If I can’t find my appliance’s manual, what should I do?

Most manufacturers publish their manuals online, searchable by the model number found on the appliance’s data plate. Failing that, a technician can interpret the code directly on-site.

Does an error code mean the appliance is broken for good?

Not necessarily. An error code is a symptom, not a verdict: in most cases, it points to a drainage problem that’s resolved by cleaning the filter or clearing the drain hose.

Can a dishwasher with a small leak wait to be repaired?

No. Even a minor leak can signal a seal or hose on the verge of complete failure, and water seeping under the appliance or into the floor can cause damage far more costly than the repair itself.

Can I repair a door seal myself?

Cleaning it, yes. Replacing the seal generally requires removing the door panel and installing the correct original part for your brand and model, a step where professional help avoids unpleasant surprises.

Can a dishwasher that won’t drain be dangerous?

Not directly, but standing water encourages bad odours and bacterial growth, and starting a new cycle on a tub that’s already full can cause it to overflow.

Should I drain the standing water before the technician arrives?

It’s not necessary, but if you do, use a sponge or a small container rather than running another cycle, which could make an overflow worse.

How much does it cost to replace a control board?

The cost varies by brand and model. A technician can confirm the exact price for the part and labour during the diagnosis, before you commit to anything.

Should I repair or replace a dishwasher that’s more than 10 years old?

It depends on the repair cost compared to the price of a new appliance, and on the overall condition of the unit. A technician can give you an honest assessment before you decide.

My oven doesn’t seem to reach the temperature I set, what could that be?

Even if the oven produces heat, a faulty temperature sensor or thermostat can prevent it from reaching the set point accurately. Unusually slow cooking or food that never quite turns out as expected is often a sign of this issue, rather than a total loss of heat.

How can I tell if the problem is the temperature sensor rather than the heating element?

If the element glows normally during preheating but the oven cooks too fast, too slowly, or inconsistently from one use to the next, the sensor or thermostat is more likely at fault than the element itself, which would simply produce no heat at all if it were defective.

Can a damaged door seal prevent the oven from reaching the right temperature?

Yes. A worn, cracked, or poorly fitted seal lets heat escape, which extends cooking time and can prevent the oven from reaching the set temperature, especially at higher settings. It’s also generally a less expensive repair than an element or a thermostat, worth checking before assuming a bigger failure.

Can I light my burner with a match if the igniter isn’t working?

For a surface burner, that’s possible as a temporary workaround: turn the gas on briefly and bring a lit match close to the burner, avoiding letting gas build up before ignition. This isn’t a solution for the oven, whose enclosed cavity makes the manoeuvre dangerous. Either way, have the igniter repaired promptly rather than keeping up this habit.

Is it normal to hear continuous clicking after the burner lights?

No. The igniter’s clicking should stop as soon as the flame is detected. If it continues after ignition, it’s often a sign that the flame sensor isn’t properly detecting combustion (a misaligned or dirty igniter), which is worth having a technician check.

Why does my flame go out a few seconds after lighting, even if I hold the button down longer?

This is usually caused by a dirty or worn safety sensor that doesn’t properly detect the flame and cuts the gas as a precaution. It’s an inexpensive part to replace, but the work must be done by a technician since it involves the gas supply.

No gas comes out of the burner, even though I can hear the igniter clicking: what should I do?

The burner ports are probably clogged with food residue or dried spills. Clean them with a small brush or a fine needle, with the stove off and cool. If nothing comes out after cleaning, the supply orifice or the valve itself is likely the cause: a repair best left to a technician.

My flame is weak or yellow/orange instead of blue, is that normal?

No. A vivid blue flame indicates complete combustion; a weak, yellow, or orange flame generally signals a partially blocked burner or a poor air-gas mixture, meaning incomplete combustion. Beyond reduced cooking efficiency, incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, an odorless and dangerous gas: make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector near the kitchen, and have the burner checked promptly if the flame stays abnormal after cleaning the ports.

How long does a gas stove typically last?

With basic maintenance (clean burners, ignition checks), a gas stove typically lasts 15 to 20 years, a bit longer than a comparable electric stove, since burner components wear out more slowly than an electric heating element.

Is it better to have a propane or natural gas stove?

Both offer comparable cooking performance; the choice mostly depends on what’s available at your home. Natural gas is fed directly through a distribution network, with no resupply to manage, while propane requires a tank that needs monitoring and refilling. A stove designed for one type of gas needs to be converted (different burner orifices) before it can run on the other: they aren’t interchangeable without technical work.

An error code is blinking, but I can’t find what it means: what should I do?

The meaning of error codes varies a lot from one manufacturer to another, and sometimes even between models from the same manufacturer. If you no longer have the paper manual, most manufacturers offer a downloadable version on their website based on the model number. Still, note the exact code along with the brand, model, and serial number before calling: that lets our technician arrive with the right parts on hand.

The panel is frozen: can I keep using my stove safely?

