Your guide to fixing the top 6 appliance breakdowns during the holidays

The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious meals, and creating cozy memories. But during this festive season, your home appliances are working overtime. With the fridge packed to the brim, the oven in constant use, and the dishwasher running non-stop, the chances of an appliance problem are higher than usual. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a handy guide full of quick fixes and practical tips to keep everything running smoothly!

Important: The info in this article might not match your exact appliance model. While we do our best to dish out helpful DIY repair advice, different models can have different troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For spot-on guidance, it’s a good idea to check out the manufacturer’s documentation for your specific appliance or give us a shout if you have questions.

Refrigerator not cooling

A refrigerator that isn’t cooling properly can create big problems during the holidays, especially with all the extra food you’re storing. Here are a few steps you can take to fix the issue:

1. Check the condenser coils
   • Dust and dirt on the coils (located at the back or bottom of the fridge) can prevent proper cooling.
   • Use a vacuum or a coil brush to gently clean them.
   • Do this every six months, especially if you have pets, as pet hair can make the problem worse.
2. Inspect the airflow inside
   • Overpacking the fridge can block the vents and restrict airflow, causing uneven cooling.
   • Rearrange your items to leave space around the vents, typically located at the back or sides of the fridge and freezer.
3. Test the door seals
   • Close the door on a thin piece of paper or dollar bill and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seal isn’t tight enough.
   • Replace worn or cracked seals to keep cold air inside.
4. Verify the temperature settings
   • Make sure the fridge is set to around 37°F (3°C) and the freezer to 0°F (-18°C).
   • If you’ve recently adjusted the settings, give the appliance time to stabilize (usually 24 hours).
5. Listen for the compressor
   • The compressor should hum or click on and off periodically.
   • If it’s silent or constantly running, the fridge might have a deeper mechanical issue, such as a failing relay or motor.

Need a hand figuring out parts? Check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Oven not heating evenly

The oven is the centerpiece of most holiday meals, so when it’s not heating or cooking evenly, it can be a real problem. The good news is that many common issues are easy to fix. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. Check the heating element
   • Open the oven and inspect the heating element (usually found at the bottom for baking and at the top for broiling).
   • Look for any obvious signs of damage, like burns, cracks, or breaks.
   • If it’s faulty, replacing the element is often simple and doesn’t require specialized tools.
   • Avoid using the self-cleaning feature too close to the holidays, it can sometimes overheat and damage the appliance leaving you with last-minute repairs.
2. Test the thermostat
   • If your oven isn’t reaching the correct temperature, the thermostat may need recalibration.
   • Use an oven thermometer to check if the actual temperature matches the setting.
   • If recalibration doesn’t fix the issue, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
3. Create better airflow
   • Overcrowding the oven with too many dishes can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking.
   • Leave space around each dish and avoid placing items too close to the walls or heating element.
4. Inspect the door seal
   • Check the rubber gasket around the oven door for cracks or wear.
   • If the seal is damaged, heat can escape, making it harder for the oven to maintain the correct temperature.

For step-by-step repair help, swing by our repair help section.

Dishwasher not cleaning dishes

When your dishwasher isn’t doing its job, it can add unnecessary stress during the holidays, especially with all the extra dishes. Thankfully, most cleaning issues are easy to troubleshoot. Here’s how to get your dishwasher back to working well:

1. Clean the spray arms
   • Remove the spray arms (usually located at the bottom and sometimes the top of the dishwasher).
   • Inspect for food debris or mineral buildup blocking the holes.
   • Use a toothpick or a small brush to clear any clogs, then rinse the arms thoroughly before reattaching them.
2. Check the filter
   • Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, often under the lower rack.
   • Remove and rinse it under warm water to clear any trapped food particles or grease.
3. Check the water temperature
   • Dishwashers work best when the water temperature is at least 120°F (49°C).
   • Run hot water at the sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher to ensure the appliance fills with hot water.
4. Use the right detergent
   • Stick to dishwasher-specific detergent and avoid regular dish soap, which can cause excessive sudsing.
   • If you have hard water, consider using a rinse aid to improve cleaning results.

Find the right part with our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Microwave runs but doesn’t heat

If your microwave stops heating food, it can really slow you down when preparing meals or warming up leftovers during the holidays. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

1. Check the power source
   • Make sure the microwave is securely plugged in.
   • If it’s not working at all, check your circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped.
2. Inspect the door
   • A microwave won’t work if the door isn’t latching properly.
   • Open and close the door firmly, listening for the “click” that indicates it’s fully engaged.
3. Look for a blown fuse
   • Unplug the microwave and locate the internal fuse (check the manual for its exact location).
   • If the fuse is blown, replace it with a compatible OEM part.
4. Check the control panel
   • Sometimes, the issue lies in the control panel or settings.
   • Reset the microwave by unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. This can clear glitches in the controls.

Be careful! Microwaves can hold dangerous electrical charges even when unplugged. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to call a pro.

Ice maker isn’t making ice

When your ice maker stops working during the holidays, it can feel like a big inconvenience, especially with guests around. Luckily, most ice maker issues are easy to diagnose and fix. Here’s what to check:

1. Inspect the water supply
   • Make sure the water supply valve is open and the ice maker is getting water.
   • Check the water line for kinks, blockages, or leaks that could prevent water from reaching the ice maker.
2. Check the ice maker switch
   • Many ice makers have an on/off switch or lever. Ensure it’s in the “on” position.
   • If your ice maker has a wire arm, make sure it’s not stuck in the “up” (off) position.
3. Clear the ice tray
   • Remove the ice bin and check for clogs in the ice maker’s ejector arm.
   • Old or partially melted ice can sometimes block new ice from being produced.
4. Inspect the water filter
   • A clogged or old water filter can limit water flow.
   • Replace the filter if it hasn’t been changed in the last six months.
5. Check the temperature
   • The freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C) for the ice maker to work properly.
   • If the freezer is too warm, adjust the temperature and wait 24 hours for the ice maker to resume production.

For more tips, head over to our repair help section.

Garbage disposal jammed

A jammed or non-functioning garbage disposal can be a real headache during holiday cleanup. Fortunately, most problems are easy to fix with a little care and patience. Here’s how to troubleshoot and get your disposal back in action:

1. Turn off the power
   • Always unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker before doing anything.
   • This ensures your safety while you work.
2. Manually rotate the blades
   • Locate the small hex hole on the bottom of the disposal unit.
   • Use the hex key (usually included with the disposal) to turn the blades manually and dislodge jams. Rotate the key back and forth until the blades move freely.
3. Press the reset button
   • After clearing the jam, press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
   • This resets the motor if it has overheated or shut down due to the jam.
4. Clear visible blockages
   • Shine a flashlight into the disposal chamber to look for food debris or foreign objects.
   • Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove anything blocking the blades. Never put your hands inside the disposal.

Wrapping it up

Thank you for reading! Need replacement parts? Grab your model number and visit AppliancePartsPros.com. With over two million parts available, most orders arrive in just two business days. For help finding the right part or placing an order, call our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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