a furnace running.  As a temperature sensing device, a thermostat tells the furnace when to turn on and off.  Lack of power is the most common issue with a thermostat whether it’s a bad battery or faulty hard wire connection.  Dust and debris are also common issues impacting the operation of a thermostat causing malfunction or erratic operation.

Cleaning

You may think this one is a joke however as with any household appliance, a clean unit will run better, last longer, and be more efficient.  There are a few easy DIY tasks to keeping your furnace clean.

Evaporator coils – Vacuum with a brush.  There are also mild coil cleaners available if needed

Blower Motor – Not only will a dirty blower motor effect indoor air quality it also impacts the efficiency and causes the other parts to work harder

Filter – We can’t stress changing the filter enough

These few tasks will help ensure a warmer and safer winter.  As always, our fine people at Dey Distributing are available to answer questions.

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

Easy Troubleshooting Steps When The Furnace Won’t Turn On

When the temperature drops, we count on and often take for granted that our furnace will just work when turned on to warm our homes. 

Most of the time that is the case.

So what do we do when we need our furnace and it just doesn’t turn on?

There are a few common issues you can troubleshoot before making that service call.

Check the Circuit Breaker 

This may seem like common sense to the average DIY’er however it is commonly overlooked. In your circuit breaker box, you should find a dedicated circuit for the furnace. Make sure the furnace breaker and breakers for the other HVAC components are set to “ON”. If they are tripped only reset once. When the breaker continually trips something is wrong and a service call is needed.  

Next, check for a circuit breaker on the furnace itself. 

Many units have redundant circuit breakers on the furnace itself, or a switch that controls the power to your unit.

Gas or Propane Supply

Yes, it’s happened. Folks have called a repair technician when their furnace wasn’t working only to find out they were out of Propane or the gas supply wasn’t flowing. This is a simple check that potentially can save a service call bill. If you have another gas appliance, does it turn on and work? If so move on to the next troubleshooting issue.

Thermostat

You’ve verified there is power so next, another obvious and easily overlooked issue is the thermostat. Three quick steps to check your thermostat-

1. Is there power
2. Is it turned on
3. Is it set to Heat mode

Condensate Pan

Sediments, mold, and algae all can contribute to backing up the furnace drain line and or condensate pan. When this occurs the HVAC system is taxed making it work harder to heat/cool the rooms and can eventually lead to the unit not working.

Furnace Filter

Simply put, the furnace won’t turn on if the filter is clogged. 

When air can’t pass through the filter the furnace overheats and as a safety measure shuts off. Filters need to be replaced frequently. We recommend every three-six months depending on the filter.

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Pilot Light

A pilot light may sound a little old school but they can be found in modern furnaces too. If the pilot light goes out, which can happen from time to time, the furnace will not turn on.  

Ignitor Sensor

For the average DIY’er this may be getting into the weeds depending on your knowledge and experience. A veteran DIY’er may be able to troubleshoot the Ignitor Sensor so we wanted to cover it. The ignition sensor, also called a flame sensor, is another safety feature of your furnace that tells your furnace whether there is a flame or not. Much like with a pilot light, no flame means the furnace will not turn on. Often the ignitor sensor gets dirty and just needs to be cleaned. Sometimes it just needs to be replaced.

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Having your HVAC system regularly serviced can help prevent some of the issues faced when the furnace stops working but sometimes, they still can just happen. When that is the case a few simple troubleshooting steps can hopefully save you and additional service call.

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

We don’t like to think about it let alone admit, air pollution is not just an outside concern. We can have poor air quality indoors too. Low indoor air quality can have a big effect on physical health as well as impact your mood. Here are a few tips to consider when it comes to improving your indoor air quality.

Start from the ground up – Vacuum and Dust regularly

When it comes to good indoor air quality the easiest place to start is vacuum and dust. This may sound obvious however the impact on air quality is greater than most people realize. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter can remove 99% of allergens larger than .3 microns. This includes dust mites, allergens, and other toxins.

