Category Archives: Appliance Tips

Quick question: when was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator’s condenser coils? If you are like most people, the answer is never. And that is a problem — because dirty condenser coils are the number one preventable cause of refrigerator failure. Our technicians see it constantly across Halifax: a fridge that stopped cooling, and behind it a thick mat of dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease coating the coils.

What Do Condenser Coils Actually Do?

Your fridge works by circulating refrigerant through a sealed system. The condenser coils are where heat gets released — think of them as the fridge’s radiator. They dissipate the heat pulled from inside the fridge out into the room. When these coils are clean, heat transfers efficiently and the compressor does not have to work hard. When they are coated in debris, the heat cannot escape — and that is when the problems begin.

The 4 Stages of Dirty Coils

Stage 1: Higher Electricity Bills

The compressor runs longer and more frequently to maintain the same temperature. A fridge with dirty coils can use 25 to 35% more electricity than the same fridge with clean coils. At Nova Scotia Power’s rates, that is an extra $30 to $60 per year on a standard fridge.

Stage 2: The Fridge Runs Constantly

Instead of cycling on and off as normal, the compressor starts running almost non-stop because it cannot dissipate heat efficiently. You might notice the fridge feels warm on the sides or back, or that it is louder than usual.

Stage 3: Food Starts Warming Up

The fridge can no longer maintain its set temperature. Fresh food spoils faster. The freezer may still feel cold, but the fridge section creeps above 4°C. This stage is often mistaken for a thermostat or fan failure.

Stage 4: Compressor Overheats and Fails

This is the expensive outcome. A compressor forced to run continuously at elevated temperatures will eventually overheat and fail. Compressor replacement costs $400 to $800+ depending on the brand — and on older fridges it is often not worth the repair. The irony: it could have been prevented with 15 minutes of cleaning twice a year.

How to Clean Your Fridge Coils (15 Minutes)

Step 1: Find the Coils

• Bottom-mount coils (most common in newer models): Behind a kick plate or grille at the front bottom of the fridge. Snap or unscrew the grille to access them.
• Rear-mount coils (older models): Visible on the back of the fridge. Pull the fridge away from the wall to access.

Step 2: Unplug the Fridge

Always unplug before cleaning the coils. This is a safety measure and also stops the fan from blowing dust around while you work.

Step 3: Vacuum and Brush

Use the vacuum brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris. For stubborn buildup between the coil fins, use a coil cleaning brush. Work from the centre outward and vacuum as you go.

Step 4: Clean the Surrounding Area

Vacuum the floor area beneath and behind the fridge. Dust bunnies here get pulled into the coils by the condenser fan and undo your cleaning within weeks.

Step 5: Plug Back In

Push the fridge back, plug it in, and you are done. The fridge should return to normal operating temperature within a few hours.

How Often Should You Clean Them?

Signs Your Coils Need Cleaning Right Now

• The fridge feels warm on the outside (sides or back)
• The compressor seems to run constantly — you hear it humming non-stop
• Food is not staying as cold as it used to
• The fridge is more than a year old and you have never cleaned the coils
• You have pets and there is visible dust or hair near the bottom grille

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the condenser coils on my refrigerator?

How do I know if dirty coils are causing my fridge problems?

Can dirty condenser coils cause a refrigerator to stop working completely?

How much electricity do dirty fridge coils waste in Nova Scotia?

Should I hire a technician to clean my fridge coils?

When Environment Canada issues a winter storm warning for Halifax, most people think about bread, milk, and batteries. But spending 10 minutes preparing your appliances before the storm hits can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and prevent significant food waste. Here is what to do.

The Fridge and Freezer

Your fridge and freezer are the most vulnerable appliances during a power outage because they contain perishable food and need continuous power to function.

