Appliance Red Flags: What Strange Noises, Smells, and Sounds Are Trying to Tell You

A practical homeowner’s guide to what's normal—and what’s not—when it comes to appliance noise.

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t give our appliances much thought until they stop working altogether. But what if they’ve actually been dropping hints all along? Clanks in the laundry room, buzzes in the kitchen, and even subtle hisses can be signs that something’s not quite right.

Think of it as appliance whispering. By learning to listen for what’s normal—and what definitely isn’t—you can stop small issues from snowballing into big, expensive repairs. Below, we break down the sounds and smells your appliances might be using to ask for a little TLC.

Refrigerator Noises

What’s Normal

A well-running fridge doesn’t sound like a library. Expect a low, steady hum as the compressor kicks in, a soft click when the defrost cycle starts, and an occasional gurgle or hiss from the refrigerant doing its job. If your ice maker is active, you’ll also hear periodic buzzing as it fills.

What’s Worrisome

If the usual hum turns into more of a growl, or the buzz starts sounding like a bee on a mission, your fridge could be working overtime. Repeated clicking might mean the defrost system is glitching, and constant gurgling might hint at a refrigerant issue that’s worth watching.

What’s a Red Flag

Courtesty USDA.

Hear a grinding sound? That could be ice building up near the evaporator fan. A rattling noise might mean the condenser fan or compressor is loose—or on its way out. And a squeal coming from behind the fridge? That’s your cue to call a technician, stat.

Freezer Noises

What’s Normal

Expect a quiet whir as fans circulate cold air, along with the occasional pop or crack as the interior expands and contracts with temperature changes. Soft hissing or gurgling from the refrigerant is also totally normal.

What’s Worrisome

If your freezer sounds like it’s trying too hard—loud clicking, persistent buzzing, or a whine—something may be stressing the motor or fan. These aren’t full-blown emergencies, but they do deserve a closer look.

What’s a Red Flag

Sharp squealing often means a fan motor is giving out. Grinding could mean something’s stuck or broken inside. And any hissing accompanied by reduced cooling could be a refrigerant leak, which calls for professional help.

Dishwasher

What’s Normal

A working dishwasher is a symphony of soft, productive sounds: gentle swishing of water, light clicks as it changes cycles, and a low hum when it drains.

What’s Worrisome

If you hear a grinding or deep humming, it may be debris stuck in the pump—or a pump that’s wearing down. Longer-than-usual cycles can point to a clogged filter or a sensor that's struggling to do its job.

What’s a Red Flag

Pooling water on your floor is never a good sign. Neither is a burning smell, loud clanging, or the kind of rattle that makes you step back mid-load. If your dishes are still dirty after a cycle, that’s another signal your dishwasher is due for a checkup.

Oven / Stove / Range

What’s Normal

Clicking as your gas burner lights is perfectly expected. So is a quiet fan hum during and after cooking—especially with newer convection ovens.

What’s Worrisome

When that clicking doesn’t stop, it’s time to investigate. The igniter may be failing or the burner could be dirty. And if your food is suddenly cooking unevenly, your heating element might be the culprit.

What’s a Red Flag

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If you smell gas but nothing’s turned on, stop reading and turn off the main gas valve. Then call your gas company. Other big warnings: buzzing noises, burning smells, or a door that won’t close properly (especially if your oven seems to be struggling to stay hot).

Washing Machine

What’s Normal

Expect a lot of sloshing, a few clicks, and maybe a light thump if the load is slightly off-balance. The hum of the motor and a gurgle as the machine drains are all standard fare.

What’s Worrisome

A loud thump that doesn’t stop could mean a suspension rod is worn out. Grinding might mean something’s stuck between the tubs. And a hissing sound could indicate a leaky water hose.

What’s a Red Flag

Courtesy of stevepb

If your washer is screeching, vibrating violently, or leaking, don’t press your luck. Shut it off and take a closer look—or better yet, call someone who can.

Dryer

What’s Normal

You’ll hear a steady whir as the drum turns, a few clicks as the timer advances, and maybe a soft thud when zippers or buttons hit the inside.

What’s Worrisome

If it’s taking multiple cycles to dry your clothes, you might be dealing with a clogged vent or a failing heating element. A new rattle could mean a belt is wearing out or something’s loose inside.

What’s a Red Flag

Courtesy of Planet care

Any kind of burning smell or overheating sensation should be treated seriously—it could be a lint blockage or faulty coil, and that’s a fire risk. If your clothes are coming out scorched, shut it down and unplug it.

