Fall is a Prime Time for Appliance Failures. Here’s How to Prevent Them.

By Kevin Pannebecker | August 16, 2025

Brought to you by UPKEEP Home Warranty & Maintenance. We proudly protect homes in the Saint Louis, Saint Charles, and Saint Peters communities season after season.

As the air cools and the days get shorter, many homeowners turn their attention to cozy evenings, autumn decorating, and preparing for the holidays ahead. But while fall brings plenty of charm, it also quietly marks one of the busiest times of year for appliance breakdowns.

At UPKEEP, we know this pattern well. Every year, our call volume ticks up in the fall as homeowners experience issues with everything from furnaces and ovens to washers, dryers, and dishwashers. But with a little maintenance and planning, many of these problems can be prevented, and a home warranty will help you stay protected no matter what the season brings.

Let’s explore why fall is such a common time for appliance failures, and what you can do now to keep your home running smoothly.

🍁 Why Do Appliances Tend to Fail in the Fall?

Appliance issues can happen year-round, but several factors make fall a particularly risky season:

1. Increased Usage

As families spend more time indoors, many appliances start working harder. Your oven gets more use for roasts, pies, and holiday meals. Your washer and dryer run more frequently thanks to back-to-school routines and bulky fall clothing. Your heating system kicks on for the first time in months. All of that added demand can push aging or neglected systems past their limits.

2. Changing Temperatures

Cold weather affects both mechanical systems and electronic components. For example, worn-out seals in refrigerators and freezers may begin to fail when surrounding air temperatures fluctuate. Heating systems that sat unused all summer may sputter or shut down entirely when called upon for the first cold night.

🔧 How to Prevent Fall Appliance Failures

Luckily, a few simple maintenance habits—and a little help from UPKEEP—can go a long way in preventing problems before they start.

1. Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up

Don’t wait for the first freezing night to discover your furnace is blowing cold air. Schedule a fall HVAC checkup to make sure everything is running efficiently. Change your air filters, check your thermostat, and clean vents and ducts for better airflow and lower energy bills.

Pro Tip: UPKEEP includes preventative HVAC maintenance so you’re not scrambling for a technician when things go wrong.

2. Clean and Inspect Kitchen Appliances

Your oven, stove, and dishwasher are about to get a workout. Give them a little attention now to avoid holiday headaches.

  • Oven/Stove: Clean burners and heating elements. Use the self-cleaning function if your model includes it—but not right before a big meal (just in case something goes wrong).
  • Dishwasher: Remove food buildup from filters and run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove grease and soap scum.
  • Fridge: Check door seals, clean condenser coils, and test your water/ice dispenser.

3. Check Your Washer and Dryer

Between muddy school clothes and bulky sweaters, laundry machines put in overtime during the fall. Inspect your washer hoses for cracks or bulges, and clean out the dryer lint trap and exhaust vent to prevent clogs (and fire risks).

4. Watch for Warning Signs

If your appliances have been making odd noises, taking longer to do their jobs, or showing any signs of malfunction—don’t wait until they stop working altogether. Catching issues early can help you avoid bigger (and costlier) problems later.

5. Consider a Home Warranty with Preventative Maintenance

One of the best ways to protect your appliances and your peace of mind is to invest in a home warranty that includes both repair coverage and regular maintenance. At UPKEEP, we don’t just wait for things to break—we help you keep your systems in great shape so they’re less likely to fail in the first place. When replacements are needed, we never deny a claim for lack of maintenance.

🍂 Peace of Mind for a Busy Season

Fall should be a time to enjoy your home, not stress over surprise repairs. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or just looking to make your day-to-day life run more smoothly, a little preparation now can save a lot of hassle down the road.

If you’ve been putting off appliance maintenance or wondering whether it’s time to protect your home with a warranty, we’re here to help. Our friendly team can walk you through how a home warranty works and exactly what’s covered. Visit www.upkeepstl.com today to get UPKEEP on your side so you can head into the fall season with confidence.

NEXT UP: Heading Out of Town? Here’s How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away