4 ways the heat can affect your appliances and how to help.

Since we are currently in the middle of an extended heat wave, we thought it would be a good time to go over some common things we see when it gets hot outside and you're trying to keep your appliances running cool.

1. Refrigerators/freezers

   Normally when you have a refrigerator it's indoors in the kitchen, but some folks have a spare in the garage. If your refrigerator is indoors, there's probably nothing to worry about as long as the ambient temperature is controlled, but if you have a garage fridge the heat can get to it. When ambient temps get above a certain threshold (usually around 90 degrees) the unit will have to work harder and could cause issues. This is because of the way the cooling system works. Refrigerators don't make cold, they remove heat via the condenser coils. If the coils are too hot or have no air circulation, they can't dissipate the heat properly, and the inside won't get cold.

   
   

   The fix:

   Make sure your condenser coils are clean, and consider putting a box fan next to the unit. This will help with air circulation and keep the unit from overheating. If you're not sure how to clean the condenser coils, check out our post below.

2. Dryers

   Unless you have an indoor venting system, your dryer probably vents to the outside of your home. Many clothes dryers have either a metal, glass, or clear plastic door. When it's hot outside and cold inside, this can create condensation inside the drum and around the door. You may dry your clothes, forget to take them out for a couple days, then come back to find them damp. While you may have some other issue with the dryer, it's possible the extra moisture just dripped down onto the clothes.

   
   

   The fix: Take the load out once the dryer has finished. This is the easiest way to prevent them from getting wet again. You can also crack the door open, allowing a bit of airflow through the unit and preventing most condensation from forming. If you're getting a lot of condensation, check the lint exhaust outside the home and make sure it's shutting when the dryer is not in use. If the flap is not shutting, it may be due to lint buildup or wear and tear. These should also be replaced periodically.

3. Microwaves

   If you have an over the range microwave that doubles as a vent hood, you may see condensation inside the door, just like with a dryer. If your microwave vents internally, as most do, you don't have to worry about this. To find out if the microwave vents internally, simply turn on the fan and feel for airflow coming out of the top of the unit by the cabinets. If you feel airflow, the unit vents internally and condensation from outside heat should not be an issue.

   
   

   The fix: Just like with a dryer, check and make sure the outside vent is not stuck open. Aside from that, you can leave the door cracked a bit to allow for airflow and reduce condensation.

4. Washers

   Washers usually have 2 valves for water to enter the unit, one for hot water and one for cold. When it gets really hot outside, the ground water temperature will increase and the cold water may come out lukewarm. This usually isn't a problem, just something to be aware of.

   
   

   The fix: There's not really a fix for this one, but it shouldn't really be an issue either. Just something to note.

As the summer heat ramps up, so do we. The heat can affect your appliances, but service can keep them running. Summer is typically one of our busier seasons, so if you need appliance repair service don't hesitate to give us a call. We service Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Mt. Juliet, and most of the surrounding areas. We also service Chattanooga, Memphis, and most of northern Georgia. Our office is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00 Fridays. You can also schedule online using the link below!