Appliances and major repairs always seem to come at the worst times, don’t they? The reality is that the universe isn’t playing some sick joke on you- appliances simply have fixed usable lifespans just like all other devices and gadgets. In the summer, work is harder for everyone, including your appliances. According to a study done by Puls, appliance repairs are more prevalent in the summer across a variety of categories. Heat-generating appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines all generate heat (internally or externally), and so it’s best to avoid overloading them during the summer. The more volume and weight inside these appliances, the harder they have to work to clean or cool everything, which could lead to overheating and breakdowns. Here are some common appliances that require repairing and how much you can expect to pay. Washing Machine Washing machines are often located in uninsulated rooms in the house such as the basement or garage, which means they are often exposed to extreme temperatures in the winter and summer. The average washing machine repairs costs around $221, so keeping them in a room with some insulation is a good idea. Dryer Dryers have to work extra-hard in the winter to heat up and they can overheat in the summer when temperatures soar. To reduce your dryer usage, you can invest in a drying rack to line dry clothes that don’t require the machine. Otherwise, the average dryer repair costs around $209. Refrigerator & Freezer While refrigerators often come with extended warranties, repair requests usually peak annually every July due to the increased summer temperatures. Depending on what breaks, a refrigerator repair can cost $250 and up, so it’s a good idea to raise the average temperature inside your refrigerator in the summer so it doesn’t have to work as hard. Freezers break down for the same reason, so it’s a good idea to throw out any food or items in your freezer that you aren’t using before the summer starts. Freezers are some of the most expensive appliances to repair, with the average repair clocking in at around $350. Dishwasher If you notice that your dishwasher stops draining after a wash cycle, that’s a hint that it’s going to need a repair soon. In the summer you can hand clean your dishes more often to reduce the additional strain on your dishwasher during this time. The average dishwasher repair is a little more than $200. Oven Like all other appliances, ovens can also overheat during the summer, but they can also overheat in the winter if you try to use them as an additional heat source (which is actually dangerous, and we do not recommend it.) Oven repairs cost about $230 on average. Instead of using your oven in the summer, why don’t you use a grill outside? Check out our article on charcoal vs. gas grills here. While appliance repairs can be costly, they truly are a modern convenience that most of us can’t live without. We hope that with these tips you’ll be able to extend the life of your appliances, and if you ever need a repair, give San Bernardino Handyman a call! Comments are closed.
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