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Appliances serve a range of household needs, including storing perishable foods, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, and washing dishes and clothes. When a dryer won’t start or a refrigerator stops working, it’s more than just an inconvenience; it disrupts daily schedules and can even lead to an emergency, depending on the appliance.
Having a major appliance repaired can cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars. Unless the item is old and on its last leg, calling an appliance repair person is likely cheaper than buying a new appliance. A good repair service will send out a technician to assess the problem and make recommendations based on the issue the appliance is experiencing. The technician will also estimate how much the repairs will cost. This roundup will explore the appliance repair industry and explain why the following rank as the best appliance repair service companies.
- BEST OVERALL: Frontdoor Pro
- RUNNER-UP: Mr. Appliance
- BEST BOOKING EXPERIENCE: Nana
- BEST FOR HVAC: One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- BEST AGGREGATOR: HomeAdvisor
- ALSO CONSIDER: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Appliance Repair Services
Among the considerations when shopping for the best appliance repair company are the company’s location and its service area, the type of appliances the company works on, and whether its technicians are certified. It’s also essential to determine if the company charges a diagnostic fee up front and whether it warranties its work.
Service Area and Scheduling
Most appliance repair companies offer services in a limited geographic area, such as within a 1-hour drive from the home office. Homeowners will want to make finding this information their first step to avoid vetting companies that aren’t even available in their area. Searching for “appliance repair near me” is a good way for homeowners to find local technicians. Scheduling repair services can often be done online, as many companies offer interactive scheduling platforms or apps. These allow customers to select the type of appliance that needs repairs and pick from multiple time slots. When online scheduling isn’t available, calling the company directly is the next best way for customers to get an appliance repaired promptly. If the repair is urgent, the customer will want to inquire about emergency or same-day appliance repair.
Types of Appliances Repaired
Some appliance repair companies offer repair services for the most common appliance repairs, ranging from window air-conditioning units to refrigerators to washer and dryer repair. If a specific appliance isn’t listed on a company’s website or ad, customers can send an email or call and ask the company a question like, “Do you offer dishwasher service near me?” If the company doesn’t, it will often point the customer toward a repair service that does.
In addition, some manufacturers allow only brand-certified technicians to service their appliances if they’re under warranty. For example, a refrigerator repair service may be certified to work on LG appliances but not those made by GE.
Brands Serviced
In some cases, finding out who to call to fix a washing machine may be more complicated than expected. When an appliance is still within its manufacturer-warranty period, the manufacturer will often only approve a technician who’s certified to work on the company’s specific brand. When an older appliance (or a used appliance) needs repairs, a general repair service will often handle the repairs.
Some higher-end or luxury brands might require technicians with special training. In addition, many of today’s new appliances that use digital codes to pinpoint problems need a technician who knows how to interpret the codes. An example would be some of LG’s high-end refrigerators that run their own diagnostic processes and emit an audible code that only an LG receiver can read. Customers will want to look for companies who are advertised as “factory certified” or “factory authorized” by the brand to ensure the technician will be equipped to repair appliances of a particular brand.
Pricing and Diagnostic Fee
Most appliance repair companies will charge a diagnostic fee for coming out and inspecting the appliance. This is usually a flat fee, but it often ranges from $50 to $90 (although it can run higher). In some cases, the company may waive the fee if the customer decides to hire it to do the repairs. Not every appliance service offers this benefit, however. Customers will also want to keep in mind that if the company offers emergency services, these calls may be more costly because of the short notice.
For more extensive, complex repairs, such as replacing a motor in a furnace, a company may charge by the hour rather than charging a flat fee. This is especially true if circumstances are likely to impede the repairs, such as a cramped space to work in that will result in the technician taking longer than usual to make the repairs. After inspecting the appliance, the technician should offer an estimated repair cost. Some companies charge flat fees for specific maintenance.
Licensing, Certifications, and Insurance
Hiring a licensed, certified, and insured technician is the best way to get reliable repair services. Some appliance repair companies list their certifications on their website, while others explain them over the phone. Some companies are advertised as “factory authorized” or “factory certified” by certain brands. This means that its technicians have undergone specialized training in repairs for appliances manufactured by these brands.
Customers can also call their local building authority to determine whether an out-of-town repair service is licensed to work locally. If the appliance is under warranty, the manufacturer (rather than the customer) will often select a local technician that’s certified to work on its brand of appliances.
Special certifications are often required to work with specific materials, such as a Type 1 EPA certification, which is necessary for a technician to work with the liquid refrigerant used in air conditioners. In addition, customers will want to verify that the contractor has liability insurance. Liability insurance will cover any injuries or damage that happens during the course of the repair. If a contractor lacks this coverage, a homeowner may be held financially responsible for these events should they occur.
Workmanship and Materials Warranty
Some appliance services offer a standard 1-year warranty on parts and labor, while others provide a more extended warranty. Some states require an implied 1-year warranty to protect the consumer. For example, if the consumer buys a dishwasher with a 3-year warranty, the manufacturer will repair it if it breaks anytime within 3 years. If the dishwasher won’t turn on after the warranty expires, the customer will be charged for any repair work.
If the cost of the repairs exceeds the value of the appliance, the manufacturer may opt to replace rather than repair the appliance, or it may even refund the consumer’s money.
Customer Support
The best appliance repair services will also offer good customer support. This includes arriving promptly at the customer’s home (most companies have a 4- to 6-hour arrival window), providing an accurate assessment, and being transparent about their services and fees.
Good customer support also includes addressing any issues speedily and reasonably. Some companies offer customer support services right on their website, allowing customers to enter their specific problem and then having a technician contact them to address it.
Reviews and Referrals
While it can be daunting for a homeowner to commit to an appliance repair service without having hired it before, getting recommendations and reading reviews can take away some of the uncertainty. Asking family, friends, or neighbors about companies they have hired in the past is one of the surest ways for customers to get an honest review. Homeowners can also check sites like Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers. Lastly, they can ask companies whether they can provide references for their work. While appliance repair scams are rare, they are not unheard of, so it is wise for customers to get the fullest possible picture of the company’s credibility before agreeing to any work.
Commercial vs. Residential Repairs
Many appliance repair companies will service appliances in both commercial and residential settings. Commercial settings include break rooms of schools and office buildings as well as businesses such as laundromats and restaurants. Commercial repairs are often more complex than home appliance repairs since commercial appliances are different and may require a specialized technician for repairs.
A few appliance repair services may focus on a single type of appliance, such as an HVAC repair company or a dishwasher repair service. Owners of commercial buildings will often contact the company that installed the appliances when repairs are necessary.
Repair vs. Replacement
If an appliance is new or nearly new, it’s often better to have it repaired rather than footing the bill to replace it. This, of course, depends on what’s wrong with the appliance—if the cost to repair it comes close to or exceeds the cost of purchasing a new one, it’s generally advisable for a customer to skip the repairs and buy a new appliance. The most expensive appliance parts to replace include an AC compressor, a clothes dryer motor, and an oven door.
The appliance’s warranty is also a factor. Suppose a homeowner recently purchased a GE washing machine. In that case, it is likely under warranty, and the manufacturer will send out a GE washing machine repair technician to inspect the appliance and make repairs without any cost to the homeowner.
Home Warranty Coverage
Some appliance repairs may be covered under a home warranty. A home warranty is different from a manufacturer’s warranty—it often covers normal wear and tear, not just manufacturer defects or installation errors. Most home warranties cover home systems, but they do not always cover appliances like refrigerators or ovens, so it’s a good idea for customers to find out exactly what is covered under the policy. For example, if the dishwasher stops getting water, homeowners can file a claim with the warranty company. If the claim is approved, the homeowner will pay a service fee, and the warranty company will cover the remaining cost of the repair. In some cases the company may require that the work be completed by a specific service or technician in order for the cost of repairs to be covered.
Our Top Picks
Appliance failure can be a stressful experience, especially when the appliance is one a homeowner uses every day. Finding a reputable technician can add even more stress. This list of repair companies can help customers find a qualified technician in locations across the country, and each company delivers high-quality work on a range of appliances.
Best Overall
Frontdoor Pro
Why It Made the Cut:
Frontdoor Pro offers online scheduling and up-front prices, and its technicians arrive quicker than most.
Frontdoor, the parent company of home warranty provider American Home Shield, offers its own online service, Frontdoor Pro, to customers needing appliance repair services. Frontdoor Pro links customers to repair specialists in their local area. The platform currently serves 17 metro areas and is growing all the time. The customer enters their ZIP code and then selects a day and time (morning, afternoon, or evening) when they would like the repair technician to come, and technicians arrive within a 2-hour window. Frontdoor Pro charges a flat $99 diagnostic fee for inspecting the appliance and recommending repairs. Customers can only schedule repairs for dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, and washing machines; other types of appliances require a different process for scheduling repairs. Customers will also want to note that not all of Frontdoor Pro’s services are offered in every ZIP code listed on its website, so it will be important to verify that the repair they need can be provided in their area.
Customers can also call and schedule an appointment over the phone. The customer is advised of the cost of the repairs up front, and the price will not increase. Customers automatically receive paperless estimates and invoices, and they can view and pay their invoices online if desired.