• Turn the fridge and freezer to their coldest settings — this gives you a head start if power goes out; the colder they are when the outage begins, the longer food stays safe
• Fill empty freezer space — freeze water bottles, bags of ice, or even wet towels; a full freezer holds cold for up to 48 hours, a half-full one only 24
• Move important items to the freezer — raw meat and dairy you will not eat in the next 4 hours are safer in the freezer during an outage
• Have a thermometer in both sections — when power returns, you can verify the fridge stayed below 4°C before trusting the food

The Washer and Dryer

• Run any laundry you need done before the storm — a wet load stuck in the washer during a 2-day outage will develop mould and odour
• If a load is in the washer when power goes out — add a cup of white vinegar to prevent mildew; run the cycle again when power returns
• Clean your dryer lint trap and vent — after the storm you will likely have a backlog of laundry; a clean vent means faster drying and lower fire risk

Protect Against Power Surges

• Unplug non-essential appliances before the storm — dishwasher, microwave, oven, washer, dryer, and any smart appliances
• Leave the fridge plugged in (with a surge protector if possible) so it restarts automatically
• When power returns, wait 5 to 10 minutes before plugging things back in — power can spike and dip as the grid stabilizes
• Consider a whole-home surge protector if you do not already have one — installed at the breaker panel for $200 to $500, it protects every appliance in the house

Water Lines and Pipes

If you lose heat during an extended outage, frozen pipes become a real risk — including the water line to your fridge’s ice maker and water dispenser.

• Know where your main water shut-off valve is — if pipes freeze, you need to shut water off quickly to prevent flooding when they thaw
• If your home drops below 0°C inside — turn off the water supply to the fridge and disconnect the line if accessible; a burst fridge water line can cause serious water damage
• Open cabinet doors under the kitchen sink — allows warm air to circulate around pipes connected to the dishwasher

Post-Storm Appliance Checklist

Once power is back and stable, run through this checklist before relying on any appliance:

1. Check the fridge temperature — if above 4°C and food has been warm for more than 2 hours, discard perishable items per Health Canada guidelines
2. Listen to the fridge — if the compressor is clicking but not running, the start relay may need replacing
3. Run the dishwasher empty on a hot cycle — flushes any stagnant water from the pump and lines
4. Check all appliances for error codes — try unplugging for 10 minutes to reset; persistent codes may need professional clearing
5. Run the washer on a clean cycle — hot water with a cup of vinegar clears any odour from water sitting in the drum
6. Test the oven and stove burners — confirm they are heating normally before you need to cook a full meal

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare my fridge for a Halifax winter storm?

How long does a freezer stay cold during a Nova Scotia power outage?

Should I leave my fridge plugged in during a storm?

What do I do if my appliance has an error code after a storm?

Can frozen pipes damage my dishwasher or fridge?

If you live in Halifax or anywhere in Nova Scotia, you know power outages are not a matter of if — they are a matter of when. Winter storms, hurricanes, and summer thunderstorms can knock out power for hours or days. When the lights go out, here is what you need to know to keep your food safe, avoid expensive damage, and protect your appliances.

How Long Will Food Stay Safe in Your Fridge During an Outage?

• Refrigerator (closed): Food stays safe for approximately 4 hours
• Full freezer (closed): Food stays frozen for approximately 48 hours
• Half-full freezer (closed): Food stays frozen for approximately 24 hours

To maximize cold retention: keep both doors closed, group frozen items together so they insulate each other, and place bags of ice or frozen water bottles in the fridge section if the outage extends past 3 hours. A full freezer holds cold much longer than an empty one — another reason to keep it stocked through Nova Scotia storm season.

Should You Unplug Appliances During a Power Outage?

Yes — unplug most appliances during the outage. When power is restored after a Nova Scotia storm, it often comes back with a voltage surge. This spike can damage the sensitive electronics in modern appliances — control boards, digital displays, compressor inverters, and touchpads are all vulnerable. A single surge can destroy a $200 to $400 control board in your dishwasher, oven, or refrigerator.

What to Unplug

• Dishwasher
• Washer and dryer
• Microwave
• Electric oven and range
• TVs, computers, gaming systems
• Any smart appliance with Wi-Fi connectivity

What to Leave Plugged In

• Refrigerator and freezer — you want these to restart automatically when power returns. Use a surge protector if you have one. If the outage is expected to last many hours, unplugging and manually restarting after power is stable is the safest approach.
• Sump pump — needs to restart automatically to prevent basement flooding in a Nova Scotia storm

What to Do When Power Comes Back On

1. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before plugging appliances back in
2. Plug in one appliance at a time — start with the fridge and freezer
3. Check your fridge temperature — if above 4°C and food has been warm for more than 2 hours, discard perishables
4. Listen for unusual sounds — repeated clicking from the fridge compressor may indicate the start relay was damaged by the surge
5. Check for error codes — most can be cleared by unplugging for 10 minutes; persistent codes need professional diagnosis

Surge Protectors: Are They Worth It for Appliances?

• Standard power bars do not protect large appliances — your fridge, washer, and dryer draw too much current for a basic power bar
• Whole-home surge protectors are the best solution — installed at your electrical panel by an electrician, they protect everything in the house. Cost: $200 to $500 installed.
• Individual appliance surge protectors exist for fridges and washers (rated 15 to 20 amps). They cost $50 to $100 and plug in between the outlet and the appliance.

Given that a single surge can destroy a $300 control board in your Samsung fridge or LG washer, a whole-home surge protector is a smart investment for any Nova Scotia home.

Can a Power Outage Permanently Damage an Appliance?

Unfortunately, yes. The most common post-outage damage we see in Halifax:

• Fridge compressor failure — the surge damages the start relay or overload protector, preventing the compressor from starting
• Control board failure — the electronic brain of the appliance gets fried; common in dishwashers, ovens, and smart fridges
• Error codes that will not clear — the board stores a fault from the power event and needs professional resetting or replacement
• Washer motor damage — less common but can happen with severe surges

If your appliance is not working properly after a power outage, do not wait — the issue is unlikely to resolve itself and can worsen over time.

Generator Safety and Appliances

• Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage — carbon monoxide poisoning is lethal and silent
• Do not plug your fridge into a generator that produces dirty power — cheap generators can produce voltage fluctuations that damage inverter compressors. Look for generators with less than 5% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
• Do not overload your generator — a fridge needs 1,200 to 2,000 watts to start up even though it only runs at 100 to 200 watts; make sure your generator can handle the startup load

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a fridge keep food cold without power?

Should I unplug my fridge during a power outage?

What appliances should I unplug during a Nova Scotia storm?

My fridge stopped working after a power outage — what happened?

Is a whole-home surge protector worth it in Nova Scotia?

Your fridge is probably the hardest-working appliance in your home — running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, keeping your food safe. But how long should it actually last before it is time to replace it? The short answer: 10 to 20 years, depending on the brand, model type, and how well you maintain it. The differences between brands are significant.

Average Refrigerator Lifespan by Brand

Based on industry data, manufacturer claims, and what we see in the field repairing fridges across Halifax every day:

Premium Brands (15 to 20+ years)

• Sub-Zero: 17 to 25 years — built with dual compressors and commercial-grade components designed for decades of use
• Miele: 15 to 20 years — German-engineered to last 20 years at 5 uses per week
• Thermador: 15 to 20 years — professional-grade build quality
• Viking: 15 to 20 years — commercial-style construction

Mid-Range Brands (12 to 17 years)

• KitchenAid: 12 to 17 years — solid build, shares Whirlpool reliability with better components
• Bosch: 13 to 17 years — German engineering with excellent long-term reliability
• GE: 12 to 16 years — widely available parts make repair easy and extend useful life
• Whirlpool: 12 to 15 years — workhorse brand with excellent parts availability
• Maytag: 12 to 15 years — built by Whirlpool with a heavy-duty reputation

Consumer Brands (8 to 13 years)

• Samsung: 10 to 14 years — innovative features but more electronics that can fail
• LG: 10 to 14 years — reliable linear compressors but complex control boards
• Frigidaire: 10 to 13 years — affordable and dependable for the price point
• Kenmore: 10 to 14 years — varies because different models are built by different manufacturers
• Amana: 10 to 12 years — budget-friendly, simpler designs that are easy to repair

What Type of Fridge Lasts the Longest?

The style of refrigerator matters almost as much as the brand:

The general rule: more features = more things that can fail. A basic top-freezer fridge with no ice maker or water dispenser has fewer failure points than a French door model with a through-the-door ice/water system, smart display, and dual cooling zones.

