Summer might not officially start until late June, but in Arizona grilling season is well underway. Here are some tips for safe grilling this season:

• If you have a propane grill, check the hose before the first time you use it this year. The NFPA has a great trick to check for leaks.
• Never grill indoors. Yes, it has to be said.
• Keep the grill away from branches and home overhangs.
• Watch children and pets around the grill. Keep them away if you can.
• Keep your grill clean. Here is a simple way to clean your grill with coffee.

​There are many more tips on National Fire Prevention Safety’s website. Here’s a recipe for some delicious Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken. Happy grilling!

Today’s newest appliances have mini computers on board. These little computers allow the appliances to set complex timing configurations, dispense cleaning products, recall and repeat a frequently used set of instructions, and provide information to help you be more energy efficient. While this technology has many advantages, it can be more costly when appliance repair is needed. One of the simplest and most cost-effective steps you can take to avoid appliance repair is to use surge protectors with your appliances.

In Phoenix, Scottsdale, and all parts of Arizona there can be severe weather that affects the area’s power supply. Thunderstorms, monsoons, dust storms, extreme heat, and snowfall can potentially cause power flashes and surges that would damage the circuits and motherboards of home appliances.

Households with personal computers and high end televisions are already familiar with the need for surge protectors, but many may not realize that their appliances have computer components, too. Nearly every appliance in your house can be found in a smarter version, from thermostats to refrigerators, washer / dryers to air conditioners. And most of those can accommodate a surge protector between themselves and the outlet they plug into.

Surge protection is particularly important for your refrigerator and air conditioner, as both are vital to the health and well-being of your family. If either of these appliances becomes damaged, then the appliance repair can be an emergency. Refrigerators protect our food and medicine, while air conditioners or other climate control protects the health and safety of your youngest and oldest family members.

​Avoid needing appliance repair – or worse, emergency appliance repair – at the height of a storm or severe weather. Adding surge protectors is a simple step. And while Hillside Appliance Repair Service of AZ provides excellent appliance repairs, they are happy to help homeowners avoid them, too.