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Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Gilbert

Winters are mild in Gilbert, but the summers are sweltering, hot, and dry. In such extreme weather conditions, residents must resort to the comfort of appliances like AC units, refrigerators, and freezers to beat the heat. A home appliance may break down due to usage or poor maintenance. Attempting a DIY repair may worsen the problem, void your warranty, or result in an electrical accident. Thankfully, you will find more than 600 qualified appliance repairers in the Phoenix metro area skilled to fix any fault.

However, before you hire an appliance repair service in Gilbert Town, you should consider asking the following vital questions:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Appliance Technician in Gilbert?

Appliance technicians in Gilbert install, repair, alter, and maintain appliances, including, but not limited to, refrigerators, AC units, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and garbage disposers. Appliance technicians may be specialized in the repair of specific appliances. Possible areas of specialization include:

  • Appliance: Appliance technicians with this specialization focus on fixing a particular appliance, like refrigerators, washers, or AC units, regardless of the manufacturer.
  • Product: These appliance repairmen specialize in the repair and maintenance of one or more kinds of appliances made by a specific manufacturer, like LG, Bosch, Jenn-Air, Maytag, KitchenAid, or Samsung.
  • Size: Appliance technicians with this specialization repair larger-sized appliances commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, like convention centers, commercial kitchens, and restaurants.

Note that appliance technicians in Gilbert may need to obtain a state-issued contractor's license to offer repair services involving cooling and heating appliances if these services are worth $1,000 or more (cost of materials and labor inclusive).

Most household appliances like refrigerators have a life expectancy of up to 10 years. The life expectancy of common household appliances is listed below.

  • Refrigerators: 10 – 13 years
  • Freezers: 10 -15 years
  • Washing Machines: 9 - 10 years
  • Dryers: 10 – 13 years
  • Dishwashers: 8 – 10 years
  • Microwave Ovens: 8 – 10 years
  • Ranges/Oven Hoods: 10 – 16 years
  • Garbage Disposers: 10 – 12 years
  • Trash Compactors: 6 – 7 years

Proper use and maintenance are needed to ensure your appliance functions optimally and for as long as expected.

Contact an experienced appliance technician when you notice any of the following issues with your appliance:

  • You smell burning around an appliance
  • You hear abnormal noises when the appliance is turned on
  • You notice leakages from the appliance
  • A feature of the appliance is not working as it used to
  • There is a noticeable increase in your energy bills from using the appliance

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Gilbert?

Appliance repair technicians who conduct business in Gilbert must obtain a business license from the Gilbert Development Services Department before doing so. In addition to this local business license, appliance repair technicians who offer services worth $1,000 or more must obtain a state-issued contractor's license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) if these services involve the following:

  • Altering and modifying electrical wiring
  • Repairing, servicing, and maintaining heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration appliances, like freezers, refrigerators, and AC units. These technicians may also need to complete Section 608 Technician Certification with an EPA-approved organization (this is required by federal law for repairs involving refrigerant-containing appliances).
  • Installing, repairing, and maintaining propane, natural gas, or gaseous fuel-powered appliances, like stoves, ranges, and cooktops (licensing for these services is mandatory, regardless of the value of the services to be rendered).

Contact the Gilbert Development Services Department at (480) 503-6700 for more information on local licensing requirements for appliance repair technicians. Queries concerning state-issued licenses can also be directed to the ROC at (602) 542-1525 or 1-877-692-9762. You can also verify these state-issued licenses online via the ROC's contractor search tool.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Gilbert?

Appliance technicians in Gilbert typically charge between $50 to $500 to fix broken or malfunctioning appliances. However, the overall cost of fixing your appliance largely depends on factors like:

  • The type of appliance,
  • The type of damage,
  • The extent of the damage,
  • The cost and availability of replacement parts.

Estimates for repairing some household appliances in Gilbert are listed below:

Refrigerators:
$200 - $500
Dishwashers:
$100 - $300
Ovens:
$100 - $400
Cookers:
$100 - $450
Microwaves:
$50 - $400
AC units:
$100-$800
Washers:
$150 - $500
Dryers:
$100-$500
Freezers:
$150-$600
Water Dispensers:
$70-$400
Ice Makers:
$150-$300
Garbage Disposals:
$100-$300
Trash Compactors:
$100-$300

It is advisable to compare costs among two to three appliance technicians before hiring - this gives you a fair idea of actual rates for your required services, helps you shop for the best price available, and protects you from being scammed by dishonest technicians. However, you should avoid hiring appliance repair technicians who offer the lowest rates without ensuring they are experienced and properly licensed.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Some professional appliance technicians are certified by product manufacturers to install or provide repair services for the manufacturer's products. Factory-certified appliance repair technicians typically undergo training and assessments before obtaining manufacturer authorization to repair their products. Hiring a factory-certified technician may cost more; however, it provides benefits like

  • Warranty protection,
  • Access to original equipment manufacturers' parts,
  • Guarantee that an experienced professional will handle your appliance repairs.

Professional appliance technicians in Gilbert also obtain certifications from local trade schools and well-renowned institutions like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). You should always verify any credentials your prospective appliance repair technician claims to have before committing to them.

Do You Replace Parts with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts are replacement parts produced by the appliance's manufacturer, while generic parts are replacement parts made by third-party companies. Generally, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are more durable and compatible with appliances than generic parts; this makes them a preferable option for repairs. An added benefit of using OEM parts is that they help preserve existing warranties on the appliance.

If OEM parts are not readily available due to the inability to purchase them directly from the appliance manufacturer, local suppliers, or online stores, generic parts may be used. Irrespective of the kind of parts used, it is essential to ask your appliance technician for a warranty that covers the replacement parts used and the repair services.

Will My Home Warranty Cover the Cost of Repairing the Appliance?

A home warranty covers major household appliances and systems repair, maintenance, and replacement. This differs from homeowners insurance - home insurance typically covers the entire home and belongings, while home warranties only cover specified appliances and home systems.

While home warranties typically cover damages caused by wear and tear, some contracts may also cover damages that result from improper repair or maintenance. However, these warranties typically do not cover damages caused by improper installation, appliance misuse, pre-existing faults, or faults developed within the first 30 days of signing the contract.

Standard home warranties are usually valid for one year and come with an annual renewal option; nonetheless, review and understand the terms and conditions of any home warranty you wish to purchase before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Gilbert Appliance Technician?

While it is essential to ensure that your appliance technician is experienced and licensed, ensure they are fully insured and bonded. Hiring an uninsured appliance technician makes you responsible for any injury or damages during repairs or installation. As such, before hiring appliance technicians in Gilbert, always ask them to provide proof of their general liability insurance (and workers' compensation if you wish to hire a repair firm with employees).

If you are dealing with a state-licensed technician, you should ensure that they have a contractor's bond filed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) - this agency determines the specific amount required for this bond which may range from $4,250 to $100,000. Contact the ROC at (602) 542-1525 and (877) 692-9762 for more information on appliance technicians' mandatory bond requirements.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Appliance Repair Services in Gilbert?

You can report issues with appliance repair technicians in Gilbert, including subpar service delivery, scams, and other unfair and fraudulent practices, to the Arizona Attorney General's Office, either online by filling out and submitting a downloadable complaint form to

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Information and Complaints
2005 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

The downloadable complaint form can also be submitted via email or fax to (602)-542-4579 after it has been filled out.