Top 5 Common Appliance Problems and How to Fix Them in London, Ontario

In the heart of winter, my refrigerator decided to call it quits. As I stood in my kitchen watching ice cream turn to soup, I realized how much we take our home appliances for granted—until they break down. Hi, I’m Eien, and after that frigid February fiasco in my London, Ontario home, I’ve become something of an appliance troubleshooting enthusiast.

Living through Canadian winters makes functioning appliances not just convenient, but essential. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the most frequent appliance issues London residents face, along with practical solutions that might save you an emergency repair call.

1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

Nothing causes kitchen panic quite like a warm refrigerator. When I noticed my groceries weren’t staying fresh, I learned this common problem often has simple solutions.

DIY Solutions:

• Check if the condenser coils (usually located at the back or beneath the unit) are dusty or clogged. Dirty coils prevent proper heat release. According to Better General Appliance Service cleaning these coils can resolve up to 40% of cooling issues.
• Ensure proper airflow around food items inside the fridge.
• Verify the temperature settings haven’t been accidentally changed.
• Check door seals for cracks or gaps—press a dollar bill in the door when closed; if it pulls out easily, your seal needs replacing.

When to Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these steps and your fridge still feels more like a pantry, it might be a refrigerant leak or compressor issue. These problems require specialized tools and expertise.

2. Washing Machine Vibrating Excessively

My upstairs washing machine once shook so violently during a spin cycle that my neighbors texted to ask if I was renovating. Excessive vibration is common in London homes, especially in older buildings.

DIY Solutions:

• Check if the machine is level using a bubble level tool. Adjust the feet until perfectly balanced.
• Distribute clothes evenly before starting a cycle to prevent unbalanced loads.
• Install anti-vibration pads under each foot of the machine. These can be found at Home Hardware locations throughout London.

When to Call a Professional: If balancing doesn’t help, internal components like the shock absorbers or drum bearings might be worn out. This requires professional assessment.

3. Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry Clothes

During one particularly busy week, I noticed my dryer taking nearly twice as long to dry a normal load. This problem is especially frustrating during London’s humid summer months.

DIY Solutions:

• Clean the lint filter after every load—this simple habit can improve efficiency by up to 30%.
• Check and clean the exterior vent. Ontario’s winter weather can cause vent blockages.
• Avoid overloading the dryer, which restricts airflow.
• Inspect the vent hose for kinks or compression if your dryer is pushed against a wall.

When to Call a Professional: If your dryer still underperforms after these steps, it might have a faulty heating element or thermometer that needs replacement.

4. Dishwasher Leaving Dishes Dirty

Nothing disappoints quite like opening your dishwasher to find food still stuck to “clean” dishes. London’s hard water makes this problem particularly common.

DIY Solutions:

• Check and clean the spray arms—food particles can block the water jets.
• Clean the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher monthly.
• Use rinse aid to combat London’s hard water effects.
• Pre-rinse dishes with substantial food residue.
• Run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure the cycle begins with hot water.

When to Call a Professional: If dishes remain dirty after these interventions, the water inlet valve might be failing or the pump motor could be weak.

5. Oven Not Heating to Correct Temperature

After a dinner party disaster involving undercooked chicken, I discovered my oven was running nearly 30 degrees cooler than the display indicated—a common problem in London homes with older appliances.

DIY Solutions:

• Test the actual temperature with an oven thermometer (available at Loblaws SuperStore in London).
• Check that nothing is blocking the bottom vent of the oven.
• For electric ovens, inspect the heating elements for signs of damage or blistering.
• For gas ovens, check if the igniter glows and the burner lights.

When to Call a Professional: If there’s a significant temperature discrepancy after calibration attempts, or if you smell gas, call a professional immediately.

My Personal London Appliance Journey

Last winter, when my fridge failed during that record-breaking cold snap, I learned how challenging appliance repairs can be in our city. Most companies were backed up for weeks with furnace emergencies. I found myself storing food in coolers on my balcony (nature’s refrigerator, I suppose).

A neighbor suggested a local technician who specialized in refrigeration. He identified a failing compressor relay switch and had it fixed within hours. This experience taught me that building relationships with local repair specialists is invaluable in London’s tight-knit community.

Preventing Appliance Problems in London’s Climate

London’s seasonal weather extremes put unique stresses on our home appliances. Summer humidity can affect electronic components, while winter’s dry indoor air creates static electricity issues.

Preventative maintenance makes a significant difference:

• Schedule annual dryer vent cleanings to prevent fire hazards
• Run cleaning cycles on washers and dishwashers quarterly
• Check refrigerator door seals before summer heat waves
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near gas appliances regularly

Conclusion

Living in London, Ontario means adapting to our distinctive climate and understanding how it affects our home appliances. Whether you’re in Old North, Byron, or Westmount, these troubleshooting techniques can help extend the life of your appliances and maintain your home’s comfort.

Remember that while DIY solutions can resolve many common problems, safety should always come first. When in doubt, consult with a qualified professional, especially for gas appliances or complex electrical issues.

Have you solved an appliance problem using any of these techniques? Or do you have additional tips specific to London homes? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Eien is a London, Ontario resident and home maintenance enthusiast who shares practical homeowner advice based on personal experience with Southwestern Ontario’s unique climate challenges.