Summer is a time of long days, high temperatures, and heavy use of just about everything in your home. Air conditioners run around the clock. Appliances get used more often. Plumbing and electrical systems work overtime.

And when these systems are pushed to their limit, they can break down. Fast.

Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, it’s worth knowing which breakdowns are most likely to occur during the summer, and how to spot the warning signs before you're left in a bind.

Here are the 7 most common summer breakdowns—and why they happen.

1. Air Conditioner Failures

This is the most common summer issue. And for good reason. Your air conditioner often works nonstop during the hot months.

The hotter it gets outside, the more your A/C must fight to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. Over time, that kind of strain can lead to frozen coils, clogged filters, coolant leaks, or overworked compressors.

Sometimes the unit shuts down entirely. Other times, it runs inefficiently, cooling unevenly or racking up huge energy bills. If you hear strange noises, notice weak airflow, or see ice forming on the unit, those could be signs of an impending breakdown.

2. Refrigerator Breakdowns

In summer, fridges do double duty. You're probably cooking at home more often. The fridge is packed with drinks, snacks, and leftovers. The door gets opened constantly—especially now that kids are home during the day.

All that activity makes your fridge work harder to keep things cool, especially if it’s an older model or located near a warm spot such as the stove or a sunlit wall.

Motors can burn out. Seals can loosen. The thermostat can misfire. And when the fridge goes, you have only hours to save your groceries.

3. Washer and Dryer Overuse

Beach towels. Camp clothes. Gym outfits. Summer is messy. And with kids home from school or more time spent outdoors, laundry piles up faster than usual.

Your washer and dryer might run several times a day during peak summer weeks. That kind of consistent use can cause issues such as worn-out belts, burned-out motors, or drainage problems.

 

Woman sitting in front of her washer, with a pile of clothes, frustrated.

 

You might hear loud banging or notice that clothes aren’t drying as quickly. Both of these are signs that your machines may be under strain. If left unchecked, they can break down entirely, leaving you stuck with a mountain of dirty clothes.

4. Electrical System Overload

Air conditioners, ceiling fans, outdoor lighting, pool pumps, extra devices—they all draw power. And in the summer, they often run all at once.

That added demand puts stress on your electrical panel, breakers, and wiring. If your system is older or wasn’t built to handle the load, you may experience flickering lights, tripped breakers, or power surges.

In some cases, the stress can even cause components to overheat or fail entirely. This can be both frustrating and dangerous. Summer is a time to be mindful of what’s plugged in and how your home is wired.

5. Plumbing Problems

With more showers, more dishwashing, and maybe even the sprinkler system running, your pipes get a workout in the summer. That extra use makes problems such as clogs, slow drains, and even leaks more likely.

Water heaters also take a hit, especially in larger households. If your unit is aging or already struggling to keep up, the added demand can cause it to break down.

And in some areas, shifting during dry months can affect underground pipes, leading to cracks or disconnections. Watch for water pressure drops or unexplained moisture near fixtures—both of which are early signs something may be wrong.

6. Garage Door Opener Wear and Tear

Summertime means bikes, tools, coolers, and lawn equipment going in and out of the garage several times a day. That constant motion can wear down your garage door opener.

Motors overheat. Sensors get misaligned. Tracks warp.

 

Man standing under the motor of his garage door, trying to repair it.

 

What seems like a small issue can suddenly trap your car inside or leave the garage open to the heat. Or worse, to intruders. If the door starts moving more slowly, makes grinding sounds, or won’t close properly, it can be a sign to get it checked out.

7. Exhaust and Ceiling Fan Burnout

Ceiling fans help circulate air and reduce your cooling bills. Exhaust fans clear heat and moisture from kitchens and bathrooms. But when used nonstop, they can wear out just like any other appliance.

Motors may slow or fail. Blades can wobble. Switches or wiring can short out. And once they stop working, your home can become much less comfortable.

If you hear rattling, buzzing, or feel reduced airflow, it may be time to have it checked by a professional.

Why These Breakdowns Matter

Most summer breakdowns don’t come with much warning, and they rarely happen at a convenient time. An air conditioner that fails during a heatwave, or a fridge that dies before a weekend cookout, can turn a good day into a stressful one fast.

The best thing you can do? Pay attention to the signs. Listen for strange noises. Watch for sudden changes in performance. And consider getting an APHW home warranty, which can give you peace of mind during the warmest months of the year.

Summer may bring sunshine, but it also brings wear and tear. Knowing what to look out for helps you stay ahead of the heat, and in control of your home.

Click here to see how APHW can help you today!