Author: Gus

Categories
Home Improvement

When To Replace A Chimney Cap?

Having a fireplace in your house means your chimney needs to be in perfect condition. There is no doubt that a chimney is one of the most important components considering it is an outlet for toxic gasses that are a by-product wood-burning. A chimney comprises different parts including the chimney cap. As subtle as it may seem, a chimney cap plays a crucial role in the performance and lifespan of the chimney and also help reduce the frequency of chimney repairs. However, when it is time to change it, not many people know the signs & symptoms. So, let’s take a look to see how chimneys often do; chimney caps need replacement.

Reasons To Replace Your Chimney Cap

You Don’t Have A Chimney Cap

As mentioned earlier, a chimney cap is a small but important part of a chimney. Considering its importance, it’s surprising to see that the majority of the chimneys do not come with a chimney cap. The problem is that homeowners either completely ignore or decline the significance of the chimney cap just to save a few hundred dollars.

The chimney cap is designed to stop external factors from entering the chimney. You might have wondered what could go wrong if dead leaves, shrubs, and animals end up inside the chimney. The issue is that such factors result in littering of the chimney which could result in fire in the future.

Chimneys need to be clean and clear, which is exactly why professional maintenance is needed. If there are objects or items in the chimney, they could catch fire, which might spread throughout the entire house. They can also obstruct the toxic gasses from escaping. There have been many incidents in the past, where homeowners ignored cleaning and maintenance of the chimneys until their houses caught fire.

So, firstly, you must ensure that your chimney has a chimney cap. If you have recently purchased a new or used house, you should look out for the chimney cap. Fortunately, chimney caps are not that expensive but will save you from a lot of trouble and risks down the road.

Your Chimney Cap Doesn’t Have Key Features

Chimney caps like other household appliances have evolved over the years. Modern chimney caps are designed and manufactured considering weather conditions and other external factors. This way, not only does the chimney but also the entire house receive protection.

That said, if you have an old house, you will need to check the chimney cap. If it’s an older chimney, it might have a chimney cap with wire mesh on the sides. Some older chimneys don’t. Although such chimney caps still come with a cover to keep precipitation out, still, the animals can access it and enter the chimney.

So, if your chimney cap does not come with a wire mesh, we will advise you to get a new one with wire mesh. Some modern chimney caps also come with a removable hood on them. This helps make the cleaning and maintenance process easier.

Keep in mind that cleaning and maintaining a chimney can be a tough job if your mobility is limited. Plus, climbing the roof each time is a risk on its own. Therefore, you need to make things easier for yourself by opting for features that protect and make the overall process easier.

Your Chimney Cap Is Rusty

Another noteworthy sign of replacing your chimney cap is if it’s rusty. Back in the day, chimney caps were made of materials that would catch rust and corrosion. However, today’s chimney caps are made of durable materials such as stainless steel or copper. These materials are moisture and water-resistant. So, they don’t corrode easily.

Even though these chimney caps are relatively expensive but come with a decade’s worth of lifespan. You don’t need to change them every year. This is also because they are made to withstand extreme weather conditions. That said, if your chimney happens to be old, it is most likely that the chimney cap is made of old materials as well.

A tell-tale sign that the chimney cap is made of old materials is rust. A rusty cap means you will need to replace it immediately because it may be cracked.

Your Chimney Cap Is Damaged

A chimney cap may become damaged due to various reasons. It could be due to extreme weather conditions, broken tree limbs, animals chewing through them, or general wear and tear. If the chimney cap happens to be smashed or bent, it should be replaced right away.

Plus, the hood of the chimney cap must be high so that there is enough space for a good draft. If it isn’t, the fireplace gasses could flow back into your house. Additionally, if the chimney cap’s mesh is bent or broken, the cap will need to be replaced.

Keep in mind that birds, rats, and other animals will force their way inside. During the process, the chimney cap will most likely be damaged. So, even a slight deformity means that the chimney is accessible for them. It would be smart to replace the cap as soon as possible.

You have to do chimney inspection Upper Marlboro once a month or two to look for chimney cap damage among other things.

How To Find A New Chimney Cap?

When it comes to finding or choosing the perfect chimney cap, you will need to consider a few things.

From the outside, all chimney caps might look the same but the features, size, and type differ. The best way to opt for a chimney cap is to measure the dimensions of the chimney.

If your chimney is designed in a certain way, you can place an order for a custom chimney cap. However, you should make sure the chimney cap is made using high-quality materials. The prime objective of the chimney cap is to shield the chimney from intruders, debris, and water.

Once you have purchased a chimney cap, it will need to be installed. For someone who does not possess the tools or experience to climb the roof, it is better to consult an expert. You will have to spend some money but it will ensure your safety.

Plus, the chimney cap installation process may get tricky as well if some changes to the chimney need to be made. For instance, if the chimney itself has cracks, damage, etc. you will need to fix them first before installing the cap. So, you should hire a professional for the job so they inspect the chimney as well and suggest repairs if required.

And when you want to hire a chimney expert, choose someone who specializes in building or repairing chimneys. You might think of it as an expense but consider it an investment.

Conclusion

Chimney cap replacement timing depends on the material and how well the chimney is maintained. Even though modern chimney caps can last years, certain external factors can still defeat them. So, if you don’t have a chimney cap to begin with or one that is showing signs of rust and corrosion, you should buy a new one. Plus, make sure the chimney is maintained by an expert chimney contractor Bowie to reduce the probability of frequent chimney cap replacements and chimney repairs.

Categories
Entertainment

10 Awesome Ways To Celebrate Company Milestones

Milestone is a great tool to climb your way through the corporate success ladder. If you don’t want all of your company goals to come crashing down, then milestones are a must to have. And when your team completes a milestone, it calls for celebrations. The kind for which you need party rentals to set up things and make it interesting. Here is what you can do to keep the motivation amped up while powering through the long list of milestones.

Appreciation Cards

Thank you cards are a great way to simply celebrate your company goals or milestones. However, you may need to get more creative than a simple store-bought card. Let your employees know how important the effort was in achieving the milestone and make personalized cards, catered to every working in the company.

Remember, appreciation is something that will go very far and your employees will love this simple yet extremely thoughtful gesture. So, as soon as you see the goal hitting the finish line, hit the drawing board and come up with ideas to make quirky and fun appreciation or thank you cards. You will be the best boss ever after that.

A Pampering Day

What if there was a way to bring the spa to the company? Yes, you have reached the milestone and that’s elating, but you also don’t want to slack behind. On top of that, you want the employees to have a bit of fun. So, what better way to do all of this, than with a spa day on the desk? You heard it right.

A desk spa day can consist of a massage on the chair, a manicure for the ladies and you can even opt for 15–20-minute facials. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with treating your employees with a bit of self-care and the best part is that you don’t even need to take the day off. There are a lot of spa services that can come to you, so your life will be easier. Book the session at lunch break and treat the employees with a bit of relaxation.

