Do you need to get domestic and electrical appliances ready for the change of season?

When the season changes we modify the use we make of some domestic appliances. Some are hardly used, like the air conditioning in winter, and others are used during all the different seasons, as is the case of the refrigerator which never gets to rest.

So it is important to know that some require special care in order to optimise their maintenance and prolong their useful life. We will look at those devices that need to be serviced depending on the moment of the year and how to get the most out of your domestic appliances.

Winter is coming

Cold air begins to seep in through doors and windows, the time has come to use radiators and heaters again. Some of these electrical appliances are quite delicate, so they need to be looked at carefully before giving them prolonged use.

Electric radiators

Whether they are fixed to the wall or portable, they need to be cleaned every two or three weeks to ensure they work properly. Mainly because of draughts, they usually get covered with dust and even rust.

They should be unplugged, vacuum cleaned and then thoroughly cleaned with a feather duster or a cloth. You can use a cloth that has been moistened with a non-abrasive cleaning product to clean it better. Remember to also clean the cable and at the same time check to see if it has been damaged.

Before using it after a season out of use, always check that the radiator is not damaged in any way. Once the cold season has passed and the radiators are going to be stored, after cleaning they should be covered with a plastic sheet that protects them from damp and dirt. Always remember to roll up the cables and secure them with a wire or a rubber band and never bend or twist them.

Electric heater

The electric heater is another of the most common appliances used to heat homes. The outside can be cleaned with a duster and/or a damp cloth, provided that it has been unplugged (very important to avoid scares).

To clean the inside, you can unscrew the protective grid and use a duster or a small brush to clean off any dirt. The cable should also be kept clean and in good condition. If it is a small heater, you can clean it when it is facing down, so any particles that may have entered through the cracks fall to the ground. If it has been stored for a long time, it is important to check that it is in perfect condition before plugging it in. And when it comes to storing it, roll up the cable without twisting it and store it in under a plastic cover or in a box to protect it.

Summer has arrived

In summer there are two important things to take into account: Obviously the heat, and the holidays. Because just as you need to check the status of your domestic and electrical appliances before going away, you also need to do it when you come home.

Air conditioning

As you know, the temperatures rise and the first thing you think about is switching on the air conditioning. But before you do so, there a number of factors to take into account.

Depending on the model you have, you can do the maintenance yourself or you may need to call a technician. The maintenance for "Split" model air conditioners is usually simple maintenance, and only requires cleaning the filters and draining.

But if you do not know what type of air conditioning you have or simply prefer to leave it to a professional, Endesa has a Comprehensive Air-Conditioning Maintenance service, which provides an annual inspection and making all the necessary adjustments to maintain the maximum energy efficiency of your air conditioning so you will unexpected surprises in your electricity bill in the summer.

It is recommended to clean the filters regularly, at least once a year, especially before using them for the first time after a long time without use.

Here are some very simple recommendations to keep your air conditioning in the best possible condition:

• Cleaning the filters: To clean the filters, simply pull back the cover and remove the filters. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust or clean them with cold water. Once they are clean, it is better to let them air dry, but without exposing them to the sun as they could be damaged by the heat. Once they are completely dry, simply put them back inside.
• Don't forget the drain: One of the parts that cause major problems when air conditioners are working is the drain. It is very easy to take care of this: Check that it is in good condition and that there are no obstructions or holes inside. If it is not in good condition, it is best to replace it to avoid problems in the long run and this will maintain the efficiency of the equipment.

If your air conditioner can also be used for heating, you should also check of filters and drainage for the winter. If you use it frequently, and not only in these two seasons, it is advisable to undertake maintenance every three months, even more frequently if there are pets or people with respiratory problems at home.

Fan

If you do not have air conditioning, a fan is the best option in the summer. It is much easier to maintain, the most important thing is to check that the fan has not been damaged or bent in any way that there is no damage to the structure or cables.

It is also important to clean away the dust with a vacuum cleaner, a duster or a damp cloth, but you should never use abrasive products. You should take good care of the blades, as well as to the base and fan protectors. Remember to let it dry before plugging it into the network and pay special attention to any strange noises or sparks that you may notice when you switch it on. If this happens you should unplug it and take it to be repaired.

If you use the fan frequently, it is best to clean it every so often, every week or so, to prevent it from losing power. At the end of the summer when you put it into storage, always remember to leave it clean and well covered so that it is protected from dust and damp. This way it will be in perfect condition when you need it again the following year.

With a ceiling fan, it is very important to remove the dust from the surface several times a month, to prevent it from accumulating.

Going on holiday

And the long-awaited holidays have finally arrived, what do you do now? If you are going to spend some time away from home it is important to follow these recommendations to avoid surprises in your electricity bill and for your domestic appliances to have a long life.

• Fridge: Take out all the food that is perishable and leave only what is necessary. This way you will avoid products going old and bad inside the fridge and cause it to smell bad and accumulate foreign bodies that will then need to be cleaned. And the less there is in it, the less it will consume. Take the opportunity to leave the fridge clean and use suitable products to do this. You can also regulate the temperature of your fridge so it consumes less, some models even have a "holiday function". If you are not going to leave it switched on when you are away, you should unplug it, wait for it to thaw and clean it. And remember to leave it open so that it does not start to smell.
• Cooker: Maintenance and cleaning will depend on the model and the manufacturer's instructions but it is recommended to leave it clean before going on holiday.
• Washer dryer: It is best to clean the filters and the soap and water softener box which is where debris usually accumulates. Some models have a specific cleaning programme for this. If this function is not available for your washing machine, you can programme a 90ºC wash to clean the drum. Leave the door of the washing machine open and this will stop it from smelling bad.
• Dishwasher: Some models have a self-washing programme. If not, use a cleaning product that is suitable for your model. Leave the door ajar if you do not want the appliance to smell bad.
• Extractor fan: This is another domestic appliance that needs regular cleaning. If you are going away for a few days, make sure you leave it clean. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the filters and the rest of the appliance.

Above all, always remember to unplug everything that is not essential. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs and have peace of mind, ready to rest and relax.