Gross Truths About Appliance Filters (and How to Clean Them Right)

Learn when to clean and when to replace filters in your home’s most-used appliances.

When it comes to keeping your home running smoothly, the little things make a big difference—and few things are littler than your appliance filters. They sit quietly inside your fridge, dishwasher, dryer, microwave, and even your HVAC system, working day after day to keep your air cleaner, your water fresher, and your appliances safe from strain.

But here’s the catch: filters only do their job if you take care of them. Cleaning and replacing them on schedule is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your appliances, save energy, and avoid bigger repairs down the road. The good news? With just a few minutes of attention, you can keep your home’s filters in great shape.


Refrigerator – Water Filter

Your refrigerator’s water filter works hard behind the scenes to make sure every glass of water and ice cube is clean, fresh, and safe to drink. When it’s neglected, the results show up quickly in taste, smell, and even how well the dispenser works.

So, how do you take care of it?

  • Locate the filter (commonly in a grille at the base, inside an upper corner, or behind a panel).

  • Shut off the water if your model requires it.

  • Twist or release the old filter and pull it out.

  • Insert the new filter, making sure it locks in place.

  • Run and discard 2–3 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush out air and activate the filter.

  • Reset the filter indicator light if your fridge has one.






-courtesy-of-Lowes

Cleaning Frequency: Replace every 6 months, or every 3–4 months for heavy use, larger households, or poor water quality.
Signs to Watch For: Cloudy water, slower dispenser flow, smaller or misshapen ice, odd taste or smell, strange noises, or a filter indicator light.
What Happens if I Don’t? You may end up drinking contaminated water, dealing with mold and bacteria buildup, or facing a clogged dispenser or ice maker.

Refrigerator – Air Filter

The air filter inside your fridge helps control odors, slow down bacteria growth, and keep food fresher for longer. A clean air filter means your fridge smells pleasant and your groceries last as they should.

So, how do you take care of it?

  • Locate the filter (typically near the back wall or ceiling inside the fridge).

  • Remove the cover and the old filter.

  • Insert the new filter into the holder.

  • Reattach the cover and reset the filter indicator if your fridge has one.

Courtesy-of-Frigidaire

Cleaning Frequency: Replace every 6 months, or up to 12 months in lower-use households.
Signs to Watch For: Lingering odors, food spoiling faster than usual, or a filter alert light.
What Happens if I Don’t? Odors linger, bacteria spreads, food spoils more quickly, and you may notice a stale or musty smell in your fridge even after cleaning.








Dishwasher Filter

Your dishwasher’s filter is what stands between you and gritty, dirty dishes. It traps leftover food scraps and keeps the drain from clogging. Clean it regularly, and your dishes come out sparkling. Neglect it, and you’ll start to smell the difference.

So, how do you take care of it?

  • Remove the bottom rack to reach the filter, usually found under the spray arms.

  • Twist and lift the filter out (some models have multiple pieces).

  • Rinse under hot water to remove debris.

  • Use a sponge or small brush with mild soap for stubborn grime.

  • Reinstall the filter securely, then replace the rack.







Courtesy-of-Thumbtack

Cleaning Frequency: Clean every 1–4 weeks depending on usage. Manufacturers often recommend every 2–3 months. Some models have indicators after about 50 wash cycles.
Signs to Watch For: Gritty dishes, foul odor, drainage issues, or visible debris in the filter.
What Happens if I Don’t? Food debris builds up, leaving dishes dirty and smelly. Clogs can cause water backup, drainage issues, and even damage to the pump.






Microwave Filters – Grease & Charcoal

Over-the-range microwaves have two filters: grease filters that trap cooking residue, and charcoal filters that absorb odors. Keeping them clean means better ventilation and a fresher kitchen.

Grease Filter – How to Clean:

  • Unplug the microwave.

  • Slide or unclip the filter from the underside.

  • Soak in hot, soapy water (add a little baking soda for heavy grease).

  • Scrub gently with a dish brush, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry.

  • Reinstall when fully dry.





Charcoal Filter – How to Replace:

  • Unplug the microwave.

  • Remove the vent panel screws.

  • Take out the old charcoal filter.

  • Insert the new one in the correct position.

  • Reattach the panel and screws.


