Appliance failure doesn’t typically happen suddenly — usually, it’s preceded by subtle warning signs. However, many homeowners overlook these small issues that may signal bigger problems ahead. 

When you catch these red flags early, you can prevent complete breakdowns and costly emergency repairs, extend the lifespan of your appliances, improve their energy efficiency and performance, and help avoid secondary damage. 

At Appliance E.M.T., we want to help you keep your appliances in good working order for years to come. That’s why we’re sharing this guide with you, detailing some hidden signs your appliance is about to fail that you should be on the lookout for. 

1. Unusual Noises

If you hear one of these unusual noises coming from your appliance, don’t ignore it:

• Grinding: May indicate motor or internal component wear
• Squealing or screeching: May be a sign of belt issues, especially in washers/dryers
• Banging or rattling: Typically means loose or broken parts
• Clicking: Might mean electrical or ignition issues, especially if it’s frequent or continuous

You know your appliances best. If they start making strange noises, don’t ignore it — call Appliance E.M.T. for help before they break down. 

2. Inconsistent Performance

If your appliance starts performing inconsistently — such as your refrigerator not maintaining a consistent temperature, your oven heating unevenly or taking longer to cook your food, your dishwasher leaving residue or not fully getting your dishes clean, or your washer not spinning or draining properly — it’s probably because there’s something wrong with one of its internal components. This is often one of the earliest and most overlooked warning signs, so don’t ignore it. 

3. Longer Operating Times

As appliances wear out, they often take longer to perform their tasks. For instance, the dryer may take multiple cycles to dry your clothes, the dishwasher may run longer than normal, and your refrigerator may run constantly. This is often due to aging or failing components working harder to compensate for reduced efficiency. 

4. Strange Smells Coming from Appliances

Strange smells coming from your appliances are never a good sign. A burning smell usually means electrical issues or overheating components, a musty smell typically indicates mold or mildew, and a gas smell means there’s a leak in the gas line. If you smell burning or gas, unplug the appliance immediately and call a professional right away — these issues are serious and require prompt attention. 

5. Leaks or Moisture Where It Shouldn’t Be

Leaks and moisture — like water pooling around dishwashers, refrigerators, or washing machines or condensation buildup inside or outside your appliances — is often a sign of worn seals or hoses or drainage issues. When you ignore leaks or moisture, you risk water damage to the floors and cabinets and mold growth, exponentially increasing repair costs. 

6. Electrical Issues and Power Problems

Electrical issues and power problems are signs that the wiring or internal electrical components are faulty, the circuits are overloaded, or the appliance is drawing more power than it should. Be on the lookout for flickering lights when the appliance is running, the appliance randomly shutting off, or tripped circuit breakers. 

7. Visible Wear and Tear

Cosmetic issues are often signs of deeper problems. After all, if the outside of your appliance is worn out, the inside probably is, too. Look for wear and tear like cracked seals, rust, or corrosion, along with frayed cords, damaged plugs, and loose doors or hinges. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to inefficiencies and safety hazards. 

8. Rising Energy Bills Without Explanation

As appliances age, they lose efficiency. Older, worn-out components often require more power to operate effectively. This is especially true for refrigerators, washers, and dryers. If your energy bills rise without explanation, it’s likely that your appliances are using more power than they used to as a result of aging components. 

Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Sudden Failures

Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid sudden appliance failures. Regular cleaning of the filters, vents, and coils is essential, as is avoiding overloading your appliances. You should also perform routine inspections for leaks or wear along with scheduling periodic tune-ups and maintenance with a professional appliance technician. 

Signs it’s Time to Call the Professionals at Appliance E.M.T.

Appliances rarely fail without warning. If you notice any of these signs — especially if the symptoms are persistent or worsening, multiple occur at once, there are safety concerns, or your appliance stops working intermittently — call Appliance E.M.T. for help. We’ll be there to diagnose and repair the small issues before they become major problems, saving you money in the long run. 

Freezer burn — ice crystals forming on the outside of the food stored in your freezer — is a common household frustration that can impact the quality of your food. While there are many factors that contribute to this phenomenon, your freezer’s performance definitely plays a significant role, which is one reason why keeping up with maintenance and repairs is so important. 

If you’re constantly battling freezer burn on your food, keep reading to learn more about its causes, how to prevent it, and when you should seek professional freezer repairs from the experts at Appliance E.M.T.

What Is Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn occurs when frozen food is exposed to air. The moisture escapes from the food and forms ice crystals, leading to dehydration and oxidation. It can look like frost crystals inside packaging or grayish-brown or white dry patches on meat and often gives food a tough, leathery texture after cooking. 

Freezer-burned food is generally safe to eat if it has been kept continuously frozen — freezer burn affects taste and texture more than safety. However, if the food has thawed and refrozen or smells off, it’s best to discard it. 

What Causes Freezer Burn?

There are a few possible causes of freezer burn, including:

Poor Packaging

Poor packaging exposes the food to air, increasing the risk of freezer burn. If there are air pockets inside containers, the freezer bags are improperly sealed, or the packaging was not designed for long-term freezing, you’re more likely to experience issues. 

Temperature Issues

Temperature issues also play a big role in freezer burn. Ideally, your freezer should remain at 0°F — any warmer, and you’re increasing the risk of moisture loss. Temperature fluctuations — like those that happen when you leave the freezer door open, overload or underload it, the power goes out, or you open and close the door frequently — also create ideal conditions for freezer burn. 

Faulty Door Gaskets

The freezer door gasket is responsible for creating a tight seal. If it’s cracked or loose, it can allow warm air in. If you notice increased condensation or frost buildup, there’s a good chance the door gasket needs to be replaced. 