A Workshop

What better way to celebrate a milestone than more learning and development? A workshop and learning day is a great way to get new morsels of information for the company to be bigger and better each day. If there’s a speaker that’s hosting a very important workshop that aligns right with the goals of your company and everyone is on board with it, then take the day off and attend the workshop.

It is not only a way for everyone to take a breather from work, but it’s also something productive, other than going to the nearest bar for some drinks and nibbles.

Celebratory Party

It’s an oldie but a goodie. Small, pop-up parties are great and they can even be held in the office, so there is no need for a venue. If you want to go the traditional route and have a small party with a lot of fun and entertainment, then plan a party in the middle of your workplace.

You can even do something dramatic like having the boss show up in a costume that screams “theme” or you can even plan something very quirky, but also prepare everyone for the next goals and their achievement.

Community Service

There’s nothing better than giving back to the community. If your milestone was hitting a certain number in sales and surprisingly it did well beyond that, then why not share the joy with the rest of the community? Give to the less privileged because you’ll not only achieve peace of mind and satisfaction knowing that you’ve helped in some way, but you will also experience a humble feeling.

So, host a bake sale for charity, do a raffle, or even visit the nearest community center and spend the rest of the day there, doing loads of fun activities. It’s a great way to celebrate your win with others.

Give To Your Customers

Giving back to your customers is also another great way to celebrate a certain milestone. If your company has done well on sales, then you can do a flash sale on the website. Advertise the sale perfectly to reach the totality of your customer base and even include gifts with purchases.

You’re not only celebrating your company milestone, but this is also a great way to ensure that your outreach is spreading far and wide and your clientele will expand as well. So, don’t be afraid to throw in a bit of extra perks for your customers, because they’re the reason for your company’s success after all.

Shout-Out Party

What’s better than an employee of the month party? An employee shout-out party, of course! This party is an all-inclusive event that doesn’t just focus on one or two employees. The main gist of this party is the fact that you’re giving a shout-out to everyone who had a role in the success of the company and reaching of the milestone.

This party doesn’t need to be too elaborate. You can simply give out small trophies or souvenirs and give a hyped-up shout-out to everyone in the company. Your employees will love it. And you want to make it better, plan it outdoor using party tent rentals Frederick.

A Trip Down Goal-Lane

If you want to keep things simple, but still want to acknowledge the win of the company, then you can go for a video montage or a real-time film, including snippets of everyone achieving the now-obtained milestone.

Every company has an expert videographer whether it’s someone who knows their way around a camera or it’s a company requirement, so utilize that person to shoot highlights throughout the workday and even have employees give their input and progress. Don’t be afraid to throw in a bit of chuckle-worthy moments in there.

Once the milestone is achieved, you can have sort of a “movie day” and go back in time to review the progress. It is not only a wonderful way to look back on the work everyone has done, but it also boosts motivation to do better.

Give Out Souvenirs

Every company has its staple souvenirs, whether it’s a sweatshirt, a mug, a keychain, etc. Well, you can customize these goodies according to the occasion and give them out to your employees when the milestone is achieved. Be sure to add that special detail in each souvenir that shows the achievement of the milestone.

Time Capsule Party

This is kind of similar to the movie montage, but it’s in party form. A time capsule party is essentially a party with the theme of a time capsule. Your company is always growing and it’s never going to be in the same place as it was, say a year ago.

Once you reach those important milestones, you must acknowledge the progress and see how far everyone has come. A time capsule party is a great way to hold that achievement proudly and move forward to the next goals of the future.

Conclusion

Productivity is important, but so is appreciating the fact that you’re going through the milestones. These ways to celebrate are easy, no fuss, and will have everyone wanting to work even harder. So, hire tent rentals Damascus MD, get things ready, and make sure your team or employees have a great time.

Categories
Health

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

There are more ways than one by which you can lose your breath, but losing it in your sleep can have detrimental effects. Here is everything a guide to obstructive sleep apnea. If the problem is affecting your sleep, you must consult a sleep doctor Silver Spring.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

“Apnea” is a Greek word that translates to “breathlessness”. Usually, when you fall asleep, your breathing is regular and there’s no “obstruction”. You inhale from the nose, the air goes into the larynx and then you exhale from the same passage. It’s pretty self-explanatory.

However, a condition where the air passage can be blocked and causes the air to get trapped in the throat is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is essentially the stopping of breathing when you’re asleep. Usually, breathing starts like normal again after a couple of seconds, but if it doesn’t, then it can cause you to wake up with a start. Now that’s scary if you think about it.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when the throat muscles experience a blockage or obstruction and that prevents the air from passing to and from the passage smoothly. This can lead to a break or pause in the breathing. Again, it’s not very serious because the muscles automatically get rid of the obstruction and you can breathe normally again. However, in some cases, the pause can be greater than a minute and that can cause you to wake up suddenly. What follows after is a restless sleep and inability to fall back into dreamland, because you have that lingering fear in the back of your mind.

Causes Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What’s interesting is that there is no definitive cause of sleep apnea. It can occur at any time and anyone can fall victim to this issue, whether or not there’s a medical history in your family.

As far as obstructive sleep apnea is concerned, there can be a couple of causes that could explain why the throat muscles suddenly get obstructed and lead to the inability to breathe.

  • Firstly, there’s obesity. If you’re extremely overweight, then your throat muscles can get squeezed from the surrounding muscles and when you go ahead and lie down, you will feel pressure on your throat, which can ultimately collapse or become obstructed, when your whole body is lax and you’re sleeping.
  • Another reason might be the structure of your head. Usually, people have different head shapes and that could alter the way the throat works, especially when it’s time to fall asleep and that can cause the air passage to become obstructed, hence leading to obstructive sleep apnea.
  • If you sleep in weird positions or don’t keep your head elevated, then that can also lead to obstructive sleep apnea. The relaxed muscles will move down and will lead to obstruction in the air passage.
  • Older people, those who are above the age of 50, have a higher chance of falling victim to sleep disorders. The main reason is that with age, the muscles start to loosen even more and there’s no elasticity in the tissues surrounding your throat. This can cause the throat to get blocked, especially while you’re sleeping and sleep apnea can occur.

So, if you are worried about your sleep and want to get yourself checked for obstructive sleep apnea, then a sleep study can be scheduled with your doctor.

Symptoms Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Now that you know what obstructive sleep apnea is, you can pinpoint exactly what you’re feeling, with the help of these symptoms and signs.

