Consumer Question: Fabric Softener Sheets vs. Liquid

Hi, Joe,

My husband and I went to Bill and Rod's Appiance to buy a new washing machine. 13 years ago we bought the Maytag Neptune washer and dryer from them and are just tired of the problems we have with the washer. We are replacing it with the old agitator type washer with water levels we can set.

My question is about liquid fabric softener vs. dryer sheets. I had always read that the dryer sheets were dangerous, and always used the liquid softener. The salesman said to never use the liquid softener because it "gunks up" the washer and causes problems. He said it would be better to use the dryer sheets.

I'd like to know what you think about this.

Thank you,

Patricia

A: Hi, Patricia,

Thanks for your note. 

I've heard it as well that the sheets are dangerous but I don't believe that has ever been proven. As for the liquid, it could help to plug up dispensers etc. but my wife says she doesn't use any of the softeners. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Central Air Refrigerant

Hi, Joe,

Can a central air conditioner need refrigerant for many reasons or does it have to have a leak in the system?

Thank you,

Dave

A: Hi, Dave,

Thanks for your note. 

A central system that has been running ok for a time may develop a leak at some point along the way. The loss of refrigerant needs to be corrected at the trouble spot with a possible vacuum pulled on the system and recharged.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Drain

Hi, Joe,

We have a Whirlpool Refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. Model #GB2FHDXWQ01. The drain freezes/plugs about every 6 months and we end up with water on our kitchen floor. Any suggestions to fix the problem?

Thank you,

Todd

A: Hi, Todd,

Thanks for your note. 

The system has a plugged drain line for the defrost system. You may have to take the inside of the freezer apart so I suggest you contact my son Mark at 734-953-6991 and give him the model number. He can tell you how to take it apart.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Noisy Washing Machine

Hi, Joe,

I have a Maytag Neptune upright washer/dryer unit. The washer often bangs on the spin cycle. Is this an expensive repair? Is it a repair a I can do, I am somewhat handy? If not, can you recommend a reasonable and honest repair person in my general area?

Thank you so much,

Anthony

A: Hi, Anthony,

Thanks for your note. 

These new machines have springs and shock absorbers that are much different than years past. It could be a spring has broken or a snubber pad has come out of place. If you need service you might want to call my son Mark at 734-953-6991. Please let me know what you find.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Not Cold Enough

Hi, Joe,

Our side by side Amana freezer is 14 years old and doesn't get cold enough to freeze sugary items. Ice is also taking longer to freeze. We placed a thermometer inside and it reads 28 degrees even with the knob in the fridge turned on to the coldest level. There is plenty of air circulating around and all the dust I can reach has been vacuumed off.

Many thanks!

Ed

A: Hi, Ed,

Thanks for your note. 

I would suggest you check to see that the fan motor underneath is running. Also check to see if you have frost on the back wall inside the freezer which would indicate a defrost system failure.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: No Dryer Heat

Hi, Joe,

My Maytag stacked Dryer (SE 1000 - 1985)  is not heating the air. The motor works, I can air dry stuff, and all the lights on the control panel work but there is NO heat. Where do I start to fix it?

Many thanks!

Sally

A: Hi, Sally,

Thanks for your note. 

Before you do anything with the dryer, please check to make sure you have 220 volts to the product. Check fuses or circuit breakers to make that is OK. Then look at the dryer which may have a burnt out heating element. The front comes off and the element is in a casing. Look for a broken wire and make sure you pull the plug before you start. If you need service you can contact my son at 734-953-6991.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Washing Machine Odor

Hi, Joe,

I have a Kenmore front loader washing machine that has a odor. I have cleaned the machine on the clean cycle w/Clorox Bleach as stated in the manual. I have also taken out and cleaned the soap dispenser,  however the smell still comes back. Do you have any suggestions?

Many thanks!
Margie

A: Hi, Margie,

Thanks for your note. 

Look for a lint filter behind the bottom panel of the washer. There is nothing written about it in the owners manual but homeowners are finding it and telling me about it. When you remove the lint screen it stinks very bad but once cleaned out that may solve the problem. The detergent you use and how much can also cause an odor. It's a big problem across the nation with front loaders.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Portable Air Conditioner

Hi, Joe,

My husband and I listen to your show. Thanks for all your helpful advice.

We are looking to buy an air conditioner and are looking for a recommendation. We rent and do not have centeral air and our windows are all HUGE left/right sliding, so we need to buy a portable AC unit (14,000BTU for the space we need to cool). While researching, I've noticed several use evaportative cooling with a dual hose system. Is this a better way to cool? Do you have a brand recommendation? We have been looking at a Soleus LX-140 at Sears.


Thank you for any advice you are able to provide!

Thank you,

Kristen

A: Hi Kristen,

Thanks for your note. 

The portable units are becoming quite popular. I would check with the manager of a senior citizen complex and ask how they do it and are they happy.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon