The simplest way to avoid appliance repairs is regular maintenance, and most of it takes just a few minutes. Here are the habits that keep your fridge, washer, dryer and dishwasher running for years, and when to call for professional appliance repair in Ottawa if something still goes wrong.
We service every major appliance across the Ottawa area, from Kanata to Orleans, and the same few faults come up again and again, most of them preventable.
In this article
Fridge and freezer
- Vacuum the condenser coils twice a year so the compressor does not overwork
- Keep the door seal clean and replace it if it is torn
- Set the fridge to 3 to 4 C and the freezer to -18 C
- Leave a few centimetres around the unit for airflow
- Do not overpack, so cold air can circulate
Save your money
Cleaning the condenser coils twice a year is the single best appliance habit there is. Dirty coils cause a huge share of cooling failures and higher power bills. Pair it with choosing ENERGY STAR certified appliances and your running costs drop noticeably.
Washer and dryer
- Clean the dryer lint filter before every load
- Have the dryer vent cleared once a year, it also lowers fire risk
- Leave the washer door and dispenser open to dry out
- Use the correct amount of HE detergent
- Clean the washer pump filter every few months
- Check hoses for cracks and replace them every 5 years
Dishwasher
- Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub regularly
- Wipe the door seal to prevent mould
- Run a monthly hot cleaning cycle with vinegar or cleaner
- Scrape plates before loading
- Use a rinse aid to cut residue
Oven and stove
- Wipe up spills before they bake on
- Keep gas burner ports clean so they light easily
- Check the oven temperature with a thermometer once a year
- Do not line the oven floor with foil, it blocks heat
- Clean the range hood filter so it clears steam and grease
Did you know?
A large share of the repairs we are called out for could have been prevented by two habits: cleaning fridge coils and clearing dryer vents. Ten minutes twice a year saves most homeowners a service call.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my fridge coils?
Twice a year is ideal, or more if you have pets. Dirty coils are the top preventable cause of cooling problems and higher running costs.
What is the most important appliance maintenance task?
Cleaning the fridge condenser coils and clearing the dryer vent. Between them they prevent a large share of the repairs and safety issues we see.
How can I make my appliances last longer?
Keep them clean, do not overload them, fix small faults early, and follow the simple routines above. Use our repair or replace guide when a fault does appear.
Do I need a professional to maintain my appliances?
Most routine maintenance is do-it-yourself. Call a professional for anything involving gas, refrigerant, or a fault that cleaning does not solve.
Something still not right after a clean? Parliament Appliance Repair services every major appliance across Ottawa. Call (613) 509-1466 or request a free estimate.