Do you have appliance repair on your mind? The first week of December has come and gone, and we are now on our way into the holiday season. For most celebrations, if not all, having your home in working order is essential. The holidays bring families together, and your kitchen becomes the centerpiece of these cherished events. In the heightened reality of the holidays, it’s a given that you’ll be over-extending yourself and creating feasts for everyone at your family gatherings. 

I can’t tell you how often I hear myself complaining about the oven not heating properly. It’s unfortunately one of the most spoken sentences I say out loud, especially when renting. It always feels as if a malfunctioning oven is a common practice in the landlord-tenant relationship, and cooking can become quite a hassle. 

Whether you’re trying to properly bake a lasagna, or you just want to make some cookies. You need the temperature of your oven to be optimal and in perfect working condition. Sitting in your kitchen trying to become a human failsafe, to ensure victory in what you’re cooking is not the way. However, in normal circumstances, it tends to be common practice and you just simply get used to the circumstances.

In the holidays you don’t have the time to babysit your appliances. These machines are supposed to be in working order and assist you effortlessly. It’s up to us to prepare all the delightful food, but it’s up to your kitchen appliances to do all the work, to cook to perfection. 

You must have functional appliances at all times – but we forget this. We’re used to the standards we keep for ourselves, and if this is something you’re dealing with daily, you need to raise your standards, because let’s be real, you don’t want to be the host at a holiday party and be unable to even heat your appetizers. 

This is where we come into play. Who are we, you ask? We’re ARS Appliances Repair Service, and we’re Toronto’s premier appliance repair service provider. We cover Southern Ontario extensively with our services and we’re available all through December to ensure that you’re able to utilize your kitchen for all your holiday shenanigans. 

In this blog, we’re going to touch base on everything that can and likely will go wrong this holiday season. Let’s be real, life can be pretty ironic, unless you’re surrounded by a newly renovated kitchen, with all the bells and whistles sparkling and displaying top-notch innovation, most of our appliances need some work. So you may need our advice and maybe even some in-person help. ARS Appliances Repair Service has your back.

So let’s go over some kitchen chaos, talk about DIY and what you can do on your own to resolve these problems temporarily, and then get right into why you should have us just come to you and fix it. We are the experts after all.

 

What Can Go Wrong? Holiday Hassles in The Kitchen & Appliance Repair.  

 

Kitchen nightmares live in reality, you don’t need to fall asleep to experience the hassle of the holidays and your kitchen having a real-life meltdown in front of you. There is so much that can go wrong, and at some point, it likely will. These errors and unfortunate events are usually caused by human error – mostly from a lack of appliance maintenance. You however can’t change the past, or present but you aim for a better result in the future. Let’s live in the past and present for now, because life isn’t perfect, and we likely are a a long shot away from owning the optimal appliance. 

What will go wrong this holiday season in your kitchen? Let’s go through it, and unlock some memories. These appliance faults could be something you have experienced in the past, or maybe you are dealing with them now in the present– but it is what it is, trigger warning. 

 

• Refrigerator not cooling
  

• • • Possible causes include a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty condenser coils, or a faulty compressor, affecting the refrigerator’s ability to maintain a cold temperature. Refer to the refrigerator manual or seek professional assistance for troubleshooting steps. 

• Dishwasher not draining

• • • If your dishwasher is not draining, it might be due to a clogged drain hose, a malfunctioning pump, or debris accumulation in the filter. Consult the dishwasher manual for maintenance instructions or consider seeking professional help. 

• Microwave not heating
  

• • • A microwave that fails to heat may have issues with the magnetron, door switch, or high-voltage capacitor. Follow the microwave manual’s troubleshooting guide or contact customer support for further assistance. 

• Stove burner not igniting
  

• • • Failure of stove burners to ignite could be attributed to dirty burner ports, a malfunctioning ignition switch, or gas supply issues. Clean the burners, inspect the ignition system, and ensure an adequate gas supply. 

• Oven temperature inaccurate
  

• • • Inaccurate oven temperatures may stem from a malfunctioning thermostat, calibration problems, or a faulty temperature sensor. Check the oven manual for calibration instructions or consider consulting a professional for assistance. 