When vacuuming, don’t stop at the floor. Dust and particles can build up on the walls too plus anything upholstered like curtains and furniture.

Maintain a healthy level of humidity

Dust mites and mold love moisture so keeping a healthy level of humidity is important to good indoor air quality. What is a healthy level of humidity? Keeping levels between 30% – 50% is a safe target to try and attain.

When the indoor relative humidity is too high mildew, mold, and bacteria growth increases which can cause respiratory and other health problems.

Controlling humidity means not letting it get too low either. Dry air is more than just a nuisance causing dry skin, hair and lips it can also increase scratchy throats and noses. 

Clean and replace filters regularly

Yes, we say this often because it is important. Replace filters regularly and for the filters that can be cleaned and or vacuumed, do it. 

Recommendations vary as to how often furnace filters should be replaced; they can be anywhere from 2 months to 6 months and of course, your lifestyle and home location will impact that timeline. 

A good measure to go by is if you have to think about it, the filter should probably be replaced.

Improve air ventilation for improved air quality

It is well known that fresh air is just plain good for you. Good air ventilation brings that fresh air indoors and replaces stale air. Of course, the best way to bring in fresh air is to simply open the windows and doors. It is true for many reasons open windows and doors aren’t always an option for everyone.

Many newer homes or updated HVAC systems include energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators that bring outdoor air into the home. This provides an opportunity to filter the air, a great option especially for those with allergies.

Air purifiers/ cleaners with HEPA filters

Home air purifiers or cleaners reduce or remove pollutants from indoor air. They also can be a good supplement to a ventilation system improving indoor air quality.  

We hope these tips help you breath easy and as PoP says, “Go ahead and fix it”

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

During the cold winter months, we are accustomed to the furnace running, blowing nice warm air through the vents keeping our homes comfortable and cozy.  Unfortunately, it happens when the furnace is running but it blows cold air.  There could be a number of reasons why this is happening, although a furnace blowing cold air will typically be a result of four basic issues.

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Keep Your Dishwasher Clean and Efficient With These Maintenance Tips

One of the biggest timesavers in a modern household is our dishwasher.  After the meal, at the end of the day, whenever we need it’s filled with dirty dishes, turned on and we walk away.  We don’t often think about the dishwasher needing to be cleaned or maintained when in reality, all the food and dirt from our dishes can build up and lead to a poor performing dishwasher.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly leaving you with shiny clean dishes and extra time we desire.

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A few routine tasks will make a big difference in the performance, lifespan and efficiency of a dishwasher.

• Minimize build up and mildew

Yes, the inside of a dishwasher can get dirty.  Food debris and build up is common, using a cleaner such as affreash in an empty dishwasher will help reduce the buildup and the frequency you need to thoroughly clean the inside. 

• Accessories

It’s easy to overlook the essential accessories such as the flatware basket and dish detergent dispenser.  Make sure to remove the basket give each area a good wipe down.

• Clean the exterior and edges including the gasket

Wiping down the outside and especially the edges of the door including around the gasket keeps odors to a minimum and increases the lifespan of the machine.

Annually

• Clean filter and trap

How often the filter and trap need to be cleaned depends on what type of dishwasher you have.  If it has a self-cleaning filter it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often.  Dishwashers with self-cleaning filters tend to be louder than manual filters and commonly have series of holes or a plastic grid at the bottom of the machine.

• Clean the spray arm holes

Yes, even the little holes where the water sprays out can become plugged over time.  Removing the arm and soaking in a dishwasher cleaner should do the trick.

A couple other factors to consider for proper dishwasher performance is making sure the machine is level and invest in a repair kit if you happen to notice exposed metal, nick’s or corrosion in the dishwasher racks.

Investing a little time in keeping your dishwasher preforming at it’s best will give you back even more time plus shiny clean dishes.

