As the winter months approach, household appliances face increased usage and strain, often leading to inconvenient breakdowns. At BIG Warranties we understand the importance of keeping your home running smoothly during this time, which is why we’ve outlined the most common winter appliance breakdowns and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.

Boiler breakdowns

Your boiler works harder during winter, and the most common issues involve frozen condensate pipes, pressure drops, or ignition problems. A broken boiler in freezing weather can be more than just an inconvenience - it can be a real safety concern.

How to avoid it:

• Regularly check and insulate external condensate pipes.
• Schedule annual servicing to ensure everything is as it should be and in top condition.
• Ensure the boiler pressure is within the recommended range of 1.0 to 2.0 bars.

Washing machine freezes

Cold weather can affect washing machines, especially those in unheated garages or utility rooms. The pipes can freeze, or water left inside the drum can cause the machine to malfunction.

How to avoid it:

• Keep your washing machine in a warmer part of the house.
• Run occasional hot wash cycles to prevent freezing water from damaging the internal components.
• Insulate exposed water pipes leading to the machine.

Dishwasher malfunctions

Your dishwasher tends to see more use during winter, especially over the festive period. Over time, excess food particles and hard water can cause your dishwasher to malfunction or leave dishes unclean.

How to avoid it:

• Clean your dishwasher's filter and spray arms regularly.
• Use dishwasher cleaning products to remove limescale and residue.
• Check for leaks, especially around seals, to prevent water damage.

Fridge and freezer issues

Your fridge works harder during winter due to the increased frequency of family gatherings and festive food storage. Cold air can cause frost to build up in your freezer, making it work even harder and leading to potential breakdowns.

How to avoid it:

• If you have a fridge freezer, you should defrost the freezer to reduce the load on your fridge.
• Check the seals on the fridge doors to ensure they are airtight.
• Clean the condenser coils at the back of your fridge to prevent overheating.

Oven failures

With festive cooking demands, ovens see heavy use during the winter, increasing the risk of breakdowns. Common issues include heating element failure, temperature inaccuracies, or problems with the door seals.

How to avoid it:

• Clean your oven regularly to prevent grease build-up from affecting its performance.
• Check the door seal to make sure heat isn’t escaping.
• Consider a professional oven service if you notice uneven heating or slower cooking times.

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Protect your appliances this winter with BIG Warranties

The best way to avoid the hassle and cost of unexpected appliance breakdowns this winter is to ensure your appliances are properly maintained and protected. At BIG Warranties, we offer extensive appliance insurance that covers repairs and replacements, giving you peace of mind no matter what the season brings.

Don't get caught out this winter - protect your appliances today!

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