Our home appliances are essential parts of our daily lives — when problems arise, most of us search the internet for quick fixes. However, you can’t believe everything you read online. Myths and misinformation about appliance maintenance and repair can lead to unnecessary expenses, shortened appliance lifespans, and even potential safety hazards.
At Appliance E.M.T., we want you to be able to determine whether this information is truly helpful or a misleading myth. That’s why we’re presenting this list of 10 common appliance repair myths you may hear and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: If an Appliance Still Works, It Doesn’t Need Maintenance
You may think that if your appliance works, it doesn’t need maintenance. However, many appliance issues develop gradually before causing a complete breakdown. Routine maintenance — such as cleaning the fridge’s condenser coils or replacing dishwasher filters — can help identify wear and tear early, allowing you to improve your appliance’s efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Myth #2: DIY Repairs Are Always Cheaper Than Hiring a Professional
While simple maintenance tasks can often be handled by homeowners, attempting complex repairs can lead to additional issues if performed incorrectly and may even void the manufacturer warranty. Always call a professional for electrical, gas, or refrigerant issues — otherwise you risk paying extra to fix your mistakes.
Myth #3: It’s Better to Replace an Appliance Than Repair It
It’s not always better to replace your appliance than repair it. In reality, many repairs are significantly less expensive than replacement. To determine what’s best for you, consider the appliance’s age, the repair cost compared to the replacement cost, and the appliance’s overall condition and maintenance history.
Myth #4: Dishwashers Clean Themselves
Dishwashers clean your food, so they must clean themselves, too, right? Well, the truth is that food particles, grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits can accumulate over time. It’s important to clean the filter regularly, wipe the door seals, and run cleaning cycles to avoid bad odors and poor cleaning results.
Myth #5: A Noisy Appliance Is Normal
While some sounds are normal during operation, if you notice a new or unusual noise, there’s a good chance there’s a problem. Be on the lookout for grinding, squealing, rattling, or buzzing, and remember that small issues can lead to more significant damage if not addressed early.
Myth #6: Overloading Appliances Saves Time and Energy
Overloading your washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher doesn’t actually save time and energy — in fact, it can strain motors, belts, bearings, and other components. This can mean reduced cleaning performance, longer cycle times, and premature component failure.
Myth #7: Refrigerators Should Run Constantly
Your fridge shouldn’t run constantly — it should naturally cycle on and off to maintain the proper temperature. If it continuously runs without cycling, has excessive frost buildup, or the food compartments are warm, you may have a problem. It may mean your fridge has dirty condenser coils, a faulty door seal, or thermostat issues.
Myth #8: Dryer Lint Filters Are the Only Thing That Needs Cleaning
Lint filters aren’t the only part of your dryer that needs cleaning. Lint actually accumulates throughout the entire vent system. If you fail to clean and maintain the dryer vent, you risk reduced efficiency, longer drying times, and increased fire danger. Make sure you clean the lint filter after every load and schedule periodic vent inspections and cleanings.
Myth #9: Appliance Repairs Are Only Necessary After a Breakdown
Appliance repairs aren’t only necessary after a breakdown. Most appliances actually show warning signs before failure, including increased energy bills, strange noises, water leaks, inconsistent performance, and longer cycle times. When you catch and address problems early, you can experience the benefits of lower repair costs, reduced downtime, and an extended lifespan for your appliance.
Myth #10: New Appliances Don’t Need Professional Service
Even newer appliances can experience installation issues, manufacturing defects, or maintenance needs. It’s important to take proper care of your appliance, no matter its age. This means following manufacturer recommendations, maintaining warranty requirements, and scheduling service when issues arise.
Keep Your Appliances Running Smoothly with Appliance E.M.T.
If you’re not sure what to do about your malfunctioning appliance, call the experts at Appliance E.M.T. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Weber and Davis counties by helping them maximize their appliances’ performance and longevity. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a full breakdown — contact us today, and we’ll be there ASAP!
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