5 Things That Shorten Your Fridge’s Lifespan

1. Never cleaning the condenser coils — dirty coils force the compressor to overwork, which is the leading cause of premature compressor failure
2. Overloading the fridge — blocking air vents with too much food makes the cooling system work harder
3. Ignoring worn door gaskets — warm air leaking in constantly strains the compressor
4. Placing the fridge near heat sources — next to the oven, in direct sunlight, or in a hot garage
5. Ignoring small problems — a small clicking noise today can become a dead compressor next month

5 Things That Extend Your Fridge’s Lifespan

1. Clean condenser coils twice a year — vacuum the dust off the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge
2. Check and clean door seals regularly — wipe them with soapy water and check for cracks or stiffness
3. Keep it 2/3 full — enough thermal mass to retain cold, not so full that airflow is blocked
4. Set the right temperature — 3°C for the fridge, -18°C for the freezer
5. Address repairs promptly — a $150 fan motor replacement today prevents a $500 compressor failure later

When to Repair vs When to Replace

Use the 50% rule:

• If the repair costs less than 50% of a new fridge and the unit is under 12 years old — repair
• If the repair is over 50% and the fridge is 12 or more years old — consider replacing
• Exception: Premium brands (Sub-Zero, Miele, Viking) are almost always worth repairing given their 20-plus year design life and $5,000 to $15,000 replacement cost

With appliance prices rising in Canada, repair is increasingly the smarter financial choice for most households. Our technicians will give you an honest recommendation based on the repair cost versus the remaining useful life of your specific unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a refrigerator last on average?

Which refrigerator brand lasts the longest?

Is it worth repairing a refrigerator that is 10 years old?

What is the most common reason refrigerators fail prematurely?

How do I know if my fridge needs repair or replacement?

If you are buying a new dryer or replacing a broken one, you have probably seen both gas and electric models on the shelf. In some parts of Canada, gas dryers are common. But in Halifax and most of Nova Scotia, the picture is different — and the right choice depends more on your home’s setup than on personal preference.

The Quick Answer for Halifax

Most Halifax homes use electric dryers — and for good reason. Natural gas infrastructure in Nova Scotia is more limited than in provinces like Ontario or Alberta. Many Halifax homes, especially older ones, simply do not have a gas hookup in the laundry area. If you do not already have gas plumbing near your dryer, electric is the practical choice. That said, if your home does have gas available (some newer developments and converted homes do), a gas dryer is worth considering.

Running Cost Comparison

Based on Nova Scotia Power’s rate of approximately 18.2 cents per kWh. Gas costs estimated at current NS natural gas rates.

Upfront Cost Comparison

• Electric dryer: $500 to $1,200 depending on brand and features
• Gas dryer: $550 to $1,300 — typically $50 to $100 more than the equivalent electric model
• Gas installation (no existing hookup): $500 to $2,000+ for gas line extension, venting, and permits

If you already have a gas hookup, the payback period for a gas dryer is roughly 1 to 2 years. If you need to install a gas line from scratch, it could take 5 to 10 years or more to recoup the installation cost through energy savings alone.

Drying Performance

Gas dryers heat up faster and generally dry clothes slightly quicker than electric models. The heat is also more moist (a byproduct of gas combustion), which some people say results in softer fabrics and fewer wrinkles. Modern electric dryers with heat pump technology are narrowing this gap significantly — heat pump dryers use 40 to 50% less electricity than conventional electric models, though they take longer per cycle and cost more upfront ($900 to $1,500).

Safety Considerations

Gas dryers produce combustion byproducts including carbon monoxide and require proper ventilation. A gas leak or faulty connection is a serious safety hazard — annual inspection is recommended. Electric dryers do not produce combustion gases, but lint fires remain a risk for both types if the vent is clogged. Dryer vent maintenance is critical regardless of fuel type.

Repair and Maintenance

Electric dryers are generally simpler to repair because they have fewer components — no gas valve, no igniter, no burner assembly. Parts are also more widely available in Nova Scotia since electric dryers dominate the market here. Gas dryer repairs require a technician comfortable working with gas connections, and not all repair companies service gas appliances in HRM. Typical repair costs for both types fall in the $125 to $325 range for common issues like heating elements, thermal fuses, and belt replacements.

