Wednesday Weekly Stock: Range Items

Every week at W.L. May we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we look at a variety of  range items.

November is range month at W.L. May. You would be surprised at the age of some of the machines we get calls for at this time of year. Sometimes, due to the age of the range, parts are just no longer being made. We have a few switches and otherparts that might help if you find yourself servicing an older range.

WB21X5243

For many years, GE used a push button surface unit switch on their ranges. Eventually, they moved to a rotary infinite switch. The GE design has a few things going for it. One thing, as a part person, I have to love is that GE used the same switch for both large and small surface elements.

Another feature that makes it a versatile switch is the breakaway shaft, which helps it fit as replacement on variety of machine designs. Not all technicians like working with switches that use breakaway shafts, however, there is a certain distrust of the strength of the shaft. Fortunately, our return rates do not indicate that the shaft on these are the weak points those technicians fear.

903136-9020

Another common rotary infinite switch we are featuring this week can be found on ranges made by Frigidaire, Gibson, Kenmore, Kelvinator, Tappan, Crosley and Westinghouse. Designed for the large surface unit your part number is 903136-9020.

5500-200

Robertshaw makes a lot of controls that are used in the world of HVAC. They also have a lot of parts in their inventory that are appliance related as well. One of those parts are universal infinite switches. Robertshaw offers several styles of infinite switches. This week we feature the push-to-turn type, part 5500-200. This switch comes a breakaway shaft and adapters for both screw and palnut mounting. In addition it has a variety of slip fit adapters allowing for knob designs from a variety of manufacturers.

6700S0011

Of course, there are more than just infinite switches involved in a range console (with the exception of cooktops). There is also an oven thermostat on a range. Supco offers a useful replacement with part 6700S0011. We have talked about this part in the past, but it has been a while. It comes in a kit with knobs and adapters. It has a 60 inch capillary tube & can be used to replace most single-pole & double-pole thermostats.

RP2514G

Now that we have covered switches and thermostats that regulate the flow of energy to the various elements, lets look at the wires that current can travel on. Bulk range wire can come in very handy in a wide variety of circumstances. This week we are featuring a 25 foot box of 3 strand, 14 guage coil that has a glass insulation wrapping. Part RP2514G is very much something that should be your inventory if it is not already.

5303051519

OK, so this week we have looked at some switches and a thermostat. We have looked at range wire. Now lets look at few elements. A popular bake element that can be found on over 110 Electrolux and Kenmore ranges is 5303051519.

MP26KA

Frequently in the fall we get call asking about canning elements. What is a canning element? Well, it is basically a normal 8" plug in surface element. What makes it stand out for canning is the reinforced base that can support a heavier load-such as the pressure cookers used for canning. If you would like a canning element, ask your parts rep for MP26MA.

We have lots of other range parts in stock to keep you ready as we move through the "kitchen appliance holidays", just give us a call and even on those older ranges we can probably help  you get it back online.

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Wednesday Weekly Stock: Ranges

Every week at W.L. may we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we keep the summer cooking with some range parts.

5303935057 and 5303935054

Even if your range is looking well, drip pans tend to get dirty as they do what they were intended for and catch items that drip around a surface burner. These are an easy replacement and by and large drip pans are an inexpensive item. Beware though of the many home repair stores that have "generic" drip pans on their shelves.

Often we get calls from folks who have tried to use universal drip pans. They call us because they found that the pans do not fit correctly into the hole for them, or the elements don't sit correctly in the drip pan. Avoid those frustrations by using manufacturers specified parts, such as these chrome drip pans that fit most Frigidaire electric ranges. Part 5303935057 is the 6" size and 5303935054 is the 8" drip pan.

715877 and 715878

If you have a JennAir the chrome drip pans that are needed are different. The space where the element plus in is cut in from the lip as opposed to Frigidaire style that used a hole for the elements terminals to fit through. The Jenn Air style pans are not only found on JennAirs, but can be found on some Whirlpool, Maytag and Kenmore models as well. 715877 is the 6" drip pan and 715878 is it's 8" compliment.

