5 Common Mistakes with New Appliances: A Guide for Homeowners

When an appliance stops working, it’s frustrating. Your fridge is warm. The washer won’t spin. The oven won’t heat.

And the first thought is usually: “Can I fix this myself and save money?”

Sometimes, yes. A few problems are simple and safe. But many modern appliances are not like the old ones.

Today’s machines use control boards, sensors, and safety systems. And, a small mistake can turn into a bigger (and more expensive) repair.

This guide will help you decide what to do next — without stress.

Why Hiring a Professional Appliance Repair Technician Is Often the Better Choice

Let’s keep it simple: a professional repair isn’t just about comfort or budget.

It’s usually the safer and smarter choice.

1. It's Safer Option

Some repairs can be dangerous.

Appliances may involve:

• High voltage electricity

• Gas lines

• Heat and pressure

• Sharp metal parts

• Water + electricity (a risky mix)

One wrong move can lead to:

• Electric shock

• Gas leak

• Fire risk

• Serious injury

A trained technician knows what to look for. They also follow safety steps and carry insurance.

👉 Best rule: If it feels unsafe, it is unsafe.

2) Professionals diagnose the real problem (not just the symptom)

DIY repairs often start with guessing. You might replace a part… and the appliance still won’t work.

Professional appliance technicians use:

• Testing tools

• Error code checks

• Brand-specific knowledge

That means they fix the real cause, not just what seems broken.

👉 Accurate appliance diagnosis saves time, money, and headaches.

3) You protect your warranty

Many appliance warranties have one big rule: Repairs must be done by a licensed professional.

If you do a DIY repair, you may void your warranty. That can cost you later.

Most reputable repair services also give a parts + labor guarantee. That extra coverage matters.

4) You save money over time

DIY looks cheaper at first but it can get expensive fast.

Common DIY costs:

• Buying the wrong part

• Damaging wires or sensors

• Breaking clips or panels

• Needing a bigger repair later

On the other hand, professional repair can restore proper performance, help the unit run efficiently, and extend the life of the appliance.

That can also reduce energy waste.

5) Professionals use the right parts

Appliances work best with the correct parts.

Professionals can source:

• OEM parts (manufacturer-approved)

• Correct part numbers for your model

• Quality replacements that fit properly

Wrong parts, on the other hand can cause poor performance, repeat breakdowns, and more internal damage.

What Appliance Problems Can You Fix Yourself?

Not every issue needs a technician. Some fixes are safe and simple — and they can solve the problem in minutes.

1) Power reset (appliance not turning on)

Applies to: Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven (electric), AC unit
Common signs: No lights, no sound, buttons not responding

✅ Try this:

• Make sure it’s plugged in

• Check the breaker box (a breaker may have tripped)

• Unplug the unit for 60 seconds, then plug it back in

2) Clean or replace filters (weak performance, bad smell, slow drying)

Applies to:

• Dryer → lint filter (clothes taking too long to dry)

• Dishwasher → filter/drain screen (dishes still dirty, water not draining well)

• Air conditioner (AC) → air filter (weak airflow, not cooling well)

• Refrigerator → water/air filter (ice maker slow, water tastes bad, airflow issues)

💡 Quick tip: If the filter looks clogged or smells bad, clean or replace it.

3) Clean refrigerator condenser coils (fridge not cooling well)

Applies to: Refrigerator (only)
Common signs: Fridge warm, freezer not freezing, motor running nonstop

✅ Try this:

• Unplug the fridge

• Locate coils (back or bottom)

• Use a vacuum or coil brush to remove dust

Dirty coils are one of the most common reasons a fridge starts losing cooling power.

4) Clear simple clogs (water not draining or appliance smells bad)

Applies to:

• Dishwasher → drain/filter clog (standing water, slow drain, bad smell, not cleaning dishes)

• Washing machine → drain pump/filter clog (won’t drain/spin, water left inside, bad smell)

✅ Try this:

• Remove debris from the dishwasher filter

• Rinse parts using warm, soapy water + a soft brush

• Check for visible drain blockage (food bits, hair, lint)

5) Check door seals (leaks, weak cooling, heat escaping)

Applies to:

• Refrigerator → warm fridge, condensation, leaking water inside

• Dishwasher → water leaks around the door

• Washer (front-load) → leaks, mold smell around the seal

• Oven → heat escaping, uneven cooking

✅ Try this:

• Wipe the seal clean

• Look for cracks, gaps, or loose edges
  A damaged seal can cause leaks or poor performance even if the machine itself is fine.

