High summer temperatures strain your home’s appliances—from refrigerators working overtime to keep food cold, to air conditioners pushing extra cool air. By taking a few proactive steps, you can prevent breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend the life of your machines. At Romano’s Appliance Repair, our EPA-certified, factory-trained technicians recommend these simple, effective tips to get your appliances ready for the hottest months of the year.
1. Service Your Air Conditioner Early
Why It Matters: An overworked A/C unit can fail in peak heat, leaving your home sweltering and risking food spoilage, appliance overheating, and health issues.
- Clean or Replace Filters: Clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency. Change disposable filters every 30 days or clean reusable filters twice per summer.
- Inspect Coils and Fins: Dust on the evaporator and condenser coils forces the compressor to work harder. Gently vacuum or brush debris from coils and straighten bent fins with a fin comb.
- Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant causes poor cooling and compressor strain. A certified technician can test and, if needed, recharge your system to manufacturer specifications.
- Verify Thermostat Accuracy: Calibrate or replace old thermostats so your A/C cycles correctly, preventing constant run times that spike energy use.
By scheduling an A/C tune-up in late spring, you avoid service delays and ensure peak performance when temperatures soar.
2. Optimize Your Refrigerator and Freezer
Why It Matters: Higher ambient temperatures make your fridge run longer to maintain safe food temperatures (below 40°F). This increases energy use and wear on the compressor.
- Clean Condenser Coils: Locate coils on the back or beneath the unit. Vacuum them every six months to remove dust and pet hair.
- Check Door Seals: A worn or cracked gasket lets cool air escape. Run a dollar bill around the door edge—if it slips out easily, replace the seal to keep the cold in.
- Set the Right Temperature: Keep the fridge between 37–40°F and the freezer at 0°F. Lower settings don’t improve food safety but do increase energy draw.
- Avoid Overfilling: Crowding the fridge blocks airflow. Leave space for vents so cold air circulates evenly.
These simple steps reduce compressor workload, cut utility costs, and ensure crisp, fresh produce all summer long.
3. Tune Up Your Dishwasher
Why It Matters: Hot water demand increases in summer, and so do hard-water mineral deposits. A well-maintained dishwasher ensures clean dishes and prevents clogs.
- Clean Filters and Spray Arms: Remove food debris and mineral scale from filters after every few cycles. Soak spray arms in vinegar to dissolve buildup and keep water jets strong.
- Run a Vinegar Rinse: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. This clears soap scum, removes odors, and prevents mold growth.
- Inspect Hoses and Connections: Check inlet and drain hoses for cracks or kinks. Replace any hose older than five years to avoid summer leaks or floods.
Routine maintenance ensures that your dishwasher continues to tackle heavy summer entertaining without a hitch.
4. Maintain Your Clothes Washer and Dryer
Why It Matters: Clothing loads often increase in summer—swimwear, towels, and lightweight linens require frequent washing. Heat and humidity also encourage mold growth.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Monthly, run the washer empty on the hottest setting with two cups of white vinegar. Follow with a half-cup of baking soda to neutralize odors.
- Check the Drain Pump Filter: Front-loaders have accessible filters that trap lint and small objects. Clean this filter quarterly to prevent drainage issues.
- Ventilate the Dryer Properly: Inspect the lint trap and exhaust vent—remove lint buildup to improve airflow and reduce fire risk. Professional vent cleaning every two years keeps your dryer running safely and efficiently.
By keeping your laundry appliances in top shape, you avoid inconvenient summer breakdowns and potential fire hazards.
5. Prepare Your Oven and Range
Why It Matters: During summer, you might rely on your stove and oven less, but proper care prevents unexpected failures or smoky odors during infrequent use.
- Clean Burners and Drip Pans: Remove food residue to ensure even flame distribution on gas ranges and prevent smoke in the oven.
- Check Igniters and Seals: On gas ovens, a weak igniter prolongs heat-up times. Inspect door seals for cracks that allow heat to escape and lengthen cook times.
- Calibrate Your Oven Thermostat: Place an oven thermometer on the center rack. If the actual temperature differs by more than 10°F, adjust the calibration (follow your owner’s manual) or call a technician.
Regular cleaning and calibration ensure consistent summer baking and cooking results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I service my A/C before summer?
A: Schedule a professional tune-up in late spring—ideally 4–6 weeks before the first heatwave—to allow time for repairs or refrigerant recharging.
Q: Can I clean my own refrigerator coils?
A: Yes. Unplug the unit, locate the coils, and gently vacuum or brush them. Always consult your manual for coil location and access instructions.
Q: Why does my dishwasher smell in summer?
A: Heat and humidity accelerate mold growth. Running a monthly vinegar rinse and keeping the door ajar after cycles prevents odors.
Q: How do I know my washer drum needs cleaning?
A: Musty or swamp-like smells after a wash indicate mold or mildew. A hot-water vinegar cycle clears buildup.
Q: What temperature should I set my A/C at for energy savings?
A: Aim for 78°F when you’re home, and raise the setting by 7–10 degrees when you’re away to cut cooling costs by up to 10%.
Conclusion
Summer heat puts extra demand on your appliances, but a little proactive care goes a long way. By tuning up your A/C, optimizing refrigeration, and performing routine maintenance on your dishwasher, washer, dryer, and oven, you prevent breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend appliance life. Romano’s Appliance Repair stands ready to perform professional inspections, repairs, and tune-ups—so your home stays cool, your food stays fresh, and your appliances run smoothly all season long.
Contact Us
Keep your appliances in peak summer condition. Schedule service today:
- Phone: (561) 352-8870
- Email: romanosappliance@gmail.com
- Website: romanosappliancerepair.com
Trust Romano’s for fast, reliable service and a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.
