Do Appliances Need to Be Serviced? Here’s What Experts Actually Say

Ever notice how your fridge starts humming louder than usual, or your washing machine shakes like it’s trying to escape the laundry room? You might think, It’s still working - so why bother? But here’s the truth: most appliances don’t just break out of nowhere. They slowly fail - and regular service can stop that before it starts.

Why Service Isn’t Just a Recommendation - It’s a Necessity

Think of your appliances like cars. You wouldn’t drive a car for 10 years without an oil change, would you? Yet, many people treat their refrigerator, oven, or dishwasher the same way. The difference? Your car has a dashboard warning light. Your fridge? It just gets louder, colder, or hungrier for electricity.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, routine maintenance can cut energy use by 15-30% in major appliances. That’s not just about saving money - it’s about preventing costly breakdowns. A poorly maintained washing machine can leak, flood your basement, and ruin flooring. A dirty oven coil can overheat and trigger a fire. These aren’t hypotheticals. Insurance claims for appliance-related water damage jumped 22% between 2020 and 2025.

What Gets Ignored - And Why It Matters

Most homeowners think cleaning the lint trap on the dryer counts as service. It’s a good start, but it’s not enough. Here’s what actually needs attention:

• Refrigerators: Condenser coils behind or underneath the unit collect dust like a sponge. When clogged, the compressor works overtime - burning more power and wearing out faster. Clean them every 6 months.
• Washing Machines: Soap residue and hard water minerals build up inside the drum and hoses. Over time, this causes leaks, bad odors, and uneven spinning. Run a hot water cycle with vinegar or a dedicated washer cleaner every 2 months.
• Ovens and Ranges: Grease and food debris on heating elements reduce efficiency and can ignite. Clean burners and interior surfaces quarterly. Don’t wait for smoke.
• Dishwashers: The filter traps food particles. If you don’t clean it, your dishes come out dirty - and the pump can clog. Rinse it monthly.
• Heat Pumps and Water Heaters: Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and shortening lifespan. Flush the tank annually.

These aren’t chores. They’re preventative measures that extend appliance life by 3-7 years. A typical refrigerator lasts 10-12 years. With service? You can easily hit 15.

When Service Turns Into a Lifesaver - Real Stories

In 2024, a homeowner in Ohio noticed her fridge was running constantly. She ignored it. Three weeks later, the compressor failed. Replacement cost: $1,200. A $75 service call six months earlier would’ve caught a clogged condenser coil - fixable for under $100.

Another family in Texas had a dishwasher that took 3 hours to clean a load. They thought it was broken. A technician found the spray arm was clogged with mineral buildup. A $40 cleaning restored full function. No replacement needed.

These aren’t rare cases. In 2025, appliance repair companies reported that 68% of emergency calls were for issues that could’ve been prevented with routine maintenance.

How Often Should You Service Each Appliance?

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but here’s a simple guide based on real-world data from appliance manufacturers and repair networks:

Notice something? Most professional checks happen every 1-3 years. That’s not a lot. And it’s cheaper than replacing a $1,000 appliance.

What Happens If You Skip Service?

Ignoring maintenance doesn’t mean your appliance will last longer. It means it’ll die sooner - and more painfully.

• Higher bills: A dirty fridge coil can increase energy use by 30%. That’s $100+ extra per year.
• Shorter lifespan: Appliances without service fail 40% faster than those maintained regularly.
• Safety risks: Gas leaks, electrical shorts, and fire hazards from neglected appliances are leading causes of home fires.
• Voided warranties: Most manufacturers require proof of maintenance to honor warranties. If your oven breaks after 2 years and you never cleaned it? You’re paying full price.

One manufacturer, Whirlpool, reported that 57% of warranty claims in 2025 were denied due to lack of maintenance records.

Can You Do It Yourself - Or Should You Call a Pro?

You can handle most basic cleaning. But some things need expertise:

• Checking refrigerant levels
• Testing gas line integrity
• Calibrating oven thermostats
• Replacing drum bearings or pumps
• Diagnosing electrical faults

These aren’t DIY-friendly. A wrong move can damage the appliance - or worse, cause injury. A certified technician has the tools, training, and diagnostic software. For $80-$150, you get a full system check, cleaning, and a report on what to watch for next.

Pro tip: Schedule service during off-season. Spring and fall are the slowest times for repair companies. You’ll get faster service and sometimes a discount.

Final Thought: Service Isn’t an Expense - It’s Insurance

Appliances are expensive. They’re also essential. You don’t wait for your car to break before changing the oil. Don’t wait for your fridge to stop cooling before you act.

Service isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about keeping what works, working - longer, quieter, and cheaper. A $100 service call today could save you $1,200 tomorrow.

Start small. Clean your fridge coils this month. Run a vinegar cycle in your washer next week. Check your dishwasher filter before your next load. These steps take less than 15 minutes. But they could save you months of stress - and thousands of dollars.