When You Should Call a Professional Immediately

Some warning signs mean: stop and call a pro right away.
These problems can be dangerous, expensive, or both.

⚠️ Don’t DIY these appliance issues

1) Electrical danger (risk of shock or fire)

Applies to: Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Electric oven/range, Garbage disposal, AC unit.

Warning signs:

• Sparks

• Burning smell

• Flickering lights when the appliance runs

• Power turning on/off repeatedly

• Buzzing sounds from inside the unit

What it usually means:

• Damaged wiring

• Short circuit

• Faulty control board

• Overheating component

✅ What to do: Turn it off, unplug it (if safe), and call a technician.

2) Gas-related problems (serious safety risk)

Applies to: Gas stove/range, Gas oven, Gas dryer.

Warning signs:

• Gas smell

• Stove clicks but won’t light

• Flame is weak, yellow, or uneven

• You feel dizzy or get headaches (possible gas exposure)

What it usually means:

• Gas leak risk

• Ignition failure

• Burner or valve issue

• Venting problem

✅ What to do: Don’t touch it. Ventilate the area and call a licensed pro.

3) Major parts that should NOT be DIY

These repairs require skill, testing tools, and proper installation.

Compressor problems

Applies to: Refrigerator, Freezer.

Signs:

• Not cooling at all

• Loud humming + no cooling

• Fridge runs nonstop

✅ Requires sealed system work and correct parts.

Motor problems

Applies to: Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, AC unit.

Signs:

• Grinding noise

• Drum not spinning

• Weak performance or sudden stopping

✅ Motors often need disassembly + electrical testing.

Control board / electronics

Applies to: Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven, AC unit.

Signs:

• Random errors on the display

• Buttons not responding

• Appliance acts “glitchy”

• Stops mid-cycle

✅ Control boards are sensitive and expensive—wrong handling can damage more parts.

Wiring repairs

Applies to: All appliances

Signs:

• Melted smell

• Sparks

• Appliance shuts off suddenly

• Visible damaged cables

✅ Electrical work should be done by a technician for safety and insurance reasons.

4) Water leaks + electricity (risk of shock + hidden damage)

Applies to: Washer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator (especially ice maker), Water dispenser units.

Warning signs:

• Water pooling under the appliance

• Leaks from door or bottom

• Wet floor + the unit still running

What it usually means:

• Cracked hose

• Drain pump issue

• Door seal failure

• Internal blockage or overflow

✅ What to do: Turn off power + water supply, then call a pro.

5) You tried a DIY fix and it didn’t help

Applies to: Any appliance.

Common examples:

• You reset it, but it still won’t run

• You cleaned the filter, but it still won’t drain

• You replaced a part, and now it’s worse

✅ What to do: Stop there. Repeated DIY attempts can cause extra damage and raise the repair cost.

The Best Repair Is the One That Doesn’t Create a Bigger Problem

DIY repairs can be great for small issues.
But modern appliances are sensitive.

If the problem looks complex, the smartest move is to call a professional.
You’ll protect your home, your appliance, and your budget.

📖 You might also like to read: What Should You Look For in an Appliance Repair Company?

👉 Need a home appliance diagnostic and inspection? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.

👉 Service areas: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Knoxville (North Carolina and Tennessee).

When your refrigerator stops cooling or your washer won’t spin, you do not have time to gamble on the wrong technician. 

Hiring the right appliance repair company can save you money, time, and the headache of repeat breakdowns. However, with so many options available, finding a service you can trust can feel like stepping into a maze.

Why Should You Care About Hiring the Right Appliance Repair Service?

Choosing the right professional is essential for several reasons.

First, safety is a top priority, as appliances involve a dangerous mix of electricity, gas, and water.

Second, professional repairs protect your warranty, whereas DIY fixes can void it.

Finally, experts have the diagnostic tools and experience to fix the real problem quickly, ensuring long-term cost savings by preventing further damage.

To ensure you receive the best service, here are the essential traits you should look for when looking for appliance repair services.

What You Should Look For When Choosing an Appliance Repair Service?

1. Proper Licensing, Insurance, and Certification

A reliable company must hold the necessary licenses and certifications for your region. This ensures that technicians meet specific safety and performance standards. Furthermore, they should carry insurance to protect you if a technician is injured or if your property is damaged during the job.

