Appliances have a typical lifespan and if one is getting close to its end, it may be wiser to replace it than pay for costly repairs.
Customers should ask how a company calculates its appliance repair costs. It’s important for the professional to provide a comprehensive breakdown that includes labor, parts, and service fees.
Safety Tips
Appliances and consumer electronics are often powered by electricity, so they can be dangerous to work on. If not properly turned off, they can hold a charge that poses a fire hazard or cause electrocution. It’s important to follow the safety warnings and instruction manuals for your appliances and devices.
Before hiring an appliance repair service, evaluate the company’s experience and expertise. Look for online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from past customers. Choose a repair service that has a solid track record and an excellent reputation.
Also, consider whether the company offers a warranty on their services. This is an important factor to consider, as it can provide you with peace of mind in case something goes wrong during the repair process. Additionally, make sure that the service has access to authentic parts and tools from the manufacturer and is qualified to work on your specific appliance type. This will ensure that the appliance is repaired correctly and safely.
Disassembly
The first step in disassembly is to open the appliance. For safety, this must be done with the appliance unplugged; you don’t want to expose yourself to live wires and components that could electrocute you! You may also need to shut off the house circuit breaker for larger appliances, especially those with pilot lights that use dangerous gases like mercury.
Begin by loosening all the screws. Have students write down or sketch the steps they take as they disassemble the appliance and record their observations on how the piece works, including any components that need to be replaced or repaired.
Make sure that no one is trying to force parts apart or overtighten fasteners. You may need to warm up a stubborn or force-fitted part with a heating pad before trying to remove it. Also, don’t forget that some appliances have hidden fasteners such as a nameplate or company logo, a scarcely visible plastic plug or a tab holding the housing panel.
Parts
Depending on the size and complexity of your appliance, you may need to buy replacement parts. For example, smaller appliances like a dishwasher or dryer typically have simple components such as a heating element or fan with a drive motor attached. Large appliances, on the other hand, can have many moving parts. When an appliance breaks down, it is often due to a malfunction in either the control devices or mechanical/power systems.
When buying replacement parts, you should make sure that they are compatible with your appliance. You can find this information by searching the manufacturer’s website or looking up the serial number on the appliance. You can also purchase replacement parts from brick-and-mortar stores such as home improvement centers or appliance stores.
These stores usually have a limited selection, but they can offer you helpful advice and help you find the right part for your specific appliance. They also offer installation services if you’d rather let someone else handle it.
Repairing Your Appliance
Appliances are built to perform and work hard, year after year. But they can break down. And when they do, it can be expensive to repair them.
It’s important to shop around for appliance repair professionals, and to compare quotes from different professionals. If a quote seems too low, it could be a sign that the pro is cutting corners or using substandard parts.
Many appliances come with a manufacturer warranty that can cover repairs and replacements. Check the appliance’s paperwork and owner’s manual to see if it has a warranty.
Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties on their products. You can learn more about warranties by visiting a home warranty website. In addition to reducing repair costs, a home warranty can help save time and reduce stress when you need to call for professional help with your appliance. You can even get a free quote for a home warranty online.
