If your electric dryer is not getting hot or takes too long to dry clothes, you may have a faulty electric dryer heating element. Here are some easy steps on how to test this dryer component:

1. Ensure Safety.

Unplug your dryer. Before you start inspecting your electric dryer or any other electrical appliance, always make sure it’s disconnected from the power supply. Neglecting to do this greatly increases the risk of electrical shock.

2. Locate the Heating Element.

An electric dryer heating element is like a metal panel or box that is often located in the dryer’s back. However, different dryers may vary in the location of the heating element. If you’re not sure where the heating element of your dryer is, refer to the product manual to quickly locate it.

3. Remove the Heating Element.

To access a heating element located in the back of a dryer, unscrew the back panel and set it aside. Disconnect the wire from the dryer’s high-limit thermostat. Next, disconnect the wire of the heating element and unscrew it.

To access a heating element located in the front of a dryer, remove the front bottom panel of the dryer by unfastening the clips that hold it in place. Disconnect all wires connected to the heating element and unscrew the element to remove it.

4. Check Coils.

Inspect the coils to see if any are disconnected or damaged. If you find such issues, the electric dryer heating element will have to be replaced. Otherwise, continue the test.

5. Set Your Multi-meter.

To start the testing, you should set the multi-meter to the lowest setting (Rx1) on the resistance scale.

6. Take a Reading.

Take one probe of the multi-meter and touch it to one of the heating element terminals, take the other probe, and touch it to the other terminal. If the heater is working fine, you should get a high resistance reading up to 50 ohms. However, if the reading shows infinite resistance, then the heating element has failed and needs replacement.

Call In a Pro!

If you find that the electric dryer heating element is functioning, then you need to look for other possible causes for your dryer’s failure to heat. Consider calling in a professional to help with diagnosing and resolving the problem.

If you have a faulty heating element, you’ll also need expert help to replace it. TalkLocal specializes in matching homeowners with the right service professionals. Give us a try and find someone to fix your dryer quick.

When you build a home theater, you should think about the supplies that you will want while watching your favorite shows. These include food and drinks. This is why most home theater enthusiasts opt to install mini refrigerators, mini bars, and microwaves.

Microwaves are usually used to make popcorn or to heat pizza for those movie nights when you stay in and relax on the couch. Appliances installed in your home theater are an important part of your viewing experience.

Installing a Mini-fridge

When buying a mini-fridge, consider the capacity that you need. If you plan on having a lot of friends over, then you need a mini-fridge with a larger capacity.

When installing a mini-fridge, make sure you place it somewhere that’s readily accessible, even while you are viewing. Don’t place it at the other end of the room, that’s a long way to go just to grab a drink. Install it someplace where it’s out of the way yet convenient to access. When you build a home theater, ergonomics are an important part of the initial planning.

Installing a Mini-bar

Mini-bars are great for when you’re entertaining guests and want to serve drinks. Locate a mini bar in a corner of your home theater, out of the way. Stock it with your favorite liquor, so you can make cocktails that are sure to please your friends. It’s a good idea to have a small freezer near your mini bar so you can have access to ice when you need it.

Installing a Microwave

A microwave can be placed on the counter of your mini-bar. The microwave’s power supply should be out of the way so nobody will trip on it. Like all appliances, the best idea is to plan the microwave’s location before you start to build a home theater.

Need Help with Appliances?

Contact TalkLocal today and let use help you find a professional near your area in minutes! We can connect you with a reliable repair technician to keep all of you appliances up and running.

A large number of homeowners choose to invest a significant amount of money in first-class appliance, launched on the market by prestigious manufacturers, rather than opting for less-reliable products, introduced and promoted by obscure companies playing the affordability card.

In this context, some of them are interested in kitchen appliances brought to them by leading brands, like Wolf and Viking. What are the main differences between these two major brands? Why is the Wolf gas stove an excellent option for all family members who know how to appreciate a home-cooked meal?

Wolf appliances vs. Viking applieances

What are you generally asking for? Financial savings, increased durability, superior energy-efficiency, or perhaps you’d like to profit from all of the above? One thing’s for sure: When it comes to purchasing high-end kitchen appliances, most people are tempted to test the effectiveness of the well-liked Viking and Wolf gas stove. What are the unique attributes of these two types of increasingly popular items? Wolf puts a two-year guarantee on the table and launches products with heavier components and a much-appreciated cast-iron frame, the symbol of extended durability.

A Wolf gas stove with a cast-iron frame has a lifespan of up to 25 years, as long as it is utilized properly by its owner. However, generally speaking, Wolf appliances are a little heavier; this is why it is recommended to consult a specialist before installing a Wolf gas stove in your home.

In terms of heat output, Wolf burners provide anywhere from 500 BTU (British Thermal Units, an energy unit representing the equivalent of 1055 Joules) to approximately 16,000 BTU, while the heat output of Viking burners doesn’t exceed 15,000 BTU. Despite the fact that Wolf burners are the absolute winners in this category, when it comes to modern design specifications they are somehow still behind their main competitors, the well-known Viking burners, which offer diverse design possibilities (including the popular, mint or cobalt blue finishes) to their potential clients.

How to find the right Wolf gas stove

Wolf is definitely a powerful brand, selling modern, energy-efficient, durable, practical, fully functional gas stoves that come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, there are different product specifications that should be properly analyzed before making your final decision.

When in doubt, it is advisable to rely on a competent appliance repair specialist. Find the best experts in your area by simply consulting TalkLocal, your one-stop source of accurate, helpful information.