Specs
- Service area: 17 metro areas
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Types of appliances repaired: Dishwasher, refrigerator, ice maker, washing machine, dryer, stove and oven, microwave
- Diagnostic fee: $99
- Warranty: Not specified
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Booking and payment are easily done online or on the app
- Technicians have a 2-hour arrival window
- Homeowners automatically receive paperless estimates and invoices
Cons
- Relatively limited range of appliances serviced
- Appliance repair may not be available in all ZIP codes
- Service offerings by location are somewhat unclear
Runner-Up
Mr. Appliance
Why It Made the Cut:
Mr. Appliance has branches nationwide, and the company services all types of appliances.
With 300 locations across the nation, Mr. Appliance is likely to have a branch close to many customers. The company focuses on repairing a wide range of appliances, including fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, window AC units, and even outdoor grills. In addition to repairs, the company offers a few maintenance services, such as dryer vent cleaning, to help reduce the risk of dryer vent fires.
Mr. Appliance uses the Service On Your Schedule (SOS) app that allows customers to schedule repairs easily. Its diagnostic fee starts at $79 but can be higher depending on the customer’s location. If only a simple part replacement is required, the company has been known to waive the diagnostic fee, though this is not a guarantee so customers will want to ask their contractor to provide more information in this regard. With safety in mind, Mr. Appliance promises its customers that technicians will arrive at the correct time, have an ID badge, and be wearing a neat and clean uniform.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Types of appliances repaired: Kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances
- Diagnostic fee: Varies by location
- Warranty: 1-year warranty on parts and labor
Pros
- Wide service area with over 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada
- Diagnostic fee may be waived for single-part replacement
- A full range of indoor and outdoor appliances can be serviced
Cons
- Diagnostic fee may be relatively high
Best Booking Experience
Nana
Why It Made the Cut:
Nana has a seamless scheduling process and will waive its diagnostic fee if the customer hires the company to do the repair work.
Operating in numerous cities in 11 states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Washington) plus Washington, D.C., Nana offers same-day repairs 7 days a week. While other appliance repair companies provide emergency repairs on weekends, Nana also offers regular repairs. It charges a $70 diagnostic fee and will waive the fee if the customer opts to go with a Nana technician for repairs.
The company repairs all major kitchen and laundry appliances, including a wide range of brand-name refrigerators, stoves, cooktops, ovens, and washing machines, to name a few. However, its warranty is limited to 1 year on parts. Customers can schedule repairs online and choose a time best suited to their daily schedule or send the company a quick message on its website to have a technician call them back.
Specs
- Service area: 11 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online
- Types of appliances repaired: Kitchen and laundry appliances
- Diagnostic fee: $70
- Warranty: 1-year warranty on parts
Pros
- Technicians are available 7 days a week
- Booking and payment are easy to do online or on the app
- Diagnostic fee is waived with repair
Cons
- Relatively limited warranty
Best for HVAC
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Why It Made the Cut:
With its 24-hour emergency services plus essential HVAC maintenance and repairs, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is the one to call in a pinch.
Few things are as miserable as a furnace that fails during bitterly cold temps or an AC that stops running in the sweltering heat. No matter what day or time, if customers need fast HVAC repairs, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. The company has a nationwide service area with more than 120 locations, and customers can request a repair technician with a phone call 7 days a week. However, the company’s website is less than user-friendly and may be difficult for customers to navigate.
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning can make the necessary repairs to heating and air- conditioning units. The company’s technicians can replace old units with new ones, troubleshoot thermostats, and work on window AC units, mini-split units, and zoned systems. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is so confident customers will like its services that it offers a 2-year satisfaction guarantee. All technicians are trained and licensed, which is imperative when working with systems as specific as HVAC.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Types of appliances repaired: HVAC systems
- Diagnostic fee: Not specified
- Warranty: 2-year satisfaction guarantee
Pros
- Wide service area with over 120 locations in the U.S.
- All technicians are verified as trained and licensed
- Technicians are available 7 days a week
Cons
Website is somewhat user-unfriendly
Best Aggregator
HomeAdvisor
Why It Made the Cut:
HomeAdvisor puts independent repair specialists in touch with local customers who need appliance repairs.
HomeAdvisor isn’t an appliance repair services company, but it can put customers in touch with a nearby repair specialist. HomeAdvisor is an aggregator that tracks all types of home remodeling and repair trends, gathers and calculates the costs of projects and repairs, and serves as a meeting point between the customer and the specialist.
HomeAdvisor’s online scheduling app is comprehensive in its scope, narrowing down a customer’s location and then asking a variety of additional questions, including whether the repair is a required part of the sale (or purchase) of a home, whether it’s an emergency, and when the customer wants to schedule an appointment. The types of repairs vary by the professional assigned to the project, as does any applicable diagnostic fee, repair charge, and warranty. Customers will have to input their personal information to see a list of technicians and get a quote, but HomeAdvisor is a straightforward way to find a local professional.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online
- Types of appliances repaired: Varies by professional
- Diagnostic fee: Not specified
- Warranty: Varies by professional
Pros
- Potential clients can filter by project and choose from local professionals
- Website is streamlined and user-friendly
Cons
- Name, phone number, and email are required to browse local services
Also Consider
The Home Depot
Why It Made the Cut:
The Home Depot’s extended warranty offers repairs on appliances purchased through the retailer, and also offers reimbursement for food spoilage.
