When Home Appliances Malfunction: An Overview of Professional Appliance Repair Services

Today, we rely on a complicated system of appliances in our homes to help us go about our day with ease. With everything from refrigeration that preserves our food to washing machines that take care of our garments, these appliances serve specific purposes and ultimately become part of our day-to-day lives. Yet, when they do not function, our entire household can come to a standstill and produce a significant amount of anxiety.

Understanding the Importance of Timely Repairs

Many homeowners confront a tough decision when a major appliance fails: jury-rigging it for a DIY repair, replacing the appliance entirely, or calling an appliance repair service. While simply replacing it piratically solves the problem, it’s usually the most expensive and unnecessary choice. In fact, most appliance repair issues can be taken care of through appliance repair services at a significant cost savings, with less trouble than shopping for and installing a new appliance.

Common Appliance Problems Homeowners Face

Refrigerator Issues

One of the most critical appliance repair issues a household can deal with is a broken refrigerator. Signs of a refrigerator breaking down include strange noises; leaking water; fluctuating temperatures; and complete failure to refrigerate. These issues can often stem from a faulty compressor, torn door seals, or a blocked defrost drain.

Washing Machine Troubles

Washing machines experience considerable use over time. Issues such problems include not draining, unusual movement during the spin cycle, water leaks, and no-start conditions, all of which are usually the result of worn belts, clogged filters, or an electrical issue that requires troubleshooting.

Dishwasher Malfunctions

You should look for professional help when your dishwasher is not properly cleaning the dishes, has standing water at the bottom, or will not drain. Those issues can result from clogged spray arms, defective pumps, or problems with the heating element in the dishwasher.

Dryer Performance Problems

If your dryer takes too long to dry clothes, gets too hot, or makes odd sounds, there could be a problem. While an inconvenience dryer can be annoying, some dryer problems create a fire danger that requires immediate professional attention to ensure the safety of your home.

The Benefits of Professional Service

The benefits of choosing a professional appliance repair service over do-it-yourself repairs or replacing the appliance are numerous. Qualified technicians possess a wealth of experience, specialized knowledge and proper tools to assist with diagnosing the appliance issue and make the repairs quickly and efficiently. A technician can often find the underlying cause that may not be noticeable to an untrained individual, along with preventing future appliance breakdowns.

In addition, professional repairs generally offer service warranties so that if the same issue occurs again, you will be covered. The trained technician can also identify potential problems before they become problematic and, more importantly, they can provide preventative maintenance to extend the life of the appliance.

Cost-Effectiveness of Repairs vs. Replacement

It is important to think about the cost of repairing an appliance. New refrigerators can cost anywhere from $800 to over $3,000, while repairs typically run from $150 to $400. Replacing a washing machine can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000, but repairs can often be much lower than that.

When considering whether to repair or replace an appliance, you should think about the age of the appliance, the cost of repair compared to the cost of replacement, and the general condition of the appliance. As a general guideline, if the repair costs are below 50% of the replacement cost, and the appliance is less than halfway to its expected lifespan, typically repairing the appliance is the best decision.

What to Look for in a Repair Service

There are several things to consider when choosing a repair service. Look for a company that has the appropriate licensing and insurance that protects both you and the technicians. Finding someone who has experience with your appliance make and model will ensure that the technician is familiar with your appliance’s specifications and features. Customer reviews can provide valuable information about the reliability and professionalism of the company, and the quality of service you can expect. Look for a transparent pricing policy so that you receive a detailed estimate before any work begins that protects you from surprise costs later. A warranty on parts and labor is also a sign of a company that is confident in the quality of their work.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Even while professional repairs will take care of the biggest issues, regular maintenance can prevent many from happening in the first place. Clean refrigerator coils every six months to help maintain efficiencies. Make certain to check washing machine hoses for wear, especially if over five years old, and replace them as necessary. Clean dryer lint filters after each use, and periodically check the vent system for blockages.

Note that dishwashers have filters which should be cleaned on a regular basis. Spray arms can be visually checked to see if they are obstructed.

All of these simple tasks can greatly improve your overall appliance life and reduce the unexpected need for repairs.

When to Call for Service

Recognizing when to ask for professional assistance will often stop minor issues from becoming major concerns. If you’re noticing odd smells, or especially smells of burning, continuous odd noises, leaks, electrical problems such as tripping breakers, or the appliance simply does not work, contact a repair service immediately.

Don’t let the issue get worse. The sooner you address the repair, the simpler and less expensive your repairs will be. You will also avoid the disruptive nature of not having an essential appliance for an extended time.

The Environmental Impact

Opting for repair instead of replacement is also good for the environment. Appliances are made of raw materials that require energy to be produced and can be harmful to the environment in landfills. By repairing your existing appliance and extending its life, you can help reduce waste and save the energy and raw materials needed to make a new appliance.

Conclusion

Appliances are a big investment and need to be cared for and handled by a professional when the need arises. Repairs can be, and often are, not only part of being a homeowner, but they can also save you money, be better for the planet, and help return function to your home quickly and reliably. If you can understand the issues that different appliances have, understand when to call someone, and find the right repair person for your needs, you can often keep your household running, and stay financially smart! Keep in mind most appliances are made for service and maintenance so they will last for many more years with some minor maintenance and repairs without the need to replace them which can be costly.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com