Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters
Most people believe household appliances should run on their own — until something breaks. In reality, many failures happen during seasonal transitions — especially in spring and autumn.
Temperature swings, humidity, dust, and electrical load changes all affect appliance performance. Refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and water heaters are especially vulnerable.
As a technician with over a decade of experience in appliance repair, I see the same pattern every year: service calls surge in the off-season.
Most of these issues could have been prevented with basic maintenance. In this article, I’ll explain how to prepare your appliances for the changing seasons and which warning signs to watch for.
Preparing the Refrigerator: Summer and Winter Require Different Care
It’s More Than Just a Plug and a Dial
Fridges run year-round, but summer is when they’re under the most strain. High temperatures push compressors to their limit, and dust can clog ventilation grids. If the unit is placed too close to the wall or near a stove, overheating risks increase dramatically.
In winter, problems arise when fridges are kept in unheated garages or balconies — at below +5°C, the compressor may stop functioning correctly.
One client called me about a fridge that was “suspiciously quiet” during winter. Turns out, the unit had shut down due to low ambient temperature. Moving it to a warmer spot and adjusting the thermostat fixed the issue completely.
Air Conditioners: Clean in Spring, Cool in Summer
Filters and Heat Exchangers Come First
Before the summer heat hits, it’s essential to clean and inspect your air conditioner. Dust build-up reduces performance, raises energy use, and can even cause allergic reactions or foul odors. The drain system should also be cleaned — standing water inside it breeds mold and mildew.
I’ve seen many cases where clients start their ACs as-is in June, and within weeks the unit starts leaking or humming loudly.
In most cases, the cause is clogged filters or a dirty fan. Regular cleaning keeps cooling systems efficient and extends their lifespan.
Washing Machines and Dryers: Get Them Winter-Ready
Cold and Water Don’t Mix
If your appliances are located in an unheated area — like a garage or summer home — you must drain the water from hoses and pumps to prevent freezing and cracking.
In winter, washing machines often suffer from power fluctuations. This is especially problematic for models with inverter motors and touch controls.
One client forgot to disconnect the washer from the water supply at their cottage. Come spring, they found a flooded floor — a burst hose caused by frozen water. The repair, plus water damage, cost far more than a simple winterization service call.
Water Heaters: Don’t Ignore Limescale
Summer Is the Perfect Time for Maintenance
In summer, water heaters and boilers are often used less, making it a great time for descaling, anode rod inspection, and gasket replacement.
Limescale buildup not only reduces heating efficiency, but also puts extra strain on heating elements (TENs), leading to failure.
I always advise servicing a boiler once a year. I once removed a heating element so thick with scale it resembled a stone. It’s no surprise the unit had stopped heating — it was overheating and shutting itself down.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Seasonal Maintenance
It’s Not Just Wiping With a Cloth
Some believe they can handle appliance maintenance on their own. But most units are connected to electricity, water, or refrigerant systems — all of which can be dangerous. Even a simple attempt to “clean things out” without proper precautions can lead to electric shock.
One client tried cleaning his air conditioner’s heat exchanger using the wrong solution. He flooded the control board. The result?
An expensive repair that could have been avoided. That’s why I always say: appliance repair and seasonal maintenance should be left to professionals.
The Benefits of Regular Service
It Works Because You Take Care of It
Seasonal maintenance isn’t just a checkbox — it reduces the chance of breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and extends appliance lifespan.
Trusted service centers like Superior Appliances Repair offer seasonal check-up programs: a technician will inspect each unit, clean components, and offer usage advice.
This approach is ideal for homes with multiple major appliances — fridges, washers, boilers, air conditioners. A once-a-year service visit is far more affordable than an emergency call due to sudden failure.
Seasonal changes impact your appliances more than you might think. Dust, temperature shifts, humidity, and voltage fluctuations quietly wear out key components. But simple, scheduled maintenance can prevent most of the problems.
If you want your appliances to last longer and work reliably, get them ready for each season in advance. And to ensure it’s done safely and correctly, leave it to professionals. Preventive care always costs less than emergency repair.