• Washing machine not spinning
  

• • • Issues with an unbalanced load, a malfunctioning lid switch, or a worn-out drive belt may cause a washing machine to fail to spin. Inspect load distribution, examine the lid switch, and replace the drive belt if necessary. 

• Coffee maker not brewing
  

• • • If your coffee maker is not brewing, it could be due to clogged water tubes, mineral buildup, or a malfunctioning heating element. Clean water tubes, descale the coffee maker or seek advice from professional repair services. 

• Toaster not toasting evenly
  

• • • Uneven toasting in a toaster may be caused by uneven heating elements, crumbs accumulation, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Clean the toaster, inspect heating elements, and adjust thermostat settings if possible. 

• Blender not blending
  

• • • A blender that fails to blend effectively may have dull blades, an overloaded motor, or a malfunctioning power switch. Sharpen blades, reduce the load, or seek professional assistance if needed.
      
      

• Hood fan not working
  

• • • Malfunctions in the kitchen hood fan may be attributed to a faulty motor, damaged fan blades, or electrical issues. Inspect for visible damage, check electrical connections, and refer to the hood manual for troubleshooting steps. 

• Ice maker not making ice
  

• • • If your ice maker is not producing ice, it might be due to a frozen water line, a malfunctioning water inlet valve, or a defective ice maker module. Thaw the water line, check the water inlet valve, or refer to the ice maker manual for guidance. 

• Food processor not turning on
  

• • • Failure of a food processor to turn on may be caused by a faulty power cord, a defective motor, or safety interlock issues. Check the power cord, inspect the motor, and ensure all safety features are engaged properly. 

• Mixer attachments not locking
  

• • • Issues with mixer attachments not locking could be due to a worn-out attachment release mechanism, damaged locking lever, or debris in the attachment area. Clean the attachment area, inspect locking mechanisms, and refer to the mixer manual for troubleshooting. 

• Freezer frosting up 

• • Excessive frost in the freezer may result from a damaged door gasket, defrost timer issues or a malfunctioning defrost heater. Check the door gasket, test the defrost timer, and consult the freezer manual for troubleshooting guidance.

As you can see above, pretty much anything can go wrong, with any appliance. If your refrigerator isn’t staying cool, your food will likely go bad. You need a working refrigerator, that’s not a luxury, it’s your right! 

We can go over everything that can go wrong, but the point is that you should be able to use the appliances in your home and they should work properly. In the next section of the blog, we’ll give you a few tips and lead the way on some DIY approaches, that can help temporarily solve any appliance problem you may have.

 

So You Want To Try DIY Appliance Repair? Ok, Mr. Fix It, Let’s Go! 

 

No one likes to spend money, well, unless you have a lot of money, and then maybe it’s an activity (sport, even?), but that’s a whole other tax bracket and not the subject of this blog. The point I am trying to make before getting sidetracked is that instead of paying a company like ARS Appliances Repair Service, you’re likely going to want to try to resolve appliance repair problems yourself. That’s ok, and before you give us the job, why don’t we give you some advice? 

It’s beyond our control that most people who reach out to an appliance repair company, are going to try to play around with their appliances. So we may as well help you out a bit before we swoop in as your holiday heroes. So let’s give some simple solutions to the examples we gave in the prior section. Same problems, but a few answers. 

Bear in mind these are just simple solutions, you’ve likely tried them, but if not, give it a go, and let’s see if this helps. If not we hope to hear from you soon. But in the meantime, checklists to follow: 

 

Refrigerator Not Cooling DIY Checklist:

 

• Clean Condenser Coils:

• • • Disconnect the refrigerator from power.
    • Locate the condenser coils (usually at the back or beneath the fridge).
    • Gently clean the coils using a coil brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
      

• Check Thermostat Settings:

• • • Ensure the thermostat is set to the recommended temperature.
    • Refer to the refrigerator manual for the manufacturer’s recommended settings.
      

• Inspect Compressor:

• • Listen for unusual noises coming from the compressor.
  • If the compressor is not functioning, it may need professional attention. 

Dishwasher Not Draining DIY Checklist:

 

• Clean Drain Hose:

• • • Disconnect the dishwasher from power.
    • Remove the drain hose and check for clogs.
    • Clean the hose thoroughly and reattach it.
      

