If your home appliances need repair, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about finding a reliable repair technician. After all, not all appliance repair companies are equal. While some have excellent customer service and provide quality work, others can be unreliable and cause more damage than good.
How do you know which company to trust? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure the appliance repair service you select is reputable so that you get high-quality repairs at fair prices. Read on for tips on how to find a reputable appliance repair company and how to avoid dishonest ones.
Research the Company Online
The first step is to research the appliance repair companies in your area. Check their websites to see how long they’ve been in business, read reviews from their past customers, and verify that they’re licensed and insured. Also, look for companies that specialize in the specific types of appliances you need repairing. You may also want to check sites like the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the company and whether the company resolved the complaints.
Ask Friends and Family Who They Recommend
Word-of-mouth recommendations from family and friends are often among the best ways to find trustworthy local businesses. Ask those in your network if they’ve recently used an appliance repair service and if they were happy with the work. If they had a good experience, get the name and contact information of the company they used. However, remember that what worked for someone else may not be the best choice for your situation.
Check for Certifications, Insurance, & Licensing
When you contact appliance repair companies, ask them about their qualifications and certifications. Reputable companies will employ manufacturer-certified technicians to work on specific brands of appliances. The company should also carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance in case of any issues. And in most areas, appliance repair companies must be licensed, so check that they have a current license and that there are no complaints against their license.
Ask Questions Before Hiring Them
Once you narrow down your list to a few good candidates, ask them any questions you have about their experience, approach, or pricing. Things you may want to ask to include the following:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are your technicians certified to work on my specific appliances?
- Do you offer warranties on parts and labor?
- How do you charge for your services—flat rate or hourly?
- Can you provide references from other customers?
Getting answers to these types of questions will help you determine which company is the best fit for your needs and budget.
Get a Detailed Quote in Writing
After discussing your appliance issues, ask the companies you’re considering to provide a detailed written quote for the necessary repairs. The quote should specify the work you need and the total cost for parts and labor. Comparing quotes from multiple companies will help you find competitive and fair pricing. However, be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true, as this could indicate the use of inferior parts or inexperienced technicians.
Check Warranties and Guarantees
Once you select an appliance repair company, check that all work is in writing. Reputable companies typically guarantee their parts and labor for 30 to 90 days. If there are any issues with the repair or parts within that time, they will return to fix the problem for free. This guarantee gives you peace of mind that the job will be right the first time.
Things To Avoid
Now that you’ve learned how to find a reputable appliance repair company, here are some things to avoid:
- Companies that require full payment upfront before any work
- Companies that only accept cash or insist on a large deposit
- Technicians who are unable to properly diagnose the problem with your appliance
- Companies that don’t have a local address and only communicate via email
- Offers with offers that seem too good to be true, such as unbelievably low prices
- High-pressure sales tactics to get you to immediately commit to a service call or repairs
Reasons To Call a Professional Repair Company Over DIYing
It’s important to call a professional appliance repair company instead of attempting to fix an appliance yourself. While you can address some minor repairs with the help of online videos, trying to repair major appliances yourself can be risky.
Professional appliance repair companies have the experience, knowledge, tools, materials, and safety equipment to properly and safely repair all types of appliances. Furthermore, they offer warranties on their work so that you can be confident in the quality of their repair.
Additionally, professional appliance repair companies are fully insured and have the experience to handle legal liability. They can also diagnose problems quickly, so you don’t have to spend time figuring out what’s wrong. They can also provide tips on how to avoid future repair costs and keep your appliances running longer. Finally, professional repair companies use quality parts and guarantee their work. You can rest assured knowing the job will be right the first time.
When looking for a reliable appliance repair company, pay attention to reviews, ask questions, inquire about maintenance and repair history, understand warranty policies, and compare prices. Do your research and take the time to talk with different experts. Being informed can save you money in the long run and help you hire the right person for the job.
You may find that hiring someone specializing in a certain brand or appliance can be beneficial when seeking repairs, as they may have a deeper knowledge of the product. Make sure to consider all these factors before making your decision so you get good-quality services. With some due diligence and proper research, you should have no trouble finding the best appliance repair service.
Capitan Appliance offers appliance repair in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Our technicians are highly trained, licensed, and insured to handle all major appliance brands and models. Whether your refrigerator is not cooling properly or your washer leaks, we can diagnose the problem and perform quality repairs to get your appliances back in working order. For more information or to schedule service, contact us today!
