The rainy season in Taiwan is the "annual test" for many home appliances. Humid air, days of rain, sweat on the walls, and clothes that won’t dry properly—these scenarios not only make people feel depressed, but they are also the number one killer of home appliances. And climate change is making the problem even more difficult.
In the spring of 2026, many places in southern China will usher in the severe rainy season. Social media is full of complaints about "the air conditioner blows out a musty smell", "the rubber ring of the washing machine turns black", and "the TV boot screen flickers". According to statistics from a maintenance platform, during humid weather, the number of repair reports for home appliances will increase significantly. Among them, air conditioners not cooling, washing machines leaking, and refrigerator door seals are moldy are the three most common faults.
These failures are not accidental. Moist air will penetrate into the interior of the appliance, causing the circuit board to oxidize and short-circuit. Condensation may flow into the fuselage along the wires and corrode the metal contacts. Mold on the door seal not only affects hygiene, but also damages the seal, causing the refrigerator compressor to run more frequently.
Extreme climate is changing the appearance of "humidity"
The traditional rainy season may still follow the rules, but climate change has made the weather more unpredictable. In 2026, NOAA predicts a 62% chance of El Niño returning in June. El Niño typically brings more extreme weather—for Taiwan, that means more intense rainfall, longer wet spells, and more frequent stalling fronts.
Guidelines from the Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Services Department point out that controlling the relative humidity of the environment at 50% to 60% can effectively inhibit the growth of mold and slow down the oxidation rate of metals. But in extreme climates, maintaining this humidity range becomes increasingly difficult. The market demand for dehumidifiers has grown significantly as a result, but what many people don’t know is that the dehumidifier itself also needs proper maintenance—the water tank needs to be cleaned regularly, the filter needs to be cleaned, and the location needs to be ventilated.
Common "humidity faults" and simple troubleshooting
If you find that your home appliances are abnormal in humid weather, don't rush to call for repair. You can check some problems yourself first:
- The air conditioner blows out a musty smell: Usually the filter has not been washed for too long, or mold has grown inside the evaporator. You can clean the filter first and turn the air conditioner on to the air supply mode for 10 to 20 minutes to allow the internal moisture to drain out.
- The washing machine has a peculiar smell and the rubber ring is black: Remember to dry the rubber ring after use and open the door for ventilation. Wash the laundry tank with a special detergent once a month. During humid seasons, you can idle the dehydration mode once a week to drive away moisture.
- The TV or computer turns on abnormally: If the TV has not been used for a long time, the inside may have become damp. It can be turned on and run for one hour every day, using the machine's own heat to dissipate moisture. When you go out for a long time, you can cover the fuselage with a moisture-proof cover.
- The refrigerator door seal is moldy: Wipe the door seal with dilute bleach or special detergent, and check whether the rubber is aged and deformed. If the seal is not tight, leakage of cold air will increase the burden on the compressor.
If you have tried the above steps and still cannot solve the problem, please ask a professional to check. But remember: when an abnormality is discovered, the power should be cut off immediately, and do not forcefully turn it on, otherwise the damp parts may further oxidize, significantly increasing maintenance costs.
