Essential Summer Tips for Appliance Care

When it gets hotter, your appliances have to work harder. Without proper appliance care, this can lead to higher energy bills, reduced efficiency, or even sudden breakdowns. By taking a few simple steps, you can ease the strain on your appliances and help them last longer. Here are some tips to keep things running well during Australia’s hottest months.

Appliance Care During the Australian Summer

Some appliances deal with more heat, both inside and out, during summer. Let’s look at which ones need the most attention.

Which appliances are under the most pressure?

Some appliances deal with more heat, both inside and out, during summer. Let’s look at which ones need the most attention.

1. Fridges and freezers

Your fridge works extra hard in summer. Warmer air makes it harder to keep cool, and opening the door often during holidays adds to the challenge.

Care tips:

• Vacuum or brush the condenser coils to help with cooling.
• Don’t overfill it, as air needs space to move around.
• Check door seals for cracks or gaps that let cool air escape.

2. Air conditioners

It’s no surprise that your air conditioner is in high demand during summer. If the filters are blocked or the outdoor unit is dusty, it won’t work as well.

Care tips:

• Replace or clean filters regularly.
• Clear any obstructions around indoor and outdoor vents.
• Book a pre-summer service if you haven’t already.

3. Washing machines

You’ll probably do more laundry in summer, with beach towels, guests, and hot days making your washer work harder than usual.

Care tips:

• Avoid overloading to prevent strain on the motor.
• Inspect hoses for cracks or leaks.
• Clean the lint trap and run a maintenance wash monthly.

4. Dishwashers

In summer, you’ll likely cook at home more, which means more dishes and more dishwasher cycles. If the filters get clogged or detergent builds up, your dishes might not come out as clean.

Care tips:

• Rinse filters weekly and wipe down spray arms.
• Use the correct detergent for your model.
• Check for signs of poor drainage or standing water.

5. Ovens and cooktops

Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing meals ahead, ovens and stovetops get a lot of use in summer. Extra heat in small kitchens can also make them less efficient.

Care tips:

• Keep exhaust vents clear and fans running.
• Don’t cover vent holes with foil or trays.
• Wipe up spills quickly to prevent them from burning into surfaces.

Appliance care tips for a cooler, smarter summer

Along with the tips above, these general ideas can help take the pressure off all your appliances:

• Avoid using major appliances during the hottest part of the day
  Using appliances in the early morning or evening helps lower the heat and reduces power use.
• Keep all appliances well-ventilated
  Make sure there’s space around fridges, dryers, and dishwashers so air can move freely.
• Stay on top of routine maintenance
  A quick check can help you spot worn parts or loose connections before they become a problem.
• Replace damaged or worn parts early.
  If you wait until something breaks, repairs can take longer and cost more.