Getting Your Appliances Ready for a Southern California Summer

Summer in South Orange County Means Overtime for Your Appliances

When temperatures in Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel start regularly hitting the mid-80s and 90s, your refrigerator, freezer, and other appliances work significantly harder. July and August are consistently our busiest months — and most of those emergency calls could have been prevented with a little prep.

Here are six things you can do right now to avoid an appliance breakdown this summer.

1. Clean Your Refrigerator Condenser Coils

This is the single most impactful maintenance task most homeowners never do. Dust and pet hair accumulate on the condenser coils (usually on the back or bottom of your fridge), forcing the compressor to work harder. In summer heat, a dirty condenser can push the compressor past its limits.

How: Pull the fridge out, vacuum the coils with a brush attachment, and push it back. Takes 10 minutes and can add years to your refrigerator’s life.

2. Check Your Freezer Temperature

Your freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C). In summer, check it weekly. If it’s creeping above 5°F, that’s a sign the unit is struggling. Don’t just turn it down — the underlying issue (dirty coils, failing gasket, or aging compressor) needs to be addressed.

3. Inspect Door Seals on Your Fridge and Freezer

Close the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the gasket isn’t sealing properly. A weak seal forces the compressor to run longer, especially in summer heat. Replacement gaskets are relatively inexpensive and we can install them same-day.

4. Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

Most modern dishwashers have a manual filter that needs monthly cleaning. A clogged filter leads to poor drainage, bad smells, and eventually pump failure. Pull it out, rinse under the faucet, and replace. Your dishes (and your nose) will thank you.

5. Clear Your Dryer Vent

A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard year-round, but it’s especially dangerous in the dry Santa Ana wind season. Beyond the safety risk, a blocked vent makes your dryer run hotter and longer, wearing out components faster. We recommend a professional vent cleaning at least once a year.

6. Run Your Garbage Disposal with Cold Water

Always use cold water when running the disposal. Hot water melts grease, which then re-solidifies further down the pipe. Cold water keeps grease solid so it gets chopped up and flushed through. Also, throw a few ice cubes in monthly — they clean the blades.

When to Call a Professional

If your refrigerator is running constantly, your dryer takes two cycles to dry clothes, or your dishwasher leaves dishes wet, these are signs of problems that simple maintenance won’t fix. Call us at (949) 954-5358 before the summer rush hits. Our schedule fills up fast once temperatures climb.