Cleaning Frequency: Grease filters should be cleaned monthly (or every 1–3 months with lighter cooking). Charcoal filters must be replaced every 6 months.
Signs to Watch For: Lingering smoke, persistent kitchen odors, or reduced vent performance.
What Happens if I Don’t? Odors and smoke linger, grease builds up, efficiency drops, and overheating becomes a risk.






Clothes Dryer – Lint Filter

Every load of laundry leaves behind lint, and your dryer filter’s job is to catch it. Clean it after each use, and your clothes will dry faster and safer.

So, how do you take care of it?

  • Pull out the lint filter and remove lint by hand after each load.

  • Once a month, scrub the filter with a brush in warm, soapy water.

  • Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before replacing.

Cleaning Frequency: After every load for lint removal, and once a month for a deeper wash.
Signs to Watch For: Longer drying times, overheating, burning smell, or visible lint buildup in the vent.
What Happens if I Don’t? Expect slower drying, higher energy bills, damage to the dryer, and a serious fire risk from lint buildup.






HVAC / Air Conditioner

Your HVAC system is a home necessity when it comes to living in Texas, and that means taking care of it is too. Cleaning out the filters on it fights on two fronts: preventing excess strain on the system and keeping the air clean inside your home. In case you didn’t know, your HVAC system keeps the air clean by trapping dust, pollen, and other contaminants.

So, how do you take care of it?

  • Turn off the power to the unit.

  • Find the filter and inspect it for damage (there may be more than one—your manual will tell you).

  • Vacuum the filter with a soft brush attachment to remove loose debris.

  • For a deeper clean, soak it in hot water and white vinegar for 1 hour.

  • Rinse with clean water and let dry fully.

  • Replace the filter, ensuring it’s positioned correctly for airflow.





Cleaning Frequency: Reusable filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced every six. Disposable filters should be replaced every 1–3 months.
Signs to Watch For: Reduced airflow, increased dust in the home, or visible dirt on the filter.
What Happens if I Don’t? You’ll deal with higher energy bills, dirtier air inside your home, reduced airflow, and possible breakdowns in the system.






Filter care may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest habits a homeowner can keep. Staying on top of these small maintenance tasks gives you cleaner air, safer water, fresher food, and peace of mind that your appliances are working their best.

And when the job calls for more than a filter swap—whether it’s a repair, replacement, or expert advice—ARS is here to help. Our team is dedicated to keeping your home comfortable and your appliances running smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most.






Website

Call: (214) 599-0055








Additional Reading

4 Steps To A Clean Range Hood 

Why Is My Oven Smelling So Strange? 

Don't Overlook Your Ice Maker: The Benefits of Regular Cleaning

The Hidden Gunk Lurking in Your Appliances — And How to Get Rid of It

Your appliances could be harboring more than just dirt — learn how to protect your home.

We all like to think of certain appliances as “self-cleaning.” The fridge keeps things cold, the dishwasher uses soap and hot water, and the washing machine swirls away dirt. But the truth is, some of the grimiest spots in your home might be inside the very machines you rely on to keep things fresh.


Moisture, warmth, and leftover bits of food or detergent create a perfect welcome mat for bacteria, mold, and even fungi — and once they settle in, they can be harder to get rid of than you might expect. The good news? A few small habits, and a bit of regular maintenance, can make all the difference.




Kitchen – Dishwashers


Your dishwasher has a shocking secret, that doesn’t actually make sense. Out of all of the places in your home, your dishwasher is the most likely to harbor fungi. While many places in your home can provide an unwanted ground for bacteria, fungi isn’t one that many of us think of. The problem comes in on the rubber seals, the water drains and the sprinklers. Now, to be clear, fungi doesn’t always mean mushrooms. It can also mean molds. 

Fungi and bacteria are opportunistic pathogens meaning that healthy people aren’t going to be bothered much by them. Someone who is immunocompromised though, could find them much more problematic.   The problem is that they form biofilms which are not only difficult to remove, they’re also capable of surviving detergent, heat and variable pH levels. 



Some of the factors that increase the likelihood of microbial growth are the age of the appliance, how often you use it compared to how often you clean it, whether you have hard water, and whether you use rinse aid or not.    The age of the appliance, how often you clean it and whether or not you have hard water, are all pretty straightforward.
The one that surprised us were studies by the National Library of Medicine,  showing that using rinse aid actually makes it possible for a wider variety of fungi to flourish. It doesn’t mean it doesn't kill them at all, or that you should stop using a rinse aid. 




