​Appliances and major repairs always seem to come at the worst times, don’t they? The reality is that the universe isn’t playing some sick joke on you- appliances simply have fixed usable lifespans just like all other devices and gadgets. In the summer, work is harder for everyone, including your appliances. According to a study done by Puls, appliance repairs are more prevalent in the summer across a variety of categories. Heat-generating appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines all generate heat (internally or externally), and so it’s best to avoid overloading them during the summer. The more volume and weight inside these appliances, the harder they have to work to clean or cool everything, which could lead to overheating and breakdowns. Here are some common appliances that require repairing and how much you can expect to pay.
 
Washing Machine
Washing machines are often located in uninsulated rooms in the house such as the basement or garage, which means they are often exposed to extreme temperatures in the winter and summer. The average washing machine repairs costs around $221, so keeping them in a room with some insulation is a good idea.
 
Dryer
Dryers have to work extra-hard in the winter to heat up and they can overheat in the summer when temperatures soar. To reduce your dryer usage, you can invest in a drying rack to line dry clothes that don’t require the machine. Otherwise, the average dryer repair costs around $209.
 
Refrigerator & Freezer
While refrigerators often come with extended warranties, repair requests usually peak annually every July due to the increased summer temperatures. Depending on what breaks, a refrigerator repair can cost $250 and up, so it’s a good idea to raise the average temperature inside your refrigerator in the summer so it doesn’t have to work as hard. Freezers break down for the same reason, so it’s a good idea to throw out any food or items in your freezer that you aren’t using before the summer starts. Freezers are some of the most expensive appliances to repair, with the average repair clocking in at around $350.
 
Dishwasher
If you notice that your dishwasher stops draining after a wash cycle, that’s a hint that it’s going to need a repair soon. In the summer you can hand clean your dishes more often to reduce the additional strain on your dishwasher during this time. The average dishwasher repair is a little more than $200.
 
Oven
Like all other appliances, ovens can also overheat during the summer, but they can also overheat in the winter if you try to use them as an additional heat source (which is actually dangerous, and we do not recommend it.) Oven repairs cost about $230 on average. Instead of using your oven in the summer, why don’t you use a grill outside? Check out our article on charcoal vs. gas grills here.
 
While appliance repairs can be costly, they truly are a modern convenience that most of us can’t live without. We hope that with these tips you’ll be able to extend the life of your appliances, and if you ever need a repair, give San Bernardino Handyman a call!

​For outdoor grilling aficionados there is an age-old debate: which is better, gas grills or charcoal grills? Many swear by the unique, wood-fired taste of charcoal grills, but regardless, gas grills remain extremely popular. So which one is better? Keep reading on for the San Bernardino Handyman team’s opinion…
 
Convenience
The first thing that must be considered when trying to decide which kind of grill is better is convenience. In this regard there is no question: gas grills are definitely more convenient than charcoal grills. Most modern gas grills have a number of innovative features such as push button ignitions, precise temperature control, a consistent heat source, and the means for an easy cleanup. While charcoal grills are more work, many charcoal fans assert that the ritual of preparing the charcoal, lighting it, and tending the fire are a big part of what makes it fun. If that’s the case, while there’s no question that a gas grill is more convenient, some grillers are not looking for convenience when grilling.
 
Price
Again, there is a clear winner in this category: charcoal grills. Charcoal grills are considerably cheaper than gas grills, and can be found from $30 to $100, maybe a little more with extra features like additional burners or side tables. On the other hand, gas grills usually start at around $250 and can be found at $1500 on some models. There is simply much more technology that goes into these kinds of grills that accounts for their increased price. You can find budget models at superstores such as Wal-mart if you want to save some money.
 
Taste
This is where the debate gets heated (pun intended)- but truthfully, the jury is out on which kind of grilling tastes better. Many barbecue-eaters can’t tell the difference between food grilled on a charcoal vs. gas grill, while many charcoal purists swear that a charcoal grill has a noticeably better flavor. There are some newer models that incorporate ceramic flavor bars (patented by grill company Weber) that catch grease drippings and vaporize them in the heat, creating flavorful smoke that seeps extra flavor into whatever you’re grilling. While the debate rages on- it’s for you to decide: can you taste a difference, or does the food taste the same regardless?
 
If you really can’t decide, you can always buy both a charcoal AND a gas grill. That way, you can get the best of both worlds: convenience when you need it, and a more authentic grilling experience when you have the time. If you need to purchase one grill first, consider your budget, required level of convenience, and taste buds. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your family to decide which way to go, as the debate rages on. Happy grilling!

As the name suggests, a load-bearing wall is a wall that is an active part of the structure of the building, meaning that it bears the weight of the elements above the wall. It’s important to know which walls in your structure are load bearing because you don’t want to get rid of those, it could cause a major problem! Load bearing walls support the structure all the way to the roof, so it’s incredibly important to ensure that the wall isn’t load bearing before you demolish it. So, how do you tell which wall is load bearing in your home or building?

1. Check the Blueprints

If you still have them, looking at the building’s blueprints will be able to tell you which walls are load bearing and which are not. Any experienced handyman or contractor should be able to tell by looking at the plans. Load bearing walls are marked with an “S” in the plans, which stands for “structural.”

1. Check the Foundation

If you can see that a wall or beam is connected to the foundation of your building, that means that it is a load bearing wall. If your house or building had an addition, this is especially true, because those walls were once exterior walls. Exterior walls are extremely load bearing, so you definitely don’t want to get rid of those.

1. Look in Your Basement

Take a look around the basement of the structure to look for steel beams or joists. Joists are lengths of steel or timber arranged in a parallel series that supports a floor or ceiling. If you see a wall that runs perpendicular to the joists, this wall is likely load bearing. If there’s a wall that’s parallel to the joists, it most likely isn’t load bearing. Simple as that!
 
How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall
While removing a non-load bearing wall is much easier, a load bearing wall can be removed, you just have to be careful. Definitely consult a proper engineer or licensed builder before attempting to do so. Before an expert takes a look, know that you might need a permit, as some municipalities require one if walls are being replaced or taken down. You will definitely need to be prepared with placement support to take on the load that the wall was previously carrying. Always remember that removing a load bearing wall is dangerous and should only be done under expert supervision.
 
Instead of removing a load bearing wall, you can hire a handyman to help you create a pass-thru opening. These attractive openings are common in kitchens and give the space a much more open feel. Call San Bernardino Handyman today to talk about this, or any other home renovation projects!