Appliance Breakdown in a Power Outage? What to Do

Experiencing a power outage is not ideal. Whether you’re affected by a storm, the grid failing, or the power company taking care of routine maintenance, the sudden loss of electricity can wreak havoc on your day and sometimes appliances in your home. If you’ve ever questioned what to do when your refrigerator stops making its unending hum, or a washing machine won’t turn back on after a power completion because the power came back on, this guide is for you.

Let’s go through what happens to your appliances when the power goes out and how to assess them safely and properly.



Why Do Appliances Break After Loss of Power?

Loss of power (while annoying) usually does not directly cause appliances to break, and, instead, serious risk of appliance damage comes from power surges when the electricity comes back on. If you have appliances that are over 8–10 years of age, it may not make much sense to go through repair costs.

When electricity is restored, the surge can overwhelm delicate circuits in your electronics, causing permanent damage. Appliances that are especially vulnerable include:

  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Air conditioners and heaters
  • Washing machines and dryers
  • Microwaves and ovens
  • Computers, TVs, and routers

Even if they don’t completely fail, these appliances might experience reduced performance or hidden internal damage.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When an Appliance Stops Working

1. Check the Power Source

Before assuming your appliance is broken, verify that the power is fully restored and stable.

  • Plug another device into the same outlet to test it.
  • Check your circuit breaker or fuse box—some circuits might have tripped when the power returned.
  • If the outlet isn’t working, reset the breaker or call an electrician if necessary.

2. Unplug and Wait

If you notice flickering lights or intermittent power, unplug your appliances until electricity stabilizes. This prevents further damage from repeated surges.

3. Inspect for Visible Damage

Look for signs such as:

  • Burnt smells
  • Scorch marks on plugs or outlets
  • Frayed wires or melted components

If you spot any of these, don’t try to use the appliance. Call a qualified technician.

4. Reset the Appliance

Certain modern appliances have protective reset buttons (or codes). Refer to the instruction manual (or manufacturer's website) for guidance on performing the reset.

For instance, many refrigerators and washers have a simple pattern that you can follow to revert to normal operations.

5. Call a Professional

If the appliance is still not working, contact an appliance technician to determine if it is a blown fuse, damaged circuit board, or internal motor failure. Trying to fix it yourself may cause further damage or void the warranty.

Preventing Appliance Damage During Future Power Outages

If you are proactive, you may save yourself a lot of stress and money. Here is how you can protect your house from potential foreseeable electrical surges and/or outages.

1. Use a Surge Protector

Plug in sensitive electronic items (TVs and computers) to a surge protector that is of high quality. For larger appliances, you may want a whole house surge protector that an electrician can install.

2. Unplug Before the Storm

If you are aware of bad weather or some maintenance work that is scheduled, unplug your major appliances prior to the situation. When the power returns, wait a few minutes before plugging back in.

3. Backup Power

Having a power generator or uninterruptable power supply (UPS) will assist in keeping your essential appliances powered up during an outage and abrupt shutdowns.

 

4. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Appliances that are well-maintained are less likely to break down after a power event. Cleaning filters, checking seals, and servicing units regularly helps them handle fluctuations better.

When to Replace vs. Repair

New appliances are usually more energy efficient and can often provide built-in surge protection as well.

You will likely want a appliance repair technician to provide a more realistic estimate of whether to take the appliance in for repair or simply replace it; in the end, replacing it may be the smarter long-term choice.

While power outages are never convenient, they can be an inconvenience, but they don’t have to be negative—we want to think rationally, check quickly, and always practice to prevent them in the future.

Source: https://northgateappliances.ca/appliance-breakdown-in-a-power-outage-what-to-do/

 


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