5 Appliances That Need Maintenance During the Summer

Summer can be hard on your home’s appliances. Rising temperatures, higher humidity, and heavier day-to-day use mean the appliances that keep your house running may be working overtime.

You may be making more ice, washing more clothes, running the dishwasher more often, or opening the refrigerator throughout the day. A little attention now can help prevent an expensive breakdown later, along with the inconvenience of waiting for a repair.

Appliances are not the only parts of your home working harder during hot weather. You may also want to review the home systems most likely to fail in summer and the steps you can take to reduce the risk.

Here are five hardworking appliances worth checking before the summer is over.

1. Washing Machine

Summer can mean extra loads of towels, swimsuits, sports clothing, and grass-stained clothes. That heavier use makes this a good time to inspect your washing machine before a worn hose or hidden buildup causes a larger problem.

What to check:

• Inspect the hot- and cold-water supply hoses for cracks, bulges, corrosion, or moisture around the connections.

• Clean the detergent dispenser and any accessible filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Wipe around the door gasket on front-loading machines, where moisture and detergent residue can lead to odors or mildew.

• Confirm that the washer sits level and does not shake excessively during the spin cycle.

If the supply hoses are showing signs of wear, or you do not know how old they are, replacing them is far less expensive than repairing water damage from a burst hose.

2. Refrigerator

Refrigerators often run more during the summer because the kitchen, and sometimes the entire house, is warmer. The appliance has to work harder to maintain a safe internal temperature, especially when the doors are being opened frequently.

What to check:

• Vacuum the condenser coils, which are usually located on the back or underneath the unit. Dust and pet hair buildup can reduce efficiency and shorten the appliance’s lifespan.

• Check the door seals for gaps. Close the door on a piece of paper and gently pull. If it slides out easily, the seal may not be closing tightly.

• Confirm that the refrigerator is at or below 40°F and the freezer is near 0°F, unless the manufacturer recommends a different setting.

• Make sure food is not blocking the interior air vents, which can prevent cold air from circulating evenly.

If the refrigerator runs constantly, feels unusually hot around the exterior, or struggles to hold its temperature, it may need professional attention.

3. Water Heater

Your water heater works year-round, but summer is a convenient time to inspect it while completing the rest of your seasonal maintenance.

What to check:

• Look for moisture, rust, corrosion, or mineral deposits around the tank, valves, and connections.

• Listen for popping or rumbling sounds, which may indicate sediment buildup inside the tank.

• Check the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions before flushing the tank. Depending on the unit’s age and service history, professional service may be the safer option.

• Record the unit’s installation date so you have a general idea of where it is in its expected lifespan.

Many traditional tank water heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years. Actual lifespan varies based on the model, water quality, maintenance, and household usage.

If the unit is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, planning for replacement is much better than discovering a failed tank after it has leaked.

4. Dryer

Summer often means more laundry, including swimsuits, towels, sheets, and outdoor clothing. A dryer working against a clogged vent has to run longer and hotter to dry the same load.

Restricted airflow also creates a serious fire risk, which makes dryer vent maintenance especially important.

What to check:

• Clean the lint trap before every load.

• Inspect and clean the exterior dryer vent, not just the lint trap. Lint can build up along the full length of the duct.

• Confirm that the exterior vent flap opens freely while the dryer is running.

• Pay attention to clothes that take longer than usual to dry or feel unusually hot when the cycle finishes.

• Inspect the vent hose behind the dryer for crushing, sharp bends, or visible damage.

If the vent line is long, difficult to access, or has not been professionally cleaned in several years, consider scheduling a full dryer vent cleaning.

5. Dishwasher

With more entertaining, cookouts, and meals at home during the summer, your dishwasher may get more use than usual. Food debris, grease, and mineral buildup can gradually reduce its cleaning performance.

What to check:

• Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub. In many models, it must be removed and washed manually.

• Wipe down the door gasket to prevent food residue, odors, mold, or mildew buildup.

• Inspect the spray arm holes and remove any visible debris that could restrict water flow.

• Run a cleaning cycle or use a dishwasher cleaner periodically to reduce grease and mineral buildup, especially if your home has hard water.

• Look under and around the appliance for any signs of moisture or leaking.

If dishes remain dirty after a full cycle, check the filter and spray arms before assuming the dishwasher needs to be replaced.

Keep a Record of What You Check

As you complete each task, record the date, any issues you noticed, and whether replacement parts or professional service may be needed.

Keeping a maintenance history makes it easier to spot recurring problems, track warranty coverage, and know when an appliance may be nearing the end of its expected lifespan. It also gives you a clearer picture of how much you are spending on service and repairs over time.

Small Tasks Now, Fewer Surprises Later

None of these tasks takes much time, but each one can help an appliance run more efficiently, last longer, and avoid an inconvenient breakdown.

Small maintenance tasks are easy to postpone, but the cost can add up quickly. As covered in the real cost of skipping home maintenance, delaying a small repair or inspection can sometimes turn a minor issue into a much more expensive problem.

The hardest part is often remembering what was checked, when it was serviced, and when it needs attention again.

MyVitalHome helps you organize your home’s appliances, installation dates, warranty information, service history, and recurring maintenance in one place. That makes it easier to take care of small tasks before they become expensive surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should refrigerator coils be cleaned?

For many refrigerators, cleaning the condenser coils once or twice a year is a reasonable starting point. Homes with pets or heavy dust buildup may need more frequent cleaning. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.

How do I know if my dryer vent is clogged?

Common signs include longer drying times, unusually hot clothes, a hot dryer exterior, a burning smell, or weak airflow from the exterior vent.

Should I flush an older water heater?

Check the manufacturer’s guidance and the unit’s maintenance history first. If an older tank has never been flushed or shows signs of corrosion, it may be safer to have a plumber inspect it before disturbing sediment inside the tank.

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

The schedule depends on how often the dishwasher is used and the type of filter it has. Some filters need monthly cleaning, while others can go longer. Check the owner’s manual and inspect the filter whenever dishes start coming out dirty or the dishwasher develops an odor.

How often should washing machine hoses be inspected?

It is a good idea to inspect the hoses at least once a year and anytime you notice moisture, corrosion, bulging, or cracking near the connections.

Know your home’s vitals.

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