When your appliance categories, types of household machines like washing machines, ovens, fridges, and boilers that keep your home running. Also known as home appliances, these are the backbone of daily life in most households. breaks down, you don’t need to panic—or replace it right away. Many common problems can be fixed quickly and cheaply if you know what to look for. Whether it’s a fridge that won’t cool, a washing machine that won’t spin, or an oven that won’t heat, there’s usually a simple cause—and a simple fix.
Not all repairs are the same. A washing machine, a laundry appliance that cleans clothes using water and spinning motion might just need a clogged filter cleared, while a boiler, a heating system that generates hot water or steam for central heating could require a gas-safe technician. You can’t fix a gas oven igniter like you’d reset an electric hob. Each appliance has its own risks, parts, and repair timelines. That’s why knowing the category matters. A fridge that’s not cooling could be a faulty thermostat, a dirty condenser coil, or a failing compressor—each with wildly different costs. Same with ovens: replacing a control board isn’t the same as cleaning a hob’s heating element. And while some fixes are DIY-friendly, others need licensed pros, especially with gas or high-voltage systems.
Most people assume old appliances are scrap, but that’s not always true. A 10-year-old stove might still have years left if the heating element or thermostat is replaced. A tumble dryer with a broken belt is often cheaper to fix than to replace. The real question isn’t “how old is it?” but “what’s broken?” and “how much will it cost to fix?” We’ve seen washing machines last 15 years with just one belt and two hoses replaced. We’ve seen boilers fail after five years because they were never serviced. The difference isn’t luck—it’s knowing what to watch for.
Below, you’ll find real, no-fluff guides on the most common appliance problems. From how to test an extractor fan to when to walk away from a broken microwave, every article is based on actual repair logs and customer cases from Northampton homes. No theory. No guesswork. Just what works—and what doesn’t.
An appliance is a device designed to perform a specific household task using electricity or gas. Learn what counts as an appliance, how they're classified, and why it matters for repairs and safety in modern homes.
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