The Most Common Appliance Issues We See in Kelowna Homes

Appliances are essential to everyday life—but when they break down, they can cause real disruption. At Apex Appliances, we’ve been fixing home appliances in Kelowna and the surrounding area for years. In that time, we’ve seen some patterns emerge.

Here are the most common appliance issues we repair, why they happen, and how you can prevent them.

1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

This is one of the most urgent and frequent calls we receive. When your fridge can’t maintain a stable temperature, it risks food spoilage—and wasted groceries.

Causes:

  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Faulty thermostat
  • Damaged door seals
  • Failing compressor

Prevention Tip: Vacuum your coils twice a year and check door seals regularly for cracks or wear.

2. Washer Won’t Drain or Spin

A washing machine that refuses to drain or spin can leave you with soggy laundry and wasted time.

Causes:

  • Clogged drain pump
  • Broken lid switch
  • Worn-out belts
  • Imbalanced loads

Prevention Tip: Avoid overloading the drum, clean the filter monthly, and inspect hoses for blockages.

3. Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes

If you’re running two or three cycles to dry a single load, your dryer may be struggling due to restricted airflow or mechanical issues.

Causes:

  • Clogged lint trap or vent
  • Broken heating element
  • Malfunctioning thermostat

Prevention Tip: Clean the lint trap after every use and have your vent professionally cleaned yearly.

4. Oven Not Heating or Heating Unevenly

Whether baking or roasting, inconsistent oven temperatures can ruin your meals and lead to longer cook times.

Causes:

  • Faulty bake element
  • Malfunctioning temperature sensor
  • Blown fuses or control board issues

Prevention Tip: Avoid slamming the oven door and test the temperature with an oven thermometer occasionally.

5. Dishwasher Leaks or Doesn’t Clean Dishes

We get a lot of service calls about dishwashers leaving dishes dirty—or worse, leaking water onto the floor.

Causes:

  • Worn-out door gasket
  • Blocked spray arms or filter
  • Faulty float switch

Prevention Tip: Rinse off large food debris before loading and clean the filter every few weeks.

6. Stove Burners Not Igniting

Gas and electric stove burners can both fail—gas burners may click but never ignite, while electric coils may stay cold.

Causes:

  • Dirty igniters
  • Loose wiring or faulty switches
  • Blown surface element

Prevention Tip: Keep burners and igniters clean and avoid spilling liquids onto control knobs or elements.

Don’t Wait for a Total Breakdown

Most appliance issues start small and get worse over time. If you notice your appliance behaving oddly—unusual noises, long cycles, or poor performance—give Apex Appliances a call.

We offer fast, friendly appliance repair across Kelowna, with certified parts and experienced local technicians. We’ll help you extend the life of your appliances and avoid costly replacements.