How to extend the lifespan of your home appliances

Rather than a list of tips to remember all at once, here’s appliance maintenance broken down by season — so you’re doing a little at a time instead of trying to do it all in one weekend.

Spring

• Clean refrigerator condenser coils — winter dust buildup from closed windows makes this a good time to check them.
• Inspect washing machine hoses for cracking; replace if they’re more than 3-5 years old.
• Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar to clear winter mineral buildup.

Summer

• Check your dryer vent — summer’s the season you’ll notice reduced airflow most, since heat and humidity make clothes take longer to dry anyway. A clogged vent compounds the problem.
• Clean refrigerator door seals; they work harder in summer heat and a poor seal costs you real money in that season specifically.

Fall

• Deep-clean the oven before holiday cooking season ramps up — wipe spills, check burner grates, and test that your oven’s actual temperature matches its setting.
• Clean the dishwasher filter and spray arms ahead of heavier holiday-season use.

Winter

• Empty the dryer lint trap after every single load — dry winter air makes lint more flammable, and this is the season dryer fires spike.
• Leave the washing machine door open between uses to prevent mold, since homes tend to be sealed up tighter and more humid indoors in winter.

Why spread it out

Appliance wear isn’t constant year-round — dryers work hardest in humid summer months, refrigerator seals matter most in summer heat, ovens see heavier use in fall and winter. Matching maintenance to the season it actually matters most catches problems while they’re still cheap to fix.

Need a maintenance check or a repair? Call Star Appliance Repair at (647)-847-8774 today!