Our team at Freedom Appliances understands that Alberta winters bring more than just snow and cold temperatures. The extreme weather in Airdrie puts a unique strain on the machines we rely on every day. When the temperature drops to -30, your home environment changes, and your appliances have to work much harder to keep up. We want to share our professional knowledge to help you avoid a mid-winter breakdown. By following a few simple steps, our team can help you ensure your kitchen and laundry room stay running smoothly until the spring thaw arrives.
Why Cold Weather Affects Your Indoor Appliances
You might think that because your appliances stay inside a heated house, the outdoor weather does not matter. However, our professional technicians often see how the dry winter air and fluctuating home temperatures impact performance. For example, your refrigerator has to work differently when the air in your kitchen becomes very dry. Additionally, the cold ground temperature in Airdrie makes the water entering your home much chillier than it is in the summer. This means your dishwasher and washing machine have to use significantly more energy just to reach the proper cleaning temperature. Transitioning from summer to winter requires a change in how we treat our home equipment.
Protecting Your Fridge from Dry Winter Air
During an Alberta winter, the humidity levels in our homes drop significantly. This dry air can cause the rubber seals, or gaskets, on your refrigerator and freezer doors to become brittle and shrink. When a seal does not fit tightly, cold air escapes and your motor has to run constantly to keep your food safe. We suggest wiping your door seals with a damp cloth once a month and checking for any gaps. If you feel cold air leaking out, you should look into Appliance Repair Airdrie services to replace the gasket before your energy bills skyrocket.
Helping Your Dishwasher Handle Ice-Cold Water
In the winter, the water pipes buried underground get very cold. When your dishwasher starts a cycle, it pulls in this near-freezing water. If your machine’s heating element is struggling, your dishes might not get clean or sanitized properly. Our team recommends running the hot water at your kitchen sink for a minute before you start the dishwasher. This ensures the machine starts with warm water instead of a blast of ice. If you notice your dishes are coming out wet or dirty, our professional technicians can check your heating system to ensure everything works perfectly.
Expert Service for All Major Appliance Brands
We take pride in our ability to service a wide variety of manufacturers. Our professional technicians receive specialized training to handle the unique parts and computer systems of every major brand. Whether you have a high-end European dishwasher or a classic North American laundry pair, our team has the tools and genuine parts to get the job done right. We provide expert repair and maintenance for the following brands in the Airdrie area:
Maintaining Dryer Efficiency When It Is Cold Outside
Your dryer is one of the hardest-working appliances during a cold winter. Because we cannot hang clothes outside to dry, the machine gets constant use. The cold outdoor air can also create a “backdraft” through the dryer vent pipe. If your vent flap is stuck open with ice or snow, cold air will rush into your laundry room and make the dryer work twice as hard to get hot. We suggest checking the exterior vent regularly to make sure it is clear of snow drifts and ice buildup. This simple check keeps your drying times short and prevents lint from freezing inside the pipe.
Dealing with Power Fluctuations During Winter Storms
Winter storms in Airdrie often cause power flickers or sudden outages. These electrical surges can be devastating for modern appliances with computer boards. We suggest using high-quality surge protectors for all your major kitchen machines. If the power goes out during a blizzard, try to unplug your most expensive appliances until the grid is stable again. This prevents the “rush” of electricity from damaging the delicate sensors that control your oven or dishwasher. Furthermore, our team can inspect your appliances for surge damage if they act strange after a storm.
Preparing Your Range for Holiday Baking
Winter is the time for big family meals and holiday baking. This extra use means your oven and stove are under more stress than usual. We suggest avoiding the “self-clean” cycle right before a major holiday like Christmas. The self-clean cycle uses extreme heat that can sometimes blow a fuse or damage a heating element. Instead, we recommend a gentle manual cleaning. If your oven is not heating evenly or a burner is acting strange, please Contact Us so our professional technicians can make sure your kitchen is ready for your guests.
Why Professional Winter Maintenance Matters
Taking a proactive approach to your home is the best way to save money. Our team at Freedom Appliances believes that a small amount of maintenance in November can prevent a major emergency in January. We have the tools to test your heating elements, check your seals, and ensure your motors are not overheating. Keeping your home running efficiently during the coldest months is our top priority. We are proud to serve our neighbours and keep the Airdrie community functional all season long.
FAQ
Why is my dryer taking so long to dry in the winter?
The cold air outside can make the venting system less efficient. Also, if the outdoor vent is blocked by snow, the moist air cannot escape the machine. Check your outside vent flap to ensure it is clear and moving freely.
Is it safe to use my oven to help heat my kitchen?
No, you should never use a gas or electric oven to heat your home. This is a major fire hazard and can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your house. Use your home’s furnace or a safe space heater instead.
Can my pipes freeze if I don’t use my dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is on an exterior wall, the water line behind it could potentially freeze during a cold snap. Running a cycle regularly helps keep water moving and prevents the lines from sitting still in the cold.
Why does my fridge make more noise in the winter?
If your home is very dry, the fans inside the fridge might have to work harder, or the plastic parts might creak as they expand and contract with the home’s heating system. If the noise is a loud grinding, it is time for a professional checkup.
Should I clean my coils more often in the winter?
Yes, because we spend more time indoors, we tend to create more dust and pet dander. This debris gets sucked into the fridge coils very quickly. We suggest a quick vacuuming every few months during the winter.
What should I do if my appliance stops working during a blizzard?
Check your circuit breaker first to see if a surge tripped the power. If the power is on but the machine is dead, keep your fridge or freezer closed to save the cold air and call for a repair as soon as it is safe for our professional technicians to travel.