Signs Your Freezer May Be Contributing to the Problem

Freezer burn on its own doesn’t necessarily mean your freezer needs repairs. However, if it’s accompanied by other issues, it’s a good indication that it’s time to reach out to the expert technicians at Appliance E.M.T.

Be on the lookout for these issues:

• Excessive frost buildup: Look for ice on the walls or vents and frost accumulating rapidly, which indicate there’s something wrong. 
• Inconsistent freezing: If some foods are soft while others are rock-solid, there may be issues with your freezer. Ice cream is a good indicator — is it too hard or too soft?
• Loud or constant running: This may mean the compressor is working overtime to maintain the correct temperature. 
• Water leaks or ice under drawers: These may be signs that there’s an issue with the defrost drain. 

How to Prevent Freezer Burn

The right habits go a long way toward preventing freezer burn and keeping your food tasting fresh. 

• Use proper packaging: Use heavy-duty freezer bags to store your food. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, use that; otherwise, do your best to remove all excess air before closing the bag. Make sure all containers are airtight, as well. 
• Cool food before freezing: Make sure your food has completely cooled before you put it in the freezer to reduce condensation.
• Maintain the proper temperature: Use an appliance thermometer to verify that your freezer remains at 0°F and avoid frequently changing the settings. 
• Stay organized: Label and date your items. Once they’re no longer safe to eat, throw them out to prevent overcrowding. 
• Check and maintain door seals: Clean the door gaskets regularly. You can test the seal by inserting a small piece of paper, then closing the door. If you feel a bit of resistance or tension as you pull the paper out, that’s good — if not, the seal is likely compromised. 

Protect Your Food and Your Freezer with Appliance E.M.T.

Freezer burn may indicate there’s a problem with your freezer if you have repeated issues despite proper food storage, the temperature doesn’t stay consistent, your freezer cycles too often, or there’s excessive frost. If this is the case, call Appliance E.M.T. for prompt, reliable service. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners in Weber and Davis counties protect their food and their freezers with our expert repairs. Give us a call, and we’ll be there ASAP!

If you’ve ever encountered mildewy smells coming from your washing machine or a moldy door seal, you’ve probably wondered whether you should leave the door open to give things a chance to air out. The answer depends on what type of washing machine you have and your usage habits.

At Appliance E.M.T., we don’t just fix malfunctions — we want to educate our customers on proper appliance care so they can prevent future issues. That’s why we’re presenting this blog post that answers the all-important question of whether you should leave your washing machine door open when it’s not in use. 

Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of keeping your washing machine door open, health considerations to be aware of, tips for proper washing machine maintenance, other ways to prevent mold and odors, and when to call the professionals at Appliance E.M.T.

Why Does It Matter?

You may be thinking to yourself, Does it really matter whether I leave the door open or closed? Well, the answer is yes! Your washing machine is a wet environment, which means it can develop odors and become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If this happens, your washer can’t do its job properly and will leave your clothes smelling funky or covered in spores. 

Plus, mold can impact your health. Breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion, especially if you have asthma. Plus, if you have a mold allergy, it can cause inflammation in your lungs, eyes, and nose, and if you have a compromised immune system, you can get a fungal infection.

Proper maintenance — including everyday habits like leaving the door open when not in use — are essential for avoiding mold and mildew growth inside the drum and on the door seal, ensuring your clothes come out completely clean, and extending the lifespan of your machine. 

Risks of Leaving the Washing Machine Door Closed

Mold thrives in environments that are warm, dark, moist, and have little airflow — just like the inside of your washing machine. When you leave the door closed, you’re trapping moisture inside the drum. Without airflow, it can’t dry, creating a perpetually damp environment perfect for mold and mildew to thrive. 

One area of the washing machine that is particularly susceptible to mold and mildew is the rubber gaskets and door seals, especially on front-loading washers. Moisture tends to get trapped in the little nooks and grooves of the rubber, encouraging mold growth and potentially degrading the material. 

Even if there’s not an obvious mold or mildew problem, keeping your washing machine’s door closed can create musty odors that linger on your laundry. Instead of that nice, clean scent, your clothes will smell no better than they did before you washed them. 

Benefits of Leaving the Washing Machine Door Open

Leaving the washing machine door open is typically the smarter choice. By leaving it open, you’re ensuring there’s enough air circulation to dry out the drum and seals between loads. Not only does this minimize the risk of mold and mildew, but it also keeps the machine smelling fresh and helps you maintain the machine’s hygiene.

Letting your machine dry after use also helps prevent rust and corrosion that impact components’ longevity and efficiency, helping you avoid costly repairs and replacements over time. 

So, how long should you leave the door open? A few hours after use is acceptable, but overnight is better. Many people leave the door open whenever the machine isn’t in use. You don’t need to leave it wide open — just a few inches is enough to get that airflow going. 

If you have curious children or pets, make sure you shut the door to the laundry room while airing out your washing machine to prevent accidents or safety hazards. As long as the room still has airflow via HVAC vents, you should be good to go.

Alternative Ways to Prevent Mold and Odor

Leaving the washing machine door open isn’t the only way to prevent mold and odor. It’s also a good idea to:

• Regularly clean the gasket, detergent drawer, and drum
• Use the right detergent in the right amounts
• Run periodic maintenance cycles with hot water and vinegar or specialized washing machine cleaner

When to Call the Professionals at Appliance E.M.T. 

If you notice signs of mold, leaks, or unusual odors, contact the experts at Appliance E.M.T. We can perform routine inspections and maintenance to prevent long-term damage to your washing machine. 

If you live in Weber or Davis County, give us a call and we’ll be there to help ASAP!