Got a noisy washing machine, a cold oven, or a heat pump that won’t heat? Before you pick up the phone, try a few simple steps that can save you time and money. This guide pulls the best tricks from our blog posts so you can tackle the most common issues yourself or know exactly when a professional is needed.
First things first – safety. Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker. A quick visual scan can spot loose wires, clogged filters, or obvious damage. For a fridge that isn’t cooling but the light works, check the condenser coils; dust buildup is a frequent culprit.
If you hear a humming sound from a heat pump but no warm air, make sure the air filter isn’t blocked and the outdoor unit is free of debris. A clean filter often restores airflow and improves efficiency.
When dealing with electric ovens, check the heating element for visible breaks before you remove it. A broken element is usually the reason an oven won’t heat, and swapping it out is a straightforward DIY job.
For water heaters, look for a reset button on the thermostat. If the heater keeps resetting, sediment buildup or a faulty thermostat may be the cause. Flushing the tank once a year can prevent many of these problems.
Some fixes are just too risky or require specialised tools. If a boiler is leaking, shows signs of corrosion, or won’t fire up, don’t gamble – a Gas Safe engineer should handle it. The same goes for a heat pump that freezes up despite a clean filter; the refrigerant system needs a trained technician.
Complex electrical work, like rewiring an extractor fan or diagnosing a faulty circuit in a dishwasher, should be left to an electrician. Incorrect wiring can cause shocks or fire hazards.
If you’ve tried the basic checks on a cooker and it still won’t heat, the problem might be a damaged control board or gas valve. Those parts need professional inspection and certification.
Finally, when the cost of a repair approaches the price of a new appliance, it’s worth comparing. Our “Should You Repair Your Dishwasher?” post breaks down the math so you can decide if a replacement makes sense.
Bottom line: start with a quick visual and safety check, use simple DIY fixes when you feel comfortable, and call a qualified pro for anything involving gas, complex electronics, or serious leaks. With these service call tips you’ll spend less time waiting on a call-out and more time enjoying a fully functional home.
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