  • When you’re awake throughout the day, you might feel extremely tired and borderline fatigued. This is because you were unable to sleep, thanks to the obstruction that caused you to wake up suddenly.
  • You will want to snooze during the day because you’ll feel like your eyes are closing and you’ll have no energy.
  • If you suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders, then they can get aggravated when you haven’t had a good night’s rest.
  • Your memory might be fuzzy and you’ll tend to forget about things.
  • Your head will hurt a lot. It could be a cross between a normal headache and a migraine, but the underlying cause is inadequate sleep the night before.
  • You might or might not snore. Snoring is not a characteristic symptom associated with sleep apnea, because people can also experience breathlessness even if they don’t normally snore.
  • You might wake up in the middle of the night randomly with no memory of why you did it in the first place.
  • You can’t feel your breath stopping. This is something that your spouse or partner will be able to tell. They will suddenly feel like you’ve stopped breathing and that can be pretty alarming.
  • As soon as you wake up, you might feel like your chest is constricted, or you’ve just caught your breath. Some people also describe the feeling to be similar to that of heartburn.
  • Loss of focus, concentration, or a shorter attention span is noticed in people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. It can also graduate into more serious brain-related issues.

Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There is no “cure” for obstructive sleep apnea. However, here are some treatments as well as preventative measures for obstructive sleep apnea, that can help you get a good night’s rest:

Oral Pieces

Try oral pieces for sleep. These contraptions help to keep your mouth slightly open so that the pressure can be regulated. If the pressure is optimum, then there won’t be any obstruction during sleep.

CPAP Machine

CPAP machines are also used by obstructive sleep apnea patients. These machines also regulate the pressure and prevent the blocking of air passages.

Weight Loss

As for preventative measures, if you’re overweight, then try to shed weight. It’s been found out that the patients who lost weight, experienced a significant decrease in obstructive sleep apnea and that they slept peacefully.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Another thing you can try is to keep your head elevated. If you normally use one pillow, stack two on top of each other and sleep on the elevated surface. It will keep your head in a perfect position and it won’t cause obstruction or blockages in your throat.

Find The Right Sleep Position

You can also try out different sleep positions. If you usually sleep on your stomach, try to switch to your back. You’ll feel a difference in no time. Several sleep positions can also lead to obstruction in the throat.

Nerve Stimulators

Nerve stimulators can also be used on the underside of the tongue. This allows the tongue to extend forward slightly so that it doesn’t put any weight on the windpipe while you are sleeping.

This is done by triggering the hypoglossal nerve. It’s the nerve that controls the movement of the tongue. A nerve stimulator will prevent the tongue from relaxing on top of the throat so that you can sleep better and not wake up suddenly.

Conclusion

Obstructive sleep apnea, even though it’s not life-threatening, can still be a worrying thing. Luckily, you know exactly how to combat the associated issues. You must visit a sleep clinic Clarksburg to get a treatment according to the severity of the problem.

Categories
Fashion

10 Heat Styling Alternatives For Damage-Free Hair

Heat styling tools are an ingenious invention. You can style your hair splendidly. But something so perfect does have its demerits as well. Heat tools are the main culprit of hair fall and damage. This method styling hair can damage your recently dyed hair and your hair extensions, especially tape-in hair extensions. All hair extensions salons recommend people who get hair extensions to avoid or reduce heat styling. So, we have some alternatives to heat styling.

Wet Hair Braids

If you want to add that subtle wavy texture to the mane, without using a waver or a heat tool, that’s also going to lead to damage and extreme dryness, then you need to give this alternative a try.

You need wet hair, a brush, and a couple of hair ties. The best results will be seen if you leave this hairstyle as it is, overnight and do the grand reveal in the morning. Brush your wet hair out and if it’s getting dry, then spritz a bit of water to make the strands wet again. Now, braid your hair like normal. This means you should begin from the nape of your neck the tie your hair with a hair tie.

The wet hair is going to style the tresses in natural-looking waves. Now, it’s time for the waiting game. You need to wait for about 8 hours. If you can’t, wait for 4 hours and then keep checking if the hair feels dry when you touch it.

When you go ahead and unravel the braid, your hair will come out in waves. Set the style in place with a hair spray and that’s it.

Heatless Curls

Heatless curling kits are all over the internet nowadays and they’re certainly getting viral because of their nifty use. Say goodbye to your curling iron for good, because you can now curl your hair with rods that wrap around your head. It’s done using a heatless curling set, but you can also use fabric or paper strips to curl your hair without spending any money.

The main gist is that you wrap individual wet strands of hair around the rod/fabric strip and secure the whole thing by tying it together at the end. Once the hair completely dries, you can unravel the knots and the result will be beautiful and effortless curls.

The Roller Method

Straight hair seems like a far-fetched dream, especially if you’re not using a robust heating tool, but wait! There is another less damaging way by which you can straighten the majority of your hair.

For this, you need hair rollers and pins. Wet your hair and section it into thin strands. Wrap each strand around the roller and secure it in place with pins. Repeat the process until all of the hair is rolled. Wait for the hair to dry and unravel the rollers. Your will have super straight hair with a slight wave at the end that looks stunning.

Beach Waves With Salt Spray

Beach waves are tousled, bouncy, and extremely wearable. Guess what? You can achieve them without heat too! You need a good salt spray for your hair. Salt is nature’s hair spray and it adds a lot of body and texture to the hair, which is perfect for that beachy wave look.

Wet your hair. Then, apply salt spray to your hair. Give your locks a finger comb and a toss here and there, and you’re good to go!

When In Doubt, Scrunch

Scrunching hair is a very old technique that a lot of curly-haired girls use to give their unruly mane a tousled look. If you want to add some definition to your curls or a slight wave to your normally straight hair, then you need to try this trick out. It works best on wet hair.

Gather a reasonable section in your hand and scrunch it up towards the root. This will give your hair a very subtle wave and definition which you can then hold in place with hairspray.

Use Air-Dry Cream

For all of you curly-haired ladies, non-damaging heatless alternatives have you covered too. If you want to redefine the coil in your hair without putting it through the detrimental effects of heat, then an air-dry cream will be your best friend.

Apply the product generously on your wet hair and let it air dry. You will see how defined the strands will look and there’s no need for heating tools or diffusers. You can also use it on straight hair to give your mane a curly and wavy look.

Hair Wrapping

If you don’t have hair rollers on hand and want an instant way to straighten your hair without using a flat iron, then this technique will be a lifesaver for you.

Hair wrapping is also a very ancient technique used by women to naturally straighten their hair because heat tools were not a thing back in the 1800s. Hair wrapping is the technique of wrapping your wet hair around your head, in the opposite direction and pinning it in place.

Once the hair has dried, you can unravel the hair from the pins and brush it in the other direction and this is how you can achieve straight hair without putting it through the torture of heat.

It’s a lifesaver for women who just got highlights or balayage from a balayage salon Potomac and want straight hair. But they have to wait a bit because they can’t try a permanent hair straightening treatment right away after dyeing their hair.