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

P.o.P.’s Fall Heating Checklist

Temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, apples and pumpkins in abundance – Fall is the time to review the home check list and get ready for the heating season.  Regular maintenance can help prevent system failure and save money in heating costs.  An HVAC professional can perform a complete system tune-up which should include….

• Test and calibrate thermostat
• Cleaning the system
• Lubricating moving part
• Tightening connections
• Check safety switches
• Measure voltage and current on motor
• Clean condenser coils
• Check ignition system

Things you can and should do as part of the fall maintenance checklist…

• Change filters (recommendation is monthly)
• Clean condensate drain lines
• Visually check your system for wear and tear
• Check that gas and electrical connections are secure
• Keep area surrounding the system clean and free of debris
• Test the thermostat

While going through the fall maintenance check list for your heating system it’s also a good time to also look at your water heater, humidifier and if you have a fireplace (wood, gas or electric) make sure the unit is ready for the heating season.

Be ready for the cold and stay warm during the heating season. As always, we’re here to help.

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts

How To Save Your Appliances If They Are Flooded

There are many situations that would cause flooding in a house.  Weather and storms, burst pipes, a broken appliance are just a few.  When it comes to water damage we are often asked, can the appliances be saved?  After all, they are a major asset when it comes to the home.

Unfortunately, in these situations there isn’t an easy answer.  Many factors come into play when determining if an appliance can be saved after a flood.  The primary factor being how much water.

I’ve put together a few recommendations if you should ever find yourself in this situation.

If there is a chance your home will be flooded –

Before the Flood

• Immediately shut off breakers
• Unplug all electronics and appliances – electricity and water can be very dangerous and damage the devices

After the Flood (When it is safe to return)

• If there is still standing water and the electricity to the house is on do not enter.  There may be a chance the water is electrically charged putting you at risk for electrical shock
• When it is safe, do not plug in appliances until they are inspected

If the appliances are totally submerged, the situation will be a little different and there may not be much you can do to repair.

Appliances with insulation can be hard to clean and dry.  It would be wise to have them checked by a service professional before using again.  It is easy for insulation to harbor and grow mold.

If the appliances appear to be salvageable there are a few things to do first before they are plugged in and used.

Clean and Sanitize

• Refrigerator and Freezers
  • First make sure the refrigerator/freezer is NOT plugged in
  • Allow all electrical components to dry thoroughly
  • Verify the compressor and condenser did not get submerged or wet
  • Remove all shelves and drawers – clean with a mild detergent and hot water then sanitize
  • Wash the interior and rinse with a disinfectant
  • Let the refrigerator stand with the door open for at least 15 minutes to allow good air flow
  • Replace the water filter
• Ovens and Ranges
  • Allow all electrical and gas components to dry thoroughly
  • Verify components were not submerged or wet
  • Thoroughly clean and sanitize oven and range
  • Allow the oven to sit open for at least 15 minutes for good air flow
• Dishwasher
  • Allow the machine to dry thoroughly
  • Inspect the electrical
  • Clean and sanitize the exterior of the dishwasher
  • If the machine is safe to run clean the interior with a dishwasher cleaner and wipe dry
• Washers and Dryers
  • Allow the machines to dry thoroughly
  • Wipe down outside of washer and dryer with mild detergent followed with a sanitizer
  • Once the washer is dry and electrical inspected run a cycle with a cleaner for the tub
  • Wipe and sanitize the inside drum of the dryer

Replacing Parts

When inspecting the appliances if certain components, especially electrical where submerged or even sometimes wet they will need to be replaced. 

Components most likely to be compromised by water tend to be compressors, condensers, electrical parts, motors and gas components which will corrode.  

Flooding is certainly an unfortunate event I hope you will not have to face.  If you do, there’s a chance the appliances can be saved. These guidelines will help and if you’re unsure always call a service professional to do a full inspection.  

We are also a phone call, email or stop away if you have questions.

P.o.P.

Professor of Parts