700855K

Another part for JennAir ranges that we are featuring this week is their surface unit infinite switch. For many years, part 700855k was the switch used on JennAir cooktops for both large and small surface elements.

12001656

When I was telling you about the drip pans being featured this week, I made a point of mentioning the hole that the element passes through. Just outside the drip pan the terminals for the element connect to power passed down via wiring from the infinite switch. Where they meet there is a receptacle or "burner block". On many Maytags, the receptacle called for is part 12001656. It comes as kit that includes the ceramic black, the metal installation bracket, and wires and wire nuts.

5303935058

Electrolux also makes a "burner block" kit. They include a couple different mounting brackets making part 5303935058 a very useful item.

12001656

12001596

Other featured items this week include Maytag's 12001656 6' oven sensor and their spark module 12001596. We also have a lot of other items for your range that fall under our "Every Day Low Pricing" program. We'd love to help, so give us a call!

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Ranges

Every week at W.L. may we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we return to the kitchen to look at a few things for ranges.

Here we are in the middle of summer and North America has been cooking. And in kitchens across America, ranges are NOT cooking.  Barbecue season is in full swing and that broken range can take a back burner until the fall. That is what many people think.

If you have a range that needs a repair, now is a very good time to do it. Here's why: as fall begins all those people who put off the repair start to realize that the holidays are coming. This creates a mad rush for range servicing. Both technicians and some parts can come into short supply.

Again, if you have a broken range now is a great time to repair it. If you are technician, you might want to think about pulling in your fall inventory before the infamous holiday season calls start coming in. It's never to early to be prepared.

316075104

On an electric range things are pretty simple. Often a simple replacement of the bake element is all that is needed. If the repair is on one of over 300 different Electrolux made models, there is a good chance the element to be replaced could be a 316075104. It has push on wire terminals and deserves a space in most well stocked service vans.

308180

If your tastes run more to the Whirlpool line of kitchen equipment than the Electrolux products, you also have a very commonly used bake element available that is a "no-brainier" for truck stock. Part 308180 also has push on terminals and is so common that not a day goes by without someone needing one.

CH775

Because ranges are such relatively simple appliances, a number of smaller operations have made ranges over the years. Many of those companies use "off-the-shelf" parts such as our last featured bake element this week. Part CH775 is used in a number of ranges made by smaller manufacturers, as well as being a fit for some of the major manufacturers as well.

WB2X9998

While electric ranges are the most common type found in the Pacific Northwest, in other areas gas reigns supreme. When a gas range has oven problems in is usually either an issue with the flow of gas,or the igniter is not lighting the gas flame.

There are two common igniter types the round ones and the flat ones. There are a few different sizes of flat igniters in common use. Of those, many times the difference is in the mounting bracket. As a result of the similarities, all of the major manufacturers make a "universal" flat oven igniter. This week we feature the GE version, part WB2X9998.

5500-200

Moving from the oven to the cooktop, a common cause of failure on electric ranges that can shut down the top elements is a failure of the infinite switch. As we have stated before on this blog, when ever possible we recommend using manufacturers specified OEM parts. When it isn't possible to use an OEM infinite switch for a range, Robertshaw  makes a pretty good "universal" replacement. These kits come with the switch, the knob, mounting hardware, and instructions. The push-to-turn style is stocked under part number 5500-200.

5500-202

To accomodate different applications, Robertshaw offers different kits. For switches with clockwise rotation, the 5500-200 is a good replacement and worth keeping on hand if you are a professional servicer.

31462A

This week we are also featuring a few range cleaning products that we have mentioned in a previous post. Part 31462A. Whirlpool stainless steel polish and cleaner, part 31463A, Whirlpool non abrasive cooktop polish, and finally part 1860, StainlessSteel Magic.