There are a few things you can do to clean and maintain your dishwasher though. Start by grabbing your calendar and scheduling in how often you want to remove and clean the filter. This is one we just don’t think about, and it’s much easier to schedule it, rather than trying to keep it at the top of your head, given everything else in life. Next up, add cleaning the interior and descaling to your monthly chore lists.  For that it’s making sure that you are using a mild cleaner and a soft brush. You’ll also want to descale by just using a hot cycle and a cup of white vinegar to dissolve any build up. Once every six months or so, take a look at your spray arms to clean the nozzles with either a toothpick or a toothbrush. 



Kitchen – Refrigerators

Your refrigerator might seem like the safest place for your food, but it can be hiding some very unpleasant surprises. Even though it’s designed to keep things cold, that doesn’t mean it’s free from bacteria or fungi. Moisture, food residue, and time can create the perfect hiding places for mold and bacteria — especially in spots you don’t think about often, like the vegetable crisper drawers, the rubber door gaskets, or even the water and ice dispenser.

The real trouble comes when mold spores find a damp place to settle in. Around gaskets, along water lines, or anywhere condensation collects, they can start to grow colonies. For most people, that might just mean something smells off or looks unsightly. But for someone with mold allergies or a weakened immune system, that can be a real health risk. And if any food in the fridge goes bad and starts to mold, it doesn’t just stay in its container — those spores can spread to other surfaces.

A few everyday habits can make the problem worse. Overfilling your fridge reduces airflow and traps moisture, making it harder for the cold to do its job. Placing warm food inside creates a pocket of heat that bacteria love. And leaky door seals? They let warm air in, which can raise the temperature and make everything inside more vulnerable.

If you already see signs of mold or slime, you’ll want to act quickly. Start by tossing any spoiled food and wiping down affected surfaces with gentle dish soap, white vinegar, or baking soda. For mold on gaskets, use warm soapy water or a bleach-based cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry the area before applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep the seal from cracking. If your fridge has a water or ice dispenser, flush the line with vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse well, replace the filter, and discard the first batches of ice or water.

Keeping it clean is easier if you make it routine. A deep clean every three to four months works for most fridges, but if yours has a water or ice dispenser, aim for every two months instead. Keep the temperature between 35–38°F, don’t overfill, and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Rotating food so the oldest gets used first will also help prevent spoilage before it starts.



Laundry – Washing Machines

It’s easy to think of your washing machine as one of the cleanest places in your home — after all, its whole purpose is to wash things. But the same warm, damp environment that helps clean your clothes can also be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. These microbes love to settle into rubber seals, gaskets, detergent compartments, and even the internal plumbing, where they form a sticky layer called biofilm.

Biofilms aren’t just unpleasant — they’re stubborn. Once they form, they’re tough to remove and can shelter harmful microorganisms from detergents, hot water, and even bleach. While healthy people might not notice much more than a musty smell, anyone with a weakened immune system could be at risk for infections.

So, how do they get started? Constant moisture from frequent use, combined with leftover detergent, dirt, and lint, provides plenty of nutrients. Low-temperature washes — while great for energy savings — also let heat-tolerant fungi and bacteria survive and multiply.

If you start to notice buildup or odor, it’s time for a targeted clean. Remove and wash the detergent drawer, seals, and filters using hot water and a mild cleaner. If mold is visible, a diluted bleach solution (about 10%) can help. Run an empty hot wash cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to break down any biofilm lurking inside.

Prevention is all about keeping things dry and hot when they need to be. After each load, leave the door and detergent drawer open to air dry, and wipe down the seals so moisture doesn’t linger. Running a high-temperature “maintenance” cycle every so often will also help keep microbes in check.



Keeping your appliances clean isn’t about making them look nice — it’s about keeping them safe, efficient, and able to do their jobs well. A little routine maintenance goes a long way in stopping mold, bacteria, and other unwelcome guests from setting up camp in places you’d never think to look.
With just a few minutes here and there — and a regular schedule for deeper cleanings — you can keep your dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine fresh, functional, and ready to serve you for years to come. Think of it as caring for the quiet workhorses of your home, so they can keep taking care of you.

Need a deeper clean or a repair you can trust? Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From expert inspections to professional cleaning and repairs, our team makes sure your appliances are running safely and efficiently — so you can spend less time worrying about hidden gunk and more time enjoying your home. Call Appliance Rescue Service today and let us take care of the dirty work for you.

