Your home appliances work hard every single day. The refrigerator runs around the clock, the dishwasher tackles meal after meal, and the washer and dryer power through load after load of laundry. With all that use, it's easy to take these machines for granted, at least until something breaks down and you're faced with an expensive repair bill or a premature replacement.
The good news? Most major appliance failures are preventable. A consistent maintenance routine can extend the life of your appliances by two to five years, reduce energy costs, and help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns. At Kelly's Appliance Center, we've been servicing homes across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties for over 50 years, and the most common problems we see could have been caught early with routine care. Here's your complete guide to how often each major appliance should be serviced.
Refrigerator Maintenance
Your refrigerator is the hardest-working appliance in your home. It never shuts off, and neglecting its maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, food spoilage, and compressor failure. Here are the key tasks and how often to perform them:
- Clean the condenser coils every 6 to 12 months. Dust and pet hair accumulate on the coils, usually located behind or beneath the unit. Dirty coils force the compressor to work harder, driving up energy use and shortening the refrigerator's lifespan.
- Check door seals (gaskets) every 3 to 6 months. A loose or cracked gasket lets cold air escape, causing the refrigerator to run longer cycles and increasing your electricity bill. Close the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull it out easily, the seal needs attention.
- Clean the drain pan and drain hole twice a year. A clogged drain can cause water to pool inside the unit or leak onto your floor, potentially leading to mold growth or water damage.
If your refrigerator is making unusual noises, not keeping food cold enough, or cycling too frequently, don't wait for a complete failure. Our factory-authorized technicians can diagnose and resolve the issue quickly. Learn more about our refrigerator repair services.
Oven and Range Maintenance
Whether you have a gas range or an electric oven, regular maintenance keeps your cooking appliance safe and accurate. Neglected ovens can develop uneven heating, inaccurate temperatures, and even gas leaks.
- Clean the interior regularly. Baked-on food and grease buildup can cause smoke, odors, and even fire. Use the self-cleaning cycle sparingly (every 3 to 4 months) as it puts stress on the oven's components. For routine cleanups, a baking soda and vinegar solution works well.
- Inspect heating elements and burners annually. On electric models, look for visible damage, hot spots, or elements that don't glow evenly. For gas ranges, make sure burner flames are blue and steady. Yellow or uneven flames indicate a problem with the gas-to-air ratio.
- Check the door seal annually. A damaged oven door gasket lets heat escape, resulting in longer cooking times and wasted energy.
If your oven isn't heating evenly, takes too long to preheat, or your gas range has an unusual smell, schedule an inspection right away. Visit our oven and range repair page for details on how we can help.
Dishwasher Maintenance
A well-maintained dishwasher cleans better, uses less water, and lasts years longer than one that's neglected. Hard water deposits, food debris, and soap scum are the primary enemies of dishwasher performance.
- Clean the filter monthly. Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub. Food particles trapped here reduce cleaning performance and can cause unpleasant odors.
- Check the spray arms every 2 to 3 months. Mineral deposits and food debris can clog the small holes in the spray arms. Remove them and clear any blockages with a toothpick or small brush.
- Run a cleaning cycle monthly. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle with the dishwasher empty. This dissolves grease, removes odors, and clears mineral buildup from internal components.
Standing water, dishes that aren't getting clean, or a dishwasher that won't drain properly are signs of a deeper issue. Our experienced team handles all makes and models. Check out our dishwasher repair services for more information.
Washing Machine Maintenance
Washing machines handle heavy loads and constant exposure to water and detergent. Without regular upkeep, they're prone to mold, leaks, and mechanical failures that can damage your laundry room.
- Run a clean cycle monthly. Use a washing machine cleaner or a cup of baking soda on a hot cycle to remove detergent residue, mold, and odor-causing bacteria. This is especially important for front-loading models.
- Inspect water supply hoses every 6 months. Check for bulges, cracks, or signs of wear. Rubber hoses deteriorate over time and a burst hose can cause serious flooding. Consider upgrading to braided stainless steel hoses for added durability.
- Check for leaks regularly. Look under and behind the machine for signs of moisture. Even small leaks can lead to mold growth and floor damage if left unaddressed.
If your washer isn't spinning properly, vibrates excessively, or leaves clothes soaking wet, a professional diagnosis can prevent further damage to the machine and your clothing. Learn about our washing machine repair services.
Dryer Maintenance
Dryer maintenance isn't just about performance. It's a matter of safety. Clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. A proper maintenance routine protects your family and your home.
- Clean the lint trap after every single load. This is the simplest and most important thing you can do. A clogged lint screen restricts airflow, increases drying time, and creates a fire hazard.
- Schedule professional vent cleaning annually. Even if you clean the lint trap faithfully, lint still accumulates inside the vent duct over time. A professional cleaning removes this buildup and ensures safe, efficient operation.
- Inspect the drum and interior every 6 months. Look for foreign objects, damaged baffles, or signs of wear on the drum seal. Catching small problems early prevents more costly repairs down the road.
If your dryer is taking multiple cycles to dry a single load, feels unusually hot, or produces a burning smell, stop using it and call a professional immediately. Visit our dryer repair page to schedule service.
The Bottom Line
Preventive maintenance is the single best investment you can make in your home appliances. A few minutes of routine care each month, combined with an annual professional inspection, can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. Appliances that receive regular service run more efficiently, consume less energy, and last significantly longer than those that are neglected until something goes wrong.
At Kelly's Appliance Center, we've earned our Diamond Certified rating by delivering expert, honest service to homeowners across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties for over 50 years. Our factory-authorized technicians are trained to work on all major brands and can spot potential problems before they become expensive emergencies. Whether you need a routine maintenance visit or a specific repair, we're here to help you get the most out of every appliance in your home.
Don't wait for a breakdown to take action. Schedule your professional appliance maintenance today and rest easy knowing your home is running at its best.