Kelly's Korner - Kitchen Fires

Hey, All,

I was cruising the web for ideas for this blog and came across this tidbit that I'd thought I'd pass along.

Did you know that unattended cooking is the number one contributor to home fires in the US?  Wow.  I mean, how could that happen?  You are always there in the kitchen, right?  Whoops, the doorbell rings and no one else is available to answer it.  Gotta go answer a call of nature - only going to take a sec, right?  Kids get into a major tussle and you're the only referee available.  Great grandma decides she's going to make some soup and then forgets what's she's doing and leaves the kitchen.  Kids decide they're going to "help" Mom and cook they're own dinner.

Creative Commons license on image.

All recipes for disaster, right?  The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) announced in October that they have a plan to help reduce the potential for unattended cooking fires. This will encompass all cooktops and ranges - not only conventional coil tops, but gas, glass and induction.

There are several things you can do to reduce the chances of a cooking fire.  First of all would be to KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT YOU'RE DOING!  Do not ever leave things on the stovetop without turning off the burner and removing whatever you have off the cooktop.  You don't really need to turn the burners onto HIGH - it may take a bit longer, but lower settings will cook just as well.  Teach your children kitchen safety.  Make sure there is a fire extinguisher handy and in good working condition and everyone knows how to use it.  Many times just putting a lid on the pan that's flared up will kill the flames.  Dumping baking soda on flames works also.  DON'T EVER PUT WATER ON A KITCHEN FIRE!!!  If the fire is grease-based water will only spread the flames and you never put water on anything electric.  Call 911 immediately and get everyone out of the house if you have a fire.  Even if you get it put out, there may be other factors involved and your heroic firefighters will check everything out.

Now if you have a conventional coil range or cooktop, WL May has a solution for you now.  We have a product call Safe T Elements that can be installed on most stoves.  What this kit is are cast iron plates attached to the elements that are hooked up to a computer board that regulates the temperature of the burners.  You can actually put a piece of paper between the burner and your pan and turn it on and the paper will not burn but your water will still be boiling.  These are great in any kitchen - especially if you have children or elderly people who are a bit forgetful.  I know that many multi-family complexes are installing these.  They do need to be installed by a qualified technician and we can help you with that.  Cost of this kit is approximately $190 suggested retail, not including installation, and come in either 2 and 2 or 3 and 1 configurations (2 large and 2 small burners or 3 small and 1 large).  Isn't this a small cost to pay for the peace of mind of not having your home and loved ones endangered by a house fire?

The first of the year is a great time to check all fire extinguishers and batteries on your smoke detectors.  Get yours checked now!

Have a great (and safe!) week!

For more from education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Kelly's Korner - Cleaning the top of your Electric Stove

(Flickr User Horia Varlan/CC)

Hey, All,

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about cleaning your oven.  Today we will concentrate on the top.

With everyday cooking you get spills, spatters and boil overs and you wipe them up as they happen, right?  Well, what about underneath those burners?

Yes, there are drip pans under the burners, and even though you may wipe the out, they may be looking pretty sad.  Best bet - toss them and come down to W L May and get replacements (bring your model number as all pans are not the same!)  Then you have nice bright, shiny pans for the holidays.

But as you may notice, mose of these pans have a hole at the bottom.  And your spillovers have dripped down to the liner.  Take your elements and pans out (tip the elements up and pull out - most conventional coils will do this - and look.  This may be a big ICK!  Spray your cleaner in there and let sit a while and wipe out.  It may be a bit tricky getting in there through the holes but unless you know how to raise the top, I suggest just reaching in there through the holes.  We get a lot of calls from people who have tried to raise the tops and have torn out wiring and damaged the coils, so be careful!