Courtesy of Andreas

Cooling Myths Every Homeowner Needs to Stop Believing

From freezer myths to A/C habits, here’s how smart homeowners protect their investment.

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think twice about our fridge, freezer, or air conditioner until something breaks, or our energy bill suddenly spikes. But small habits can quietly impact the way these appliances work, especially when it comes to cooling your home and keeping your food fresh.




From overpacking the fridge to trusting the thermostat a little too much, there are a lot of common misconceptions still making the rounds. The good news? With just a few smart shifts, you can boost efficiency, extend the life of your appliances, and keep things running smoothly—without waiting for something to go wrong.





🧊 Refrigerator & Freezer Myths Debunked




Temperature Dial ≠ Exact Temp

Rather than trusting the dials on your refrigerator, take the time to get a thermometer. The dials that most fridges have aren’t precise readings, so it’s hard to tell if your fridge is cold enough.  (And no, despite what you’ve been told you can’t ‘feel’ the right temperature.)



Empty Space in Fridge = OK

It’s ok to have space in your fridge! Rather than overpacking your fridge, leave some space throughout. This is better for airflow, which keeps your fridge both cooler and more efficient. 



Regular Maintenance is Essential

Your fridge is one of the appliances in your home that absolutely needs regular maintenance. Take the time to clean the condenser coils, check the seals and double check the airflow. Doing so ensures a longer lifespan. 


Refreezing Food is Safe (if Properly Handled)

A bottom freezer that's not packed full and so there isn't frostbite

Provided your food has stayed at a safe temperature, which is going to vary from food to food,  it will be safe to refreeze it after it thaws. 




Coldest Setting ≠ Better Preservation

Keeping your fridge colder, isn’t always better. Many foods will freeze if your fridge is too cold, and it will affect the taste and texture. Instead, try keeping your fridge between 37 & 39 *F. 



Not All Produce Belongs in the Fridge

Some produce is damaged by the cold of your fridge, and instead needs to be stored in a cool, but not cold place. Some examples are bananas, tomatoes, onions and potatoes. All of these will last longer if they’re allowed to stay in a pantry. 




Fridges Still Need Cleaning

Just because your fridge is cold, doesn’t mean it’s free from bacteria. In order to keep your fridge clean and free from smells, make sure to clean the shelves and wipe up spills regularly. 




Frozen Food is Often Just as Nutritious

Frozen produce is often picked at peak ripeness. Long-term storage can degrade nutrients, but it's still a strong option.



Freezing Food Doesn't Reduce Quality (if done right)

courtesy of RDNE.

Frozen produce is often picked at peak ripeness and then rushed to be flash frozen for the best taste and texture. To take the best care of your food, use airtight containers or vacuum seals. 




Most Things CAN Be Frozen

Most foods can actually be frozen. They might require some prepping, like blanching, ahead of time, but most foods can be frozen without trouble.  




Air Conditioning Myths Debunked

Lowering the Thermostat Won’t Cool Your Home Faster
 It’s tempting to crank the thermostat way down on a hot day—but it won’t speed things up. Air conditioners cool at a steady pace, no matter what number you set. Setting the temp too low just overworks the system, wastes energy, and could even cause the coils to freeze.

Don’t Turn Off the A/C When You Leave for the Day
 Shutting off your air conditioning completely while you’re out might sound like a money-saver, but it actually takes more energy to cool your home back down from scratch. Instead, raise the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees when you leave—just enough to save energy without overheating your space.

Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Doesn’t Save Energy
 Closing off vents in rooms you’re not using seems like a smart move, but it can actually throw off your system’s airflow. This creates pressure that makes your A/C work harder and less efficiently. Keep vents open to help air move evenly throughout your home.

It’s Not the A/C Making You Sick—It’s What’s Inside It
 A properly maintained A/C system won’t make you sick. But a dirty filter or mold buildup definitely can. Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergy flare-ups and other respiratory issues. The solution? Regular filter changes and occasional deep cleaning to keep your air fresh and healthy.

Bigger Isn’t Better When It Comes to A/C Units
 A larger unit isn’t necessarily more effective. If your A/C is too big for the space, it will cycle on and off too often without properly removing humidity. If it’s too small, it will struggle to keep up. The best performance comes from a unit that’s sized just right.