Flip For More Volume

More often than not, women style their hair because they want to add a bit of oomph to their volume-deprived mane. Well, there is a way by which you can add instant poof and volume to your tresses without having to plug in the heat tools.

Wrap your hair over your head in a high top knot. Secure the hair with a claw clip and keep it like this between 30 minutes to an hour. The longer you keep the top knot in, the more long-lasting the volume will be. Once you let your hair down, the crown will have tons of volume.

Ponytail For Straight Hair

If you want your hair to remain straight after styling, then a ponytail will be your savior. Grab your hair and put it up in a ponytail of low to medium height. You don’t want to put your hair up too high, otherwise, gravity is going to pull on your hair a lot and the strands might break under severe tension. A ponytail also gets rid of the frizz and makes you look put-together.

Naturally Crimped Hair

French braids can be used to crimp your hair. Hair crimpers are all the rage right now, but there is a less damaging way by which you can achieve the same look. Braid your wet hair in French braids and if you want, you can start from the top of the head to give your entire mane a beautiful texture.

Once the braids are in place, you will need to wait for the hair to dry completely, before unraveling it to reveal naturally crimped hair. Lastly, set it in place with hairspray.

Conclusion

These tips and tricks will give you amazing results similar to any heat styling tool, but without the baggage of damage and frizz. These techniques are excellent for those who don’t want hair damage due to heat and also those who got hair extensions from salons that do hair extensions Potomac.

Categories
Business

How To Move Manufacturing Equipment?

Work in port coal transshipment terminal.

Manufacturing equipment is used all around the world in different types of industries to handle extremely heavy weights. Sometimes, the manufacturing equipment needs to be moved depending on the project or if a new facility has been purchased. Industrial rigging and moving manufacturing equipment are not easy. We are going to take you through the process of moving manufacturing equipment to help prevent accidents.

Make A Plan

When it comes to moving manufacturing equipment, you must create a plan. During the moving phase, you are going to need every minute especially if you plan on continuing production. Moving can surely be a time-consuming process and you need to think it through to prevent any accidents.

The biggest advantage of planning is that it allows you to foresee common issues and deal with them before they hinder your movement. Furthermore, it is also important to communicate the plan with the shareholders and people involved like the owner and managers of the equipment and the movers.

If you are moving the equipment to a new facility, you will need to hire the team to make preparations accordingly. Having a plan helps you tackle complications even before you experience them. This saves a lot of time and effort. For instance, if you are traveling through the highway, you might need to consult the authorities if a permit is required.

Otherwise, you will simply end up being caught by law enforcement agencies and may have to pay a hefty fine. If required, hire a reputable moving company as well if you do not have the manpower to handle the task. Because these companies use the most reliable techniques and equipment, you wouldn’t have to worry about things going awry midway.

Consider All Business Records And Inventory Needs

When it is time to move the manufacturing equipment, it is easy to get carried away with the process without having to mind the minor details. But during and after the move, you have to put up with another headache of finding the relevant documents. That said, before you even plan on moving the manufacturing equipment, you should have all the records in order.

The reason is that while moving, the state authorities may stop the move and inquire about the equipment. Furthermore, another reason is that when you move to another location, you need to make sure the records are organized and intact. Plus, create a backup for the most important documents and keep them in a secure place. It’s better to have some copies of the documents that you’ll need.

Find The Right Team You For Moving The Equipment

When moving the manufacturing equipment, you might have different teams involved in the process as well. The team helping you move will be different from the ones that operate the machines. On top of that, the moving process will surely create additional tasks that will require extra professional help.

So, the burden is going to fall on your shoulders. This means that you should also come up with a plan for bringing together the right team. If there are people who are not going to join the new facility, you should let them go. It might be that some workers are simply not willing to help or can’t take up the job in the new location of the facility.

To prevent discomfort, you must hire a mover who can help with the moving process. They will have special tools and equipment for bringing the equipment to the trucks or loaders and also for safely transporting the manufacturing equipment to its destination.

This is an important part of the moving process. You can’t trust anyone to move your expensive manufacturing equipment. Any improper method can result in damage to the equipment. In some cases, wrong rigging practices can lead to accidents and injuries to people. So, only trust an experienced heavy machinery moving MD service.

Make A Plan For The New Facility

While making a plan for moving the manufacturing equipment is necessary, you should also plan for the new facility. However, this plan is going to be different. In this plan, you are going to think about placing the equipment. Instead of waiting for the equipment to move and planning afterward, you should think about it before everything goes into place, saving a lot of time.

Another advantage of planning for the new facility is that you will be able to utilize the space the right way. From the outside, it might seem as if you have a lot of space to spare but things are a lot different when the equipment is being moved and placed. Therefore, be ready and plan it out.

Audit The Machines

Perhaps the most important part of moving the manufacturing equipment is auditing the equipment. Auditing means you need to record the condition of the machines before and after the equipment is transported. The reason is that some transporters are careless with the machines and might end up damaging them.

On top of that, if you do not have any proof, you soon find yourself engaged in hours of discussion about who did it. That said, perform a thorough inspection of the machines and take pictures and videos. Plus, you might have some equipment that is not worth moving.

The auditing process will make you think through to save effort and time. If not, the new facility will easily get cluttered with you having to spend extra time filtering and organizing them.

Make Clear Instructions For The Move

As mentioned earlier, all the stakeholders should be informed when the moving process is about to take place. Additionally, you should also make clear instructions about the moving process. Since you will be working with a team of movers and crane operators, you need to distribute the responsibilities so that everyone is aware of what needs to be done.

The moving process can be a mentally and physically draining and can take a toll on the team. This makes it easy for them to forget their roles as they are engaged in tackling additional tasks. Therefore, each step of the moving process should be communicated in detail so that everyone fulfills their roles accordingly.

Check The Machines After Transportation

Once the machines have moved to a new location, you should check them especially if you were not physically present during the process. This is because you can ensure everything is intact and there are no damages or missing pieces. The last thing you would want is a piece of equipment not working at the new site, even though it was working before being transported.

If there is anything unusual, you should communicate with the transportation team. It might be they have missed out on something in a hurry. At the same time, ask your team to double check all the details so no mistake occurs.

Conclusion

Moving manufacturing equipment takes time and patience. This is why planning is the most important factor as you will need to prepare yourself for the unexpected as well. At the same time, keep your team and the equipment in check. The key is to avoid accidents and keep up with the timeline. And, if nothing else, hire a rigging service DC that will do most of the hard work with you and your team overlooking the process.

Categories
Business

How To Extend The Life Of A Commercial Deep Fryer?