I would be very careful, also, about cleaning your control panel.  If your panel is all electronic just use a damp sponge and do not spray cleaner on them - it could get into the electronics and short things out and then you're in real trouble.  If your panel is mechanical (knobs to turn things on) you can very carefully pull those knobs straight off and clean them and underneath.  Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool type scrubbers - you can take any markings right off, then you would have to buy another panel and that may be tricky with an older stove - may not be available any longer.  Your best bet before starting any cleaning of your appliances will be consulting your use and care guide.  Don't have one?  You can usually go to your manufacturer's website and download them.

If you have a solid glass top, most of this advice is unneccesary but you still need to use care.  W L May has some cleaning kits made especially for glass tops.  And we have several lines of different cleaners - for regular finishes and stainless steel - and some are eco-friendly.

Don't forget your range hoods, also - may be time for a new filter and W L May can help you get the correct one for your hoods.

Next week, I'll talk about cleaning your gas ranges - I'll have to do some research into this as I know very little about the care of these - we'll both learn something!

Have a great week!

Five Seasonal Items

(Flickr user Squidish/CC)

Here we are, almost half way through November. The annual onslaught of kitchen related appliances is underway as people prepare for their various holiday celebrations. We here at W.L. May have been busy, not only with helping find those obscure range parts, but in a few other ways as well. We have some upcoming activities and some products worth mentioning. Here are five things:

1. This year, W.L. May is holding a Toy Drive to provide toys to sick kids who will be hospitalized at Christmas-time. All of our branches are accepting donations of new, unwrapped and unused toys. The hospitals involved have asked donors to avoid toys with violent or religious themes, We thank you in advance for helping out.
2. Cadet, the makers of high quality electric heaters and a Northwest-based company has joined forces with W.L. May to help address your winter heating needs. As an authorized distributor, we now have access to their entire product line and look forward to serving you.
3. We have a few new dishwasher installation kits on hand that are proving to be popular. The basic kit (Part#  DWK-6572SSDW) includes 1 6ft SS Dishwasher hose with 3/8" standard elbow, 6 ft straight power cord, 3/4"  "Whirlpool Elbow", an 1.5" hose clamp, 3 yellow wire nuts, a roll of Teflon tape and a Romex connector. The same kit is alternately available with  a 6 ft 90 degree power cord (Part# DWK-6572DW).
4. During the late fall and early winter, we make a point of deepening our stock of kitchen appliance parts. There are also range part specials we are running through the end of the year, your account manager can share details. Getting around during the winter can be challenging, so we offer drop shipping to your customers on your behalf. If we are for some reason out of stock, parts can also be special ordered from the factory and drop shipped to your service company on a next day or second day basis. Again, ask your account manager for details and shipping options. 
5. United Servicers Association is now taking registration for their main meeting, the ASTI (Appliance Service Technical Institute) that will be held in New Orleans, LA from February 9-12th, 2015. As always, this will be a great opportunity to improve your repair skills as well as your business skills. It is also a good way to see new products and share service experiences with repair companies from all across North America.

As you can see their is a lot going on. W.L. May is here to help you out along the way. Our goal is keeping you supplied and informed, We are a solution oriented company, we just happen to sell appliance parts. Have a great holiday season both personally as well as professionally!

Random Parts Info

This week has found me working a bit on cleaning out my file cabinet and organizing my digital notes. In contrast to Kelly and her "Superhero Book", my preferred method of note organizing used a file cabinets with folders for various brands, product types, and other behind the scenes handouts I have accumulated. As you might imagine, I have a lot of notes after 20 plus years. For the last few years, I have put new notes into a a digital notebook (I am using Microsoft's OneNote). The time has come to convert the old notes from my file drawer to a digital version. Here are a few things I found while I did my project.

• Occasionally we get calls asking for a certain size of access valve for refrigeration. Here are Whirlpools part numbers for access valves.

1/4"-978025
5/16"-97026
3/8"-978027
1/2"-978028
5/8"-978029
3/4"-978030

• Water filters are a popular item these days. In addition to the filters from GE, Whirlpool, Maytag and Electrolux we also have replacement filters for some Samsung and LG models.

