Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Spokane, WA

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Spokane

While you may require moderate use of your home appliances during Spokane's warm summers, you depend more on appliances like boilers, heaters, coffee makers, and stoves during the city's cold winters. Occasionally, appliances will break down because of usage or poor maintenance. Attempting a DIY repair may worsen the problem, void your warranty, or cause an electrical accident. Luckily, you will find dozens of home appliance repairers in Spokane ready to help.

However, before choosing technicians in the city, it is essential to ask the following questions as part of your background check:

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

In Spokane, many skilled appliance repair professionals restore broken household appliances. These experts can handle different appliances, including refrigerators and dishwashers. However, technicians excel in certain areas of appliance maintenance. For those who repair appliances, the following areas of competence are important:

  • Specific Brands: Repair experts are knowledgeable and skilled in fixing appliances from specific brands like LG, Binatone, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and others. In addition, repair experts can perform efficient repairs and maintenance.
  • Appliance Category: While some technicians are well-versed in different appliances, others focus on specific subcategories. For instance, they might focus on refrigeration appliances.
  • Energy-Specific: Repair technicians are experts in fixing gadgets that use particular energy sources. They have the knowledge and expertise to identify and resolve problems with appliances powered by gas, electricity, or even solar energy. Some technicians have additional expertise with dual-fuel or hybrid appliances.
  • Commercial Appliances: Certain experts are exceptional at fixing appliances made for commercial use. Additionally, repair experts are skilled in operating sizable equipment in eateries, commercial kitchens, and other commercial environments.

Here is a list of the typical lifespans (in years) of popular home appliances:

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

It is crucial to note different elements, including the brand, model, maintenance, and usage patterns, affect the lifespan and functionality of your device. Regardless of your appliance's age, it is advised you contact a skilled appliance expert in Spokane if you have any of the following problems:

  • Your energy bills increase noticeably and mysteriously.
  • Your appliance malfunctions frequently or has issues
  • The odor of burning material or the presence of smoke
  • Excessive moisture within the appliance or outdoors
  • You hear loud or odd noises from your appliance when in use.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Spokane?

While a license is not required to work as an appliance repair technician in Spokane, ‌ it is highly recommended to consider those who do. The Environmental Protection Agency's Section 608 qualification, a legal requirement for technicians working with refrigerators and freezers containing refrigerants that may be leaked into the atmosphere, is a major qualification appliance repair technicians should have. Before doing any work, service, or maintenance on such items, professionals must have this qualification from an EPA-approved institution.

It is advised to confirm that the selected Spokane appliance technician is in possession of a current National Appliance Service Technician Certification. NASTeC offers an extra layer of confidence regarding the skill and proficiency of the technician, even though it is a voluntary certification available to appliance repair professionals across the United States. You can increase your trust in the knowledge and skills of the chosen appliance repair technician by verifying their certificates.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Spokane?

Budget between $75 to $290 to fix a broken or malfunctioning appliance in Spokane. Remember, most appliance repair professionals charge between $94 and $188 per hour for work.

  • Level of repair urgency
  • Type of error
  • Application type
  • The cost of the necessary replacement components
  • The appliance's source of electricity
  • Availability of the appliance

The following are the expenses in Spokane for fixing some common home appliances:

Refrigerators:
$45 - $410
Freezers:
$100 - $500
Washers:
$50 - $410
Dryers:
$57 - $400
Room AC Units:
$80 - $95
Stoves/Ovens:
$75 - $412
Cooktops:
$80 - $380
Microwaves:
$148 - $165
Dishwashers:
$152 - $175
Garbage Disposals:
$408 - $516
Trash Compactors:
$45 - $210
Water Dispensers:
$45 - $325
Ice Makers:
$105 - $240

Before making a final decision on an appliance repair service, it is recommended to get and compare quotes from at least three professionals. This can protect you from opportunistic people who could try to take advantage of your situation and help you understand the local pricing trends in your area.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Before getting authorization from appliance manufacturers, repair specialists must complete a demanding approval and certification process. The successful completion of this assessment is evidence that these technicians have the education and experience required to handle complex and demanding repairs. Despite the possibility of higher costs associated with engaging highly skilled repair personnel, there are many advantages to making this investment, including the following:

  • Complete confidence that a highly qualified expert will handle your appliance repairs.
  • Your appliance will be fixed with premium parts thanks to ‌warranty coverage.
  • You have direct contact with the manufacturer's technical support team, which provides quick assistance and specialized solutions.

Appliance repair specialists may get training and certification from prestigious local trade schools and internationally recognized organizations, as well as factory certification from well-known manufacturers.

It is essential to check a repair specialist's credentials before contemplating their services. Doing thorough research ensures the service provided by your chosen specialist will produce favorable outcomes.

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

Prioritize experts who use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to repair your broken household appliances when selecting professionals in Spokane. OEM components, compared to generic parts made by unaffiliated businesses, are made by the manufacturer of the device. Even though they may be more expensive, choosing OEM components offers enhanced durability, superior quality, and better compatibility with your appliance. Using OEM components also helps maintain any active appliance warranties.

While using OEM parts is advisable, there are a few instances where generic replacements can prove to be just as effective, especially for older appliances. It's crucial to ensure that any generic components you use are of the highest caliber and suitable. Find out about the warranty offered by the appliance specialist to ensure the dependability of the repairs and parts used. Whether OEM or generic parts are used, a trustworthy specialist will provide a thorough warranty.

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

A home warranty is a legally binding service agreement that protects against the wear and tear household appliances experience. These warranties are sometimes provided with the option of annual renewal for a defined time frame, usually one year. House warranty shouldn't be confused with home insurance, which is made to protect your home against unanticipated occurrences. A house warranty protects particular appliances and takes care of maintenance needs caused by continuous use or deterioration over time.

To make a wise decision, you must understand the coverage provided by a home warranty. While some warranties might cover losses caused by careless upkeep or repairs, most deal with appliance problems caused by regular wear and tear. It's crucial to remember that some damages aren't covered by insurance frequently. These may consist of:

  • Current issues
  • Damage caused by faulty or incorrect installation
  • Damages caused by improper use, careless handling, or usage of appliances in violation of the manufacturer's instructions.

Before buying a home warranty, review the terms and conditions. This will give you a complete understanding of what is covered and any potential limitations or exclusions. By studying the policy details, you can select a home warranty that best suits your needs and provides the desired level of protection.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Spokane Appliance Technician?

It is advisable to choose a Spokane appliance technician with professional or general liability coverage even though insurance is not legally required. In the event that your appliance is accidentally damaged, this insurance offers crucial protection. Also, if your repair technician has more than one employee, ensure they carry workers' compensation insurance.

Ask for and verify copies of the insurance certificates from any possible appliance repair professional in order to protect your interests. You may reduce potential risks by making sure your specialist is covered by insurance.

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

Contact the Consumer Protection Unit of the Washington Attorney General's Office by phone at (800) 551-4636 (Washington Only) or (206) 464-6684 if you are unhappy with the appliance repair services you received in Spokane. You may submit an online complaint or mail a completed complaint form to the following address:

Attorney General's Office
Consumer Resource Center
800 Fifth Avenue,
Suite 2000,
Seattle, WA 98104