The truth is, your appliances are always talking to you. The question is—are you listening? Whether it’s a squeak, a buzz, or a thud, unusual sounds and smells are often your first clue that something’s not quite right. Catching these red flags early means fewer breakdowns, lower repair costs, and way less stress.

And when things go from “huh, that’s weird” to “okay, that’s bad,” Appliance Rescue Service is just a call away. Our expert team can diagnose the issue, make the fix, and get your home back to humming (the normal kind).

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From the Border to Your Kitchen: The Ripple Effect of Tariffs on Repairs

 As new appliances become more expensive, more homeowners are turning to repairs—but that’s not without its own challenges.

In the last two weeks, we’ve looked at how tariffs are driving up prices for purchasing appliances, and how tariffs will affect the supply chain to get them built. This week we’re looking at how tariffs are also going to affect repairing your appliances.  This matters for all of us, as when the prices go up for new appliances, more people focus on fixing what they have. That increased demand puts even more pressure on the supply chain—one that’s already strained by the need to build new appliances With higher demand, the already strained repair economy will be placed under even more pressure. 

So what should you be watching for—and what can you do now to stay ahead of the curve?

Why Tariffs Affect Appliance Repairs

Courtesy of Markus Winkler

Many of us tend to think of tariffs as something that only affects the price of new appliances—just a matter of taxing anything coming into the United States from overseas. But the reality is more complicated, especially when it comes to appliance repairs. Tariffs don’t just apply to finished products in stores; they also apply to the raw materials and individual parts that make those products work in the first place. And that’s where the ripple effects really begin to show. Global supply chains are deeply interconnected. When tariffs are introduced or raised, those chains get disrupted—both outside the country and within our own borders. As access to essential components tightens, manufacturers and repair professionals alike are forced to find new ways to source the materials they need. That means everything from motors and steel housings to electronic circuit boards. Even companies that assemble appliances here in the U.S. still rely heavily on internationally made parts. So when tariffs hit, they don’t just impact global trade—they drive up the cost of doing business at every level. The result? Delays. Higher prices. And fewer options for the people trying to keep their appliances running smoothly. That’s why tariffs don’t just hit manufacturers—they hit everyone who depends on reliable repairs, too.

 What Homeowners Should Expect

What does that mean for you the homeowner though? The short and simple of it is that repair costs are likely to become more expensive over time. We’re not just looking at an impact of the next few months. This is something that will be affecting prices for at least the next two years, if the last round of tariffs are anything to go by.  

The more companies are charged to just get parts in, the more they have to charge to be able to make the cost back. We also have to look at possible delays as we wait for parts to be made or sourced from different companies in different countries. This then makes things take longer to get here, and reduces the likelihood of having parts on hand at all times. 

Special Challenges for DIY Repairs and Independent Shops

Courtesy of Tiger Lily

Now, this isn’t a problem for just big brand companies. This also affects people who want to do their own repairs. It’s also an issue for professional repair services. So, this is a situation where it bites everyone from the biggest fish to the smallest. As there become shortages of specialized parts, older appliances will get harder to repair, and also potentially less cost-effective.  

Long-Term Effects on Appliance Ownership

As the tariffs continue to fluctuate in the coming months and years we expect home owners to choose repairing over purchasing, if only for the savings that will bring compared to purchasing brand new. We’re also expecting that aftermarket parts will become more common solutions among DIY repairs, as those may be easier to obtain when compared to original parts. 

Finally, an unexpected one, for us at least, is that some are predicting the rise in costs for recycling and the disposal of old appliances due to metal tariffs. We’re not sure about this one though and are waiting to see how things will shake out. 

How to Get Ahead

As always, our biggest concern is YOU our clients in the Dallas-Frisco area. We want to make sure that you are able to take care of your homes and appliances. So, how can you get ahead? Our tips are as follows: 

• Schedule maintenance now if your appliances are showing signs of trouble.

• Use reputable repair services that can help source parts efficiently.

• Consider warranties: some manufacturers are maintaining parts warranties even if prices rise.

The tariff situation is evolving and changing week by week, but those of us with an eye to the future can protect our wallets by acting now. If you need repairs, we suggest working with a team you trust, that can help you to avoid surprise costs and keep your home running smoothly even in uncertainty. 

If you’re reading this and ready to reach out to us for an appointment, you can sign up for one via our website or by giving us a call. We’ll work with you to get your home running smoothly again. Whether it’s your washer not draining right or your oven refusing to heat up, we’re here for you. 

