The weeks leading up to Christmas should feel warm and calm, filled with small rituals that make the season special. What nobody wants is to deal with a fridge losing temperature or an oven that refuses to heat while preparing holiday meals. December is the moment when small appliance problems suddenly become big ones.
Why December puts extra pressure on your appliances
December habits naturally create heavier usage. People cook more often, stay home longer, keep their fridges full and run dishwashers almost every day. Winter temperatures also expose weak seals, aging parts and hidden wear that stayed unnoticed all year.
Survey data supports this pattern. A recent report from PartSelect, based on responses from over 1,000 American households, found that 67 percent had experienced an appliance failure while preparing a holiday meal. The most common issues involved ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves. This suggests that holiday style cooking places significantly more stress on kitchen appliances compared to the rest of the year.
Best Solution Appliance Repair specialists from Canada commented that every December they see a steep rise in calls for ovens, fridges, and dishwashers as people wait until the holidays to use their appliances heavily, and suddenly everything demands attention at once. They also added that if you need a repair, it’s worth calling early, but even last‑minute fixes can often be squeezed in if the problem is urgent.
The most common December breakdowns
Ovens That Stop Heating Properly
Ovens may fail to heat effectively for several reasons. The heating element can wear out or break, causing uneven temperatures or complete loss of heat. Temperature sensors or thermostats can also malfunction, leading the oven to misread the internal temperature. Power issues such as loose connections or faulty wiring can further prevent the oven from working correctly.
The holiday season often exposes these issues because ovens are used multiple times a day for baking, roasting, and reheating. Small maintenance oversights, such as not cleaning grease buildup or failing to check wiring, can turn minor problems into major failures.
To prevent oven problems, it is recommended to preheat before cooking and monitor performance. If the oven heats unevenly or too slowly, it may need inspection or repair. Checking electrical connections and replacing worn elements can also reduce the risk of a breakdown during heavy use.
Refrigerators That Cannot Stay Consistently Cold
Refrigerators are essential during holiday preparations, but they often struggle to maintain a steady temperature. Dust and debris on condenser coils reduce cooling efficiency. Damaged or worn door seals allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. Overloading the fridge can also block air circulation, causing uneven cooling.
During the pre-Christmas period, refrigerators are opened frequently, filled with extra groceries, and exposed to higher ambient kitchen temperatures. These conditions make existing issues more likely to become noticeable.
Preventive steps include cleaning coils and seals, avoiding overpacking, and ensuring there is space for air to circulate. Regular maintenance and monitoring internal temperature can help avoid spoiled food and appliance failure.
Dishwashers That Stop Cleaning Efficiently
Dishwashers can lose efficiency when spray arms become clogged with food residue or mineral buildup. Blocked or slow-draining hoses and faulty pumps can prevent water from circulating or draining properly. Heavy use without periodic cleaning of filters and spray arms adds stress to the system.
Holiday meals often generate more dishes than usual, and loading the dishwasher beyond its capacity can reduce cleaning performance. Rinsing food off dishes before loading and leaving space between items allows water to reach all surfaces. Regularly cleaning the interior, spray arms, and filters helps maintain optimal performance.
Washing Machines That Begin Leaking or Stop Spinning
Washing machines often face problems during heavy use. Leaks can occur when hoses become loose, worn, or cracked. Detergent buildup and blockages in filters or pumps can also cause water to escape from the machine. In some cases, seals and gaskets inside the machine wear down over time, leading to leaks during the wash cycle.
Machines that stop spinning may have issues with the drive belt, motor, or lid/door lock. Excessive loads can strain the drum and motor, preventing the spin cycle from starting or completing. Holiday laundry loads are often larger and heavier, which increases the likelihood of these problems appearing.
Preventive measures include checking hoses and connections, cleaning filters, and avoiding overloading the machine. Regular maintenance of seals and belts can help keep the washer running reliably even during periods of intense use.
Dryers That Take Too Long to Finish a Load
Dryers can slow down or fail to dry clothes efficiently when air circulation is blocked. Lint buildup in filters, vents, and ducts reduces airflow, causing the dryer to work harder and extend drying times. Problems with heating elements, thermostats, or sensors can also prevent the dryer from reaching the proper temperature.
During the holiday season, the frequent washing of towels, table linens, and heavy clothing can put extra demand on dryers. Overloading the drum or using the dryer for multiple consecutive loads can exacerbate existing problems and increase wear on mechanical and electrical components.
To prevent slow drying, clean lint filters and ducts regularly, avoid overloading, and ensure proper ventilation. Checking that heating elements and sensors are working correctly can also help maintain efficient performance.
How to prepare your home for a comfortable Christmas
A few simple steps can prevent most December breakdowns:
- Check your oven and stove before you plan your holiday cooking.
- Avoid overpacking the refrigerator and make sure air vents are clear.
- Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle to remove grease and minerals.
- Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks or stiffness.
- Clean the dryer vent to improve airflow and reduce overheating.
- Pay attention to new noises or slower performance because they often indicate an early failure.
A calm Christmas starts with a reliable home
When your appliances work well, your home feels warm, organized and peaceful. Cooking becomes easier, evenings feel more relaxed and every tradition feels smoother. Preparing in early December lets you enter the holidays with confidence and comfort instead of surprise repairs or last minute stress.
