A homeowner should hire a residential appliance repair technician when their attempts at fixing the appliance fail, if the appliance is still under warranty, if it’s a one-of-a-kind, high-end model, or it is simply too dangerous or complex to attempt to repair.
If the Appliance is Under Warranty
A warranty is an agreement between the manufacturer and the homeowner to either repair or replace a broken appliance either for free or for a very reduced rate for a certain period of time. This can range from a few months to a few years. Some manufacturers offer their customers extended warranties and some appliance repair contractors offer service contracts for appliance repair in Plano, TX. These agreements also allow the appliance to be repaired at a much-reduced rate and many have the technician come to the home on a schedule and perform preventive maintenance to make sure the appliance is running the way it should. Some companies give customers who sign service contracts priority in cases of emergencies and give them tips on which brands and models of appliances to purchase when the old appliance wears out.
Calling in a professional when the appliance is under warranty make sense because contemporary appliances can be very expensive. Many of them are now computerized and even replacing a part can cost hundreds of dollars. The bells and whistles they come with make them more energy efficient, but seem to make them more prone to breakdown.
Hiring a Repairman
Even if the appliance is still under warranty, a homeowner should choose the best repairman they can afford for appliance repair in Plano, TX. They should consider spending at least $100 simply to have the technician show up. Because of this, an appliance repairman should be given the same scrutiny as any other home contractor. Here are some tips:
Research
Some research is necessary unless the repairman has worked with the homeowner before and the homeowner knows they do good work. Though appliance repair in Plano TX sounds like a small job, the job for a major appliance should still go out for bid. The homeowner should check at least three contractors through word-of-mouth, their town’s Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau’s website. The company should not have any unresolved complaints against it. Once the prospective contractors are chosen, the job should be put out for bid. Though some say the homeowner should discard the highest and lowest bid and pick the middle, this is not an iron clad rule.
The Work Should Be Under Warranty
Even if the appliance is no longer under warranty, the contractor's work should be. A usual warranty lasts between a few months and a year, and the appliance repair technician in Plano TX should repair the appliance for free if it breaks down within that time frame.
The Repairman Should Have a Certain Level of Skill
Though the requirements for an appliance repair technician in Plano TX may not be as stringent as those for a plumber or electrician, the homeowner should make sure that the technician is either certified to work on the appliance or is factory trained.