Kitchen appliances in professional kitchen in a restaurant, nobody

Commercial deep fryers are heavy-duty machines specifically designed to cook a large batch of meals at the same time. In most cases, commercial fryers are used throughout the day, which can take a toll on their health and lifespan. However, one way to ensure that your commercial deep fryer performs effortlessly for years to come is through maintenance by a commercial appliances repair professional. Here’s what you should do to extend the life of your deep fryer.

Clean It Everyday

As mentioned earlier, commercial deep fryers are mostly used throughout the day which eventually turn into weeks and months. Like other commercial appliances that require regular maintenance, your commercial deep fryers needs it as well. Plus, since they are dealing with oil, there is a high chance, that grease, dirt, leftover food items, etc. create problems for the unit.

That said, the first thing you need to ensure when it comes to maintaining a commercial deep fryer is maintaining it every day, especially if you own a restaurant. If your business specializes in selling fried food products, then you need to be extra careful about the deep fryer as even a minor problem could halt the process and cost you customers let alone money.

The best time to clean a commercial deep fryer is when the restaurant has closed. You do not need to deep clean it every day but simply clean the exterior and oil and grease accumulation. For deep cleaning, make sure you hire an expert.

Clean After Changing The Frying Oil

A common mistake made by business owners is not cleaning the commercial deep fryer after changing the oil. The oil inside the deep fryer heats up via the heating elements that are immersed in oil. That said, it is equally important that you clean the heating components as well when there is an oil change.

If ignored, the heating elements will get covered with oil and grime, affecting the heating capability. However, depending on the model, the cleaning process of your commercial deep fryer may vary. Therefore, you will need to consult the user manual.

Furthermore, do not attempt to clean the heating elements right after turning it off because they will be hot. You should wait for the machine to cool down a bit and use the right tools and techniques to clean them.

Deep Clean

It is often that business owners confuse regular cleaning with deep cleaning. In reality, these are two different things. Deep cleaning is thoroughly cleaning the commercial deep fryer from the inside out. How often to deep clean your deep fryer depends on the usage frequency of the commercial deep fryer.

Moreover, when it comes to deep cleaning a commercial deep fryer, the task should always be performed by a professional. You have to keep in mind that commercial deep fryers have several different components. Therefore, if you were to do it on your own, not only will you risk injuring yourself but also damage the expensive components.

While looking for an expert, you will come across many that are willing to offer their services at a price lower than the market average. You might be tempted to hire them but bear that in your mind that you are taking a huge risk. An inexperienced individual will only ruin the machine and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.

That is why, you should first reach out to the manufacturer. If they can send someone, you should not have to worry. However, if your deep fryer is old and the manufacturer does not offer services for older models, you will need to look around and ask your colleagues or friends for references.

You should also check with the manufacturer of your other appliances like the oven and steamer for service because manufacturers offer high-quality service. But if your appliances are a bit older, you should consult commercial steamer repair Alexandria technicians.

Additional Deep Fryer Cleaning Tips

In addition to deep cleaning your commercial deep fryer, it is important to be aware of other techniques that might affect the performance and lifespan of the unit. For instance, you should be careful about the quality of the oil you use. From the outside, frying oils may look the same but possess different qualities.

To begin with, you should make sure you use the oil recommended by the manufacturer and keep it within the recommended temperature range. Modern commercial deep fryers come with temperature control and you need to be familiar with how it works.

It is often that business owners prefer cooking food items at a higher temperature to speed up the process. That does not hurt if you are in a hurry but if you make it a habit, you will not only waste the oil but also damage the machine.

Additionally, you also need to filter the oil. Although, you will be changing the oil after every few uses, filtering the oil will keep the deep fryer clean and prevent affecting the taste of the food.

How Often Should You Clean Deep Fryer Oil?

If you are using the fryer daily, you will need to change the oil at least twice a week. However, if the deep fryer is used only a few times, then after a few weeks. Additionally, if you do not know to tell if the oil needs changing, you will need to take a closer look.

Try to smell the oil and see if it smells like burning. If it smells bad, you will need an oil change. Secondly, you can also check the condition of the oil via food. If your food smells or tastes burnt, it means the oil needs replacing. Finally, if the color of the food is darker than usual, it is a sure sign the oil needs to be replaced.

Can I Deep Clean The Fryer On My Own?

If for some reason, you are not able to hire an expert, you can deep clean the fryer on your own as well. The first thing to do is ensure the fryer is cool. So, wait until the fryer cools down. To do that, turn off the deep fryer and disconnect its cord from the power source.

Avoid accidents and use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is cool. Then, grab the user manual and use it as a guide to drain the oil. Place a bucket or something similar underneath to prevent spilling. If it is clean oil, you will need to properly cover and store it for a while until it can be used again.

Take out any removable parts like buckets, joiner strips, etc., and soak them in soap and hot water. The hot water will help oil and grease break down. Once that is done, use a soft cleaning brush and remove any leftover fried debris. For tougher spots, you will need to use special tools or simply your hand.

You can use off-the-shelf products to clean both the inside and outside of the fryer. Finally, rinse the areas using tap water and dry them with a soft cloth. Make sure you do not use abrasive chemicals or rough cleaning techniques that might damage the fryer.

Conclusion

You can increase the lifespan of your commercial deep fryer maintenance if you follow the tips mentioned above. The best way to ensure this is by developing a maintenance schedule and hiring a deep fryer repair Springfield expert for deep cleaning sessions and repairs. If not, you can always do it on your own provided you have the skills and tools.

Categories
Home Improvement

7 Disadvantages Of Porcelain Countertops

There are many countertop materials, and they’re used in kitchens, bathroom, and other places where countertops are necessary. Here is everything that makes porcelain a no-go material for a lot of people who are considering countertop replacement.

It Can Crack Easily

If you think that porcelain is a durable material, then think again. Yes, it’s not as fragile as marble where it can scratch and stain, but it’s not any less either. Porcelain is a very soft material and if you drop something on it from a reasonable height, then you better believe that the impact is going to impart some damage to the countertop.

This material can shatter like nothing else, and if you’re trying to test its strength by standing on top of it, then you’re going to break the countertops. It’s not advised that you put your entire weight on these countertops, because they won’t be able to sustain it. Also, knives are not meant to be used directly on the surface of porcelain countertops, because scratches will form and they won’t look pretty.

It’s also a nightmare to get these scratches filled without making things look too obvious and in certain lights, the gaps will show and that’s going to add to the unpleasantness of the appearance of porcelain. So, if a material is that fragile, then you should try your luck out with different materials that are going to last for a decent amount of time.

An Overall Fragile Material

You’ve heard of accidents during installation, but porcelain takes this scenario to a whole new level. It’s a very hard material to deal with because it’s heavy, but the heaviness doesn’t equal strength. It’s pretty much a pain in the neck to install.