Fans Don’t Cool Rooms—They Cool People
 Ceiling and standing fans don’t actually lower the temperature in a room. Instead, they move air around to create a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler. That’s why it makes sense to turn fans off when you leave a room—they’re not doing anything unless someone’s there to feel it.

A New A/C System Doesn’t Guarantee Lower Bills
 Replacing an old system can improve efficiency—but only if it’s properly matched to your home. An oversized or undersized unit will still waste energy. Before making a big purchase, have a professional evaluate your space and recommend the right size and type for your needs.

Turning the A/C On and Off Throughout the Day Isn’t Efficient
 It might seem smart to shut the A/C off when you’re not home, then flip it back on when you return—but that start-and-stop cycle uses more energy in the long run. It’s more efficient to set a steady temperature, or use a smart thermostat to make small, automated adjustments throughout the day.

Air Leaks Can Undermine Your Cooling
 Even with doors and windows closed, cool air might still be escaping. Cracks around outlets, old window frames, or cable holes can all cause slow leaks. If your home feels harder to cool than it should, a professional energy audit can help you track down the problem spots.

Your Air Filter Needs More Frequent Changes Than You Think
 Don’t wait a year to change your filter. Depending on your household—pets, allergies, or just everyday use—you should swap it out every one to three months. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently and keeps the air inside your home healthier.

Where You Place Your Outdoor Unit Matters
 If your A/C unit sits in direct sunlight or near heat-producing appliances, it’s going to work harder than it has to. Ideally, the outdoor unit should be in a shaded spot with room to breathe—good airflow helps it perform better and last longer.

Basic Upkeep Isn’t a Substitute for Professional Maintenance
 Wiping down vents and changing filters are great habits, but there’s more going on inside your system than you can see. Regular professional maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs—and keeps your system running at peak performance year after year.





Keeping your cool—literally—comes down to knowing how your appliances work and giving them the care they need. Whether it's clearing a little space in your fridge, cleaning those often-forgotten coils, or skipping the extreme thermostat settings, these small updates can make a big difference.

And if your fridge, freezer, or other major appliances are acting up, the team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We specialize in appliance repair and maintenance—not HVAC systems—but if you're in the Frisco, Dallas, or Allen area, we’d be glad to get your kitchen or laundry room back in working order.

Because comfort at home shouldn’t come with surprises—or sudden breakdowns.




Website

Call:  (214) 599-0055



Additional Reading

Demystifying Refrigerator Types: Choosing the Perfect Fit for Your Home



Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect


 37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly




Are Your Appliance Habits Hurting Your Home? Take the Quiz to Find Out

These simple mistakes could be shortening the life of your appliances.

What happens when you do something day after day? It becomes a habit. What happens when that habit isn’t good for you? It leads to problems. The same can be said for your appliances. The same way that habits can be bad for you, they can be harmful to your appliances too. But lists are boring, so we’re doing a quiz this week. For each question you have two options, and they’ll pop open with an answer once you click. Let us know in the comments on Facebook how you do!

Should You Overstock Your Refrigerator to Keep More Food Handy?

True

False

Overstocking your fridge might seem like a good idea now when you have lots of food, but it’s not a great idea when that food goes bad. When you overstock your fridge, air can’t move around, which means your fridge works harder to cool off.

Is Routinely Cleaning Your Condenser Coils Important?

True

If your condenser coils are allowed to crust over with dust and grime, your fridge chokes. It can’t breathe and it has to work harder to cool off.

False

Forgetting to Clean the Water Filter is Not a Big Deal

True

False

Just like the condenser coils, letting the filter fill with grime means your fridge is working harder than it needs to. Additionally, it means that you will be drinking that grime in either your water or ice.

You Can Clean Your Fridge on an “As Needed” Basis and Be Fine

True

False

It depends on how often ‘as needed’ is for you. If that’s about every two - four weeks, sure! If it’s more than that? Not so much. Keeping your fridge clean inside and out allows it to function more efficiently and to ensure that your food stays good.

There is No “Proper” Way to Store Food

True

False

Yeah, that one is definitely false. Food has two different things that you need to account for when it comes to storage. The first is having your fridge and freezer at the right temperatures. The second is following a food safe storage set up, to ensure that you and your family stay healthy.

