Top 5 Most Common Appliance Breakdowns in Ottawa and How to Avoid Them

Ottawa is a city with a fairly harsh climate—winters can last nearly half the year, with temperatures dropping well below zero. In contrast, summers bring sharp spikes in humidity and heat. All of this affects not just people’s comfort, but also household appliances. Devices used under such conditions wear out faster, especially when operated daily. Over the years, I’ve learned that climate is one of the key reasons appliances break down in Ottawa homes.

For example, refrigerators often behave unpredictably in winter, especially if they’re placed in unheated areas like garages or storage rooms. The compressor “thinks” the room is cold enough and stops running, leading to spoiled food. In summer, the issue is the opposite—the motor overheats, especially if the back of the unit is covered in dust. I’ve handled plenty of service calls like this: the fridge appears to be running, but inside it’s warm. Cleaning the condenser and placing the unit correctly often solves the issue without needing expensive parts.

Washing machines in Ottawa frequently suffer due to power fluctuations in older homes. A common issue is a damaged control board. It’s a costly part, and if it can’t be repaired, replacing it often isn’t worth it. I once helped a client in Westboro whose washer kept getting stuck mid-cycle. A diagnosis showed the control board’s memory had been corrupted due to a voltage drop. Reloading the firmware ended up costing half as much as a full board replacement.

Ovens tend to break down more often in winter, especially when used at full power multiple times a week. Thermostats and heating elements are particularly vulnerable. Moist air, temperature swings, and frequent door opening can cause the oven to heat slowly or shut off randomly. I once had to replace a temperature sensor that stopped reading correctly. Without it, the oven either overheated or wouldn’t turn on at all.

Dishwashers in Ottawa homes commonly break due to water quality. Even when using salt and rinse aid, limescale still builds up on heating elements and internal pipes. This leads to longer cycles and poorly cleaned, wet dishes. A client in Kanata once called because the water wouldn’t drain—turns out the drain filter and hose were clogged. A simple cleaning solved the issue in a single visit.

Dryers, especially those older than five years, often overheat. The reason is almost always the same—a clogged lint filter or ventilation duct. People forget that lint also accumulates beyond the filter. I’ve opened many dryers where so much lint was packed inside the casing that it posed a serious fire hazard. It’s important to remember that these machines carry high voltage inside. Never try to disassemble them yourself—the risk of electric shock is very real.

Avoiding costly breakdowns often comes down to basic maintenance. First, regularly clean filters, vents, and drainage lines. Second, place appliances in environments with normal room temperatures—avoid extremely hot or cold locations. Third, check your home’s voltage, especially in older buildings, and use voltage stabilizers if needed.

Here are two tips that really work:

• Don’t skip annual maintenance—have a professional inspect your appliances once a year.
  
• Follow user manuals closely—even overloading a washer can cut its life span by years.
  

When your appliance starts acting up—making noise, flashing, heating up, or failing to start on the first try—it’s time to call a specialist. Reaching out early can save hundreds of dollars. Many clients wait until everything inside is fried, but often the problem could’ve been fixed in half an hour. In this context, appliance repair in Ottawa isn’t just about replacing parts—it’s about smart diagnostics and preventative care. The company Appliance Repair Expert, for instance, focuses on finding the root cause rather than just fixing the symptom.

Ottawa isn’t the kindest city for household appliances. You need to be mindful and proactive. Proper care, timely checkups, and smart decisions are the key to keeping your appliances running without unnecessary expenses.