Porcelain tiles might be a bit easier to install, but they’re too delicate and they can shatter upon impact with something heavy, so they’re a no-go. As for slabs, the bigger they get, the harder it will be for the contractor to install them in your bathroom or kitchen and small cracks and chips will be inevitable.

The installation of materials should be easy and if you’re holding your breath all the time, just because porcelain might break or chip, then is it the best choice of material to go for? You probably know the answer, but it’s not. It’s better to invest your time and money in a material that’s going to be installed a lot more easily and there won’t be any issues, because who likes a shattered countertop, right upon installation? Probably no one.

It Doesn’t Last Long

You might be sick and tired of hearing this, but porcelain just isn’t as durable as it is marketed to be. It is a beautiful stone to look at, no doubt, but beauty isn’t everything, most of the time. There are a lot of natural and man-made stones that surpass in strength and durability and they’re the ones that you need to go for.

Porcelain is also a pretty light material, so scratches can be highlighted pretty easily in certain lights as well. It can also stain like no other countertop material and that’s a huge bummer because the light-colored porcelain looks very muddy once there are stains on the surface.

As for general strength, you already got the gist, but it doesn’t last for centuries like granite and quartz and although it’s not as bad, the price you’re paying for does not make up for the longevity.

People prefer countertop materials that are going to last a decent amount of time, but if it’s something like porcelain, then it’s safe to say that it will only last you for a few years before you need to change the countertops because the damage will make itself known. So, if you need more durable countertops, select granite or quartz countertops NC. Quartz is even water-resistant.

Not So Famous

Porcelain, believe it or not, is not such a famous material. There are not a lot of retailers and manufacturers that specialize in porcelain and they only have it available, because people still use it in bathroom countertops and fixtures. However, if you think that porcelain has a high retail rate, then you’re gravely mistaken. It’s not a famous countertop material among people, which is why it doesn’t have any designated retailers as well.

There will be stores where people have porcelain available and they can make slabs for countertops, but there aren’t any independent manufacturers that solely deal with porcelain countertops, so that fact, itself, speaks for the popularity of the material.

It’s A Sponge

Porcelain, even though it’s used in bathrooms and kitchens, is not the best when it comes to protection against water and moisture. It’s a sponge that soaks up all of the liquid present on the surface and if water penetrates deep into the material, it can rot and get ruined like nothing else. Sealing porcelain is a must, but do you need this material, after all of the things you need to go through to protect from something inevitable?

There are a plethora of materials that you can choose from that won’t be ruined by water damage and they don’t even need to be sealed, like quartz, quartzite, and granite (although it does need to be sealed), and there’s not a whole lot of maintenance involved in these materials as well. So, if you’re trying to decide on which countertop material to choose, then take some time to make the right choice.

No Variety In Edges

Countertop edges are a very important thing to go over, but with porcelain, there aren’t a lot of choices to begin with. You can only go for straight-edged countertops or angled edges, other than these two options, there isn’t a single design that can be fabricated on this material. Why’s that, you ask?

Well, the main problem with porcelain is the fact that it’s extremely fragile, so during shaving and fabrication, the sides can break and chip and it’s just impossible to create any other edge design on the countertops.

It is highly frustrating because edges add a lot of character and beauty to the countertops and if you can’t have any edge design that your heart desires, then the material isn’t worth it, because there are a ton of other kitchen countertop materials out there that can be fabricated according to your preferences.

Adds No Value

Lastly, unlike granite and quartz, which are highly popular materials among people, porcelain doesn’t add any value to your house. There’s no return on investment, as far as this material is concerned and that can be pretty discouraging.

If you’re spending almost the same amount of money as granite, then you would expect that there would be some ROI, but with porcelain, that’s not the case. So, judging by the comparison, you already know which material is better, based on popularity.

Conclusion

If you like porcelain and want to give it a try, then you might want to stop and take another look at the things that break this material. You don’t want to put your money where it isn’t worth it. Get assistance from a granite countertop installer Durham NC to find out the best countertop material for your needs.

Categories
Home Improvement

7 Reasons Your Furnace Clicks But Doesn’t Turn On

New home construction with installation of heating system in basement of house under remodeling

A furnace is designed to keep your house warm and cozy when the temperature is freezing outside. The last thing you want is the furnace malfunctioning. Even if your furnace is properly maintained, it can still experience problems for which you will have to consult HVAC companies. Here are some tips that will help troubleshoot the problem.

Dirty Or Worn Motor Bearings

One of the reasons your furnace is clicking but does not turn on is dirty or worn-out motor bearings in the inducer or blower motor. Although bearings do not require frequent replacement and will last several years they do come with a lifespan.

If the fan shafts and inducer blower have layers of dirt and grime on them or have worn over time, they will produce a large clicking sound. Plus, a dirty or rusty shaft in the blower motor can also cause the bearings to click. To fix the issue, you can try cleaning the dirt and grime and lubricating the bearings.

Both cases will help reduce the clicking noise but if the furnace still does not turn on, the parts might need replacement. If the situation is beyond lubricating and the parts have simply worn, there is nothing much you can do but purchase new parts.

Gas Line Issue

Another common reason a furnace clicks but does not turn on is insufficient gas supply. This usually happens if the gas line connected to your furnace is either blocked or is too small to provide sufficient gas to the furnace. That said, if the gas valve or supply is obstructed, the furnace will not be able to receive enough gas to generate heat which will leave you with no warmth.

Once you have determined there is no fault with the furnace but with the gas supply, you will need to call a technician who can perform a thorough inspection of the system.

In addition to that, your furnace might also not turn on if it requires a gas line larger than the one it is using. Then again, you cannot change the gas line on your own and you do not need to. You can simply contact the manufacturer or the gas supply company and purchase an adapter that helps you connect to a larger gas line.

However, you will need to make sure the furnace neither receives too less nor too much gas. In the case of a furnace receiving too much gas, it might damage the internal parts. On the other hand, having too little gas is easily solvable by using an adjustable regulator.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Even though this is obvious, some homeowners still tend to ignore this common fact. If nothing else, check the thermostat and make sure it is set to heat. The temperature inside your house should be colder than the adjusted temperature. If neither of these issues works, you should try switching the fan switch to “ON” and see if the furnace turns on.

If the doesn’t, it most likely means that your thermostat either needs calibration or has malfunctioned. Keep in mind that a thermostat communicates with the furnace via signals. So, if there is a fault within, it won’t communicate properly and leave the furnace in a confused position.

If you have a modern furnace, the thermostat will display an error if something has gone wrong. To read the error, you will need to consult the user manual.

Replace The Air Filters

People having their first time with a furnace have a slight problem understanding the furnace system. As such, most of the time they are not even aware of the fact that furnaces also consist of air filters. These filters are designed to remove contaminants from the conditioned air supplied to the house.

