Your Fall Home Appliance Maintenance Checklist

As the leaves change and the air turns cooler, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the coming seasons. While you’re cleaning out gutters and checking your heating system, don’t forget about your major appliances. A little preventative maintenance in the fall can improve efficiency, prevent holiday breakdowns, and save you money.

Use this simple checklist to get your key appliances ready for the months ahead.

1. Oven and Cooktop

With holiday cooking right around the corner, your oven is about to go into overdrive.

• Run the Self-Clean Cycle: Do this well before you plan to host any big meals. The self-clean function runs at extremely high temperatures and can sometimes cause a weak component to fail. It’s better to find out now than on Thanksgiving morning.
• Clean Your Cooktop: For gas ranges, ensure all burner ports are clear of debris for an even flame. For electric cooktops, clean under the coils and replace any damaged drip pans.

2. Refrigerator and Freezer

Your fridge works harder when the kitchen is hot from holiday cooking.

• Clean the Condenser Coils: Dust-covered coils on the back or bottom of your fridge force it to work harder. Unplug the unit and use a vacuum or brush to clean them thoroughly.
• Check the Door Seals: A leaky gasket lets cold air escape. Clean the seals with warm, soapy water and test them by closing the door on a dollar bill. If it pulls out easily, the seal may need to be replaced.

3. Dishwasher

A holiday meal means a mountain of dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is ready.

• Clean the Filter: Remove and rinse the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher to remove trapped food particles. This improves drainage and cleaning performance.
• Inspect the Spray Arms: Make sure the holes in the spray arms aren’t clogged with debris. Use a toothpick to clear them if needed.

4. Dryer

Cooler, damper weather means your dryer will be used more often.

• Clean the Vent: This is the most important task. A clogged dryer vent is a major fire hazard and makes your dryer inefficient. Clean the entire duct from the dryer to the outside of your home.

5. HVAC System

Don’t wait for the first cold snap.

• Change the Filter: A clean filter is essential for good airflow and efficiency.
• Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: A licensed technician can inspect your furnace to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently before winter begins.

When Maintenance Isn’t Enough

If you discover a problem during your fall check-up—like an oven that won’t heat or a dryer that’s making noise—don’t wait for it to get worse. The professional team at Appliance Surgeon provides expert repair for all major appliances and HVAC systems.

Get your home ready for the season. If you need a repair, schedule an appointment with Appliance Surgeon today!