Appliance Repair Services

End-of-Year Appliance Checklist: What to Inspect Now

Dre'as
July 1, 2025

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at the appliances that make your home run smoothly. Ensuring your appliances are in top condition can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve efficiency, and save you money on costly repairs. At Romano’s Appliance Repair, we’ve put together an End-of-Year Appliance Checklist to help you tackle essential maintenance tasks and keep your home’s appliances in prime working order for the year ahead.

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1. Inspect the Refrigerator

Your refrigerator works tirelessly year-round, keeping food fresh and beverages cold. Before the new year, take a few minutes to inspect it thoroughly.

What to Inspect:
- Clean the condenser coils to ensure they aren’t clogged with dust or debris. Dirty coils can lead to poor performance and higher energy bills.
- Check the door seals for wear and tear. If they’re damaged, cold air could escape, making your fridge work harder.
- Ensure the temperature settings are correct, typically around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer.
Why It Matters: A well-maintained fridge works more efficiently, reducing your energy usage and preventing future breakdowns.

2. Test Your Oven and Range

Your oven and range are essential for holiday cooking, and now is a great time to ensure they’re in top condition.

What to Inspect:
- Check the self-cleaning function (if applicable). Test it to make sure it works properly and cleans the oven thoroughly.
- Inspect the burners and electrical connections to ensure they’re functioning well.
- For gas ovens, test for gas leaks. If you smell gas, immediately contact a professional to inspect and repair your system.
Why It Matters: Regular checks can prevent cooking mishaps and save you from sudden appliance failures when you need your oven the most.

3. Clean the Dishwasher

The dishwasher does a lot of heavy lifting, and it needs regular attention to work its best.

What to Inspect:
- Clean the spray arms and check for any blockages.
- Remove and clean the filter to avoid mold buildup and unpleasant odors.
- Inspect the door seals for damage, which can cause leaks.
Why It Matters: A clean dishwasher runs more efficiently, using less energy and water, while also ensuring your dishes come out sparkling.

4. Check the Washing Machine and Dryer

Laundry appliances work hard, and an end-of-year inspection can extend their lifespan and improve their efficiency.

What to Inspect (Washing Machine):
- Check the hoses for signs of wear or leaks. Replace any cracked hoses immediately to avoid flooding.
- Clean the lint trap and drain pump to prevent clogs and ensure water drains properly.
What to Inspect (Dryer):
- Clean the lint vent and ductwork to reduce the risk of fire and improve drying efficiency.
- Check the dryer drum for any unusual noises or obstructions.
Why It Matters: Keeping these appliances clean and well-maintained reduces energy costs and minimizes the risk of breakdowns, particularly during the busy holiday season.

5. Examine the Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal works hard, so it’s important to keep it clean and in good working order.

What to Inspect:
- Check for any unusual odors. A bad smell often indicates a clog, which can be cleared by running cold water and grinding ice cubes or citrus peels.
- Ensure the power switch is working properly and test for any strange noises during operation.
Why It Matters: A well-maintained disposal ensures that waste is processed efficiently, preventing clogs and the need for repairs.

6. Inspect the Microwave

Your microwave may not require much maintenance, but a quick inspection can ensure it’s working correctly.

What to Inspect:
- Check the door seal to ensure it’s intact, as gaps can affect heating performance.
- Clean the microwave interior to remove food splatters that can build up over time.
- Test the turntable to make sure it rotates properly.
Why It Matters: A clean microwave runs more efficiently, and a good door seal ensures that no microwave radiation escapes, keeping your home safe.

7. Test the Air Conditioning and Heating Systems

Before the cold weather settles in, or after the heat of summer, it’s crucial to ensure your HVAC systems are working properly.

What to Inspect (Air Conditioner):
- Clean or replace the air filter to ensure good airflow and improve system efficiency.
- Check the cooling coils and condensate pan for mold or buildup.
What to Inspect (Heater):
- Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and calibrated for accuracy.
- Clean the burners and check for gas leaks if you have a gas heater.
Why It Matters: Keeping your HVAC systems well-maintained ensures that they run efficiently, saving you energy costs and preventing breakdowns during extreme weather.

8. Refrigerator Water Filter

For refrigerators with a water dispenser or ice maker, don’t forget to replace or clean the water filter.

What to Inspect:
- Check the water filter for signs of clogs or reduced water flow.
- Replace the filter every six months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Why It Matters: A clean water filter ensures that the water and ice produced by your refrigerator are clean, fresh, and safe to consume.

Conclusion

Taking the time to inspect and maintain your appliances at the end of the year can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your appliances are functioning at their best. By following this End-of-Year Appliance Checklist, you can extend the lifespan of your appliances, improve their efficiency, and save money on energy bills. If you need professional assistance with any of these tasks, Romano’s Appliance Repair is here to help!