Start by resetting the appliance (unplug it or shut off its dedicated breaker for about 60 seconds): that often clears a temporary glitch with no risk. If the panel stays frozen after that, some caution is warranted: an electronic issue can also affect safety functions like door locking or automatic shutoff. If the burners or oven otherwise respond normally, short-term use is generally fine, but have the situation assessed promptly rather than waiting for a bigger failure or a safety mechanism to fail.

Is it complicated or expensive to replace a stove’s control board?

Physically, no: a control board unplugs and is replaced fairly simply once accessible. The real challenge is identifying the right part, since several boards look alike without being interchangeable across models. The cost is generally comparable to another major part like a thermostat or a heating element.

Is an electronic touch panel less reliable than classic mechanical knobs?

Both have their trade-offs. An electronic panel offers more precision and features (timers, programmed cycles), but has more components that can fail, as shown by the causes above. Mechanical knobs are simpler and rarely fail completely, but offer less precision and no advanced features. It’s not a question of overall reliability, but a trade-off between ruggedness and functionality.

How long should my dryer last?

With regular basic maintenance, a dryer can easily reach 18 years of useful life.

How often should the exhaust duct be cleaned?

The lint filter should be cleaned before every load; the flexible ventilation duct should be deep-cleaned roughly every two years or more often if the dryer sees heavy use (large family, poorly ventilated basement, etc.).

Does my condenser dryer need the same maintenance?

The broad strokes are the same (filter, drum, avoiding overloading), but a condenser dryer has no duct venting to the outside instead, it’s the water collection tank or drain pump that needs regular checking.

When should I call a technician instead of doing the maintenance myself?

Unusual noises, cycles that never seem to end, a burning smell, or clothes that no longer dry properly these are signs worth taking seriously. Our technicians repair dryers and washers of all brands throughout Quebec — request an estimate.

Why does my dryer run but not heat?

In most cases, the cause is the heating element or the thermostat. A partially tripped breaker (on dryers with two 120V circuits) can also leave the drum turning with no heat at all.

Is it dangerous to keep using a dryer that isn’t heating?

Not necessarily a fire risk on its own, but if the cause turns out to be a blocked exhaust duct rather than a faulty part, that’s a safety issue worth fixing promptly.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?

This repair usually falls in a moderate cost range (roughly $150 to $250, parts and labour included); the exact price depends on the brand and model.

My dryer runs on gas, can I check it myself?

No. Any work on the gas valve or ignition system should only be performed by a certified technician, for your safety.

The oven stays locked after the cycle, is that normal?

Yes: the oven stays locked until its internal temperature drops to a safe level, which can take longer than the displayed cycle time. If the latch stays stuck for an unusually long time or seems faulty, don’t force it open: contact a technician.

Can I clean an oven without a self-clean function using homemade products?

Yes. A paste of baking soda and water, left to sit for a few hours before wiping, loosens grease without harsh chemicals. For tougher stains, a commercial oven cleaner applied to a cold oven remains an effective option.

What if a gas burner lights poorly after cleaning?

First check that it’s completely dry and repositioned exactly as it was (cap and base properly aligned). If the problem continues, see our article on gas stoves that won’t light for a more complete diagnosis.

Why is my dryer making a banging noise?

The most common cause is an item left in a pocket or an unbalanced load. Empty your pockets and avoid overly large loads before assuming a mechanical failure.

My dryer is squealing, is that serious?

Not urgent enough to stop using it immediately, but a persistent squeal usually signals a worn bearing or pulley that’s best fixed soon to avoid damaging the drum.

Can I keep using my dryer if it’s noisy?

In the short term, yes, as long as there’s no burning smell or overheating. But delaying repair of a worn pulley or bearing can worsen the wear and increase the repair cost.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer pulley?

This is generally one of the more affordable repairs (under $150, parts and labour included), which partly explains its high one-visit resolution rate.

Why does my induction stove make a faint humming sound while cooking?

That’s normal: the sound comes either from the built-in cooling fan or from a slight vibration in the pot caused by the electromagnetic field, especially at high power. If the humming becomes loud, unusual, or is accompanied by a smell, have the appliance checked by a technician.

My pot is compatible, but the stove isn’t detecting it: why?

Most often, the pot isn’t properly centred on the burner, or its diameter is too small for the selected cooking zone: most induction stoves require a minimum diameter to trigger the sensor. Try recentring it or choosing a smaller burner.

Can I use a wok on an induction stove?

A traditional round-bottomed wok doesn’t sit flat on the surface, so it heats poorly if at all. Some manufacturers offer flat-bottomed woks designed specifically for induction, and a few high-end models offer a dedicated bowl-shaped burner.

Can I keep using my washer if it’s leaking a little?

No, if the leak is active. The risk of water damage to the floor increases with every cycle.

Is induction cooking safe for people with a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices?

The electromagnetic field produced by an induction cooktop could theoretically interfere with certain implanted medical devices (pacemakers, defibrillators). As a precaution, manufacturers generally recommend that people with these devices consult their doctor before buying one and keep a reasonable distance from the active surface while cooking.