For Samsung use WF289
For LG use WF290

• There are 2 dishwasher drip pans that we stock.

Dimensions: 19 3/4" x 14 3/4" x1 " Whirlpool part: 119811
Dimensions:  24" x 20 1/2" X 3/4" "Dwip Pan": DWP24

• Chrome GE Drip Pans and their hard to find  alternatives colors part numbers:

6" Chrome WB31T10010...Bisque WB31T10012..Black WB31T10014
8" Chrome WB31T10011...Bisque WB31T10013..Black WB31T10015
6" Chrome  WB32X5075...Black WB31M20
8" Chrome  WB32X5076...Black WB31M19 

• If you ever need the wiring harness for GE washer motor WH49X10035, the part number is WH49X10007.
• Plastic tubing for water lines are also a hard to find yet common request. Here are few from Whirlpool:

5/16' x7' ... 67187-11
1/4" x 8 1/2' ... B5705307

• 34001320 drain pump comes mounted on a bracket. Part number 34001340 is the same pump without the mounting bracket. (Reuse old bracket.)

Sort of a random disorganized post today, but I do hope there was something of value to you among my old notes. If you ever need help finding that hard to find part, give us a call. With over 200 years of accumulated parts experience, we will do everything we can to help you solve your parts mysteries.

For more from education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

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Friday Facts: Five Essential Stock Items for November

Creative Commons license on image.

We at W.L. May hope that you had a nice Halloween last night with plenty of tricks and treats and we also hope that you are enjoying the fall colors in your local area. With Halloween behind us, a glance at the calendar reminds us that we are heading into  the holiday season with Thanksgiving just a few short weeks away. When the pages of the calendar turns to November, the calls begin to come in for ranges. Unlike most of the year, when more recent appliances are the usual service call request, during Thanksgiving time people have a tendency to evoke nostalgia and go with what has always worked to create a memorable holiday. Often, this means an old range. Many of the more universal range parts are those found on electric ranges and that is what we will be concentrating on here. However, if you are in an area with more gas appliances you'll want to make sure you have an adequate supply of igniters on hand.

How can you be prepared, as a servicer, for those electric range calls? As we have previously stressed on this blog, you want to minimize return trips so a stock of "universal" parts for ranges can do wonders for your efficiency during the holiday season. So what should you have ready to go? Here are a few suggestions:

• Bake and Broil elements. This is probably the most common request we get during Thanksgiving season every year. Sure, we stock a lot of elements, but you'll want to have some on hand yourself. We recommend reviewing your service history and at least make sure you have the most common ones on hand. If you have a brand that is particularly well represented in your area, you might want to include a few less common elements from that brand as well. If you need some suggestions, ask your W.L. May parts expert. We would be happy to help.
• Surface Elements. Many ranges uses the same standard surface elements. Having these in your truck can mean the difference between completing a call and going back later. Whether you decide to use OEM surface units or a generic version, make sure you have some on hand.
• Burner Receptacles. Don't forget that sometimes replacing a surface element also means replacing the receptacle. Again, many use the same receptacles. Don't let yourself be caught short.
• Universal Thermostat and Surface Switches. We recommend using the OEM specified thermostats and switchs whenever possible. However on some old ranges they thermostat may be out of production. If that is the case a universal thermostat may save the day. We also stock a few universal switches that could come in handy on these older machines.
• Drip Pans and Cleaners. The holidays are a time for entertaining and many people see this as an opportunity to spruce up and do some extra cleaning in the kitchen. If you are prepared with cleaning solutions and replacement drip pans, you may be surprised to find customers eager for those items. Beware of you own bias here. You might not be inclined to replace stained drip pans on your own range, however many customers appreciate the opportunity to replace their own drip pans. If you have them on hand, you can spare your customer from trying to find pans that fit (and probably don't) at their local big box store and , by the way, you will be increasing your own bottom line as well. Win-win!