Always ask for proof of credentials; reputable companies are happy to show them. Check if the technicians are factory-trained or certified by major manufacturers.

2. Broad Experience and Brand Expertise

Not all appliances are built the same. A high-quality company should have hands-on experience with a wide variety of brands—from Whirlpool and LG to high-end names like Bosch, Miele, or Sub-Zero. Technicians familiar with different manufacturers can diagnose problems faster and fix them correctly the first time.

Visit the company’s website to see if they list your specific appliance brand under their expertise. Ask if the technician has "seen it all" regarding your specific model so your home does not become a training ground.

3. Transparent and Upfront Pricing

No one likes hidden fees or nasty surprises on a bill. Trustworthy companies provide clear, upfront pricing before any work begins. They should also be honest about whether a repair is actually cost-effective or if you should consider replacing the appliance instead.

Ask about the diagnostic fee upfront. Some companies, like Fred’s Appliance, charge a flat fee for inspection and diagnosis, and it is credited toward the total repair cost if you choose to hire them.

4. Positive Local Reputation and Reviews

A company’s past performance is a strong indicator of your future experience. Local companies are often more invested in their community and motivated to maintain a strong reputation for repeat business.

Search for the company on Google, Yelp, or Thumbtack. Look for patterns in reviews, such as consistent mentions of professionalism, punctuality, and long-term reliability. Be cautious if there are repeated complaints about the same issue.

5. Fast Service and Flexible Scheduling

When an essential appliance like a fridge or oven breaks, you cannot wait a week for a fix. The best companies offer same-day or next-day appointments to handle urgent issues.

Check for availability immediately. Ask if they provide a specific service window for their arrival so you do not have to wait around all day.

6. Solid Warranties on Parts and Labor

A company that stands by its work will offer a warranty. This gives you peace of mind knowing that if the same problem returns shortly after the repair, you are covered without extra costs.

Confirm the length of the warranty. A standard window is often 30 to 90 days, while some companies may offer longer guarantees on specific parts.

7. Professionalism and Clear Communication

From the first phone call to the final follow-up, a company’s communication says a lot about its quality. They should confirm appointments, arrive on time (ideally in uniform), and explain the issue in a way you can understand.

Pay attention to how they handle your initial call. Do they return messages promptly? Can you speak to a real person?. A professional company should provide a detailed invoice or report once the job is done.

8. Well-Equipped and Prepared Technicians

Expert technicians should arrive with the right tools and commonly used parts to fix most problems during the first visit. This prevents unnecessary downtime while waiting for parts to be ordered.

Ask if they stock parts for your specific brand and model in their service trucks. Some local companies maintain a large, well-stocked warehouse to ensure faster repairs.

Key Takeaways

To solve the challenge of hiring the right specialist, you can use these multiple approaches drawing from the sources:

• The Website Check: Verify brand expertise and local presence before calling.

• The Interview Approach: Ask the technician direct questions, such as: "Would you repair or replace this if it were yours?" or "What can I do to prevent this from happening again?".

• The Credential Verify: Request proof of licensing and insurance before letting anyone touch your appliances.

• The Interaction Test: Judge the company based on their responsiveness and willingness to give a realistic arrival window.

👉 Need a home appliance diagnostic and inspection? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.

👉 Service areas: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Knoxville (North Carolina and Tennessee).

A dishwasher that doesn’t clean your dishes can quickly disrupt your daily routine.

When a dishwasher is not washing dishes properly, it’s often a sign of underlying issues such as poor water circulation, mineral buildup, low water temperature, or worn-out components. 

The good news: most dishwasher cleaning problems are easy to diagnose and fix, so you can get your dishes spotless again without spending hours scrubbing by hand.

7 Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know why it is happening. Here are the most common dishwasher issues:

1. Blocked or Dirty Spray Arms

These arms spin and blast water at high pressure to remove food. Over time, bits of food, grease, or hard water minerals block the tiny holes, reducing the cleaning power to a gentle sprinkle.

2. A Filthy Filter

The filter traps food particles so they do not recirculate onto your clean dishes. When it is clogged, dirty water cannot drain, and you may find gritty residue on your plates.

3. Improper Loading

Overloading is a major mistake. If dishes are "nested" or stacked too closely, the water spray cannot reach every surface.

