Winter Appliance Maintenance Tips for Atlanta Homeowners

While Metro Atlanta doesn't face harsh northern winters, we do experience cold snaps that can affect appliances—especially those in garages, basements, or unheated spaces. Add in holiday cooking demands, and winter becomes a critical time for appliance maintenance.

Here's how to keep your appliances running reliably through the colder months.

Refrigerators in Unheated Spaces

Garage refrigerators face unique challenges during Georgia winters.

The Temperature Problem

Most refrigerators are designed to operate in temperatures between 60-110°F. When ambient temperatures drop below 50°F:

The freezer stops working properly:

• The compressor doesn't run often enough
• The freezer warms up
• Frozen food may partially thaw

Why this happens: The thermostat senses the cold garage air and thinks the refrigerator doesn't need cooling. But the freezer has different temperature requirements and ends up too warm.

Solutions for Garage Refrigerators

Garage kit installation: Some refrigerators offer "garage kits" that add a heater near the thermostat. This tricks the thermostat into running the compressor in cold ambient temperatures.

Check your model: Some newer refrigerators are designed for garage use and have wider operating temperature ranges. Check your owner's manual for specifications.

Relocate if necessary: If your garage regularly drops below 40°F, consider moving the refrigerator to a more climate-controlled location.

Monitor temperatures: Place thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer sections. Check during cold snaps to ensure proper temperatures are maintained.

Additional Cold Weather Tips

Don't overfill: A full refrigerator retains cold better, but ensure air can circulate.

Check door seals: Cold air leakage is more noticeable (and costly) in winter. Verify seals are working properly.

Protecting Water-Using Appliances

Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator water lines can freeze in unheated spaces.

Washing Machine Protection

For machines in heated spaces:

• No special winter preparation needed
• Ensure water heater temperature is adequate (120°F) for proper cleaning

For machines in unheated spaces (garage, basement):

If you'll use it through winter:

• Insulate exposed water supply lines
• Keep the space above freezing (even a small space heater helps)
• Run warm water through the machine periodically

If you won't use it for extended periods:

• Shut off water supply valves
• Disconnect and drain hoses
• Run a spin cycle to expel water from the pump
• Consider adding RV antifreeze to the drum (follow manufacturer guidelines)

Dishwasher Protection

Dishwashers in kitchens shouldn't face freezing issues, but check:

• Water supply line under the sink isn't exposed to cold drafts
• Any exterior walls near the dishwasher are properly insulated

Refrigerator Water Lines

Ice makers and water dispensers have vulnerable water lines:

Check routing:

• Water lines running through unheated areas can freeze
• Insulate exposed sections
• If the line frequently freezes, consider rerouting

Signs of frozen lines:

• Ice maker stops producing
• Water dispenser doesn't work
• Lines inside the refrigerator (to the ice maker) can also freeze if the freezer is too cold

Dryer Maintenance for Winter

Dryers work harder in winter due to cooler, drier air and heavier use.

Exhaust Vent Inspection

Why winter matters:

• Cold air can cause condensation in the vent
• Lint combined with moisture creates clogs faster
• The exterior vent flap may stick from ice

Inspection checklist:

1. Go outside and check the vent flap opens freely
2. Feel for adequate airflow when the dryer runs
3. Clear any visible lint or debris
4. Check for condensation or ice inside the vent

The Importance of Clean Vents

A clogged vent in winter:

• Extends drying time significantly
• Causes the dryer to work harder
• Increases fire risk from lint buildup
• Wastes energy and increases utility costs

If you haven't cleaned your vent this year, do it now before heavy winter use.

Check the Interior

Clean inside the dryer cabinet:

• Lint accumulates around the heating element and drum
• Remove the dryer's rear panel (unplug first!)
• Vacuum lint from around components
• This improves efficiency and reduces fire risk

Oven and Range Winter Tips

Holiday cooking and winter comfort food mean heavy oven use.

Pre-Season Maintenance

Test temperature accuracy:

• Use an oven thermometer
• Check at 350°F after 20-minute preheat
• Calibrate if off by more than 25°F

Check the door seal:

• Heat escaping wastes energy
• You may notice this more when the kitchen is cooler
• Replace worn gaskets

Clean before the holidays:

• Run self-clean now, not during Thanksgiving week
• Clean racks separately
• Clear broiler drawer

Gas Oven Considerations

Verify igniter function:

• Watch through the oven bottom during preheat
• Igniter should glow and light gas within 90 seconds
• Weak igniters fail during heavy use

Natural gas supply:

• Extremely cold weather can affect gas pressure
• If your oven struggles to heat, check other gas appliances
• Persistent issues may require utility company inspection

Ventilation in Winter

Don't neglect the range hood:

• Winter cooking produces as much smoke and steam as summer
• Clean or replace filters
• Verify fan operates properly

Opening windows: While unpleasant in winter, adequate ventilation during cooking is still important—especially when using self-clean features.

Energy Efficiency in Winter

Appliances often work harder in winter. Optimize efficiency:

Refrigerator Efficiency

• Keep coils clean (dust accumulates in dry winter air)
• Don't set temperatures colder than necessary
• Full refrigerators retain cold better

Dryer Efficiency

• Clean lint filter every load (especially important when it's working hard)
• Don't overload—clothes need to tumble freely
• Consider line-drying some items to reduce dryer workload

Dishwasher Efficiency

• Run full loads to maximize hot water use
• Use appropriate cycles (no need for heavy wash on light loads)
• Keep filters clean for optimal performance

Oven Efficiency

• Don't preheat longer than necessary
• Use convection mode when possible (faster cooking)
• Don't open the door frequently
• Consider batch cooking to maximize oven-on time

Winter Emergency Preparedness

Georgia winters occasionally bring ice storms that cause power outages. Be prepared:

Refrigerator/Freezer Outage Plan

Keep doors closed:

• Refrigerator stays cold 4 hours with doors closed
• Full freezer maintains temperature 48 hours (24 hours if half-full)

Know food safety rules:

• Discard anything above 40°F for more than 2 hours
• Frozen food with ice crystals can be refrozen
• When in doubt, throw it out

Have supplies ready:

• Coolers and ice source
• Thermometer to check food temperatures
• List of what's inside (reduces door-opening)

Other Outage Considerations

• Don't open the oven or refrigerator "just to check"
• Keep flashlights accessible
• Know how to manually release a stuck washer or dryer door

Winterizing Vacation Homes

If you have a second property that's unoccupied in winter:

Full Winterization

• Shut off water supply to all appliances
• Drain washing machine hoses and pump
• Turn off and unplug the refrigerator, prop the door open
• Drain ice maker water line if possible
• Consider RV antifreeze in drains (including dishwasher)

Minimal Heating Approach

If keeping minimal heat on:

• Set thermostat to 55°F minimum
• Leave faucets dripping during extreme cold
• Check appliances periodically

Winter Appliance Service in Metro Atlanta

If winter reveals appliance issues—or you'd like preventive maintenance before the holidays—Appliance Dean provides service throughout Metro Atlanta.

We help homeowners prepare appliances for winter demands and handle any issues that arise during the season.

Call (404) 671-9117 or schedule service online for reliable winter appliance support.