It’s important to always have your fridge, washer, dryer, stove or oven work as intended. When one of your home appliances is acting up, it can be an inconvenience in your daily routine. However, problems can be prevented if you’re diligent when it comes to daily, weekend, monthly, quarterly or annual routine maintenance. In this column, we tackle five ways to avoid an appliance repair and save you time and money.
Importance of basic appliance maintenance
An appliance repair service should be your last resort when it comes to maintaining your appliances. There are many reasons why it’s important to have your appliance maintained, professionally or not. Different appliance brands require different maintenance needs. Make sure you have your user’s manual to guide you through the maintenance routine.
Why basic maintenance of your appliance is important:
- Appliance lifespan is extended
- Saves money on energy bills and repairs
- Home safety is enhanced
- Improves performance and efficiency
- Supports environmental sustainability
How to avoid an appliance repair
For major appliance problems, the cost of the repair will vary. Depending on the issue, it can range from a few to hundreds of dollars. That is why professional appliance repair technicians always remind homeowners to maintain their appliances and do a routine maintenance check. If you’re not confident in doing them, you can reach out to your local same-day appliance repair company in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.
1 – Clean your fridge condenser coils
As part of the cooling process, the condenser coils of your refrigerator release heat. When they are covered in dust or debris, the fridge must work much harder to keep the food inside cold. This can lead to higher energy bills and potentially a compressor failure.
What to do: Locate the condenser coils (usually behind or underneath the fridge) and vacuum them every six to 12 months. If you have pets, every three to six months is ideal.
2 – Empty pockets before starting the washer
Before loading your clothes into the washer, it’s important that you empty the pockets. Check if there are coins, keys, screws, receipts, money and even tissue. When you leave them inside your pocket and load the washer, it can damage the washer drum, clog the drain pump or leave debris throughout your laundry.
What to do: Make sure you form a pocket-checking habit before every wash cycle. It only takes a couple of seconds and can prevent costly washer repairs in the future.
3 – Clean the dryer lint trap and vent regularly
When you let lint build up, it restricts the airflow. This will increase the drying time and force your dryer to overheat. If this happens often, it can damage heating elements and internal components. It’s also a fire hazard if left unattended.
What to do: Every after load, make sure you clean the lint trap. And have the dryer vent and exhaust duct professionally cleaned by an appliance repair company at least once a year.
4 – Avoid overloading your appliances
Overloading your washer, dryer or dishwasher puts excessive strain on motors, belts, bearings and suspension systems. If you always do this, it will shorten the lifespan of your appliances.
What to do: Always follow the manufacturer’s load capacity guidelines. Clothes and dishes should have room to be properly cleaned.
5 – Inspect and replace worn door seals
Door gaskets on refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and washers are essential for maintaining proper temperature and preventing water leaks. When seals are cracked or loose, it allows air and moisture to escape, which reduces efficiency.
What to do: Check the door seals every few months for cracks, brittleness or mould buildup. It’s much cheaper to replace a worn gasket than to repair water damage or replace a major component.
Appliance maintenance
Washer
- Clean the drum with a washing machine cleaner, or you can run a hot cycle with white vinegar + baking soda.
- Wipe down the door gasket or seal, especially if you have a front loader, to prevent it from developing mould and mildew.
- Leave the door open after each use to allow the drum to dry out.
Dryer
- Clean the lint trap after every load to improve airflow and reduce fire risk.
- Every month, vacuum the inside of the lint trap to remove trapped debris.
- Inspect and clean the dryer vent and exterior exhaust at least once a year to prevent overheating and long drying times.
- Avoid overloading the dryer because it strains the motor and drum rollers.
- Wipe down the moisture sensor (usually inside the drum) with a soft cloth and vinegar to prevent sensor malfunctions.
Fridge and freezer
- Every six to 12 months, clean the condenser coils to improve cooling efficiency and reduce compressor strain.
- Clean and check the door gaskets regularly to ensure a tight seal and prevent cold air from escaping.
- Avoid overloading the fridge with food, as it might block the airflow.
- Set proper temperatures according to the manufacturer’s manual.
- Defrost the freezer once a year if there’s ice buildup (for non-frost-free models).
Oven and stove
- Immediately clean spills once the surface cools to prevent unwanted residue.
- Remove and soak stove grates and burner caps in warm, soapy water to prevent buildup.
- Avoid using excessive water when cleaning the control panels.
- Only run the self-clean cycle as recommended by the manufacturer. Don’t do it excessively to avoid overheating components.
Dishwasher
- Every month, clean the dishwasher filter to prevent clogs and drainage issues.
- Occasionally, wipe the door seal to prevent mould and leaks.
- Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner, or a cup of white vinegar to remove grease and foul odours.
- Avoid overloading or blocking spray arms.
- As much as you can, scrape food debris off the dishes before loading them to prevent buildup in the drain system.
If you follow the tips above for every household appliance you have, you won’t need to call an appliance repair technician. But in the event of a problem, calling an experienced appliance technician to fix your appliance is the best approach as they can quickly diagnose and repair your appliance.
