Six ways summer weather drains your appliances

You know that run-down feeling that comes over you after a long day working in the summer heat? Well your appliances feel it too. The high temperatures during the summer can wreak havoc on your home's systems and appliances if you're not taking proper preventative measures. Here are six reasons that it's essential to have a TotalProtect® Home Warranty during the hottest summer days.

                                                                              Watch out for these side effects of warm weather.
 

1. Increased moisture
Chances are that you'll experience a few humid days over the course of the summer. The increased levels of moisture in the air not only make you feel hot and sticky, but they also degrade appliances faster. If the humidity creeps too high, it can also cause electrical shocks.

2. Microbe build-up
During the summer, trees and plants bloom, your kids and animals run amok and dirt gets brought into the house. Due to all this activity, dust, particles, allergens and more become lodged in your appliances' filters. These tiny microbes can lead to corrosion and eat away at your appliances if you're not diligent about changing or cleaning the filters on your air conditioner, fridge and water heater.

3. Condensation leaking
You likely get sweaty when the temperatures creep up, and so do your appliances. Condensation on hot summer days can drip off your appliances, leading to puddles on the floor. If the liquid collects around wires, you could experience electrical shortages or mold growth.

4. High surface temperatures
Have you ever touched the hood of your car on a particularly sunny day? The metal gets extremely warm. The same thing can happen to your appliances, especially if they're in direct sunlight. If the gadgets get too hot, they could become overheated and require more electricity to function.

5. Greater energy use
Some items in your home, like your air conditioner, fridge and freezer, are charged with maintaining cool temperatures. However, as the air around these appliances gets hotter, it becomes more difficult for them to stay cool. Your appliances will likely need more electricity to maintain proper temperatures, which can stress your electrical system and lead to expensive energy bills.

6. Potential power outages
When your freezer, air conditioner, dishwasher and other appliances are working overtime in the summer, there's an increased risk of short circuiting. Sometimes you may be able to get your electricity back up and running, but if you're not home when the power goes out, you may end up with rotten groceries and a hot house.

Any of these problems can pose a major setback to your summer budget, especially if you have to repair or replace an expensive appliance. If you haven't already, be sure to purchase a TotalProtect warranty to protect your home's major systems and appliance in the case of mechanical problems. This way, you can enjoy your summer without any added stress!

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.