How Home Appliances Should be Installed and Insured

by | May 12, 2018 | Community

Need to install a new oven, washing machine, dryer or other appliance? Installing appliances by yourself can help you save a significant amount of money, all while letting you play a bigger role in the look and feel of your kitchen or home laundry area.

With the average appliance installation cost verging on £140, you can save a significant amount of money by taking a DIY approach to appliance installation. Better yet, you’ll have a far deeper knowledge of how the appliance works, making it easier to take care of appliance repairs.

There are several steps involved in installing an appliance, from sizing it to the actual installation process. We’ve listed the entire process below, along with tips for insuring your appliances after installation to cover the cost of common repairs.

First, size the appliance

If you’re installing a built-in appliance like an oven or microwave, or replacing an existing built-in appliance with a new one, you’ll need to measure the space available in your kitchen before you purchase anything.

Before you go appliance shopping, use a tape measure to check the dimensions of your existing appliances. If you’re installing appliances in a completely new kitchen, measure the dimensions of the space available for installation.

Make sure you check all three dimensions to ensure your new appliances fit flush into the space in your kitchen. Once you’ve measured the available space, you’ll find it much easier to narrow down your selection of appliances and pick the right model for your kitchen or laundry area.

Next, remove the old appliance

If you’re replacing an existing appliance with a new one, you’ll need to remove the old appliance before you can start the installation process.

Start the removal process by switching the electrical circuit breakers for your kitchen off. Check that the electricity is turned off by trying to switch on your old appliance — if it still turns on, you’ll need to find and adjust the right circuit breaker.

Then, cover your kitchen floor to prevent the appliance from scratching it. Wearing a pair of thick gloves, remove the old appliance from the space and disconnect any electrical wires or exhaust tubing.

Before you install, clean the space

Spaces for built-in appliances can easily collect dust and dirt over time, making it important that you clean your kitchen before installing anything new.

If you’re replacing an old appliance with a new one, wipe down the entire area to remove dust, dirt and other debris. Take note of any leftover sealants from the old appliance and, if possible, remove them before installing the new one.

Once you’ve cleaned out the existing space, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the new appliance. Most built-in microwaves, ovens and other kitchen appliances come with full instructions and mounting brackets, making installation an easy process.

Finally, insure your appliances

After you’ve finished installing your new appliance, it’s time to test it out. Flick the circuit breaker back into the “on” position, remove any foam or cardboard from the appliance, then switch it on to check that it’s working properly.

Although most home appliances come with a warranty, it’s best to insure your appliances to help you avoid costly repair and replacement bills. Appliance insurance is affordable, easy to buy and ideal for giving you extra peace of mind that your household equipment is covered.

Once you’ve installed and insured your new appliances, it’s time to enjoy them. From a freshly prepared meal to a rapidly cleaned batch of dishes, make the most of your new appliances for the biggest possible improvement in your quality of life as a homeowner.

Read through our useful guide for more information

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