What About Ventless and Heat Pump Dryers?

A third option worth considering: ventless heat pump dryers. These are fully electric, do not need an exhaust vent, and use significantly less energy. They are ideal for Halifax condos and apartments where exterior venting is not possible. The trade-off: they cost more upfront, take longer to dry, and can be more expensive to repair. Brands like Bosch, Miele, and LG offer popular heat pump models.

The Bottom Line for Halifax

• No existing gas hookup? Go electric. The installation cost for gas does not justify the annual savings.
• Already have gas in your laundry area? A gas dryer will save you $50 to $80 per year and dry slightly faster.
• In a condo with no exterior vent? A ventless heat pump dryer is your best option.
• Want the lowest long-term energy cost? A heat pump electric dryer wins, despite the higher upfront price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gas dryers available in Halifax?

How much does it cost to run an electric dryer in Nova Scotia?

Can I convert my electric dryer to gas?

What is a heat pump dryer and is it worth it in Halifax?

How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?

Your microwave is off. Your dishwasher finished hours ago. Your dryer is sitting idle. But they are all still using electricity. It is called phantom power — also known as standby power, vampire power, or phantom load — and it accounts for roughly 5 to 10% of the average Canadian household’s electricity bill. In Nova Scotia, where residential rates sit around 18.2 cents per kWh, that is real money draining from your wallet every month.

What Is Phantom Power?

Phantom power is the electricity an appliance draws while it is plugged in but not actively in use. Any device with a standby light, clock display, remote control receiver, or Wi-Fi connection is pulling power around the clock — even when you think it is off. This is not a design flaw. These devices need a small amount of power to maintain memory, respond to remote signals, or keep a clock running. But across a whole household of appliances, it adds up fast.

Which Appliances Are the Worst Offenders?

What Does Phantom Power Actually Cost in Nova Scotia?

For a typical Halifax home with roughly 40 to 50 watts of phantom draw running around the clock — very common with a TV, cable box, microwave, coffee maker, washer, and a couple of chargers — here is the math:

45W x 24 hours x 365 days = 394 kWh per year
394 kWh x $0.182 = approximately $72 per year

That is $72 per year for electricity you are not using. Not catastrophic, but not nothing either — especially as Nova Scotia Power rates continue to climb.

How to Reduce Phantom Power at Home

1. Use power bars with switches — plug your entertainment centre or computer setup into a switched power bar and flip it off when not in use
2. Unplug chargers when not charging — phone, laptop, and tablet chargers all draw small amounts even when nothing is attached
3. Use smart power strips — these automatically cut power to peripheral devices when the main device (like a TV) is turned off
4. Disable instant-on features — game consoles and smart TVs have options to fully shut down instead of entering standby; a few extra seconds of boot time in exchange for lower electricity use
5. Do not worry about the fridge — your fridge needs to stay plugged in; same for your router and modem; focus energy on discretionary entertainment devices

Should You Unplug Kitchen Appliances?

For most people, unplugging and replugging the dishwasher, washer, and dryer every day is not practical — and the savings are small, a few dollars per year per appliance. The bigger wins come from entertainment devices and phone chargers left plugged in indefinitely.

However, if you are going on vacation for a week or more, unplugging non-essential appliances is a smart move. It also protects them from power surges during Nova Scotia storms — a surge through a plugged-in appliance can damage control boards and cost hundreds in repairs.

Phantom Power and Modern Smart Appliances

Smart appliances — Wi-Fi connected fridges, washers with app control, smart ovens — draw more standby power than their non-smart counterparts because they need to maintain a Wi-Fi connection and listen for commands. A Samsung smart fridge or LG ThinQ washer may draw 5 to 10W in standby compared to 1 to 2W for a basic model. That is an extra $8 to $16 per year per appliance. The convenience may well be worth it, but it is worth knowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phantom power and why does it matter?

Which household appliances use the most phantom power?

How much does phantom power cost per year in Nova Scotia?

Does unplugging appliances when not in use actually save money?

