At Also Appliances, we know how important your home appliances are to your daily life. From keeping your food fresh to ensuring your laundry gets done, appliances play a major role in household comfort and efficiency. But just like any machine, they need regular care to keep performing at their best.
Whether you’ve just bought new appliances or want to extend the life of your current ones, this year-round maintenance guide will help you avoid breakdowns, improve efficiency, and save on costly repairs.
Spring: Deep Clean & Inspect
Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and baseboards—it’s the perfect time to give your appliances a fresh start.
Tasks to do:
- Refrigerator:
- Clean condenser coils (vacuum or brush off dust and lint).
- Check and clean door seals to ensure they’re airtight.
- Discard expired items and wipe shelves.
- Washing Machine:
- Run an empty hot wash with vinegar or a washer cleaner to remove buildup.
- Inspect hoses for cracks or leaks.
- Dryer:
- Clean out lint traps and ducts thoroughly—this helps prevent fires.
- Vacuum behind the unit to clear out dust.
Summer: Optimize for Efficiency
Hot weather can put a strain on your appliances. Summer is a good time to make sure they’re not working harder than necessary.
Tasks to do:
- AC Units:
- Clean or replace filters every 1–2 months during use.
- Ensure outdoor units are free of debris and vegetation.
- Refrigerator:
- Avoid overfilling it—it needs air circulation to stay cool.
- Keep it away from heat sources like direct sunlight or ovens.
- Dishwasher:
- Check and clean the spray arms and filters for food buildup.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner monthly to remove limescale and grease.
Fall: Prepare for Heavy Use
As the holidays approach, your appliances will likely be working overtime. Fall is a good time for a preventative check-up.
Tasks to do:
- Oven & Stove:
- Test the oven temperature with a thermometer for accuracy.
- Clean burners and remove food spills to avoid smoke and fire hazards.
- Washer/Dryer:
- Clean and check all hose connections.
- Make sure dryers vent fully outside, not into attics or crawl spaces.
- Water Heater (if applicable):
- Flush it to remove sediment buildup, which affects efficiency and lifespan.
Winter: Stay Safe & Save Energy
Cold months mean more time indoors and more appliance usage. Winter is about efficiency and safety.
Tasks to do:
- Refrigerator:
- Set temperature between 37°F and 40°F; freezer at 0°F.
- Avoid storing appliances in freezing garages (can cause them to stop working).
- Dishwasher:
- Run hot water in your sink before starting a cycle to improve wash quality.
- Clean filters monthly.
- General Tip:
- Unplug small appliances when not in use to save energy and prevent surges.
Bonus Tip: Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Even with regular upkeep, it’s smart to have your major appliances checked by professionals at least once a year. At Also Appliances, our certified technicians can catch early signs of wear and keep your units running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your appliances doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A little seasonal attention goes a long way in keeping them efficient, safe, and long-lasting.
Need help with a repair or tune-up? Contact Also Appliances today for expert service you can trust.