4. Low Water Temperature

Hot water is vital for breaking down grease and activating detergent. If the water enters at less than 120°F (49°C), your dishes will likely stay greasy.

5. Detergent Issues

Using the wrong type, poor-quality soap, or the wrong amount can leave a film or food residue.

6. Hard Water Minerals

If your glasses look cloudy or have white spots, you likely have hard water. This mineral buildup can also damage the machine over time.

7. A Dirty Interior

Soils, detergent, and minerals can build up on the walls of the machine itself, which eventually transfers back to your dishes.

How to Fix Common Dishwasher Problems Yourself?

Most dishwasher issues come from blocked water flow, weak spray, or poor detergent action. Below are quick DIY fixes that work for the most common problems.

1) Problem: Clogged spray arms — Solution: Clear the spray arms

When the spray arm holes get blocked with food bits or mineral buildup, the water can’t spray with full power. That leads to dirty plates, stuck-on food, and weak cleaning.

How to fix it (2 easy options)

Option 1: Manual cleaning

• Remove the spray arms (check your manual if needed).

• Use a toothpick, small brush, or thin wire to clear each hole.

• Rinse well under warm water and reinstall.

Option 2: Vinegar soak (best for hard water)

• Mix 1:1 warm water + white vinegar in a bowl.

• Soak spray arms for 30 minutes.

• Rinse and put them back in place.

2) Problem: Dirty filter system — Solution: Clean the filter

A clogged filter makes the dishwasher recirculate dirty water. This can cause bad smells, cloudy glasses, and dishes that still feel greasy after a wash.

How to clean the dishwasher filter?

1. Pull out the bottom rack.

2. Twist and remove the filter.

3. Wash it in warm, soapy water.

4. Scrub gently with a soft brush.

5. Rinse fully and reinstall it.

3) Problem: Dishes blocking water flow — Solution: Load dishes correctly

If dishes are packed too tightly or placed in the wrong spots, water can’t reach every surface. Sometimes a tall item even stops the spray arms from spinning, leaving half the load dirty.

How to load your dishwasher the right way

• Top rack: cups, glasses, and plastics

• Bottom rack: plates, pots, and pans

• Always face dirty surfaces downward and toward the spray arms.

• Don’t nest bowls or stack plates too tightly.

✅ Before closing the door: spin the spray arms by hand. If they hit a tall dish, rearrange the load.

4) Problem: Water too cold or pressure too low — Solution: Adjust temperature and pressure

Dishwashers need hot water to break down grease and activate detergent. If the water is too cool or the pressure is low, dishes come out dull, oily, or still dirty.

Fix water temperature

• Run hot water from your kitchen tap for 60 seconds before starting the dishwasher.
  This helps it fill with hot water right away.

Fix water pressure

• Check the water supply line under the sink.

• Look for kinks, bends, or blockages.

• Straighten the line if needed.

5) Problem: Detergent not working well — Solution: Optimize detergent use

If you use weak detergent or have hard water, you may notice white film, water spots, or cloudy glassware. Some detergents also struggle with greasy dishes.

Simple upgrades that make a big difference

• Switch to tablets or pods: often clean better than powder or gel.

• Add rinse aid: helps prevent spots and improves drying (great for hard water).

• Use dishwasher salt (if your model supports it):

  • Helps soften water and reduce cloudiness.

  • If glasses look cloudy or taste salty, check the salt lid is tight and the dispenser is filled correctly.

6) Problem: Grease and buildup inside the machine — Solution: Deep clean the dishwasher

Grease, soap scum, and minerals build up inside the dishwasher over time. This can cause bad odors and make your dishwasher clean worse, even if everything else looks fine.

Deep clean dishwasher in 2 quick steps

Step 1: Vinegar cycle (removes grease and buildup)

• Put 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup.

• Place it on the top rack of an empty dishwasher.

• Run a full hot cycle.

Step 2: Baking soda refresh (removes smells)

• Sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the tub.

• Run a short hot cycle.

When to Call a Professional?

If you have cleaned the filters, checked the arms, and adjusted your loading habits but your dishes are still dirty, the problem may be internal. A faulty inlet valve, heating element, or motor might be to blame. In these cases, it is best to schedule a diagnostic service with a certified technician

👉 Need a dishwasher diagnostic or repair? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.

👉 Service areas: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Knoxville (North Carolina and Tennessee).