Door Seals Can Go Bad

True

If you chose this, you’re right! Door seals can crack, crumble and rot if not cared for. This means that you need to look after them and keep them clean.

False

You Only Need to Clean Your Oven Once in a While

True

False

Oh so false. Think about how air has to circulate around your fridge, and it struggles if the fridge isn’t clean. The oven struggles with the same thing. What’s worse though is that this uneven heating causes the oven to cook unevenly. Additionally if not clean, your oven has to burn off whatever is on it.

More Detergent Is Better in the Dishwasher, right?

True

False

Have you seen those photos of soap bubbles filling a kitchen? That’s what happens you overfill the dishwasher.

Emptying Your Pockets Isn’t Actually Needed

True

False

If you don’t empty your pockets before washing clothes, metal items like coins and clips can damage the coating on the inside of your washer.

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Detergent for Your Washer?

True

Yup! Just like your dishwasher, you can use too much detergent. Not only do you have the possibility of having soapsuds everywhere, you also have to worry about build up if the washer cannot rinse all of it.

False

Cleaning Out the Lint Trap Every 6 Months is Often Enough

True

False

Sure, if you only use your dryer every 5 months, that would be ok. The lint trap should be cleaned out at the very least once a week, if not every time you use it. The lint trap not only is a potential for fire, but if it’s not cleaned out regularly, it also worsens how the dryer works.

You Should Wash Rubber Backed Mats on Cold

True

If rubber backed mats are washed on hot, they will very quickly start to break down and break apart in your washer and dryer.

False

Filling Your Dishwasher to the Max is Normal

True

False

This is one of the times when less is more. If you fill your dishwasher to roughly ¾ of the way full every time, your dishwasher will last longer than if you overfilled it.

You Can Skip Regular Maintenance Because ‘It’s working fine!”

True

False

Regular maintenance is called ‘maintenance’ for a reason. When problems are left though, it is far more likely that they grow from small issues to large problems.

It’s Fine to Throw Out Manuals For New Appliances

True

False

We’ll say that this one CAN be true, if you have a backup or a digital version. However, if you don’t, then you shouldn’t throw yours out. If you need to look something up, if you end up getting an error code, you’ll want that manual.

Leaving Your Oven On for Hours Is A Great Way to Stay Warm

True

False

It might be good for warmth, but it’s going to be bad for your oven and your electrical bill. On top of that

Slamming Appliance Doors - it’s fine, right?

True

False

Your refrigerator is not like your car. Nor are any of your other appliances. They are all carefully tuned and weighted to shut carefully. Slamming them can actually damage not only the door, but the seals as well, and possibly knock some of the interior pieces out of alignment.

Even the most careful appliance owners can miss a step now and then — but the good news is, it’s never too late to get back on track. If your fridge, oven, washer, or any other appliance isn’t running quite right, the team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We offer expert maintenance and repairs for homeowners in the Frisco, Allen, and greater Dallas area. Call us today to schedule a tune-up or to get that small issue checked out before it turns into a bigger problem.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Courtesy of Mohamed_hassan

How Texas Heat Affects Your Appliances (and What You Can Do About It)

Texas heat doesn’t just wear you down—it wears out your appliances. Here’s how to protect your home and keep things cool when the temperature climbs.


Summertime in Texas is dreadfully hot, isn’t it?
As anyone who has heard of or has been living in the state knows by now, Texas summers are not to be trifled with - blistering heat across the entire state, some areas getting so humid that your sweat doesn’t even do anything to cool you down, and a desperate need for something to stay cool. However, what people will sometimes forget to consider is how this affects their appliances at home. What about that amazing HVAC unit that keeps your house nice and cool as a bastion against the burning sun? What about your refrigerator and freezer, keeping food from spoiling in the oppressive heat? Even your home itself is hit, with things like energy bills coming in hard during the summer - and the power grid has to try to keep up while suffering the same temperatures. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what you can expect from your home during the summertime, how the house and appliances are affected, and what you can do to avoid some of the biggest issues when the temperatures are high.




