Get Your Home Ready for Warm Weather with Proactive Appliance Care
As the weather warms up and we shift into spring and early summer, it’s the perfect time to give your appliances a little TLC. During the cooler months, some appliances work overtime—while others sit unused. Spring is the ideal season to inspect, clean, and maintain your household appliances to ensure they’re working efficiently and won’t let you down during the hot summer days.
This seasonal appliance maintenance checklist from the experts at LOWL will help you avoid breakdowns, reduce energy costs, and extend the life of your appliances. And if anything looks suspicious or you’re unsure, give us a call at +1 951 620 9609—we’re always ready to help with fast, reliable service.
1. Refrigerator & Freezer Maintenance
With warmer weather approaching, your refrigerator and freezer will have to work harder to keep food cold. Here’s how to prepare:
- Clean condenser coils: Dust and pet hair on the coils make your fridge less efficient. Vacuum or brush them every 6 months.
- Check door seals: A loose or cracked gasket lets warm air in, forcing your fridge to work harder. Close a dollar bill in the door—if it pulls out easily, it’s time to replace the seal.
- Clean interior and remove expired items: This improves air circulation and hygiene.
- Defrost the freezer if needed: Too much ice buildup reduces efficiency.
✅ Tip: Keep the fridge ¾ full for better performance, but don’t overstuff.
2. Washing Machine & Dryer Tune-Up
Laundry appliances take a beating all year. Spring is a great time to make sure they’re in good working order.
- Inspect hoses: Check for bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replace rubber hoses that are more than 5 years old with stainless steel.
- Clean lint from the dryer vent and duct: Lint buildup is a fire hazard and slows down drying.
- Wipe down door seals: Mold and mildew often build up here. Use a vinegar solution to clean.
- Level your washer: A wobbly machine causes extra wear and tear.
✅ Tip: Leave the washer door open between loads to prevent musty odors.
3. Air Conditioner Check Before the Heat Hits
Before the summer heat arrives, your air conditioning system needs a once-over to make sure it’s ready.
- Replace or clean air filters: Dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency.
- Test the unit: Turn it on in the spring to catch issues before you actually need it.
- Check for unusual sounds: Rattling or buzzing could mean a loose part or failing motor.
- Clear debris around the outdoor unit: Leaves and dirt block airflow.
✅ Tip: Schedule a professional AC tune-up if it hasn’t been done in the last year.
4. Dishwasher Maintenance
Your dishwasher might be working harder in the spring and summer with kids home from school or extra guests visiting.
- Clean the filter: A clogged filter leads to dirty dishes and water damage.
- Run a vinegar rinse: Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bottom and run a hot cycle to eliminate odors and buildup.
- Inspect spray arms: Make sure the holes are clear.
- Check for leaks under and around the unit: A minor drip can turn into a major issue.
✅ Tip: Use a dishwasher cleaner once a month for optimal performance.
5. Oven & Stove Spring Inspection
With spring meals and summer barbecues coming up, make sure your cooking appliances are ready.
- Clean the oven interior: Avoid the self-clean function right before a big meal—it can stress older ovens.
- Test all burners: Make sure electric burners heat evenly and gas burners ignite quickly.
- Inspect gas lines for smell or corrosion: If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas and call a professional immediately.
- Check the range hood filter: Greasy filters reduce airflow and can cause odors.
✅ Tip: Use natural degreasers like lemon and baking soda to keep the oven fresh.
6. Water Heater Inspection
Your water heater is about to enter heavy usage season as showers, laundry, and dishes increase during warm months.
- Flush the tank: Sediment builds up over time and reduces efficiency. Flushing it once a year helps extend its life.
- Test the pressure relief valve: This is a simple safety check you can do in minutes.
- Inspect for leaks or corrosion: Small leaks should be addressed before they grow.
- Check water temperature: 120°F is ideal—hot enough to clean, not hot enough to scald.
✅ Tip: Install a water heater blanket if your unit is older and in a cool garage or basement.
7. Garbage Disposal & Kitchen Appliances
With more outdoor dining and fresh produce, garbage disposals often work overtime in the spring and summer.
- Clean with baking soda and vinegar: This eliminates odors and clears minor clogs.
- Avoid dumping fibrous foods: Corn husks, celery, and fruit peels can jam the motor.
- Test microwave buttons and door seals: Make sure everything is functioning smoothly.
✅ Tip: Use ice cubes and citrus peels to freshen up the disposal and sharpen the blades.
Why Seasonal Appliance Maintenance Matters
Seasonal maintenance is about more than keeping things clean—it’s about:
- Preventing breakdowns during peak usage months
- Saving energy and lowering utility bills
- Extending the life of your appliances
- Avoiding costly emergency repairs
Many appliance issues we see at LOWL could have been prevented with routine seasonal checkups.
Need Help with Spring Appliance Maintenance? Call LOWL Today
Some maintenance tasks are easy to do on your own. But when you’re unsure, or if you spot signs of wear, don’t wait for a breakdown. Call LOWL for professional inspection and repair services.
We offer:
- Same-day and next-day service
- Affordable, upfront pricing
- Certified technicians for all major brands
- Honest recommendations with no pressure
📞 Call LOWL at +1 951 620 9609 to schedule your seasonal appliance maintenance visit. Let’s get your home ready for the sunny days ahead—efficient, safe, and stress-free.