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Why Your Next Fridge or Dishwasher Might Be on Backorder

Navigating rising costs, limited stock, and global supply chain shifts as a homeowner

When your refrigerator stops cooling or your washing machine starts shaking like a jet engine, the last thing you want is sticker shock at the store—or a long wait for a backordered part. But thanks to a new round of tariffs recently enacted by President Donald Trump, appliance buyers and repair customers may soon find themselves caught up in the ripples of global trade policy.

Even if you don’t follow politics, these new tariffs are worth paying attention to—because they will affect the price (and availability) of everything from dishwashers to dryers in the coming months.

Why Tariffs Affect Appliances (and More)

At their core, tariffs are taxes on imported goods. Companies that buy products or components from other countries—like motors from China or electronics from South Korea—now have to pay more at the border. That extra cost often gets passed down the line to you, the customer.

Courtesy of Chanaka

Trump’s proposed plan included a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and steeper levies on goods from specific countries like China. And since appliances rely on international parts and labor—even for brands labeled “Made in the USA”—the impact will be felt across the board.

How the Appliance Supply Chain Actually Works

Modern appliances are global jigsaw puzzles. A single washing machine might include:

A motor from China

Circuit boards from South Korea

Steel framing from Germany

Plastic housing molded in Mexico

Final assembly in Vietnam

Even U.S.-based manufacturing isn’t immune. American-made dishwashers or refrigerators often use imported steel and aluminum, which are now tariff targets too. That means higher production costs, even for companies trying to keep operations stateside.

And that’s where the supply chain bottlenecks begin.

What Homeowners Can Expect in the Short Term

If you’re wondering whether appliance prices will jump overnight—the answer is, not exactly. Some retailers and manufacturers have been stockpiling parts and finished goods to buy time. These “safety stock” reserves may delay the effects for a few weeks or months.

But once those inventories run low, prices are expected to climb. In fact, experts predict some common household appliances could see price hikes of 10–25%, depending on the model and how many of its parts are impacted by tariffs.

Here’s what that might look like:

Refrigerators & Freezers: $150–$500 increase (especially models made in Mexico)

Washing Machines & Dryers: $100–$400 increase (Samsung and Whirlpool models affected)

Microwaves & Ovens: $50–$200 increase (reliant on Canadian and Mexican components)

Dishwashers: $75–$300 increase (many assembled in Canada or with Canadian parts)

Courtesy of Tiger Lily

And for repairs? Replacement parts might be harder to find and slower to ship—especially for older models with less common components.

What You Can Do Now

For Dallas-area homeowners, here’s how to stay ahead of potential supply chain delays and cost hikes:

If You’ve Been Thinking About Upgrading, Don’t Wait

Appliances nearing the end of their lifespan (especially 8+ years old) are good candidates for replacement now—before prices go up.

Look for Open-Box or Clearance Sales

Retailers will likely try to clear pre-tariff inventory quickly. If you can find last year’s model, you might save a bundle.

Consider Repairing Instead of Replacing

If your appliance has a minor issue, repair might be more cost-effective. Local services can often fix problems for less than the cost of a new unit—and without the supply chain headaches.

Plan Ahead for Repairs

If you’ve got a laundry machine or fridge with a known quirk, don’t wait for it to fully fail. Parts may take longer to source, and scheduling repairs will get more competitive.

How This Affects Dallas Homeowners

For homeowners in the Dallas area, this means more than just sticker shock at the appliance store. Expect longer wait times for appliance deliveries, especially for specialty or high-efficiency models. Items that rely on imported parts—like dishwashers with smart features, energy-efficient water heaters, or smart home-compatible appliances—may see the sharpest delays and price hikes. Even appliances labeled "Made in the USA" can still include imported steel, plastic, or internal electronics. So while local retailers may try to soften the blow, once pre-tariff inventory runs out, prices will go up—and stock could get thin.

The Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Panicked

While the full extent of Trump’s proposed tariffs is still unfolding, one thing’s clear: global supply chains are complicated, and even small changes in trade policy can create big ripple effects for consumers.

If you’re in the market for a new appliance—or know yours is on borrowed time—it pays to stay informed, plan ahead, and act when it makes financial sense. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or just trying to keep your washer running another year, a little forethought can go a long way in avoiding surprise costs.

