Appliances are essential to daily life, but they’re not immune to wear and tear. Understanding the common causes of breakdowns can help you extend the lifespan of your devices. Here are the top five reasons your appliances might fail and tips to prevent these issues:

1. Lack of Regular Maintenance

Skipping routine maintenance is one of the biggest reasons appliances break down. For instance:

• Not cleaning refrigerator coils can cause the compressor to overheat.

• Ignoring the buildup in a washing machine can lead to clogs and leaks.

Prevention Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and schedule professional checkups annually.

2. Overloading the Appliance

Overloading washing machines, dishwashers, or dryers puts excessive strain on the motor and other components, leading to premature failure.

Prevention Tip: Always stick to the recommended load capacity, and balance the load evenly.

3. Power Surges

Electrical spikes can damage sensitive components like circuit boards in modern appliances.

Prevention Tip: Use surge protectors and avoid running multiple high-power devices simultaneously on the same circuit.

4. Incorrect Usage

Using an appliance for purposes it’s not designed for can cause significant damage. For example:

• Using a dishwasher to clean non-dishwasher-safe items can harm internal components.

• Running a dryer without cleaning the lint trap can lead to overheating.

Prevention Tip: Read the user manual and adhere to the instructions.

5. Wear and Tear Over Time

Like any machine, appliances age. Seals, hoses, and motors deteriorate with time, increasing the likelihood of failure.

Prevention Tip: Replace worn parts promptly and consider upgrading older appliances when repairs become frequent.

Conclusion

By understanding these common causes of appliance breakdowns and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can save time, money, and stress. If your appliance does break down, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted repair professional in Spokane — we’re here to help!

Would you like to learn more maintenance tips? Let us know in the comments!

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