My washer leaks even when it’s turned off — is that normal?

No — that’s the classic sign of a faulty water inlet valve letting water through continuously. Have it checked promptly.

Why is my washer only leaking from the door?

It’s almost always the door gasket — worn, torn, or fouled by excess detergent.

My dryer makes no sound at all when I press start, what should I do?

First check that the door is fully closed and that the breaker hasn’t tripped. If nothing happens even so, the cause is likely electrical (control board or door switch) and needs a professional diagnosis.

The drum doesn’t turn but I hear a humming sound, is that the belt?

Very likely. A humming sound with no drum movement usually means the motor is running, but the belt is broken and no longer transmitting motion to the drum.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer belt?

This is one of the more affordable repairs (under $150, parts and labour included), despite requiring a full disassembly of the drum.

Can I repair the control board myself?

It’s not recommended. Diagnosing a control board requires specialized tools, and an incorrect diagnosis can lead to replacing a part that wasn’t actually faulty.

My washer is making noise but still washes properly. Should I wait?

Mechanical noise that gets progressively worse indicates ongoing wear. Waiting doesn’t necessarily worsen the failure in the short term, but a badly worn bearing can eventually damage the tub — which increases repair cost. Addressing it early is generally more cost-effective.

My washer is noisy and vibrates a lot. Is it the same issue?

Not necessarily. Significant vibration accompanied by noise can come from a leveling or loading issue — with no faulty part involved. If the problem persists after leveling and redistributing the laundry, the suspension springs should be checked.

Why does my washer only make noise during spin?

Noise only during spin almost always points to a mechanical part subjected to the drum’s fast rotation — bearing, shaft, spider, or transmission. These parts are only stressed at full speed during spin, which explains why the noise only appears at that point.

6 Tips for a More Organized, Efficient Fridge

Do you put groceries away “wherever there’s room” in the fridge? That’s probably not ideal. Here are a few tips to help your food last longer… or at least help you find it faster!

Find the coldest spot

The temperature inside your fridge varies a bit from spot to spot. A thermometer left in a glass of water for a few hours in different spots can help you find the best place to store food. You might also discover your fridge is running too warm or too cold (it should sit at 4°C). As a general rule, fridges with the freezer on top have a colder zone at the bottom.

Store fish and raw meat in the coldest section. If that’s the bottom shelf, even better: if liquid leaks from the packaging, it won’t drip onto other food and cause contamination.

Temperature is usually more stable at the back of the fridge, in the cool airflow from the compressor. The door is the warmest spot and sees the biggest temperature swings. Store condiments, mayonnaise, and unopened juice there.

Adjust your shelf height

Shelf height is easy to adjust, especially on higher-end fridges. If your favourite products don’t fit where you want them, change the shelf height!

Use your drawers correctly

Use one drawer for salad greens and vegetables that like humidity, and put fruit in another drawer that stays drier. If your drawers have a humidity slider, check now and then that it hasn’t been bumped out of place.

If the egg and butter compartments are enclosed, that’s to keep them away from cold air circulation (so the butter stays softer). Short on space? You can also keep eggs in their carton on the middle shelf.

Keep your beer nice and cold

If you like your beer really cold, feel free to store it in the coldest spot in your fridge. Beer specialists suggest storing bottles upright, especially craft beers. And keep in mind that a fridge is considered too cold to properly serve dark beers. Consider a wine/beer cellar set to the ideal beer temperature instead.

Don’t leave your fridge empty

An overstuffed fridge with food crammed in won’t run well, as you’d expect. But a fridge that’s too empty isn’t ideal either: cold escapes more easily. Keep a few bottles of water or soft drinks in there: it’ll help keep the temperature more stable.

A fridge isn’t a bread box

Bread goes stale faster in the fridge. And don’t store it on top of the fridge either; the heat will dry it out. The best way to make bread last longer than on the counter: slice it if needed, then freeze it!

A fridge isn’t a compost bin

While reorganizing your fridge, take the opportunity to toss out expired food; it’s also a good time to wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth. Keep in mind that higher-end fridges offer better temperature and humidity control, and some even have zones with adjustable temperature. Understanding how your fridge works really does help keep your food fresher for longer! If your fridge struggles to keep food cold despite being well organized, that might not just be a storage issue: check out our article Fridge Stopped Cooling to pinpoint the exact cause.

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FAQ

Why shouldn’t some fruits and vegetables be stored in the fridge?

Tomatoes, bananas, potatoes, onions, and garlic lose flavour or texture in the cold, and some even spoil faster. Several of these also release ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening in nearby produce. They’re better kept on the counter, in a dry spot.

Can organizing your fridge too tightly restrict airflow?

Yes. Pressing containers against the back wall or in front of the vents blocks cold air circulation, creating warmer pockets elsewhere in the fridge. Leave a little space between items instead of packing everything in tightly, so air can circulate evenly.

6 Tips for a More Organized, More Efficient Fridge