Your Appliance Maintenance Checklist: Simple Tips to Avoid Big Repairs

Ever wonder why your water heater suddenly dies in winter or your boiler starts making weird noises? It’s usually not a mystery—it’s skipped maintenance. You don’t need a degree to keep appliances running. Just a few simple checks can save you cash and stress. Here’s what actually works.

Water Heaters: Flush Before It’s Too Late

If your water heater’s been around 10 years, it’s time to flush it. Sediment builds up like sludge at the bottom, making it work harder and waste energy. You can do this yourself in 20 minutes: turn off power, attach a hose to the drain valve, and let the tank empty. Do it every 1-2 years. If your water’s rusty or your heater’s louder than a lawnmower, skip the ‘maybe later’ and get it done. That $50 flush beats a $500 replacement.

Boilers: Know When to Panic (and When to Chill)

Your boiler’s coughing, making rattling sounds, or only heating half the house? Don’t wait until it’s freezing. Check the pressure gauge—it should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it’s low, top it up. If your boiler’s older than 10 years, start budgeting for a new one. But if it’s a sudden drop in heat, check the pilot light first. A simple reset might save you a £100 emergency call. Fans—bathroom ones, extractor fans, you name it—often die because of dust buildup. Clean the blades every 3 months with a damp cloth. If it’s not spinning, check the fuse box. No power? Reset the circuit breaker. If it’s still dead, it’s probably the motor. Don’t replace it yet—try a $10 capacitor fix first. You’ll save money and avoid calling a tradesperson for nothing. Fridges get sluggish when the seals are worn. Test it by closing the door on a piece of paper. If it slips out easily, the seal’s shot. Replace it for under £20. Also, clean the condenser coils (at the back) every six months. Dust there makes the fridge work overtime, eating up your electricity bill. And if your fridge’s not cooling properly? Check the thermostat—sometimes it’s just set wrong. You don’t need fancy tools or expensive advice. Most appliance issues are easy to spot and fix with a little know-how. Skip the ‘maybe I’ll get to it later’ and do one quick check this week. Your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you. Trust us—we’ve seen too many people wait until it’s too late.