Preparing Your Appliances for a Boston Winter

Boston winters present unique challenges for household appliances. Temperature fluctuations, increased indoor heating, and holiday cooking demands all stress your equipment. Preparing now helps avoid breakdowns during the busiest season.

Refrigerators work differently in winter. If your unit is in an unheated garage or basement, extremely cold ambient temperatures can actually cause cooling problems. The compressor may not run often enough, leading to freezer thawing. Consider the placement of any secondary refrigerators.

Ice makers can be particularly affected by winter conditions. Low humidity in heated homes can slow ice production, while water supply lines in unheated areas risk freezing. Know where your water shut-off valve is located in case a line freezes.

Increased cooking during the holidays means more strain on ranges and ovens. Before Thanksgiving arrives, test all burners and oven functions. Check oven temperature accuracy with a thermometer. Schedule any needed repairs before the rush.

Dishwashers may struggle with extremely cold incoming water. Pre-rinsing dishes with warm water helps, and running the hot water at the sink before starting a cycle ensures the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start.

Power fluctuations during winter storms can damage sensitive electronics in modern appliances. Consider surge protectors for refrigerators and other critical equipment. Some homeowners invest in whole-house surge protection.

Ventilation hoods work overtime during winter cooking. Clean or replace filters before the holiday season. Grease buildup not only reduces efficiency but poses a fire risk during extended cooking sessions.

If you lose power during a storm, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer maintains temperature for about 48 hours, a half-full freezer for 24 hours. Use thermometers to determine if food is safe after power is restored.