Summary
Heading to the lake for the weekend—or maybe the entire summer? Before you grab the sunscreen and hit Highway 7, make sure your appliances are ready for your absence. A little maintenance now can prevent major breakdowns while you’re away. Honest Guys Appliance Repair is here to help Ottawa homeowners protect their appliances while they relax at the cottage.
Start with the FAQs: Because No One Likes Surprises at the Dock
Why should I worry about appliances while I’m away?
Unattended appliances can leak, short out during storms, or develop mold if they sit idle too long.
Do I need to shut everything off?
Not necessarily. Some appliances are best left running (like fridges), while others (like dryers and dishwashers) should be powered down properly.
What if I return to a leak or appliance failure?
We offer emergency appliance repair services across Ottawa. Call us at (613) 691-9344 or email info@honestguysappliancerepair.ca for immediate support.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“We left for the cottage and came home to a burnt-out fridge. Honest Guys got it up and running the same day.” — Lauren, Kanata
“They checked our washer and dryer before we left for the summer. Everything worked perfectly when we got back.” — Greg, Orleans
“Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. They even gave us a checklist before we left town.” — Tina, Barrhaven
Your Summer Absence Could Cost You—If You’re Not Careful
It’s easy to forget about your home appliances when you’re packing for the lake. But neglecting your washer, dryer, or fridge for a few weeks—or months—can lead to costly repairs. Ottawa’s summer storms can knock out power. High humidity can lead to mold growth inside appliances. And stagnant water sitting in hoses or filters can create leaks, clogs, or bad smells.
Before heading out of town, a few simple checks can save you stress, money, and a frantic call to your appliance guy when you get back.
What to Do Before You Leave Ottawa
Here’s a breakdown of what each major appliance needs before a longer absence:
Fridge & Freezer
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Don’t unplug it—but clean it out. Get rid of perishables and wipe down all surfaces.
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Raise the temperature slightly (around 4°C for the fridge, -15°C for the freezer) to reduce energy use.
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Place a box of baking soda inside to prevent odors.
Washer & Dryer
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Leave the washer door open to avoid musty smells and mold buildup.
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Run a clean cycle with vinegar or a washer cleaning tablet.
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Unplug the dryer, clean out the lint trap and vent to avoid potential fire hazards.
Dishwasher
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Run an empty cycle with vinegar to clean the interior.
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Leave the door cracked open to prevent humidity and mold.
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Shut off the water supply if you’ll be away more than a week.
Stove & Oven
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Turn off or unplug if possible.
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Make sure burners are off and clean of grease.
Other Appliances (Microwaves, Small Appliances)
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Unplug to avoid surge damage or phantom energy draw.
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Store in dry areas, away from windows or heat.
Why Choose Honest Guys Appliance Repair Before You Travel
We’re not just your emergency fixers—we’re your peace-of-mind partners. Honest Guys Appliance Repair provides:
✅ Pre-travel appliance inspections
✅ Quick turnarounds for any issues we find
✅ Advice on best shut-down procedures
✅ Emergency repair services while you’re away
If you’re in Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orleans, we’ve got you covered before and after cottage season.
Let Summer Be Worry-Free—We’ll Handle the Rest
While you’re enjoying sunsets at the cottage, let us ensure everything runs smoothly back home. A quick appliance check now can prevent major costs later.
Reach out to Honest Guys Appliance Repair for a free quote or same-day service before you head out of town.
📞 Call us at (613) 691-9344
📧 Or email us at info@honestguysappliancerepair.ca
Enjoy the summer. We’ll take care of the appliances.