How to Level Your Appliance with Your Phone
Leveling your Amana Appliance Using a Phone
Leveling your appliances is a crucial aspect of home maintenance that significantly impacts their performance and longevity. When appliances are not level, they can experience uneven wear and tear, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced efficiency. Properly leveled appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers, not only function better but also minimize noise and vibration, creating a more pleasant home environment.
If you are trying to install your new appliances and you don’t have a traditional level, you might already have one in your pocket. Most smartphones have built-in measuring features already installed on them.
Using a Built-In Level (iPhone):
- Open the Measure App: This app is usually in the Utilities folder on your iPhone.
- Tap "Level": You'll see this option at the bottom of the screen.
- Place Your Phone: Put your phone on the appliance surface you want to level.
- Check the Display:
- Level: When the surface is level, the screen will turn green and show 0 degrees.
- Not Level: You'll see a degree measurement indicating how much the surface is tilted. Adjust the appliance feet until you reach 0 degrees and the screen turns green.
- Level in Two Directions: Check the appliance level both side-to-side and front-to-back for accurate leveling.
Using a Leveling App (Android and iPhone):
- Download a Level App: Search for "bubble level," "spirit level," or "level tool" in your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iPhone). Many free and paid options are available.
- Open the App: Launch the level app on your phone.
- Place Your Phone: Put your phone on the appliance surface you want to level.
- Read the Bubble:
- Most apps mimic a traditional bubble level. The goal is to get the bubble to sit precisely in the center of the vial.
- Many apps also display the angle in degrees for more precise leveling.
- Level in Two Directions: Just like with the built-in tool, check the appliance level from side to side and front to back.
Recommended Phone Placement
Where you place your phone will be critical to successfully leveling your appliance. Use the chart below to determine the ideal level locations. Some appliances have rounded or curved edges, so make sure you are using a flat area.
| Appliance | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher |
Place your phone against the top front opening of the tub.
|
| Washer or Dryer |
Front Load: Set your phone on the top edges of the washer, checking each side and front.
Top Load: Use the top edge and side seam as a guide.
|
| Refrigerator |
Use the cabinet to level, on the top and sides.
|
| Range |
Solid bottom cavities: Place the phone on the bottom of the oven.
Other Ranges: Use one of the oven racks.
|
Tips for Leveling Appliances with Your Phone:
- Remove your phone case: A bulky case might prevent your phone from sitting flat on the appliance.
- Use a flat surface: Some appliances have rounded or curved sides; make sure you are using a flat surface when measuring.
- Check multiple spots: For larger appliances, check the level in several different locations on the surface to ensure it's consistently level.
- Calibrate if necessary: Some level apps have a calibration feature to ensure accuracy. If you suspect the level might be off, follow the app's instructions.
- Adjust the appliance feet: Most appliances have adjustable feet that you can screw in or out to change the level. Refer to the Installation Instructions for specific information.
- Be patient: Leveling can sometimes take a few tries to get right.
Using your phone as a level is a convenient way to ensure your appliances are correctly balanced, which can help them run more efficiently and quietly.