• Inspect Pump and Filter:

• • • Locate the dishwasher pump and filter.
    • Remove any debris or foreign objects that may be blocking the pump or filter.
      

• Run Garbage Disposal:

• • If connected to garbage disposal, run it to ensure proper drainage. 

Microwave Not Heating DIY Checklist:

 

• Check Power Supply:

• • • Ensure the microwave is plugged in and receiving power.
    • Test the outlet with another device to confirm power availability.
      

• Inspect Door Switch:

• • • Check the door switch for any damage or misalignment.
    • Replace the door switch if necessary.
      

• Test High-Voltage Capacitor:

• • Use a multimeter to check the high-voltage capacitor for continuity.
  • Replace the capacitor if it is faulty. 

Stove Burner Not Igniting DIY Checklist:

 

• Clean Burner Ports:

• • • Lift the burner grates and caps.
    • Clean the burner ports using a small brush or compressed air.
      

• Inspect Ignition System:

• • • Check the ignition switch for visible damage.
    • Ensure the ignition system produces sparks when the knob is turned.
      

• Verify Gas Supply:

• • Confirm that the gas supply is connected and the valve is open.
  • If there’s a gas smell or suspected leak, contact professionals immediately. 

Oven Temperature Inaccurate DIY Checklist:

 

• Calibrate the Oven:

• • • Refer to the oven manual for instructions on how to calibrate the temperature.
    • Use an oven thermometer to verify and adjust the temperature settings accordingly.
      

• Check Temperature Sensor:

• • • Locate the temperature sensor inside the oven.
    • Test the sensor for continuity using a multimeter and replace if necessary.
      

• Inspect Thermostat:

• • Examine the thermostat for any visible damage.
  • If the thermostat is faulty, consider replacing it with a compatible part. 

Washing Machine Not Spinning DIY Checklist:

 

• Balance the Load:

• • • Ensure that the laundry is evenly distributed in the drum.
    • Overloading or underloading the machine can affect its ability to spin.
      

• Examine Lid Switch:

• • • Locate the lid switch on the washing machine.
    • Test the switch for continuity and replace it if it’s not functioning.
      

• Check Drive Belt:

• • If applicable, inspect the drive belt for wear and tear.
  • Replace the drive belt if it appears damaged or loose. 

Coffee Maker Not Brewing DIY Checklist:

 

• Clean Water Tubes:

• • • Follow the coffee maker manual to identify water tubes.
    • Use a vinegar solution or a descaling agent to clean the water tubes.
      

• Descale the Coffee Maker:

• • • Regularly descale the coffee maker to remove mineral buildup.
    • Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for descaling.
      

• Inspect Heating Element:

• • Check the heating element for any visible damage or discoloration.
  • Replace the heating element if it appears faulty. 

Toaster Not Toasting Evenly DIY Checklist:

 

• Clean the Toaster:

• • • Turn off and unplug the toaster.
    • Empty the crumb tray and clean any accumulated crumbs inside the toaster.
      

• Inspect Heating Elements:

• • • Check the heating elements for signs of damage.
    • If the elements are damaged, consider replacing them.
      

• Adjust Thermostat Settings:

• • Some toasters allow thermostat adjustments.
  • Experiment with adjusting the thermostat settings for even toasting. 

Blender Not Blending DIY Checklist:

 

• Check Blade Sharpness:

• • • Remove the blender blades and inspect them for dullness.
    • Sharpen the blades or consider replacing them if they are excessively worn.
      

• Reduce Load Size:

• • • Overloading the blender can strain the motor.
    • Reduce the quantity of ingredients to ensure smooth blending.
      

• Inspect Power Switch:

• • Check the power switch for any visible damage or issues.
  • If the switch is faulty, it may need to be replaced. 

Hood Fan Not Working DIY Checklist:

 

• Inspect Electrical Connections:

• • • Turn off power to the kitchen hood.
    • Check for loose or damaged electrical connections.
    • Tighten connections or replace damaged wires as needed.
      

• Clean Fan Blades:

• • • Turn off the fan and clean accumulated grease or debris from the fan blades.
    • Clean the hood’s interior surfaces as well.
      

