Most appliance breakdowns we see could have been delayed by a few minutes of maintenance. This calendar is built around Boston's seasons, so the right task lands at the right time: dryer vents before winter, gaskets before the humid summer, water lines before the freeze.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Can you DIY it? | Yes, almost all of it |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes a month |
| Payoff | Fewer breakdowns, lower bills, less fire and leak risk |
Every month
- •Clean the dishwasher filter.
- •Wipe out the washer door boot and leave the door open between loads.
- •Clean the range hood grease filters if you cook often.
- •Clean the dryer lint screen before every load, and wash it with soap if it looks coated.
Spring (March–May)
- •Vacuum the refrigerator condenser coils before the summer heat.
- •Replace the fridge water filter (every six months).
- •Check the washer inlet hoses for bulges or cracks.
- •Run a cleaning cycle on the washer and dishwasher.
Summer (June–August)
- •Check the fridge door gaskets with the paper test before the humid months.
- •Turn off "energy saver" mode if your fridge sweats.
- •Keep the area around the fridge clear for airflow, especially in kitchens without AC.
Fall (September–November)
- •Have the dryer vent cleaned, end to end.
- •Check the outside vent hood flap opens freely.
- •Insulate fridge water lines on exterior walls or in unheated spaces.
- •Run any oven self-clean well before the holidays, not the week of.
- •Test CO alarms near gas appliances.
Winter (December–February)
- •Clear snow from the dryer vent after every storm.
- •Watch garage fridges and freezers on the coldest nights.
- •Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls during deep freezes.
- •Plug the fridge into a surge protector before nor'easter season.
Every few years
- •Replace rubber washer hoses with braided stainless (every five years, or now if they're older).
- •Replace the fridge water supply line if it's plastic and over five years old.
- •Book a professional check on any appliance over ten years old.
Elliott's take
If you only do two things on this list, clean the dryer vent every fall and replace old washer hoses. One prevents fires and the other prevents floods, and both are cheap.
Related: All appliance repair services · Dryer Vent Blocked by Snow? What Every Boston Homeowner Should Know
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