Let’s face it – nobody ever plans for their washer or fridge to break. It usually happens at the worst possible time too… like right before the in-laws show up or when you’re down to your last clean shirt. And some of these repairs are not cheap, eh. The thing is, a lot of the expensive stuff is actually preventable. You don’t need to be an expert either. Just keeping an eye on things and doing a bit of regular cleaning can save you a whole lot later.
Here’s 5 of the most expensive appliance repairs and what you can do to avoid ‘em.
1. The Fridge Compressor – That One Really Hurts
If your fridge isn’t staying cold and your freezer’s turned into a puddle, chances are the compressor’s the problem. It’s kinda like the heart of your fridge – and when it goes, you’re in trouble.
Why it costs so much:
It’s deep inside the fridge and takes a good chunk of time to replace. Plus, parts are pricey. Sometimes folks just replace the whole thing.
How to avoid it:
Clean behind your fridge every few months. All that dust builds up and makes it work harder. Don’t leave the door open for too long, especially when you’re just staring inside hoping something new appears. Try using a surge protector too. Ontario power surges can be rough.
2. Washer Motor or Drum – Not Just a Quick Fix
You load up your washer, press start, and it just… whines. Or shakes like it’s trying to take off. Bad news is that it could be the motor or drum.
Why it’s expensive:
Both are big parts. When they break, it’s not a fast or cheap repair.
How people wreck it without realizing:
Overloading it constantly. Yes, even if you’re “just doing one big load.”
Ignoring weird banging or squeaking noises.
Using the wrong soap, especially in high-efficiency washers.
What helps:
Don’t fill it to the brim, and spread clothes out evenly. Also, if it’s making noise, don’t wait to get it checked.
3. Dryer Heating Element – When Everything Comes Out Cold
You go to grab warm towels…and they’re still wet. Might be the heating element or control board that’s acting up.
Why it stings:
It’s usually not a DIY job and can take a couple hours to fix. The parts can run high, especially with newer models.
Why it happens:
Lint traps and vents don’t get cleaned enough.
The dryer gets overloaded.
Bad airflow causes it to overheat.
What to do instead:
Clean the lint trap every time. Seriously, just do it. Get your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year – not just the flap outside. And don’t try to dry three loads in one shot.
4. Dishwasher Pump or Control Board – Hidden Damage
Your dishwasher doesn’t drain, or just refuses to start. Could be the pump, or the control board’s fried.
Why it’s a pricey fix:
Electronics and pumps are the core of the dishwasher. Once they go, repairs get tricky.
What causes it:
Not rinsing plates a bit before loading.
Using the wrong detergent or too much.
Keep it working by:
Cleaning the filter once in a while, using rinse aid, and running a cleaner every now and then. And no, you don’t need to scrub dishes first, but scraping off food helps a lot.
5. Oven Igniter or Control Panel – No Heat, No Dinner
Ever turn on the oven and nothing happens? Could be the igniter or the control board. Either way, that’s not good before a holiday dinner.
Why it’s costly:
Oven parts can be tricky to get to and usually aren’t cheap. And if it’s electric, you’re not cooking until it’s fixed.
Why it happens:
Slamming the oven door.
Spills and grease getting into the electronics.
Age – sometimes they just wear out.
Most of the time, the big, expensive appliance repairs come from small problems that were ignored for too long. It doesn’t take a pro to do the basics – clean it, don’t overload it, and don’t ignore the warning signs.
In doing so, you can keep your machines running better for longer, and save your money for the stuff you actually want – like a box of Timbits or Leafs tickets (if they ever make the finals, right?).
If something does break and you don’t feel like messing with it, book your service today to get your appliances running smoothly again. Express Repair is local here in Barrie and always happy to help.