Who’s Responsible for Appliance Maintenance?

If you own a fridge, oven, washer or any other major appliance, the question soon pops up: Am I supposed to keep this thing in shape, or should I leave it to the repair guys? The short answer is a mix of both. Regular, easy‑going care is on you, while deeper fixes and safety checks belong to the professionals.

Understanding the split helps you avoid surprise breakdowns, save money, and keep warranties intact. Below we break down the everyday chores you can tackle yourself and the signs that it’s time to hand the job over to a qualified technician.

Everyday Care You Can Do Yourself

Most appliances need a little love every few months. These tasks take under ten minutes and cost nothing but a bit of attention.

• Clean the filters. Your dishwasher, extractor fan and dryer all have filters that trap debris. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and can cause leaks.
• Wipe the seals. Door gaskets on fridges and ovens collect food crumbs and moisture. A quick wipe with a damp cloth stops mold and keeps the door sealing tight.
• Check for loose connections. Unplug the appliance and give the power cord a gentle tug. If it feels loose, tighten any visible screws. Don’t try to fix internal wiring – that stays with the pros.
• Remove dust. Vacuum the back of your fridge, oven and washing machine. Dust blocks cooling fans and forces the motor to work harder.
• Run a cleaning cycle. Modern dishwashers and washing machines have self‑clean options. Use them regularly to clear limescale and detergent buildup.

Doing these chores not only extends the life of the appliance but also keeps you on the right side of most warranty terms. Manufacturers often say that neglecting simple maintenance voids the warranty.

When to Call the Pros

Some problems need more than a paper towel and a screwdriver. Here’s a quick checklist to decide when a professional should step in:

• Electrical faults. If you notice the appliance flickering, tripping the breaker, or making sparks, unplug it and call an electrician or a certified repair service immediately.
• Strange noises. A loud humming or rattling in a fridge or washing machine usually points to a failing motor or compressor – leave it to the experts.
• Water leaks. Persistent pooling under a dishwasher or washing machine signals a broken seal or pump. Ignoring it can damage floors and cabinets.
• Heating issues. When an oven or water heater won’t get hot, the heating element or thermostat may be faulty. A pro can test and replace the part safely.
• Parts under warranty. If your appliance is still covered, contact the authorised service centre. Trying a DIY fix can void the coverage.

When you call a repair company, be ready with the model number, a brief description of the problem, and any error codes displayed. This speeds up the diagnosis and often gets the job done in one visit.

Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid all professional help – it’s to know where to draw the line. Simple upkeep stays with you, while anything involving electricity, sealed systems or internal components belongs to trained technicians.

By sharing the responsibility wisely, you’ll keep your appliances humming, lower energy bills, and stay out of costly repair cycles. Got a specific issue? Check out our detailed guides on everything from unblocking extractor fans to resetting water heaters – they’re packed with step‑by‑step tips you can try before you call the pros.