What are some tips to holiday hosting without appliance overload?

Simple tips to keep your home running smoothly this season

The holidays put more stress on your home than almost any other time of year. Extra guests, big meals, more laundry, and nonstop dishwashing can push appliances well beyond their normal workload. The good news? A little planning goes a long way in preventing breakdowns, blown circuits, and costly service calls.

Here are practical tips to help you avoid overloading your appliances during the holidays.

1. Stagger Appliance Use

Running multiple high-demand appliances at the same time is one of the most common causes of electrical overloads and tripped breakers. Try to:

• Avoid running the dishwasher, oven, dryer, and microwave simultaneously
• Schedule laundry and dishwashing for off-peak times (early morning or late evening)
• Let one major appliance finish before starting another

This is especially important in older homes with limited electrical capacity.

2. Don’t Overstuff Ovens, Fridges, or Dishwashers

More is not better when it comes to appliance loading.

• Overcrowded ovens cook unevenly and strain heating elements
• Packed refrigerators restrict airflow, forcing compressors to work harder
• Overloaded dishwashers and washing machines increase wear on motors and pumps

Leave space for air circulation and run an extra cycle if needed it’s cheaper than a repair.

3. Give Your Refrigerator Some Breathing Room

Your fridge works overtime during the holidays.

• Set the temperature to 37–40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer
• Avoid leaving doors open while deciding what to grab
• Let hot food cool before storing it
• Make sure vents inside aren’t blocked by oversized trays

A struggling refrigerator is one of the most common holiday failures.

4. Use Power Strips and Outlets Safely

Countertop appliances multiply fast during the holidays, slow cookers, warming trays, mixers, coffee makers.

• Plug high-draw appliances directly into wall outlets
• Avoid daisy-chaining power strips or extension cords
• Spread appliances across different outlets when possible

If breakers trip repeatedly, that’s a warning sign not something to ignore.

5. Be Gentle with Garbage Disposals

Holiday cooking means more food waste, and disposals take the hit.

• Scrape plates into the trash instead of dumping everything down the sink
• Avoid fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and turkey bones
• Run cold water before, during, and after use

Disposal clogs and motor failures spike during the holidays.

6. Know When to Give Appliances a Break

Appliances aren’t designed to run nonstop.

• Give ovens time to cool between long cooking sessions
• Don’t run back-to-back dryer loads all day
• Allow dishwashers to complete drying cycles fully

Short breaks can extend the life of motors, heating elements, and control boards.

7. Pay Attention to Warning Signs

If you notice:

• Burning smells
• Flickering lights
• Unusual noises
• Repeated breaker trips

Stop using the appliance and have it checked. Small issues can turn into major failures quickly under holiday stress.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

The holidays should be about enjoying time with family, not dealing with emergency repairs. By spreading out appliance use, loading them properly, and paying attention to warning signs, you can reduce strain on your home and avoid surprise breakdowns.

A little planning today can save a lot of hassle tomorrow and keep your holidays running smoothly.