10 Essential Appliance Repair Tips to Save Money and Extend an Appliance’s Life

So, your dishwasher just stopped mid-cycle, and there’s still soap everywhere. Or maybe your dryer is taking three cycles to dry a single load of beach towels. While it’s common to immediately start worrying about the cost of repairs, some appliance hiccups are easy to troubleshoot and resolve. Here are some appliance repair tips to keep in mind before you schedule an appointment with a pro.

1. Review the Owner’s Manual

Checking the owner’s manual should be your first line of attack. It contains troubleshooting steps written specifically for your model and safety warnings to be mindful of. Can’t find yours? Check the manufacturer’s website. Many companies post manuals going back several years, and you’ll need your model number anyway if parts have to be replaced.

2. Check if It’s Actually Plugged In

Before tackling any further steps, peek behind the appliance and make sure it’s plugged in properly. It’s possible the plug loosened in the socket or someone hit the wrong switch on a power strip. While you’re back there, check that the plug isn’t damaged or the wires aren’t frayed.

Be sure to check your circuit breaker too—sometimes, they trip for no obvious reason. Also, test the outlet with another device to ensure it’s working properly. For gas appliances, make sure the valve didn’t get switched to “off.” 

3. Clean Dirty Filters

It’s easy to overlook how many appliances have filters and how often to clean them. Dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, and air conditioners see heavy usage, so they need routine maintenance. Follow these general cleaning guidelines:

• Dryer lint trap: After each load

• Dishwasher filter: Every month

• Washing machine drain filter: Every one to three months 

• HVAC filter: Every one to three months

• Range hood filter: Every month if you frequently cook, otherwise every two to three months

• Refrigerator water filter: Every six months, or as soon as the fridge’s control panel alerts you

Clogged filters cause many appliance issues and can make appliances work harder than necessary. Set reminders on your phone so you never skip a maintenance cleaning.

4. Stock Up on Some Basic Tools

While you don’t need a whole workshop, it’s best to have some basic tools on hand so you can quickly troubleshoot issues and potentially save some money down the line. Pick up a set of screwdrivers that fit the different screws on your appliances, needle-nose pliers, and a flashlight. A multimeter is also useful: It’ll tell you if electricity is getting where it’s supposed to go, eliminating a lot of guesswork. 

5. Always Turn the Power Off

No matter what appliance you’re trying to repair, always prioritize safety. Unplug the appliance or turn the breaker off before you start troubleshooting any issues. The same goes for gas appliances: Always turn off the gas. 

Even after you turn off the appliance's electricity, wait a few minutes before you touch anything electrical. Some components store electricity even when disconnected, so give them some time to “cool off.”

6. Clean the Coils and Vents

Your fridge has coils either on the back or underneath the front panel. These coils are essentially magnets for dust and pet hair. When they’re dirty, your fridge will work overtime, so you can expect a higher electricity bill. If the coils are on the back of the fridge, you’ll need to pull it out to reach them. Otherwise, you may have to unclip a panel on the front to clean the coils. Vacuum or brush the coils off every few months. 

7. Test Before You Toss

Before you order a new heating element, motor, or any other component for an appliance, test the old one with a multimeter. Most “broken” parts are just disconnected or dirty. So many people replace perfectly good thermostats because they didn’t realize the wire had just wiggled loose.

8. Stock Up on Basic Replacement Parts

Keep a small stash of common replacement parts for your appliances, such as water filters, drive belts, and gaskets—anything that wears out regularly. This way, you’ll be able to repair an appliance quickly without having to wait for parts to be delivered. 

9. Keep a Log of Repairs

Start a simple log of what breaks, when it breaks, and what you did about it. Even though that might sound a bit tedious, you may notice that patterns emerge. Maybe your dishwasher clogs every three months because someone doesn’t rinse plates properly. Or perhaps the washing machine belt keeps slipping because the machine isn’t level. 

Keeping track helps you spot recurring issues before they become major headaches. And if repairs are frequently needed, that can be a good indicator of when it’s time to replace the appliance entirely. 

10. Know When to Call a Pro

Some repairs are DIY-friendly, but others are absolutely not. Gas line problems, major electrical work, and anything involving refrigerant should be left to the pros to handle. If you’re not comfortable with a repair or you’ve run through the list of basic troubleshooting steps, reach out to a local appliance repair professional for a quote. Most appliance repairs cost about $100 to $250, with many pros charging between $50 and $150 per hour for labor.