And as always, your local appliance repair experts are here to help. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re keeping a close eye on how tariffs impact availability and pricing—and we’re ready to guide Dallas homeowners through these shifting times with honest advice and reliable service.

Tariff Trouble: Why Buying New Appliances Just Got Pricier

Tariffs are more than a trade term—they’re shaping how much you’ll spend on your next appliance.

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about tariffs until they start messing with our wallets. And unless you’re deep into economics or international trade, the topic can feel like a blur of taxes, trade wars, and political debates. But when those abstract policies start affecting the price of everyday things—like your fridge, your washer, or even your coffeemaker—it suddenly becomes very real.

Courtesy of Markus Winkler

With new tariffs rolling out under President Trump’s administration, a lot of folks are asking: What does this actually mean for me? Will prices spike? Should I buy now or wait it out? And why does it seem like even the smallest appliance is getting caught up in all of this?

Let’s break it all down—plain and simple—so you know what’s happening, who it’s going to hit, and how it might change your next appliance purchase.

What Are Tariffs? 

Although many of us have our opinions on whether tariffs are good or bad, let’s take a look at what they are. 

Tariffs are taxes placed by the government on goods brought in from other countries. For example, if a company wants to buy phones from South Korea to sell here in the US. There’s a tax for bringing in goods from outside the country, rather than buying from local suppliers. 

That’s the basics. 

When it comes to the tariffs that President Trump is enacting, it hits home appliances on multiple levels. 

First we have the varying charges on goods imported from different countries. These are based on how that country has interacted with the US, and the tariffs that they charge us. There’s a complicated formula that was used, but that’s not relevant. 

Second, you have across the board tariffs that are being charged on all imported home appliances. 

Finally, you have tariffs that are being applied to steel and aluminum, which will also affect the price of goods made from those materials. 

Who Will Be Affected By Tariffs? 

In theory, tariffs are meant to increase our nation’s income, by taxing incoming goods.They are meant to help our economy by making imported products more expensive. This encourages businesses to buy and sell goods made in the United States instead.

However, what happens when companies are charged through the nose to bring in goods from other countries? We, the consumers, get charged through the nose. Prices go up because materials cost more, because of the tariffs themselves, and because supply is shrinking.

Courtesy of Freddy

So, in theory the companies who are importing goods will be paying. In practice? It’ll be us. 

How Will Tariffs Affect Buying New Appliances—And Why? 

Now for the meat of things. How are the tariffs going to affect buying new appliances? 

Some companies preempted the tariffs going into effect by raising prices ahead of time. Thermador, LG, GE, and Sub-Zero all did this. Thermador and LG both raised their Prices in January, GE raised theirs in February and Sub-Zero raised theirs in March. While none of these hikes were more than 25% at the time, it’s unclear how much they’ll go up in response to the  April 3rd tariffs.  

Here’s a breakdown of what we’re likely to see  for all of the different appliances.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Many major brands are manufactured in Mexico, so they’ll be hit with the tariffs for importing from there.  

Washing Machines & Dryers

Samsung and Whirlpool both have assembly plants in Mexico, again, import tariffs from Mexico. 

Microwaves & Ovens

Both have a large number of pieces (if not their entirety) made of steel and aluminum, even as many are assembled in the US. This means that they get hit with the charge for steel and aluminum imports. 

Gas Grills

Almost half of the choices you see in the store are all made in China, so they’ll get hit with the highest tariff currently on the books. 

Coffeemakers 

Yup. Even our coffeemakers are going to get hit since most of them from KitchenAid to Thermador are imported. 

Courtesy of Gerd Altmann

As tariffs go into effect, companies will start to bring in fewer units to limit how much they’re paying at one time. If they can’t guarantee the capability of selling what they have, they aren’t going to bring it in. This will mean we’ll start to see availability issues as prices are rising, or you’ll be charged extra to ensure that you get what you wanted. 

In fact, kitchen appliances are experiencing a double whammy: not only are many finished products imported, but even U.S.-made models rely on foreign steel and components now subject to tariffs. That means manufacturers face increased costs on multiple fronts — and consumers foot the bill.

An important thing to consider is that President Trump has already given a 90 day pause on certain tariffs, as well as being ‘open to negotiation’ from certain countries. So, trying to predict how and when prices will rise or fall is not worth the time. The situation is in flux from one day to the next, and we don’t know how it will shake out or how long it will take for things to settle. For that one, you can look back at how tariffs affect washing machines in President Trump’s first term. 

