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Appliance Repair Tips & Guides

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

Dryer Repair

Dryer Vent Cleaning: The Fire-Safety Job Most People Skip

One in four dryer calls we ran this year was a dryer that runs but will not dry. How a clogged vent causes it, the signs to look for, a ten minute check you can do yourself, and who to call for the dryer versus the duct.

8 min read
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Appliance Parts

Aftermarket Appliance Parts: When They Work and When They Cost You

A customer bought a $30 washer door seal online with the correct part number printed on the bag. It was never going to fit his tub. Here is what actually goes wrong with cheap parts, and the cases where we reach for aftermarket ourselves.

7 min read
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Community

Why a 50 Year Old Repair Shop Still Shows Up to Chamber Mixers

We have been members of the Rohnert Park, Windsor, and Novato chambers for years. Here is what a local business network actually does for a family repair shop, and why we are hosting a mixer at the Cotati shop on August 12.

5 min read
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Company History

The Fifty Dollar Prop: Our Old Fridge Was in the First Marvel Movie

In 1985 a couple of guys from Industrial Light & Magic walked into our San Rafael shop looking for the worst appliances we had. They rented a stove and a refrigerator for fifty dollars. The film was Howard the Duck, the first Marvel feature ever made for theaters.

6 min read
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Dishwasher Repair

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

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

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

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

Appliance Repair or Replace? A 2026 Sonoma County Cost Guide

Compare a repair estimate with the full cost of replacement, including installation, condition, parts availability and built-in fit.

Updated

8 min read
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Buying Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Is My Dryer Taking So Long to Dry Clothes?

Dryer needs a second cycle? Start with airflow, load size, washer spin and settings. See real lint buildup and learn when to call for dryer repair or vent cleaning.

Updated

7 min read
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Dishwasher Repair

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

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

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

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

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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Kelly's Appliance Center has been serving the Bay Area since 1975