Similar to the air conditioner, air filters tend to become clogged over time. This means for the furnace to function smoothly. The air filters need to be inspected regularly and cleaned. However, if that is not the case, do not be surprised if your furnace does not turn on.

Modern advanced furnaces are equipped with a bunch of safety features that force the unit to stop working if they sense anything wrong. That said, if the air filters are dirty, the unit will have a hard time distributing air. In some cases, it might also overheat.

As a result, the safety feature kicks in and forcibly shuts down the furnace to prevent expensive repairs and replacements. To avoid such issues, you should consult the user manual and follow the maintenance schedule.

Dirty Gas Burners

Not only do the air filters stop working in case of dirt and dust accumulation but also the gas burners. The gas burners need to ignite at the same time, flow, and height to ensure proper heat production. But if there is a problem with even a single burner, the heat production is not going to be efficient.

Then again, dirt and dust accumulation might be the cause. Gas burners often go ignored just because homeowners are scared to go near them. There is nothing to be nervous about if you have disconnected the furnace from the gas line.

Make sure that you do not use inflammable materials while working on or near the furnace or the gas line. Furthermore, cleaning dirty gas burners requires a lot of time and effort. We suggest hiring furnace repair services Arlington who will ensure your furnace is thoroughly clean from the inside out and repair or replace any faulty components.

Faulty Flame Sensor

If your furnace is clicking but is not turning on, you might have a problem with the thermocouple. The flame sensor detects faulty flame signals. Upon detecting the signal, it shuts down the furnace. If the flame sensor is faulty, it can cause your furnace to run continuously, eventually leading to overheating.

To fix the issue, you will need to call a professional who can take a closer look at the problem. If the flame sensor is broken, it will simply be replaced.

Faulty Ignition Sensor

The ignition sensor or pilot light is the most common reason a furnace clicks but does not turn on. However, determining and replacing a faulty ignition sensor is relatively easy to fix and you might be able to solve the issue on your own.

The first thing you need to do is grab the user manual and use the right tools to gain access to the ignition sensor. In most furnaces, it is located near the burners but depending on the make, model, and variant, the location might vary.

If the ignitor or sensor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned. Remove and clean it using a soft cloth ensuring you do not break it. Once you are done, re-install the sensor and turn on the gas supply to see if the furnace fires up.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when furnace problems were complicated to fix. All you need to do is determine the source of the problem and follow the tips mentioned above to fix it within a few minutes. However, make sure to keep an eye out for unusual signs and perform regular maintenance. Also, hire furnace services Tyson’s Corner when required for maintenance or repairs.

Categories
Health

Hidden Allergy Triggers And How To Avoid Them

Asian young woman suffering from allergies to cat's fur and sneezes. Attractive beautiful girl use laptop computer work from home and put tissue cover her nose while sneezing due to pet's fur allergy.

More often than not, allergies are caused due to negligence on our part because there are a handful of hidden allergens out there that could trigger an allergy almost instantly. This is why you should figure with the help of your allergy doctor which allergens you have to avoid. Here are some hidden allergy triggers and ways to avoid them.

Hidden Allergy Triggers

Triggers or allergens are foreign compounds that are found in nature, as well as in different foods and animals, that can go into the bodies of people with weak immune systems and lead to severe allergies and reactions because there aren’t any antibodies to help fight off this invasion.

Allergens, most of the time, are hidden and microscopic. This can lead to a lot of issues, especially if you’re trying to figure out what type of allergy you suffer from and what you should avoid in order to prevent allergies and reactions from getting aggravated.

Here is a list of allergens or triggers that can be hidden in plain sight and, once inside your body, can lead to harmful reactions.

  • Pollen from flowers in the spring and summertime.
  • Dust mites, especially in dusty and isolated places.
  • Hay or ragweed, which are dried plants and can cause allergies.
  • Pet fur, saliva, and dander can easily inflame the skin and lead to reactions in the body.
  • Insects that bite, like bees, hornets, cockroaches, and more.
  • Certain foods like wheat, nuts, milk, and dairy are indigestible by the stomach.

How To Prevent Severe Allergies?

Here are some ways by which you can prevent allergens from entering your body and causing allergies.

Make Lifestyle Changes

There are a lot of lifestyle changes that you can make if you’re allergic to certain things and want to prevent the allergens from making things worse.

You should try to strengthen your immune system, by starting to exercise, eating good food, and taking daily supplements and vitamins, because a lot of the time, allergies and their corresponding reactions are caused by deficiencies in the body that could lead to a weak immune system.

Get An Air Purifier

It’s best to keep your windows closed, especially if it’s a windy day out, but if you still want to get some fresh air circulation in your room, then you need to look into buying an air purifier.

An air purifier is like a filter, but for your windows, where it filters the incoming air from the outside and removes all sorts of allergens, toxins, and other harmful substances, so that you can breathe easily, without worrying about inhaling allergens.

Invest In A Humidifier

One of the worst parts about getting allergies is that your nose and throat get extremely dry, even if you’re not actively going through an allergic reaction. This is where an air humidifier will be handy. An air humidifier makes the surrounding air moist, by diffusing small water droplets through a machine that looks kind of like a facial steamer.

Although it is not exactly a device used to prevent allergens from invading your body, it’s still a good investment for people suffering from allergies. You can even add essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, to help soothe your nasal airways and you will see a huge difference in the way you breathe.

So, if this is something you suffer from, when getting an allergic reaction, then getting a humidifier is a good thing.

Carry Allergy Medicine

If you’ve already established that you suffer from a specific type of allergy and don’t want any unpleasant surprises, then it’s best if you carry your allergy medication with you at all times. You can carry your pills in your bag, in your pocket, or keep them in your car, in case of emergencies, so that you can treat the problem right away and feel better.

Try Allergy Shots

If you’re not a fan of constantly taking medicine, then you can also consider allergy shots administered in an allergy center Germantown. It is also known as immunotherapy and it’s a type of treatment, in which your immune system is exercised to be stronger, through the injection of allergens and triggers in your body. This invasion allows the body to fight off allergens naturally, by producing antibodies, and after a couple of appointments, you’ll see a significant difference.

Although immunotherapy is a great treatment option to consider, it doesn’t work for all kinds of allergies. So far, it’s been effective in getting rid of pollen, dust, hay, and some food allergies for good.

Choose Your Food Carefully

Food can also be the main culprit that can hide a lot of allergens in it. This is why you need to be careful when eating food, especially if you have a history of getting sick after eating foods like dairy, milk, cheese, nuts, oils, seeds, gluten, wheat, legumes, and more.

Food allergies are the most vigorous types of allergies and they can turn into medical emergencies pretty quickly, which is why you should be careful when making choices about what to eat, anywhere you go.

