As the weather outside gets frightful, the last thing you want is for your appliances to stop working. Unfortunately, statistics show that appliance breakdowns peak during the winter months. But there’s no need to despair! With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can keep your appliances running smoothly all winter long. Read on to find out which appliances you should pay special attention to and how to prevent them from breaking down.

Furnace Appliances

Your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home during the winter. Not only does it provide warmth and comfort, but it also helps protect your pipes from freezing. That’s why it’s so important to have your furnace serviced by a professional before the cold weather hits. A qualified technician will clean the burner assembly, inspect the heat exchanger, and make sure that all the safety controls are working properly. They will also check the fuel supply and adjust the air flow to ensure that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency.

Refrigerator Maintenance

Your refrigerator works hard all year round, but it has to work even harder during the summer when demand for ice cold drinks is at its highest. As a result, many refrigerators break down during the warmer months. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean your fridge regularly and keep an eye on the door seal. A worn or damaged door seal can cause your fridge to overwork itself and eventually break down. So, if you notice any cracks or gaps in the seal, be sure to have it replaced as soon as possible.

Dishwasher Maintenance

During the winter, your dishwasher has to work overtime to clean all those holiday dishes. To prevent it from breaking down, start by cleaning out the filters. Clogged filters can cause your dishwasher to overwork itself and use more energy than necessary. You should also check the door gasket for signs of wear and tear. A worn gasket can cause leaks, which can lead to water damage and costly repairs. Finally, make sure that you’re using the correct detergent. Using too much detergent can cause siding, which can damage your dishwasher’s pump and cause it to break down.

Dryer Maintenance

There are a few things you can do to check your dryer for potential hazards. First, take a look at the vent behind the dryer. It should not be blocked or damaged. Second, clean the lint filter. Ideally, this should be done after every few wash cycles. Third, make sure the area around the dryer is not blocked by objects that could easily catch fire. Finally, if you are going to be away for a long time, unplug the dryer. By following these steps, you can help prevent fires from occurring in your home this winter season.