And whether shoppers feel panicked or patient often has little to do with pricing spreadsheets and everything to do with political outlook. Those hoping tariffs will pay off long-term are often more willing to ride out the discomfort — while others, feeling blindsided, are scrambling to buy before things get worse.

While tariffs may change the price tag on new appliances, one thing that won’t change is the value of a well-timed repair. If your current appliances are still hanging in there but acting up, our team at Appliance Rescue Service can help you extend their lifespan and avoid steep replacement costs. Give us a call—we're here to keep your home running smoothly, no matter what the market looks like.

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Homeowners Beware: LG Recalls Electric Ranges Due to Safety Risks

 If you own an LG electric range, you may need to act fast. Get the details on the latest recall and what it means for you.

 What Happened? 

A new recall has been announced for LG  Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges sold from 2015 to January of this year, 2025.  

Over 500,000 of these units have been sold in that time period. The consumer product safety commission has received at least 86 reports of unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs. They have been involved in dozens of fires, injuries and pet deaths according to the CPSC. 

The products were manufactured in both Mexico and Korea and imported by LG  Electronics USA in New Jersey. They were sold in a variety of major stores, including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s across the United States. Depending on the model, they retailed for between $1,400 and $2,650.

 It is important to note, that this is not a refund or even a repair that is being offered by LG. Instead, they are offering a warning label which reminds users to turn on the Control Lock / Lock Out feature before stepping away from the stove. They also have a video which guides owners on how to use the feature. 

Who is Affected? 

The recall includes LG Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges sold between 2015 and January 2025 at major retailers like Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Depending on the model, they retailed for between $1,400 and $2,650.

You can check the full list at www.tinyurl.com/LGRecall.

Courtesy of LG

What is a Recall? 

A recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority determines that a product poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards.  (In the United States, this is most often the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) This action is taken to protect consumers from potential harm and ensure the integrity of the product.

Recalls can be initiated for various reasons, including defects in design or manufacturing, safety concerns, or failure to meet regulatory requirements. In the case of appliances like stoves or ranges, recalls may be issued due to problems with components such as burners, electrical systems, or structural integrity.

When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer typically works with relevant regulatory agencies to notify consumers of the issue and provide instructions on how to address it. This often involves contacting affected consumers directly, issuing public announcements through various channels, and coordinating efforts to repair or replace the affected products. 

Why is a Sticker  Enough? 

In 2024, Samsung recalled over 1.1 million ovens for a similar hazard, and the CPSC has warned that unintended burner activation has resulted in serious fires, injuries, and even fatalities. 

Also in 2024 we had the Kenmore / Frigidaire recall. Here we had 203,000 ovens which were affected. Again with reports of fires occurring and people and property being damaged

So, why is LG allowed to only offer a sticker as a “repair”?

To begin with, the LG ovens are being turned on, although unintentionally, bye the user or pets.

Additionally, there are three different tiers of safety features, according to LG.  The first is a burner on light, the second is an alert beep that goes off when a knob is turned off, and finally there is the Control Lock / Lock Out feature. In a statement to USA Today, Senior Vice President of LG Electronics USA, John I Taylor emphasized that the affected products have a proven safety feature. 

Additionally, LG was sued over this issue in 2022 with a US district Court dismissing the class action lawsuit in 2023 citing that the ranges were still under a 1-year warranty. 

 According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the sticker and a reminder to use the built-in feature is enough.

What Do I Do? 

Start by locating the model number on the inside of your oven door or the bottom storage drawer and compare it against the list at this link. 

Next up, whether or not you have one of the affected models, it would be beneficial to review LG's video for how to use the control lock/lock out function.  www.vimeo.com/1037322282.

Fire safety professionals are recommending installing stove knob locks to prevent unintentional activation. They also recommend keeping objects off the stove when not in use as well as double checking burner knobs before you leave home or go to bed.

We feel it is important to note that while LG and the CSPC believe the features listed are in fact enough to rely on consumer diligence, accidents can happen as has been shown; pets and small children can easily activate these knobs when left unattended. Given these dangers we ask that you consider the situation with all due caution and what safety precautions best fit your home. 

If you realize that your range has been acting oddly and it's not because of this recall, reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. There should never be a time when you fear leaving your home because your oven is turning on at random, or that your pet might accidentally bump it. We will work with you to find a date and time that fits your schedule so that we can get to the bottom of any issues. Our technicians are experienced in working on all sorts of appliances, new and old. Our top priority is always ensuring that your home is running smoothly.

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