Appliance Tips & Blog

Dryer Safety • Approx. 4 min read

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent in Central Kentucky?

In a lot of Central Kentucky homes I visit, the dryer isn’t heating “like it used to” – and the first problem isn’t the heater, it’s airflow. A clogged vent can be a fire risk and a power hog long before the dryer actually dies.

Typical cleaning schedule for most homes

Standard use (a few loads a week): Every 12 months
Heavy use (large family, daily loads): Every 6–9 months
Long vent runs or multiple elbows: Lean closer to the 6-month side

Warning signs I see on calls across Central Kentucky

Clothes taking more than one cycle to dry
The top or front of the dryer feels very hot to the touch
A burning or “hot lint” smell during or after the cycle
Visible lint buildup on the outside vent hood

Why you shouldn’t ignore it

A restricted vent makes the dryer run hotter and longer. That’s harder on the motor, heater, and safety thermostats, and it constantly bakes lint in the vent line. In the worst cases, it becomes a genuine fire hazard.

Refrigerators • Approx. 5 min read

7 Signs Your Fridge Needs a Professional Repair (Before You Lose Food)

A warm fridge doesn’t always fail overnight. Most of the time, it gives you a few days or weeks of warning if you know what to look for. Here are the signs I watch for on jobs around Central Kentucky.

Common early warning signs

Milk and leftovers spoiling faster than they used to
Freezer is rock solid but the fresh food section is warm
Fans getting noticeably louder or cycling constantly
Frost building up on the back wall or around the ice chute
Water under crispers or a sheet of ice on the freezer floor
Temperatures swinging up and down even after you adjust settings
Compressor running almost non-stop

Quick checks you can safely do yourself

Make sure nothing is blocking the vents between freezer and fridge
Check that doors are closing all the way and gaskets aren’t torn
Listen for the evaporator fan running inside the freezer

Washer Tips • Approx. 5 min read

Front-Load vs Top-Load Washer Problems: What I See Most on Central Kentucky Service Calls

Both styles can be good machines, but they fail in different ways. Here’s what usually brings me out to a home, and what you can watch for before things get bad.

Front-load washer issues I’m called for most

Door boot (gray rubber gasket) growing mold or tearing
Drain pump clogs from coins, hairpins, or small clothing
Off-balance spin with heavy loads like towels or blankets
Bearing failures that start as a low rumble and end as a roar

Top-load washer problems I see all the time

Units not agitating because of worn dogs or couplers
No spin due to lid switch or lid lock issues
Shaking or walking across the floor from leveling or suspension
Older machines rusting out around the basket or frame

Dryers • Approx. 4 min read

Gas vs Electric Dryer Not Heating: Simple Checks Before You Call

A no-heat dryer doesn’t always mean an expensive part. Sometimes it’s power, settings, or airflow. There are a few safe checks you can make before you schedule a visit.

For electric dryers

Confirm the breaker is fully on – many use a double breaker
If it tumbles but doesn’t heat, one leg of power might be out
Check that you’re not on an “air fluff” or “no heat” setting

For gas dryers

Make sure the gas shutoff to the dryer is open
Listen for the igniter glowing or clicking attempts to light
Watch for short bursts of heat that cut out quickly – airflow or safety issues

Planning • Approx. 5 min read

Repair vs Replace: How I Advise Central Kentucky Homeowners

Not every appliance should be repaired. On some jobs, I flat-out tell people they’d be better off putting that money toward a new unit. Here’s the general thinking I use on calls.

Questions I’m asking while I diagnose

How old is the unit compared to typical life expectancy?
Is this the first major failure or one of many?
Are parts still readily available at a fair price?
Is there hidden damage (rust, wiring, sealed system issues)?

Dishwashers • Approx. 4 min read

Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining (and When to Call a Tech)

A little water in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle can be normal. A pool of dirty water that never leaves is not. Here’s what I see most often in Central Kentucky homes.

Common causes of a no-drain dishwasher

Clogged filter or debris in the sump area
Blocked or kinked drain hose under the sink
Garbage disposal knockout plug never removed
Failed drain pump or something stuck in the impeller

Laundry • Approx. 4 min read

The Real Cost of Ignoring Strange Noises from Your Washer or Dryer

Most loud machines didn’t start that way. The noise crept in little by little, and everyone just turned the TV up. By the time I get the call, damage is usually worse than it had to be.

Noises that should never be ignored

Deep grinding or metal-on-metal scraping during spin
High-pitched squeals that last through most of the cycle
Thumping that doesn’t stop after the load evens out
Dryers squeaking in the first few minutes of every run

Ovens & Ranges • Approx. 4 min read

What to Do When Your Oven Won’t Hold Temperature Before a Holiday Meal

Half my oven calls come in right before a holiday, birthday, or big family dinner. The oven has been drifting for months, but it only becomes a crisis when people are on the way.

Fast checks you can make

Use an inexpensive oven thermometer to see how far off it really is
Give it a full 20–30 minutes to preheat before judging the temp
Check whether the issue is bake only, broil only, or both

How It Works • Approx. 4 min read

What to Expect from a Professional Appliance Diagnostic Visit in Central Kentucky

A good diagnostic is more than “taking a quick look.” It’s where you get real answers and real numbers so you can decide what to do next. Here’s how I handle it on Nugent’s Appliance Repair calls.

What happens during the visit

Confirm the complaint and verify symptoms
Run key functions or test modes where available
Check common failure points for that brand/model
Verify basics like power, water, gas, and installation issues

What you get before I leave

A plain-language explanation of what failed or what is failing
A written estimate for repair (parts + labor)
Honest feedback on whether repair makes sense