The holidays also have a tendency so increase calls for dishwashers, icemakers, and trash compactors. Consider how you can prepare yourself with pieces for those items as well. We look forward to helping you solve some of the mysterious old appliance parts problems as you work your way to a delicious turkey dinner (or Tofurkey if you are so inclined). Just give us a call and we would be glad to help. So what do you find to be an essential stock item at this time of year? Please, let us know in the comments.

For more from education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Appliance Cleaning Tips

Creative Commons license on image.

As we enter the holiday season, thoughts turn to good times, good eats, and homemade kitchen treats.We depend on the appliances in our kitchen to be there ready to serve us by safely storing and preserving our food, providing predictable even heat when cooking, and allowing us to clean up more efficiently so that we can spend more time with family and friends. With all that our appliances do for us, regular maintenance is the least we can do for them. Your appliances will last longer, your home will look nicer, and you repairman will have plenty of time to sleep in. Here are some suggestions the keep your appliances in top shape. When you are doing the cleaning be extra careful not to allow electronic controls to pick up moisture as that can lead to an expensive break down, which is what maintenance should be helping you avoid.

Refrigerator
* Clean the refrigerator door and drawer gaskets with a cloth soaked with warm water and dish detergent, and then dry them with a towel. Gaskets that get sticky with food can tear, which can be a surprisingly involved and expensive repair. Torn gaskets can also lead to other mechanical problems which can end up being costly.
* At least once a year, wash the drawers and racks in the refrigerator, and scrub the interior surfaces of the appliance with a solution of water and baking soda.
* Clean the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator. These coils attract dust and when the get dirty they reduce the efficiency of your machine, causing it to work harder which leads to higher electrical bills. It also can lead to breakdowns which can be expensive as well. W.L. May stocks brushes created specifically for cleaning condenser coils, or the long attachment on your vacuum can also do the job.
* Wipe off cold containers before returning them to the refrigerator, says Whirlpool’s Institute of Kitchen Science. Wet containers require the unit to work harder to remove moisture from the air, and can also cause mold.
* If you have a stainless range, once again there are several products we stock to cleand the stainless steel. We also carry scratch repair kits that can help with the almost invetable scratching that can happen to stainless steel.

Dishwasher
* Check under the spray arm for a strainer filter that can be emptied and cleaned.
* Run a dishwasher cleaner through your dishwasher. There are several commercial products available that we stock at W.L.May and many home recipes for cleaners you could try as well. Regardless of how you do it, it should help eliminate mineral build ups and leave the interior of your dishwasher looking and smelling clean and germ free.
* As with your refrigerator and using the same techniques, clean the gaskets around the edge of the door.

Oven and Stove Top
* Wipe away spills right away, do not allow them to get baked onto the your range.
* Take advantage of the cleaning function on your oven, if it has one.
* If your oven lacks a cleaning cycle, a tip is to set a shallow pan of ammonia in the oven overnight. In the morning discard the ammonia, and wipe down oven with a damp cloth. Repeat as needed.
* As with your refrigerator, we have solutions available to help in cleaning stainless steel ranges.

Garbage Disposal
* Run the disposal when you send waste to it.It seems obvious, but sometimes people don't turn the disposal on right away. That waste can build up causing odor problems and increasing the workload the disposal will have when it finally gets turned on.
* Periodically run a half a lemon through the disposal. The citric acid in the lemon will help break down any lingering food particles and also will leave your disposal with a pleasant scent.

Microwave
*Combine a few cups of water with a squirt of lemon juice and heat until boiling in the microwave. You could alternately use a solution of vinegar and water or dish soap and water. The lemon juice in the steam cleans the inside of the appliance, letting you easily wipe away accumulated food.

Kelly's Korner - Fall Cleaning and Maintenance

Hey, All!

