If your appliances are nearing the end of their lifespan, you may be deciding between a repair or replacement. Sometimes your appliances show obvious signs they're on the fritz. But other times, the signals are more subtle. Look for these common appliance issues to decide when to handle it yourself or call in a pro.
Signs your appliances need repair
1. Refrigerator & freezer
- Hot to the touch: If your fridge feels warm, the compressor might be failing. This can lead to food spoilage and higher energy bills. A repair can cost around $200—cheaper than replacing the fridge.
- Strange noises: Unusual sounds may indicate a compressor problem. Don’t ignore this—call a professional before it gets worse.
- Food spoiling quickly or warm spots: If your fridge isn’t cooling evenly, check the thermostat (should be between 0°F and 4°F). If the food is still warm, a blocked vent or failing compressor may be the issue.
- Excess frost buildup in the freezer: Excess frost means the unit isn’t defrosting properly, which could be due to a malfunctioning defrost system.
- Leaking water: Water pooling at the bottom of your fridge could indicate a clogged drain or a larger internal issue.
- Fridge or freezer doesn’t stay closed: If the door won’t close, check the seals. Damaged seals are an easy fix but left unattended, they can drive up energy costs.
2. Dishwasher
- Dishes come out dirty or with residue: This could be due to clogged spray arms or a broken filter. An expert can fix this issue, preventing you from wasting water and energy.
- Dishes are cold after a cycle: If your dishes aren’t hot, the dishwasher’s heating element may be broken, meaning it’s not sanitizing properly.
- Strange smells: Persistent odours can signal bacteria or mold buildup inside the dishwasher. Have it checked by a professional.
- Water pooling inside or leaking onto the floor: Water left in the bottom or leaking out points to drainage or pump issues, which can lead to bigger damage if not repaired soon.
3. Washer
- Washer doesn’t fill, spin, or drain properly: If your washer isn’t operating as expected, the pump could need replacement. This usually costs $75 to $200.
- Leaking water: Check the hoses for kinks or the filter for clogs, which could be causing leaks.
- Unusual vibrations or movements: Excessive movement or noise could indicate an unbalanced load, or it might mean that the drum or bearings are worn out.
4. Dryer
- Dryer takes too long to dry clothes: If it’s taking too long to dry, the vent might be blocked, or the heating element could be failing.
- Strange noises: A loud dryer likely needs a belt replacement, a fix that costs around $200.
- Clothes not getting hot: If your clothes aren’t drying, the heating element might be faulty, or the vent could be clogged.
- Gas dryer ignition coil issues: For gas dryers, failing ignition coils can cause safety concerns, so it’s best to replace them regularly.
5. Range/stove
- Burners won’t light or heat unevenly: This could be due to clogged burners or misaligned parts, which are easy fixes. But for gas stoves, if the issue persists, it might be a faulty ignition.
- Oven temperature is off: If your oven isn’t heating evenly, the thermostat or heating element may need repair.
- Sparks or strange noises: Sparks or unusual sounds are signs of electrical issues that could pose a fire hazard. Call a technician immediately.
- Gas smell: If you have a gas stove and smell gas, turn off the appliance and call a professional immediately. This could indicate a dangerous leak.
6. Water heater
- Water takes longer to heat: This could be due to a burnt-out heating element or a broken burner that needs replacement.
- Rusty water: Rust in the water could mean your tank is corroding from the inside, which might lead to leaks or a burst tank.
- Rumbling noises: Sediment buildup in the tank can cause rumbling sounds. If not addressed, it could lead to tank failure.
- Water around the base of the unit: Water pooling around the heater indicates a leak. Call a professional immediately to prevent water damage or mold growth.
When to repair vs. replace your appliances
If the repair cost is more than half the price of a new appliance, it’s usually better to replace it. New appliances also tend to be more energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run.
Pay attention to these appliance warning signs to keep your home running smoothly. And when in doubt, call a professional—early repairs can save you time, money, and stress.
Get a backup plan
Do you have a backup plan? A protection plan, that is.
Avoid costly surprises with the Rümi Appliance Home Protection Plan. It covers repairs for your fridge, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and stove, even if they’re out of warranty. Plus, you get free advice from home inspectors and legal support for homeowner-related issues. It's the ultimate homeowner's fallback plan for, especially if your appliances are on the older side.
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