Appliance Repair Guide
When a home appliance breaks down, knowing your options saves time and money. This guide covers every major appliance category — what typically goes wrong, how technicians diagnose faults, and when repair beats replacement. Our vetted technicians cover refrigerator repair, washer repair, oven repair, and more — from $89 with a quality guarantee. Members save $50 on every repair visit.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Refrigerators are the most essential kitchen appliance and some of the costliest to replace. Common faults include thermostat failure, compressor issues, and door seal deterioration. A good seal test: place a piece of paper in the door — it should grip firmly.
Most refrigerator repairs cost between $89 and $350, far less than a new unit starting at $600. Modern refrigerators with diagnostic codes shorten repair time considerably; share the displayed code when you book so the technician can stage the right parts.
Washing Machines and Dryers
Washers fail most often due to worn drum bearings, blocked drain pumps, and faulty door latches. Dryers commonly suffer from heating element failure, blocked venting, and broken drive belts.
Both appliances typically justify repair if they are fewer than 10 years old and the repair cost is under 50% of replacement value. Lint-blocked vents are also a fire hazard, so dryer venting cleaning is part of any responsible repair visit.
Ovens, Ranges and Cooktops
Oven faults range from failed igniters (gas) and burned heating elements (electric) to faulty thermostats and broken control boards. Cooktop issues include clogged burner ports, ignition spark module failure, and cracked glass surfaces.
Most oven repairs are completed in a single visit; igniter and element replacements are stocked in the technician's van. Self-clean lock failures often look like control faults but resolve once the lock motor is replaced.
Dishwashers and Small Kitchen Appliances
Dishwashers commonly suffer from blocked spray arms, faulty inlet valves, and worn door gaskets. Microwaves fail most often due to a blown fuse, faulty door switch, or failed magnetron.
For appliances under five years old, repair is almost always the right financial decision. Microwave magnetron failures specifically warrant replacement on units over eight years old — the part itself is cheap but the labor and other aging components rarely justify it.
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