The Most Common Appliance Issues in Montreal Homes (And How to Fix Them)
- Réparation Flash
- May 9
- 4 min read
Life in Montreal comes with its own rhythm: icy winters, humid summers, and busy households. With that come appliances working hard behind the scenes to keep your home comfortable and functional. But even the best machines break down. At Réparation Flash, we’ve seen it all. In this article, we cover the most common appliance problems in Montreal homes, what causes them, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
Nothing throws a household off balance like a fridge that stops cooling. In many Montreal homes, especially older ones with inconsistent electrical setups, refrigerator issues are frequent.
Common causes:
Dirty condenser coils
Faulty thermostat
Malfunctioning evaporator fan
Worn door gasket allowing warm air inside
What you can do:
Unplug the fridge, vacuum the coils (usually located behind or underneath), and check that the door seals tightly. If the fridge still won’t cool, you may need a thermostat or compressor replacement.
Montreal apartments and basements often deal with high humidity and tight laundry spaces which are perfect conditions for washer issues. Leaks and spin problems are some of the most common service calls we get.
Common causes:
Worn door seals or hoses
Unbalanced load
Faulty water inlet valve
Broken drive belt or motor issues
Quick tip:
Check your load size. Overloading causes imbalance. Inspect hoses for kinks or cracks. If the washer won’t spin or makes loud banging noises, it’s time to call a technician.
During cold Montreal winters, dryers become indispensable, but that also means wear and tear. If your clothes are still damp after a full cycle, it’s not always the heating element’s fault.
Common causes:
Clogged lint trap or vent duct
Broken heating element
Faulty thermostat or fuse
Overloaded drum
What to try first:
Clean out the lint trap and vent hose (a major fire hazard if neglected). If it still underperforms, a technician can test the thermostat or heating element.
4. Oven Not Heating Evenly or At All
From baking holiday meals to warming leftovers, your oven is always in demand. Uneven heating or no heat is a frequent issue, especially in older units found in many Montreal duplexes and condos.
Common causes:
Burned-out heating element
Faulty temperature sensor
Broken igniter (for gas ovens)
Control board issues
DIY tip:
Check if the element glows red when turned on. No glow? It’s likely burned out and needs replacing. Gas ovens not heating? The igniter is often the culprit.
If you’re constantly re-washing dishes or finding water at the bottom of your dishwasher, you’re not alone. With Montreal’s hard water, mineral buildup is common and can clog parts.
Common causes:
Clogged filter or drain pump
Broken spray arms
Worn-out water inlet valve
Detergent buildup
Preventative fix:
Clean the filter and run a vinegar rinse monthly to reduce scale. If water isn’t draining or the motor hums but nothing happens, it’s time for service.
6. Stove Burner Won’t Light or Heat
Whether gas or electric, faulty burners are a major inconvenience in busy kitchens. In Montreal’s older homes, aging wiring and outdated cooktops are common.
Common causes:
Loose connection or corroded terminal block
Quick fix:
Try swapping burner coils with another burner. If the problem stays with the coil, it’s the coil. If not, you may need to repair the socket or internal wiring.
7. Microwave Won’t Turn On or Heat
Although it’s a smaller appliance, the microwave is a daily-use essential. Power surges, especially during Montreal storms, can cause internal damage.
Common causes:
Blown fuse
Faulty door switch
Burned-out magnetron (expensive to replace)
Note:
Microwave repairs can be dangerous due to high-voltage capacitors. Always call a pro if it's more than a fuse or obvious door issue.
Montrealers rely more on heat pumps as they become a greener heating option. But like any system, they can wear out or malfunction over time.
Common issues:
Refrigerant leak
Faulty thermostat
Dirty outdoor coils
Failing compressor
Signs:
Poor airflow, uneven heating/cooling, or rising energy bills. Preventative maintenance is key so schedule seasonal checkups.
How to Know When to Call a Technician
While some problems are easy to troubleshoot, others require technical expertise and safety precautions. Here are signs you should stop and call us:
Burning smells or sparks
Repeated circuit breaker trips
Leaks that persist after hose tightening
Noisy operation worsening over time
Any appliance still under warranty (to avoid voiding it)
Our technicians at Réparation Flash are trained to handle all major appliance brands, including Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, Maytag, GE, Bosch, and more.
Montreal Appliances Need Local Expertise
Montreal homes are unique in age, layout, and seasonal wear. That’s why it’s important to work with a local appliance repair team that understands the city’s quirks, like how sub-zero temperatures affect pipes or why your fridge might work differently in a third-floor apartment.
At Réparation Flash, we’ve been serving Montreal for over a decade with honesty, professionalism, and guaranteed repairs. We don’t just fix machines, we restore peace of mind.
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