Power Grid and Demand

Courtesy of F. Muhammad


Before we get into the nitty-gritty of individual appliances, let’s do a quick overview of something important: The power grid. Now, Texas has been experiencing extreme heat since time immemorial, so they’ve gotten pretty good at building a grid that can stand up to the demand, even during the summer - but it isn’t infallible. What you have to remember is that, during the summer, everyone with some sense is going to be seeking out refuge from the heat. This means higher demand from every household running their HVAC units at full blast. This demand turns into stress on the power grid, and makes risks of failures and outages higher. Substations trip safeties, transformers blow, and next thing you know, you’re trying to buy a bag of ice to keep your freezer cool while waiting on the electric company to come out and fix it. Throughout the rest of this article, alongside our advice to keep things running, we’re going to cover ways to reduce your power demand at home - not just for your bill, but also to help reduce that stress on the grid just a little, so you’re not left stranded with no power during a triple-digit day.


HVAC and Air Conditioning


First up, the all-too-important HVAC unit. Your air conditioner is going to be doing a lot of work during the summer, and that’s going to have it under some stress. The main problem areas for air conditioners come from overheating, demanding lower temperatures than it can manage, age of the unit, or poor upkeep on regular maintenance items. Let’s tackle these in order, shall we?


- Overheating - Your air conditioner cools things by transferring heat out of the system with a refrigerant, cooling down the air that it sends into your house, and letting the warm refrigerant flow through a heat exchanger to dump the excess heat outside. Because some part of your HVAC unit is always outside, it’s trying to dump that heat into already hot air. So, to fix this: Consider raising the temperature inside a little so it has to move less heat outside, and, if you have a window unit, try to put it in a window where it will be satisfying the most need while being exposed to the sun the least. If the window has shade, put the A/C there to help it do its job!

Courtesy of jose-andres-pacheco-cortes


- Demanding lower temperatures - An A/C unit can only do so much when it’s hot outside. Sometimes, if you set the temperature on your air conditioning too low, all you end up doing is giving it an impossible task, and it struggles to keep up. This can wear down your unit, causing damage from overworking it. Sadly, the only real way to prevent this issue is to turn it up to somewhere it can manage without having to run every single hour of the day.


- Age of the unit - Just like all appliances, your air conditioner won’t work as well when it’s several years old. Generally, if your A/C unit is ten years or older, you may have to go into the market for a new one.


- Poor upkeep - Alright, no judgement here, when was the last time you checked the air filter on your A/C? Be honest with yourself. Small maintenance items mentioned in the user manual are important to keep the A/C from getting damaged. Give it a once over, check things like the filters and any exposed hoses or lines, to make sure it’s all in good working order before it decides to let you know in a more catastrophic way. This will also make it run more efficiently, driving down your energy bills!



Refrigerator and Freezer



Next up, we’re gonna tackle the refrigerator and freezer together, since their issues and methods of care are pretty similar. Fact of the matter is, keeping cold things cold is more important during the summer than any other time of the year - no one likes to come home to all their food spoiled. So, we’ve got some bits of advice to help you keep these appliances in good working order during the summertime!


- Keep it clean - Keeping your refrigerator and freezer free of excess debris, and keeping the seals clean - as well as the area around them - lets them more easily keep cold air sealed in and transfer hot air off the condenser. Give the area a good cleaning to make sure they can breathe right!


- Check for icing - This may seem counterintuitive, but if there’s ice buildup in or on your refrigerator or freezer, make sure to clear it out! Ice buildup can cause component issues, highlight areas of poor airflow, or indicate an existing problem with moisture buildup in the unit. Make sure to check for ice, clear it out when you see it, and note it down in case it’s a recurring problem - you may need to give an appliance repair call to diagnose the real issue.


- Check for even cooling - If you’ve got a spot in your fridge or freezer that seems to be warmer or colder than the rest, get a hold of an appliance tech. Uneven cooling can indicate a host of issues, from poor seals, all the way up to blockages in the cooling system. These things can be a serious problem for your appliance when it’s already working overdrive in the summer.


- Only open when you need - This one may seem obvious, but make sure you’re only opening your fridge and freezer when you need to, and don’t leave them open too long. Letting hot air in makes your appliance work even harder to stay cool, and worse yet, it lets in moisture that causes the icing issues talked about above. Only when you need, only as long as you need, and it’ll help it to work a lot better!

So, there are our tips for keeping your home and appliances in good working order this summer, especially the important ones that keep things cool against the hot Texas sun. Summertime is always rough on the house, but hopefully, you can keep it from being any worse than it needs to be by taking good care of things at home. If you have any issues with your appliances, our skilled technicians can come over and take a look to keep them running and keep the sweat off your brow!


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