The holidays are finally here: we’re talking twinkling lights, the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and cozy evenings spent with family in front of the fire.
What you probably don’t want to envision is a refrigerator that suddenly decides to stop cooling, a dishwasher that floods your kitchen floor, or an oven that won’t heat up just as the turkey is supposed to go in. Unfortunately, it happens all too often, and a broken appliance can turn your festive fantasy into a full-blown holiday nightmare.
Before you let panic set in, take a deep breath. Many appliance breakdowns have simple explanations and even simpler fixes you can handle yourself.
If you know what can go wrong and how to troubleshoot, it can save you time, money, and a whole lot of holiday stress. Let’s walk through some of the most frequent appliance hiccups, what causes them, and how you can get things running smoothly again.
And for those bigger problems, you’ll know exactly who to call for help: Mustang Appliance Repair in Mustang, OK.
1. Your Refrigerator is on the Fritz
Your refrigerator works harder than any other appliance in your home, especially during the holidays when it’s stuffed with leftovers and party platters. This extra workload can sometimes lead to trouble.
Let’s say you open the door to grab some eggnog and are met with lukewarm air. This is one of the most common appliance issues in Mustang, OK, and it can send any host into a full-blown panic. But before you assume the worst, check a few things.
Check the Temperature Dial
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often this is the culprit. Little hands or a misplaced jug of milk can accidentally turn the temperature down. Your fridge should be set between 37°F and 40°F.
Inspect the Door Seals
The rubber gasket around your refrigerator door is crucial for keeping cold air in. If it’s dirty, torn, or brittle, it can’t create a proper seal. Wipe it down with warm, soapy water. If you see visible damage, it likely needs to be replaced. A simple test is to close the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is too weak.
Give It Some Space
Just like you need some space from the in-laws during the holidays, refrigerators need to breathe, too. Make sure there are a few inches of clearance between the back of the fridge and the wall.
This allows air to circulate over the condenser coils, which helps release heat. Overcrowding inside the fridge can also block airflow, so try to organize your holiday goodies to allow for circulation.
2. Your Dishwasher is Misbehaving
After a big holiday meal, the last thing anyone wants to do is hand wash a mountain of dishes. A dishwasher on strike is a major inconvenience.
A common appliance issue is when the dishes just aren’t getting clean. You run a full cycle, but the plates come out with bits of food still stuck to them. It’s frustrating and frankly, a little gross, especially if you’re hosting. Here are some quick fixes to try:
Clean the Filter
Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom that catches food particles. If this gets clogged, water can’t circulate effectively. Check your owner’s manual to find yours, twist it out, and give it a good rinse in the sink. You might be shocked at what you find.
Check the Spray Arms
The arms that spin and spray water can get clogged with food debris or mineral deposits. Make sure the little holes are clear. You can often use a toothpick or a small piece of wire to poke out any blockages.
Load It Properly
Don’t overload the dishwasher. It’s tempting to cram everything in, but this prevents water from reaching every surface. Make sure dishes aren’t blocking the spray arms from spinning.
3. Your Oven is Giving You the Cold Shoulder
You’ve preheated your oven, but it’s still cold a half-hour later. The centerpiece of many holiday meals is a perfectly roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib, but that plan goes right out the window if your oven refuses to heat up.
This is a big problem, but the fix can sometimes be surprisingly small.
Some quick fixes:
Check Your Settings
Are you sure you set it to “Bake” and not “Timed Cook”? Some ovens have settings that require you to set both a temperature and a cooking time. Double-check that you’ve selected the right mode.
For Gas Ovens
If you have a gas oven, the igniter might be the issue. A common sign of a failing igniter is that it glows for a while but never actually ignites the gas. This is a more complex repair and is usually best left to a professional.
For Electric Ovens
In an electric oven, a faulty heating element is a frequent cause. You can often see visible signs of damage, like a blister or a break in the element coil. While replacing an element can be a DIY job for the handy homeowner, it requires shutting off the power and working with wiring, so proceed with caution.
4. Your Washing Machine is Making a Scene
Holiday guests often mean more laundry. From guest towels to tablecloths stained with cranberry sauce, your washing machine is going to be busy.
A washer that won’t drain leaves you with a tub full of soapy, stagnant water and sopping wet clothes. So, how can you fix it?
Examine the Drain Hose
The first place to look is the drain hose. Make sure it isn’t kinked or clogged. A simple adjustment could be all it takes to get the water flowing again.
Clean the Pump Filter
Many front-loading washing machines have a small door on the front, near the bottom. Behind it is a filter designed to catch lint, coins, and other small items. If this gets clogged, the pump can’t drain the water. Place a shallow pan and some towels underneath before opening it, as some water will spill out.
Don’t Let an Appliance Dim Your Holiday Cheer
You’ve checked the plugs, cleaned the filters, and consulted your manuals, but your appliance is still out of commission.
If that’s the case, then it’s time to call for backup. Trying to perform a complex repair without the right tools or training can turn a small problem into a much bigger, more expensive one. Plus, dealing with electrical wiring or gas lines can be incredibly dangerous.
Deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance can be tough. Generally, if an appliance is more than halfway through its expected lifespan and the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new one, replacement might be the better long-term solution. However, for newer appliances or less expensive fixes, a professional repair is almost always the more economical choice.
Don’t let broken appliances add to your holiday stress. For the most common appliance issues in Mustang, OK, that go beyond a quick fix, you need a reliable expert you can trust.
If you’re facing an appliance issue that’s too big to handle on your own, the friendly professionals at Mustang Appliance Repair are here to help. We have the expertise to diagnose the problem quickly and get your household back in working order, so you can focus on what truly matters.
Ready to get your appliances holiday-ready? Contact us today at Mustang Appliance Repair and let us handle the stress for you.