In watching the history of appliances on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels, the vision pitched to America 80 years ago was a future in which there would be almost no work. Machines would take care of tasks while we devoted ourselves to leisure. Now we need our appliances just to keep up with the pace of life, and if they break down–Noooooooooooo! Appliance repair should be an honorable profession. Does it make sense in a throw away world? Should I buy new? Fix it myself? Call a repair person? How do I figure it all out?

Sometimes we have to repair something when the costs of such a repair are close to the value of the item. In a perfect world we can afford to replace an appliance when repair costs approach its value or half of it. Many times this isn’t our situation.

Some times we can fix an appliance ourselves. Sometimes a filter is clogged or needs replacing. Maybe a wheel breaks on a dishwasher rack. Perhaps a stovetop element has gone out. Once in a while it pays to unplug the appliance and do a little snooping around. Sometimes a yahoo or google search can guide us through something a little harder.

Most of the time we will need a qualified repair person. They will have a minimum, which you only get to pay if they can’t fix it and they discover that very quickly! All repairs add parts which are expensive. Usually the person doing the repairing can’t give you any price breaks.

Who should I call for repairs?

Usually you will do best with a recommended local appliance repair service that has built a good reputation.  While the “box stores” tend toward being more expensive (at least in part due to higher overhead), this is not always the case. Some have a set rate for a given repair no matter how long it takes.

How much should I expect to pay?

It can pay to ask questions as to how charges are made:

• What is the charge to diagnose my repair need and to evaluate the overall health of my machine? Sometimes it will pay to pay the service call charge and not repair the appliance.
• Are minor repairs included in the initial service charge or always extra? Some companies charge a book rate for each repair in addition to the service call. Others essentially charge by the hour with the initial 1/2 hour at a higher rate. Any repair performed within a time block is covered. Extra time may be charged in 15 minute increments.
• Have estimates in writing to assure mutual understanding.
• While being friendly in always nice, distracting the repair person with conversation can cost you.
• When it isn’t feasible to repair, your repair person may have access to refurbished appliances.

What do I do with my old appliance?

Twenty one states ban major appliances in landfills–it isn’t a good option anyhow. Most recycling centers will take them as junk metal and some areas have appliance recycling businesses that will pick them up for free. We may not live like the Jetsons, but I bet we have as many appliances. They are a permenant part of the landscape.

Tags: appliance disposal, appliance repair, appliance repair advice, appliance repair fees, appliance repair questions, dishwasher repair, dryer repair, range repair, refrigerator repair, stove repair, washer repair