How to Choose an Appliance Repair Service That Is Right for You

A malfunctioning appliance can impact almost every area of your life. If you have a dryer that's down and out or an oven that's over the hill, it might be time to call in the experts. But how do you know who to call?

Find out what you need to ask before you book a service appointment for your stove or dishwasher repair. If you have an ailing appliance, taking some time on the front end to find the right appliance pro for your situation will save you time and money in the long run.

One of the first things to be mindful of when you're trying to locate an appropriate appliance professional is that not everyone who fixes appliances fixes every type of appliance. You may think that all appliance experts under the sun should know how to fix a furnace or an air conditioner, but this may not be the case. Different appliance repair operations specialize in different types of appliances, so the first thing you need to do is to find out if the company you're talking to even services the appliance in question.

If the answer is yes, then you can move on to the next important query: Do they service the particular make and model of appliance that you have? In most cases the answer will be affirmative. But, it's always possible that the company you call does not have the parts or the know-how to tackle your specific brand, and so can't perform that vital washer or dryer repair that you need. If they can't help you, find out if they can recommend another appliance repairs pro in the area who can.

If you end up in the unfortunate situation of having an appliance that is un-fixable (or is so far gone that getting a new one is cheaper than fixing the one you have), then a whole new set of questions opens up. You'll need to get a new appliance, which means moving the old one out and the new one in. While you may love your appliance pro, he or she may not actually be available to perform this service, which means that you need to find someone who can. Unless you are an appliance expert yourself, there's no sense risking further dryer or furnace repair work by trying to install a new unit on your own. And when it comes to a specialized appliance such as a heat pump, going pro is really the only option for installation. If your appliance repair adventure lands you with a new appliance to install, make sure you get the right help to do that job as well.

Take the time to find out if the appliance repair pro you're looking at hiring can actually do what you need them to so that there's no delay on the repair of your heating or air conditioner unit, for example. A little work ahead of time can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run and will ensure that your appliance gets the best possible care.