The Top 5 Appliances to Check Before the Holiday Season
Can you believe we’re already thinking ahead to the holidays? The holiday season means family gatherings, cozy nights at home, and plenty of cooking, cleaning, and celebrating. But nothing can derail that festive spirit faster than a broken appliance. The last thing you want is your oven failing the day before Thanksgiving or your dishwasher breaking down right after a big family meal.
That’s why September and October are the perfect months to give your home’s most-used appliances a little extra attention. A quick checkup now can save you from stress, surprise expenses, and emergency repairs later. Here are the top five appliances to check before the holiday season begins, brought to you by our home experts here at UPKEEP Home Warranty and Maintenance.
1. The Oven and Stove
Your oven will work overtime during the holidays, so don’t wait until the morning of a big meal to notice that something is wrong. Test each burner, check the oven temperature with a thermometer, and make sure the door seals properly. If you notice uneven heating, strange smells, or longer cook times than usual, it’s a red flag that service may be needed.
UPKEEP pro tip: Run a self-clean cycle in September so your oven is fresh and ready before holiday cooking begins.
2. The Refrigerator and Freezer
From storing turkeys to keeping holiday leftovers safe, your fridge and freezer are the MVPs of the season. Check the temperature (your fridge should stay around 37–40°F, and your freezer at 0°F). Listen for odd noises, look for frost build-up, and inspect the door seals to make sure they’re tight. A little preventive care now can help prevent spoiled food later.
UPKEEP pro tip: A commonly-missed cleaning spot on refrigerators and freezers is the coils. Temporarily unplug your appliance, locate the coils (usually on the back or underneath), and remove the protective grille or access panel. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush or crevice attachment or a coil brush to remove dust and debris to keep your appliance running smoothly and give it a longer lifespan.
3. The Dishwasher
After big family meals, your dishwasher saves the day. But if you’ve noticed dishes coming out less clean or strange noises during cycles, it may need attention. Clean the filter, check for clogs in the spray arms, and run a dishwasher cleaner to remove buildup.
UPKEEP pro tip: Try running a load with vinegar and baking soda to freshen it up before the holidays.
4. The Washing Machine and Dryer
With guests staying over and more laundry to do, your washer and dryer are likely to get extra use. Check the hoses for leaks, clean the dryer vent (not just the lint filter—the actual dryer vent!) to reduce fire risk, and listen for any strange sounds that could signal wear and tear. Staying ahead of small issues will help you avoid laundry pileups during the busiest time of year.
UPKEEP pro tip: Wash your washer drum by running a cleaning cycle monthly using a commercial washer cleaner or a solution of baking soda and vinegar.
5. The Furnace
While not an “appliance” in the kitchen sense, your furnace is crucial for holiday comfort. Don’t wait for the first cold snap to find out it’s not working properly. Change your filter, test your thermostat, and listen for unusual noises when it kicks on. If it’s been a while since your last professional tune-up, early fall is the ideal time.
UPKEEP pro tip: Our home warranties not only include coverage for furnace repair and replacement, but we also do four annual maintenance visits to make sure all of your home’s appliances and systems are performing as they should be.
Why a Home Warranty Matters This Season
Even with the best maintenance, appliances can fail at the most inconvenient times. That’s where a home warranty comes in. With UPKEEP, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if an essential appliance breaks down—whether it’s your oven, fridge, or furnace—you won’t be left scrambling for an expensive repair right before the holidays.
The holidays should be about joy, not stress. By checking these five appliances now, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more comfortable season. And with UPKEEP by your side, you’ll have reliable protection for whatever comes your way.
Ready to get your home holiday-ready? Contact UPKEEP today to learn more about our home warranty plans.
NEXT UP: Fall is a Prime Time for Appliance Failures. Here’s How to Prevent Them.