Here at Golden Appliance Repair, we know that dealing with broken or misbehaving appliances can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate through some of the most common home appliance problems and provide you with practical solutions to get them back up and running. Here’s our list of the top nine most common appliance issues and how to fix them.

#1 – Refrigerator Not Cooling

One of the most common issues with refrigerators is when they stop cooling. When your refrigerator isn’t doing its primary job it can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’ve just stocked up on groceries and you’re at risk of spoiled food and wasted money. A malfunctioning refrigerator can also disrupt your daily routine, causing you to worry about food safety and the inconvenience of managing meals without a reliable cooling source.

How to Fix It:

  • Check the condenser coils: Dirty coils can prevent your refrigerator from cooling properly. Clean them if they’re dirty.
  • Check the thermostat: Make sure it’s set to the correct temperature. Sometimes, it may have been accidentally adjusted.
  • Inspect the vents: Ensure they aren’t blocked by food or other items. Proper airflow is crucial for maintaining the right temperature.

#2 – Dishwasher Not Draining

When your dishwasher doesn’t drain properly, it can leave standing water at the bottom of the machine. A non-draining dishwasher can make kitchen cleanup a nightmare. The sight of dirty water at the bottom of your appliance can be off-putting and worrisome. This issue can significantly slow down your kitchen routine, leaving you with dirty dishes piling up and an unsanitary environment.

How to Fix It:

  • Clean the filter: Located at the bottom of the dishwasher, it’s often clogged with food particles. Regular cleaning can prevent this issue.
  • Check the drain hose: Make sure it’s not kinked or clogged. A clear drain hose is essential for proper drainage.
  • Inspect the garbage disposal: If connected, ensure it’s not clogged. Sometimes, the problem lies in the disposal rather than the dishwasher itself.

#3 – Oven Not Heating

An oven that doesn’t heat up properly can ruin your cooking plans for days or weeks and cause a lot of chaos, especially if you rely on it for daily cooking or are getting ready for a special occasion. Until repaired, an inoperative oven can also limit your meal options, leading to increased reliance on dining out which can be both costly and less healthy.

How to Fix It:

  • Check the igniter (gas ovens): If it’s glowing but not igniting the gas, it might need to be replaced. This is a common issue that can often be resolved with a simple part replacement. Important: If you smell gas or have any safety concerns, be sure to call the Gas Company right away!
  • Inspect the heating element (electric ovens): If it’s visibly damaged or not glowing red, it’s likely faulty. Replacing the heating element can restore your oven’s functionality.

#4 – Washing Machine Not Spinning

If your washing machine isn’t spinning, it can leave your clothes soaking wet. Dealing with a washing machine that doesn’t spin can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you have a pile of laundry to get through. This problem can significantly disrupt your laundry routine, causing delays and adding to your household chores.

How to Fix It:

  • Lid switch: Ensure it clicks when the lid is closed. Replace if faulty. The lid switch is a safety feature, and when it’s broken, the washer won’t spin.
  • Drive belt: Inspect for wear and tear and replace if needed. A worn drive belt can prevent the drum from spinning.
  • Motor coupling: Check for damage and replace if necessary. The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission; if it’s damaged, the washer won’t spin.

#5 – Dryer Not Heating

A dryer that doesn’t heat correctly can be incredibly inconvenient, leaving you with wet clothes and a backlog of laundry. This issue can lead to extended drying times and increased energy bills as you attempt to dry your clothes repeatedly. You might even find yourself lugging a heavy basket of wet clothes to the local laundromat – what a pain!

How to Fix It:

  • Thermal fuse: Replace if it’s blown. The thermal fuse protects your dryer from overheating, and when it’s blown, the dryer won’t heat.
  • Heating element: Inspect for damage and replace if necessary. A broken heating element means the dryer can’t generate the heat needed to dry clothes.
  • Thermostat: Test for continuity and replace if faulty. The thermostat regulates the dryer’s temperature, and if it’s not working, the dryer won’t heat properly.

#6 – Garbage Disposal Jammed

A jammed garbage disposal can cause water to back up in your sink. A jammed garbage disposal can make kitchen cleanup difficult and unpleasant, with food waste lingering in your sink. This problem can lead to unpleasant odors and potential plumbing issues if not addressed promptly.

How to Fix It:

  • Reset the disposal: Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. This can often fix the problem if it’s a simple jam.
  • Unclog the blades: Use a hex key in the bottom slot to manually turn the blades. This can dislodge food debris causing the jam.

#7 – Ice Maker Not Making Ice

Not having ice readily available can be really inconvenient, especially during hot weather or when entertaining guests. An ice maker that’s not producing ice can be due to multiple issues, including a clogged water line, faulty water inlet valve, or a malfunctioning ice maker module. 

How to Fix It:

  • Check the water line: Ensure it’s not clogged or frozen. A clear water line is essential for ice production.
  • Water inlet valve: Test for continuity and replace if faulty. The valve supplies water to the ice maker, and if it’s not working, no ice will be made.
  • Ice maker module: Replace if it’s not cycling properly. The module controls the ice-making process, and a faulty one can halt production.

#8 – Stove Burner Not Working

A stove burner that doesn’t heat can be frustrating, limiting your cooking options, making meal preparation more challenging, and forcing you to adjust your meal plans.

How to Fix It (electric burners):

  • Burner: Swap with another burner to test if it’s the burner or the switch. This helps determine the exact cause of the problem.
  • Switch: Replace if it’s not functioning properly. The switch controls the burner’s heat, and a faulty one can prevent it from working.
  • Connections: Ensure all connections are secure. Loose connections can prevent the burner from heating properly.

Note: If you have a gas stove that isn’t igniting properly we recommend calling your Gas Company if you small gas and having it professionally serviced. Your safety is too important to take any chances!

#9 – Dryer Making Loud Noises

If your dryer is making loud noises, it can indicate a problem with the drum seal, blower wheel, or drive belt. A noisy dryer can be alarming and disruptive, and signal a more significant mechanical problem, potentially leading to a complete breakdown if not addressed.

How to Fix It:

  • Drum seal: Check for wear and replace if necessary. The drum seal helps keep clothes from getting caught in the drum, and a worn seal can cause noise.
  • Blower wheel: Inspect for obstructions and clean or replace if needed. The blower wheel circulates air, and obstructions can cause noise.
  • Drive belt: Replace if it’s worn or damaged. The drive belt helps turn the drum, and a worn belt can cause noise and affect performance.


We hope these tips help you address some of the most common home appliance issues you may face. Remember, safety first: always unplug your appliances before performing any repairs. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us at Golden Appliance Repair. Our team is here to help you get your appliances back in working order quickly and efficiently.

For more information or to schedule a service appointment, visit Golden Appliance Repair or call us at (805) 462-8550. We look forward to helping you make your appliance problems a thing of the past!