Millions of homeowners who want to purchase the best stove for their household are trying to find the most pertinent answer to the gas vs electric stove dilemma. Which type of stove is actually more effective, more affordable, and more eco-friendly? Which one represents a smart investment in any given set of circumstances? Keep reading to find out interesting details about gas stoves and electric stoves, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Gas vs Electric Stoves

In order to identify the right type of stove for your home, you have to compare gas and electric stoves in terms of affordability, energy savings, initial costs, maintenance costs, potential problems, eco-friendliness, and more.

Initial costs: You might be surprised to find out that gas and electric stoves cost approximately the same. For a high-end gas stove model, you could end up paying up to $2,300, while a premium electric stove could cost you approximately $2,800.

Energy savings: The initial savings are quite negligible, compared to the financial benefits triggered by energy savings promised by both types of stoves. Unfortunately, electric stoves are less suitable for people who want to profit from considerable energy savings. Clearly, gas stoves get bonus points in this case, because they allow the owner to control the amount of gas that gets released by simply operating the burner control knob. So if you hate the idea of throwing money out the window, gas stoves might be the optimal solution for you, because they’re more energy-efficient than their electric counterparts, and due to the fact that gas is normally more affordable than electricity.

Usability: Gas stoves are easier to use than electric stoves. Most cooks love gas stoves because they allow them to regulate the level of heat as they please by simply reducing or maximizing the flame at the touch of a button. Also, electric stoves preserve an elevated level of heat for a longer period of time after they’re turned off, unlike gas stoves, potentially burning your pots or ruining your culinary experiments.

Safety: In terms of safety, electric stoves are the absolute winner because they do not pose any safety risks. On the other hand, gas stoves could easily trigger dangerous gas leaks, potentially impacting the health and safety of all family members. Moreover, open flames can easily burn pets and small children.

How to Find the Perfect Appliance Repair Specialist

At some point in time, you might need to fix your refrigerator, replace your toaster, solve the gas vs electric stove dilemma, or identify truly energy-efficient appliances that will put more money in your pockets. For all of these assignments, it is advisable to count on skilled appliance repair specialists, found with just a little help from TalkLocal, your number one source of information. Solve your daily problems with minimal effort by shaking hands with great specialists operating in your own area.

Dryers employ forced heat in order to dry your clothes, which means that there must be an exhaust system of some kind. If the moist heat from the drying clothes can’t escape, the dryer’s contents would just stay hot and wet. This is where a dryer vent comes into play. A properly functioning vent is especially important on a gas-powered dryer due to of the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that comes conveniently packaged with your dryer. It must be purchased and installed separately. Here’s how to install a dryer vent.

Dryer Vent Installation

1. Choose your supplies carefully. Most dryers will accept a four-inch vent duct, which should never be made of flexible materials. Their inability to support their own weight can cause them to accumulate lint, which presents a serious fire hazard. Furthermore, any blockage of airflow can allow toxic carbon monoxide to build up in your home. The ducting you choose should be made exclusively of sheet metal. You’ll also need foil duct tape, a hole bit, power drill, caulking gun, and a tape measure.

2. Assuming you’ve already measured the shortest route to a ventilation area, you’ll need to cut a hole in the wall to make way for the vent. This is the most tedious part of dryer vent installation. Drill a pilot hole and go outside to confirm its position. If all looks well, use a power drill equipped with a four and one-quarter inch hole bit.

3. After the hole has been drilled, fit the vent cap into it, then fasten it into place using rust-resistant screws. When that’s finished, go inside and squeeze the ductwork into the back of the vent. Use a high-quality caulk to seal around the edges of the vent.

4. Depending on the location of your dryer and the construction of the room it’s in, you may need to install support for the ductwork. Stainless steel straps are best suited to this. Similarly, you should also use your foil duct tape to secure the piping joints together.

Need More Help?

Because some of the steps of dryer vent installation can be difficult, and because doing something wrong presents a danger, you might prefer to hire a professional to do this job. Fortunately, TalkLocal will connect you with an experienced, local appliance repair technician who can do the job right.

Many homeowners throughout the United State use radiators as a cheaper alternative to heating their homes. Some radiators even have a retro look to them, so it essentially doubles as a decorative piece.

There are many different types of radiators available on the market. They operate and generate heat in different ways. Finding the best types of radiators means pinpointing the radiator type that would work best in your home.

The following are some of the best types of radiators.

Fan-Assisted Radiators: These are popular among homeowners and could be perfect for your home or apartment because they are smaller than traditional radiators. These radiators do not have to be very big, because they use a fan to help usher the heat from the radiator into the home. The heat is generated from hot water and a heat exchanger, which is built into the unit.

Under-the-Floor Radiant Heating Systems: Considered to be some of the most up-to-date style of radiators, these are installed underneath the floor. These are also considered to be the most efficient way of heating a home.

Tubing is installed underneath the floor and heated with one of a number of different substances. The heat is then transformed into the room via convection. You do not even need ducts or vents.

Traditional Radiators: While some might consider these to be a bit outdated, many people still rely on traditional ribbed radiators to heat their homes. They have stood the test of time and could still be considered among the best types of radiators.

These radiators are comprised of pipes that carry heat throughout the radiator. This heats the air in the living space.

Is Your Radiator Busted?

If the radiator in your home or apartment ever breaks, it might mean a cold night for you. Luckily, with TalkLocal, you can get help immediately. Our service is designed for folks looking for service professionals in a pinch. We do all the work and deliver you results within minutes.