Well, with the summer winding down, vacations over and school starting back, now is a good time for an appliance overhaul and here's a list you can check off:

Washer:  Any leakage?  Check hoses - both in and out - for cracks and wear and replace if necessary.  Run an Affresh puck through it to clean out internal gunk and leave it fresh smelling and give the outside a good wipe down.

Dryer:  Clean your venting system - unplug and move away from wall and clean out lint from exhaust tube then all your venting to the outside - now may be a good time to replace the venting - especially if you are using that old vinyl stuff - and replace it with rigid or semi rigid venting.  We have all this at W L May including brushes to clean.  Also, clean out any of that lint that is behind, under and in the dryer and give it a good wipedown.

Refrigerators/freezers:  If you have a water connection check for leaks.  Check your temps and make sure your food is staying cold enough (we have thermometers for this!) - also a good time for cleaning the inside and replacing filters.
Good time for a defrosting and clean out of old stuff.  Hunting season is upon us and we are expecting you hunters to bring home the venison!  Or, if not, stocking up on meats that usually go down in price this time of year.

http://www.likenuappliance.com/  Thanks, Robin!

Dishwashers:  Again, check your water connections - any little leak anywhere can really add up on your water bill not to mention damage to your flooring, substructure and foundations.  Check your racks for nicks and come on down to get "Goop" if you need it.  Run Affresh for Dishwashers and Disposals through to clean out deposits and leave it smelling good.

Ranges, cooktops, ovens: With the holidays looming (ick!) and regular dinner schedules back make sure everything is heating properly - we have thermometers for ovens, too! - and give everything a good cleaning or replace what is needed.

If you need repairs, call your repairman now.  As the holiday season (wince!) gets closer they get booked up fast.  And W L May has a great inventory of parts and cleaning supplies for your needs.

If I seem to be harping on cleaning lately it is only because preventive maintenance and cleaning will help your appliances to run longer and more efficiently.  Now I just need to take my own advice and get busy!  lol

Have a great week!

Truck Stock Thursday: Safe-T-Elements

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, "Ranges, with or without ovens, accounted for the majority (58%) of home cooking fire incidents and even lager shares of civilian deaths (87%)." It's no surprise to find that the appliance in home with the most direct heat would start the most fires. Due to advances in technology, that number could be greatly reduced. Pioneering Technologies has created a great fire prevention solution with the Safe-T-Element. This electric range modification works by causing the element to cycle on and off keeping the element hot enough to cook as normal while staying just below the point of ignition. This has a side benefit of reducing electrical usage while it helps provide fire safety. Studies show that the majority of kitchen related house fires are in the homes of seniors, students, a low income residents. In many rental situations these are the tenants in the units. If you do service for, or own or operate a rental unit, the Safe-T-Element is a worthwhile investment for the extra layer of protection it provides to your property. Of course, the Safe-T-Element can help protect ANY home with an open coil electric range. Check out the video below and for more information or to order Safe-T-Elements, contact us at W.L. May Company.

Worth Stocking Wednesday: 6700S0011 A Handy Part For Older Electric Ranges

A basic electric range is a solid, time tested appliance. Every year around the holiday season we hear from a lot of folks who have become very attached to their old range and want to keep it alive if they can. A lot of these units are old enough that most of the parts are no longer being milled. Fortunately, many of the elements and controls are still available. Once the machine is of "a certain age" the first control to be retired is often the clock, although if you are lucky you have a common design of clock which may be available for quite a while. Then comes the thermostat. When the original thermostat is no longer available from the manufacturer, a handy solution is Supco's 6700S0011 universal thermostat kit. It comes in a kit with knobs and adapters. It has a 60 inch capillary tube & can be used to replace most single-pole & double-pole thermostats. If you can use the manufacturers original part you generally should. But for older machines, the 6700S0011 can save the day.

Factory Friday: Whirlpool Ignition and Reignition

Whirlpool posted this video talking about electronic ingnition and their automatic reignition ranges. It covers a few common problems that can occur and easy steps that the homeowner can take to keep their range functioning properly.