Household Appliances: What Breaks, Why It Matters, and How to Fix It
When your household appliances, essential devices like fridges, ovens, and washing machines that keep daily life running. Also known as domestic appliances, these are the unsung heroes of your home—until they stop working. A fridge that won’t cool, an oven that won’t heat, a microwave that just clicks—these aren’t just inconveniences. They’re disruptions to your routine, your meals, even your budget. And if you’ve ever stared at a broken appliance wondering if it’s worth fixing, you’re not alone.
Most refrigerators, cooling appliances that store food at safe temperatures last 10 to 15 years. But if yours is 7 years old and suddenly quiet, it might just need a new door seal or a reset. A gas oven, a cooking appliance that uses natural gas or propane for heat can develop a faulty igniter or gas valve—both fixable for under £100. But if the control board on your electric oven, a kitchen appliance that uses electricity to generate heat for baking and roasting is fried, you’re looking at a bigger repair. And don’t ignore the microwave, a quick-cook appliance that uses electromagnetic waves to heat food—if it runs but doesn’t heat, it’s often the magnetron, not the whole unit. These aren’t random failures. They follow patterns. And knowing those patterns saves you money.
People often think if an appliance is old, it’s not worth fixing. But a 15-year-old oven might still be more efficient than a new cheap one. A 7-year-old fridge could save you hundreds in energy bills if you fix the compressor seal instead of replacing it. It’s not about age—it’s about cost, safety, and how much life is left. That’s why the posts here cover everything from simple checks—like testing a fridge’s door seal or resetting a tripped breaker—to when to call a pro. You’ll find real advice on why electric hobs crack, how long freezers really last, and whether your boiler’s warning signs mean disaster or just a filter change.
You won’t find fluff here. No generic "call a technician" advice. Just clear, practical steps you can take right now—whether you’re a DIYer with a screwdriver or someone who just wants to know if the repair quote they got makes sense. The goal? Help you make smarter choices so you don’t waste time, money, or food.