• Test Motor:

• • Check the motor for any unusual noises or signs of damage.
  • If the motor is malfunctioning, it may require professional attention. 

Ice Maker Not Making Ice DIY Checklist:

 

• Thaw Frozen Water Line:

• • • If the water line is frozen, unplug the refrigerator and allow the line to thaw.
    • Use a hairdryer on low heat to expedite the process.
      

• Check Water Inlet Valve:

• • • Inspect the water inlet valve for clogs or damage.
    • Clean or replace the valve if necessary.
      

• Examine Ice Maker Module:

• • Check the ice maker module for visible issues or malfunctions.
  • Replace the module if it’s not operating correctly. 

Food Processor Not Turning On DIY Checklist:

 

• Check Power Cord:

• • • Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into an outlet.
    • Inspect the cord for any visible damage, such as cuts or fraying.
      

• Inspect Motor:

• • • If the motor is not running, check for any visible damage.
    • Test the motor using a multimeter and replace it if needed.
      

• Verify Safety Features:

• • Check any safety interlock features on the food processor.
  • Ensure all components are correctly assembled for the appliance to operate. 

Mixer Attachments Not Locking DIY Checklist:

 

• Clean Attachment Area:

• • • Turn off and unplug the mixer.
    • Clean the attachment area to remove any debris or residue.
      

• Inspect Locking Mechanism:

• • • Check the locking lever and surrounding components for visible damage.
    • Lubricate or replace parts if needed.
      

• Refer to Manual:

• • Consult the mixer manual for specific instructions on attachment locking.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for troubleshooting. 

Freezer Frosting Up DIY Checklist:

 

• Check Door Gasket:

• • • Inspect the door gasket for any gaps, tears, or damage.
    • Replace the gasket if it’s not creating a proper seal.
      

• Test Defrost Timer:

• • • Locate the defrost timer in the freezer.
    • Test the timer for proper functionality using a multimeter.
      

• Inspect Defrost Heater:

• • Examine the defrost heater for any visible issues.
  • Replace the defrost heater if it’s not working correctly.

 

While I truly hope these checklists help fix the appliance repair issues that you’re facing this December, the truth of the matter is, that it’s likely a more problematic situation. You got issues (not those kinds), we got solutions. Our technicians are highly qualified and have done thousands of repairs. We’re Southern Ontario’s premier appliance repair company. When you call LG or Samsung for a repair, we’re the people they source to come help you! 

So if these tips don’t help solve your problem, give us a call at 866-415-3937. You’ll be connected with one of our incredible dispatchers, who’ll let you know how everything will work, step by step. Including information on our service call guarantee. 

When you book a diagnosis with ARS Appliances Repair Service, you’ll have our technician come for their first visit, they’ll figure out what’s wrong and arrange a time to come back to fix your appliance. So what is our service call guarantee? After we diagnose your problem, on the second visit we’ll deduct the service call fee from your final bill for the second visit. 

Service calls at ARS are 120 plus tax, but that same amount will be applied as a credit for your second visit, virtually making the service call free if you have us come back to complete the repair!

 

Need More Convincing? Let’s Conclude With Why You Need to Choose Appliance Repair!

 

Appliances are expensive. Whether you have been managing to take care of a relic or have a brand new purchase; they will falter, they will break, and we will make plenty of human error to contribute to their malfunction. 

The bottom line is you’re going to have to call someone to repair it, and while you’ll try everything under the sun to resolve the problem yourself, it’s going to be temporary. Here at ARS Appliances Repair Service, we can come and not just patch up your appliance, we can heal it. 

Repair technicians are like doctors for appliances; while some can only be patched up, most can be restored and brought back to full functionality. Everything is made to be broken, and a repair doesn’t mean your appliance will have the longevity to live forever, but neither do we. Trust us at ARS to swoop in and come bring your appliance back from its near-death experience. We can guarantee functionality, and if your appliance is at its end game, we’ll let you know that too– because transparency is everything. 

Contact us today, so we can make your holiday season much more successful. You need a fully operational kitchen, and we’re the team to make sure that’s the case. We look forward to hearing from you. Happy holidays!