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

Appliance technicians specialize in troubleshooting and fixing home appliances, like ovens, AC units, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. While these appliance technicians do not require locally-issued occupational licenses to provide services in Durham, technicians who want to fix AC units and commercial refrigeration appliances need a state-issued license.

Professional appliance technicians in Durham specialize in specific areas of appliance repairs and hone their skills in these niches. These areas of specialization include:

• Product-based Specialization: These technicians fix appliances made by specific manufacturers, like KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Bosch, LG, and Whirlpool.
• Appliance-based Specialization: These technicians specialize in fixing specific appliances, like AC units, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens, regardless of the product manufacturer.
• Energy-source-based Specialization: These technicians fix appliances that utilize a particular energy source, usually electric, gas, solar, or hybrid/dual-fuel.
• Size-based Specialization: These technicians fix large-sized appliances typically used for commercial and industrial purposes.

The list below provides the average life expectancies for major home appliances commonly used in Durham. Rememeber, the actual life spans for these appliances can vary depending on factors like the appliance's brand, model, and how much you use them:

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

Lastly, no matter how new (or old) your appliance is, there are certain situations where you should call in a professional appliance technician. These include, but are not limited to:

• Your appliance is making strange, unusual sounds
• There is unexplainable moisture inside or around the appliance
• You notice a significant spike in your energy bills when you're using the appliance
• The appliance simply isn't functioning correctly anymore

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Durham?

Appliance repair technicians in Durham do not need occupational licenses to fix household appliances like washers, dryers, microwave ovens, dishwashers, ranges, and stoves. However, local technicians who troubleshoot and repair AC units and other similar cooling and heating appliances must first obtain an occupational license from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. A separate license issued by the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors is also required to troubleshoot and repair commercial, transportation, and industrial refrigeration appliances and equipment.

While the specific requirements for obtaining these licenses vary depending on the agency, they involve:

• Demonstrating acceptable and verifiable work experience
• Obtaining CFC Certification from an EPA-approved organization (this is mandatory for technicians who repair appliances and equipment containing refrigerants)
• Achieving a passing score on the licensing examination administered by the respective boards.

You can contact the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina's Small Business Advisors at (800) 228-8443 to get more information about obtaining the required licenses for AC and commercial refrigeration appliance repairs in Durham.

Before finalizing any agreements with appliance repair technicians in Durham for air conditioning or commercial refrigeration repairs, always confirm they have the relevant state-issued licenses for these services. You can do this online through the State Board of Refrigeration Contractor's Search Licensee Database and the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors Verify License Search platforms.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Durham?

Appliance repair costs in Durham can vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $600 or even higher. This cost includes the necessary replacement parts and labor fees, usually between $50 and $120 per hour. Keep in mind that several factors influence the overall cost of these appliance repairs, such as:

• The nature of the problem
• The urgency of the repair
• The type, make, and model of the appliance
• Accessibility to the appliance

Listed below are estimated cost ranges for repairing common appliances in Durham:

We recommend getting cost estimates for your appliance repair from up to three local technicians and comparing their rates before hiring. This gives you an idea of the current rates for your required repairs and ensures you don't get overcharged by dishonest technicians. However, do not just select the technician with the lowest rates without first doing your due diligence on them.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Checking your preferred technicians for factory certification or authorization is vital when searching for appliance repair services in Durham. These credentials show the technicians have been specially vetted or trained by an appliance manufacturer to service and repair their range of products. There are several benefits to hiring factory-certified technicians, including:

• These technicians have direct access to replacement parts, technical information, and administrative support from the appliance manufacturers themselves
• These technicians use genuine and high-quality components for repairs, ensuring that your appliance's warranty remains intact.

It's important to note that the absence of factory certification doesn't necessarily mean a technician lacks the skills or experience to repair your appliance. Professional appliance repair technicians in Durham also receive training and certifications from local trade schools and reputable organizations such as the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET), the United Appliance Servicers Association, and the Professional Service Association.

Always verify any credentials your intended appliance repair technician claims to have before finalizing hiring arrangements with them.

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

Before hiring any appliance repair technician in Durham, confirm that they will use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for replacing faulty components and accessories in your appliance. These OEM parts are specifically made and supplied by the original manufacturer of the appliance, offering better compatibility and durability than generic parts. Moreover, using OEM parts helps preserve any existing warranties on your appliance.

However, there may be situations where using generic parts becomes necessary. This usually occurs when the original manufacturer has discontinued appliance production and the required OEM parts are no longer available through local suppliers or online marketplaces. In such cases, professional appliance repair technicians in Durham usually seek your approval before using any generic parts. Regardless, it's essential to ensure that you receive a warranty for the appliance repair that covers the technician's workmanship and the replaced parts, even if OEM parts are used.

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

Home warranties are agreements that cover the cost of repairing or replacing household appliances, like built-in microwaves, washing machines, cooktops, and ovens, that experience malfunctions or breakdowns due to regular usage and normal wear and tear. Home warranties are usually valid for a specific period, often one year, and can be renewed annually. It's important to note that these agreements differ from home insurance, which provides coverage for unexpected damages to your home and personal belongings. Home warranties specifically focus on home appliances and systems.

While most home warranties cover issues arising from regular wear and tear, some warranties may cover damages resulting from inadequate maintenance or faulty repairs. However, standard home warranties generally don't cover damages caused by pre-existing issues, improper appliance use, and incorrect installation. Review the terms and conditions of a home warranty before purchasing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Durham Appliance Technician?

While Durham appliance technicians are not legally required to have general liability insurance, choosing a technician with adequate insurance coverage is crucial. Failing to do this exposes you to liability in case any injuries or property damage occur during or as a result of your appliance repair. You should also verify that the technician's insurance limits are sufficient for the scope of your appliance repair. request a copy of your preferred technician's insurance certificate and authenticate it with the relevant issuer.

If you are considering an appliance repair firm with three or more employees, ensure that the firm carries workers' compensation insurance for these employees, as mandated by state law.