Maintaining A Good Hygiene

A huge chunk of treating and preventing allergies is by taking care of your hygiene. Good hygiene and clean surroundings will make all of the difference. You need to regularly change your clothes, even if you’re not going anywhere because allergens and triggers have a tendency to latch onto clothing and they can provide easy access to your eyes, nose, and mouth.

It’s also a good idea to shower as soon as you get home from outside because your skin can be covered in a number of allergens and you don’t want them going inside your body.

Eating A Balanced Diet

You can’t just rely on physical changes and hope that your allergies are gone for good. Aside from avoiding allergens, you should also make an effort to build the immunity of your body through a balanced diet.

After getting an idea about the food allergies and mineral deficiencies you have, it’s a good time to start making alterations in your diet. Try to eat whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes (if you’re not allergic), natural fats, and leafy greens. You can also get your daily fruit intake with freshly pressed juices and smoothies and those things are going to give you a boost of energy as well.

Take Proper Precaution

It’s good to be aware of allergens and triggers and this is why your own research matters a lot too. A lot of the time, people can turn a blind eye to matters like allergies and they tend to not take anything too seriously until the matter is out of their hands.

So, try to be cautious about your health and if you see any change in your health or a slight reaction to normal things, then you should immediately contact an allergist and get this problem sorted as soon as possible.

Conclusion

It’s good to know how hidden triggers can lead to severe allergies. Once you get rid of the root of the cause, aka the allergen or trigger, then allergies and reactions will be suppressed automatically. So, visit your allergy specialist Manassas for diagnosis and follow the treatments and precautions advised by your allergist.

Categories
Home Improvement

Why Won’t My Oven Turn Off?

Ovens are one of the most important kitchen appliances that allow you to consume warm meals. Like other electric appliances, ovens tend to run into problems such as not turning off. This could quickly turn into a frustrating issue especially if you want to get several meals ready. Sometimes, you have the only option to consult an appliance repair technician. However, you should not panic. We will share a few tips on how to troubleshoot an oven that fails to turn off.

Knobs, Dials And Buttons

The first thing you need to do if your oven is not turning off is inspect the knobs, dials, and buttons. Sometimes, dirt, dust, and grime accumulation impede the functioning of such components and might not allow the unit to turn off. The best way to fix the issue is by removing all the gunk inside the controls.

Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure to unplug and disconnect the unit from the main power source. Plus, the unit should not be hot. If it is, let it cool down first and then you can begin cleaning it. Grab the user manual and follow the instructions to remove the knobs, dials, and buttons.

If the unit happens to be old, be extra careful as the knobs, dials, and buttons may be sensitive. Use a soft toothbrush or any other cleaning item to access the narrow areas. Once you are done cleaning, reattach the components and try turning them on and off the unit.

While cleaning, also inspect the knobs, dials, and buttons for cracks and damages. If that is the case, it might prevent the unit from communicating or following instructions properly. And plus, opt for the exact replacements for the unit.

Control Board

The control board is the mother of all components inside the oven. It serves as the brain of the unit and receives commands from the user. When you adjust the temperature or the duration of the warming process, it is the control board that follows the instructions.

These are electrical components that last several years before giving up. Plus, control boards need a solid reason for replacement. In most cases, they wear out due to electric surges. Furthermore, there is also a chance that the control board becomes filled with soot and debris that causes it to overheat or miscommunicate.

To fix the issue, you will need to access the control board. Then again, consult the user manual to remove the unit’s cover and other parts. Once accessed, use a soft cleaning tool and liquid to remove the accumulation.

Keep in mind that you have to be extremely careful here as even a minor mistake can cost you the entire control board and they do not come cheap. Check the board for damage as well. If you spot any unusual signs, you will need to get it repaired and replaced.

Relay Board

The relay board is responsible for controlling and regulating the voltage in the oven’s heating element. The control board sends electrical signals to the relay board, which starts or stops the flow of electricity to the oven’s heating coils. If the relay board happens to be faulty, the control board will not be able to communicate with the relay board.

On the other hand, the relay board will not be able to receive signals from the control board. This means the relay board is broken and will need to be replaced. Simply access the unit by removing the outer parts. Remove the current relay board and replace it with a new one. Test the oven to see if it is working perfectly.

If the situation does not get fixed, you will need to consult an expert as the problem might be a bit more complicated.

Thermostat

A thermostat is another electronic component that keeps track of the temperature inside the oven. Once the unit has achieved the desired temperature the thermostat commends the control board to limit or stop the flow of electricity or gas. As a result, it tells the heating coils to stop heating.

If the unit happens to be old, it is likely that the extreme temperatures have caused the thermostat to malfunction. A sure sign that a thermostat has given up is the oven will fail to turn off. In this case, the thermostat will not communicate with the control board and will confuse the oven.

As a result, the oven will continue running now knowing that it has already achieved the desired temperature because the thermostat is not sending any signals. It could also be that the thermostat has lost its calibration.

To inspect the thermostat, you will need to access it and use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the device shows a negative reading, it means the thermostat will need replacement.

Depending on the make, model, and variant of the oven, it might be a bit difficult to replace the thermostat. So, either consult the user manual or an expert.

Thermostat issues are common in many appliances. Many times, a refrigerator is not cooling or not working due to a faulty thermostat. However, it should be inspected and replaced by a refrigerator repair Alexandria expert.

Bake Element

The bake element is responsible for heating up the air inside the oven. If the oven fails to turn off, the bake element will overheat to the point where it will glow red. This could damage the heating element beyond repair and might even start a fire in the worst-case scenario.

To troubleshoot the issue, you will need to turn off the oven and inspect the bake element for any damages. Make sure to access the element when the oven is cool. If the element happens to be broken, you will need to fix it.

Purchase a new replacement from the manufacturer and replace the existing one with it. Test the oven for proper functioning.

Broil Element

The broil element is similar to the heating element except for the fact that it is installed in the ceiling of the oven. If the broil element tends to malfunction, it might not allow the oven to turn off. Then again, you will need to access the element for inspection.

Such elements cannot be repaired and only be replaced. However, check the element using a multimeter. If it shows a negative reading, it means there is something wrong with it, and will need replacement.

Should I Replace My Oven If It Won’t Shut Off?

Electric ovens have a lifespan of up to 10 to 15 years if they are maintained properly. It is normal for electric appliances to run into problems and that does not mean you should replace your existing one every time. However, if the oven is old and regularly breaks down, you need to consider a replacement.

There is no point in spending money on expensive repairs and replacements, you can simply save that money and buy a new oven. A unit older than 10 years is not worth putting in the time, effort, and money.

Conclusion

An oven not turning off demands immediate attention. Follow the tips mentioned above to identify and kickstart the issue. However, you should also have an oven repair Northern VA expert on your side to help you with complicated issues. Plus, make sure to maintain the oven to prevent both minor and major problems down the road.