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Appliance Repair Tips & Guides

Expert advice and troubleshooting tips from Kelly's Appliance Center professionals

Dishwasher Repair
7/18/2026

Dishwasher Not Draining? 7 Things to Check

Standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle? Here are the seven things our technicians check, in order, and which ones you can handle yourself.

6 min read
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Dishwasher Repair
7/18/2026

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell? The Usual Suspects and How to Fix Them

That smell when you open the door usually traces back to five or six places. What our technicians check, what actually clears it, and when the odor means a real repair.

5 min read
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Consumer Tips
6/15/2026

How Long Do Major Appliances Last? A Lifespan Guide by Type

How long does a refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, or oven really last? Average lifespans by appliance, what shortens them, and how to get more years out of yours.

7 min read
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Maintenance
6/15/2026

Power Outage Appliance Checklist for Sonoma County

A PSPS and power outage checklist for North Bay homeowners: what to do before, during, and after to protect your refrigerator, freezer, and electronics, plus food safety rules.

6 min read
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Consumer Tips
6/15/2026

Appliance Repair or Replace? A 2026 Sonoma County Cost Guide

Repair it or replace it? The 50% rule, real 2026 repair vs. replacement costs by appliance, and an age guide for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa homeowners.

8 min read
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Buying Guide
6/15/2026

Best Appliance Brands for Wine Country Living

Which appliance brands actually hold up to well water, power events, and a North Bay kitchen? A repair team's honest take, from premium built-ins to reliable mid-range.

7 min read
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Dishwasher Repair
6/10/2026

Getting the Most Out of Your Dishwasher: 10 Things Owners Get Wrong

Cloudy glasses, dishes that come out dirty, a dishwasher that smells. Most of it traces back to 10 simple habits, and almost all of them are free to fix. Here's what owners get wrong, from never cleaning the filter to skipping rinse aid.

10 min read
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Dryer Repair
6/9/2026

Dryer Not Heating? 7 Things to Check Before You Call a Repair Tech

Your dryer runs but the clothes come out cold and damp. Here are the 7 things to check first, which you can fix yourself, and when it's time to call a pro. Covers electric and gas, from clogged vents to thermal fuses to igniters.

10 min read
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Washer Repair
6/4/2026

Washer Error Codes Decoded: LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag & GE

Your washer is flashing an error code. Look it up here by brand. We cover the most common codes for LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, and GE, what each one actually means, and which ones you can fix yourself.

12 min read
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Seasonal Tips
6/3/2026

Sonoma County Heat Wave Survival: Why Your Fridge Works Twice as Hard in July

When inland Sonoma County hits 100°F, your fridge struggles. Here's what's normal, what's a warning sign, and how to keep your appliances alive through summer.

7 min read
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Refrigerator Repair
6/2/2026

Why Is My Refrigerator Making Loud Noises? 8 Sounds Explained

Buzzing, clicking, knocking, hissing, rattling. Your fridge makes a lot of sounds. Here's what each one means and which ones need a repair call.

9 min read
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Community
6/1/2026

50 Years of Appliance Repair in Sonoma County: What's Changed (And What Hasn't)

Five decades of repairing appliances in Sonoma County. How the work has changed, what stayed the same, and what we learned along the way.

8 min read
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Oven Repair
5/31/2026

Oven Not Heating? 6 Things to Check Before You Call a Repair Tech

Your oven won't heat up and dinner is in jeopardy. Here are the 6 things to check first, which you can fix yourself, and when it's time to call a pro. Covers electric and gas, from breakers to igniters to error codes.

9 min read
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Professional Service
4/15/2026

Right to Repair: Why Kelly's Rebuilds Control Boards Instead of Replacing Them

Most shops just swap a $400 control board. We rebuild them. Here's why right to repair matters, what California's 2024 law actually does, and how component-level repair saves your appliance and your wallet.

8 min read
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Refrigerator Repair
4/11/2026

Fridge Water Tastes Bad? Ice Maker Not Working? What to Check First

Your refrigerator water tastes funny, ice production is low, or the dispenser is painfully slow. Here are the most common causes and when it's time to call a repair pro.

7 min read
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Refrigerator Repair
4/1/2026

Why Is There Frost or Moisture in My Refrigerator? Causes and Fixes

Frost buildup, condensation, or water inside your fridge is not normal. Learn the most common causes, from worn door gaskets to a failed defrost system, and what you can do about each one.

6 min read
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Community
3/11/2026

APE Appliance Parts Is Closing. Kelly's Expands Parts Department

After 50 years, APE on Petaluma Hill Road is closing. Kelly's is growing our parts department to help fill the gap for Sonoma County homeowners and DIYers.

4 min read
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Refrigerator Repair
2/19/2026

How to Tell If Your Refrigerator Needs Professional Repair

Learn the warning signs that your refrigerator needs professional attention, from unusual noises to temperature fluctuations and excessive frost buildup.

5 min read
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Oven Repair
2/17/2026

Is Your Oven Not Heating Properly? Common Causes and Fixes

Discover why your oven might not be heating correctly and when you need a professional repair. Covers electric and gas oven troubleshooting.

5 min read
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Maintenance
2/14/2026

How Often Should You Service Your Home Appliances?

A complete maintenance schedule for refrigerators, ovens, washers, dryers, and dishwashers to extend their lifespan and avoid costly breakdowns.

6 min read
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Washer Repair
2/11/2026

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Repair Before It Breaks Down

Catch washing machine problems early. Learn the top warning signs that your washer needs professional repair before a small issue becomes a major breakdown.

5 min read
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Dryer Repair
6/25/2025

Why Is My Dryer Taking So Long to Dry Clothes?

Learn the top causes and solutions for slow-drying dryers from our expert technicians. Common issues include clogged lint traps, blocked vents, and faulty heating elements.

5 min read
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Dishwasher Repair
5/22/2025

Common Dishwasher Problems and How to Prevent Them

Discover the most common dishwasher issues and preventive maintenance tips to keep your dishwasher running efficiently for years to come.

4 min read
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Maintenance
1/4/2025

What Is the Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?

Professional tips for keeping your stainless steel appliances spotless and maintaining their appearance with the right cleaning products and techniques.

3 min read
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Consumer Tips
12/8/2024

What is the Best Way to Avoid Appliance Repair Scams?

Protect yourself from appliance repair scams with these expert tips. Learn the warning signs and how to choose a reputable repair service.

6 min read
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Professional Service
11/19/2024

Why You Should Call a Professional to Repair Your Appliances

Understanding when DIY isn't enough and professional help is needed. Learn about the risks of DIY repairs and benefits of professional service.

4 min read
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Buying Guide
10/22/2019

Top 5 Tips for Buying a Home Appliance

Essential advice for making smart appliance purchase decisions. Consider energy efficiency, size, features, and long-term maintenance costs.

5 min read
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