Can phantom power damage an appliance or cause a fire?

A lot of Halifax homeowners keep a second fridge in the garage for extra drinks, frozen meats, or overflow groceries. It is convenient — but have you ever wondered what it is actually costing you on your Nova Scotia Power bill every month? The answer depends on the age and type of your fridge, and it might be more than you think.

The Short Answer

A typical garage fridge in Nova Scotia costs roughly $10 to $25 per month to run — or $120 to $300 per year. That is based on Nova Scotia Power’s current residential rate of approximately 18.2 cents per kWh (as of early 2026). The range is wide because it depends almost entirely on how old your fridge is.

Electricity Cost by Fridge Age

Mini fridges and compact models use less — typically 200 to 350 kWh per year.

Why Garage Fridges Use More Electricity

A fridge in your garage works harder than the same fridge would in your kitchen. There are a few reasons:

Temperature Extremes

Your garage is not climate-controlled. In a Halifax summer, garage temperatures can hit 30°C or higher, forcing the compressor to run almost continuously. In winter, if the garage drops below 0°C, the fridge may actually stop cooling properly because the thermostat thinks it is already cold enough — while the freezer section quietly thaws. This is a common complaint with chest freezers kept in unheated garages through a Nova Scotia winter.

Door Seal Degradation

Garage dust, humidity, and temperature swings degrade door gaskets faster than kitchen conditions. A compromised seal means warm air constantly seeping in, which means the compressor runs more often — and your hydro bill climbs.

Older, Less Efficient Models

The fridge that gets moved to the garage is usually the old one — the unit that got replaced in the kitchen and given a second life. Older compressors, worn seals, and outdated insulation all add up on your electricity bill.

How to Calculate Your Garage Fridge’s Actual Cost

If you want an estimate without buying a meter:

1. Find the wattage on the label inside the fridge or on the back (usually 115W to 200W for a full-size unit)
2. Estimate daily run time — a fridge compressor cycles on and off; assume 8 to 12 hours of actual running per day (more in summer)
3. Calculate: Watts x hours per day divided by 1,000 = daily kWh. Multiply by 365 for annual kWh. Multiply by $0.182 for your annual NS Power cost.

Example: A 150W fridge running 10 hours per day = 1.5 kWh per day = 547 kWh per year = roughly $100 per year on your NS Power bill.

Is It Worth Keeping a Garage Fridge?

• Always full and used regularly: Probably worth it. Extra cold storage has real value for families, especially around holidays and summer BBQ season.
• Mostly empty with a few drinks: You might be paying $150 or more per year to keep a case of pop cold. A cooler with ice for parties may be the smarter option.
• Pre-2005 unit: Replacing it with a used newer model could save you $100 or more per year in electricity. A $300 used fridge can pay for itself in two to three years.

Tips to Reduce Your Garage Fridge’s Electricity Cost

1. Keep it full — a full fridge retains cold better than an empty one (use water bottles to fill empty space)
2. Clean the condenser coils — dusty coils make the compressor work harder; do this once a year
3. Check the door seal — close the door on a dollar bill; if it slides out easily, the gasket needs replacing
4. Position it away from direct sunlight — put it on the shaded side of the garage if possible
5. Consider a garage-ready model — some freezers and fridges are specifically rated for unconditioned spaces and handle Nova Scotia temperature swings better

When the Fridge Is Not Worth Repairing

If your garage fridge breaks down and it is already 15 or more years old, the math usually favours buying a newer, more efficient model rather than repairing it. A new basic fridge costs $500 to $800 but could save you $100 to $150 per year in electricity — and you get the full life of the appliance ahead of you.

However, if it is a relatively modern fridge under 10 years old with a simple issue like a thermostat, fan motor, or door gasket, repair is almost always the smarter call. Most fridge repairs run $150 to $350 — far less than a replacement, and the fridge has years of service life remaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a garage fridge cost per month in Nova Scotia?

Can a garage fridge handle cold Nova Scotia winters?

Should I unplug my garage fridge in winter to save electricity?

What is the most efficient way to run a second fridge?

My garage fridge stopped cooling in summer — what happened?