It’s one of America’s favorite places to shop for all things DIY, such as flooring, wallpaper, and construction materials. Still, customers might not know that The Home Depot also offers repair services on major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators purchased from The Home Depot.
At the time of purchase, customers have the option of buying an extended warranty that exceeds the term of the manufacturer’s warranty. For example, suppose the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on a dishwasher and the customer purchases a 5-year warranty through The Home Depot. In that case, The Home Depot will handle repairs for the dishwasher for 3 years beyond when the manufacturer’s warranty expires. The Home Depot will also provide up to $300 in reimbursement for food spoilage (if the refrigerator happens to be the appliance that needs repair). If this plan isn’t purchased at the time the appliance is purchased, though, the customer will have to seek another repair service. However, this is a reliable service for customers who choose to go with it, and The Home Depot’s many locations make this an accessible option for many homeowners. Plus, The Home Depot’s repository of online resources makes it easy for homeowners to DIY simple repairs.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Types of repairs: Large appliances purchased from The Home Depot
- Diagnostic fee: Not specified
- Warranty: 3- or 5-year warranty on parts and labor
Pros
- Helpful online resources for homeowners who choose to DIY repairs
- 3- or 5-year warranty options available
- Up to $300 reimbursement for food spoilage
Cons
- Appliances must be purchased from The Home Depot
- Protection plan must be added at time of purchase
Our Verdict
While any of the appliance repair services in this lineup are well respected and a good option for customers, Frontdoor Pro ticks all the boxes. It charges a flat diagnostic fee and tells customers what repair costs will run before repairs are made. Mr. Appliance is also an optimal choice, and it has more than 300 locations nationwide.
How We Chose the Best Appliance Repair Services
We extensively researched companies that provide appliance repair across the nation to formulate this lineup of the best appliance repair services. We looked at how many branches each company operates and where, how easy it is for customers to schedule repairs, what type of appliances it services, and whether the company offers guarantees or warranties.
We awarded points for quick response time, the ability to provide up-front fee schedules, the quality of repairs, and the types of appliances serviced. We recognize that not everyone lives near one of these repair companies, so we also created this guide to help customers learn what to look for when hiring a repair service.
Before You Hire One of the Best Appliance Repair Services
Not everyone will benefit from contacting one of the appliance repair companies on this list. Before calling a repair service, a homeowner will want to determine whether the appliance is still under manufacturer warranty. If it is, they’ll want to contact the manufacturer rather than an appliance repair man. If a customer hires a technician to repair an under-warranty appliance, the manufacturer may not cover the cost of repairs. Some appliances come with an extended warranty; these are purchased at the time a customer purchases an appliance. If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired but an extended warranty still covers the appliance, homeowners can contact the store where the appliance was purchased to find out how to schedule repairs.
In addition, customers will want to research the repair company ahead of time to be sure that it is both trustworthy and the best fit for the job. They can also check the company’s service area and verify that it’s able to service the customer’s brand and model of appliance. Getting feedback from friends and family who have hired the company before is a good way for homeowners to get a feel for the service, especially if they hired the company for the exact same job. For example, a friend who hired a technician for a washing machine not filling with water may not be able to speak to the same company’s furnace repair costs. Reading plenty of online reviews is another way for customers to get this information. With that being said, online comments and reviews can be a way for customers to vent if they feel they received poor service, so customers will want to keep this in mind and take such reviews with a grain of salt.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Appliance Repair Services
In addition to a company’s diagnostic fee, most customers can expect to pay between $106 to $244 for professional appliance repair services, including parts and labor. These appliance repair services usually charge by the repair, not by the hour, so the cost to replace a glass stove top will probably differ from AC repair costs or refrigerator repair costs. Additional factors include the going cost of labor in a community, the brand of appliance, and travel time. Before hiring, homeowners will want to ask the company what payment methods it accepts. It may be wise to avoid services that only accept cash since this method does not allow the customer to dispute charges in the event of poor service or fraud. The following ranges are estimates, so customers will want to get firm quotes from more than one company to compare. Most customers can expect to pay:
- Refrigerator repair: $40 to $350
- Washing machine repair: $50 to $450
- Dryer repair: $100 to $400
- Range repair: $100 to $500
- Dishwasher repair: $50 to $500
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Appliance Repair Services
Having an appliance repaired saves money by extending the appliance’s useful life and postponing the purchase of a new model. While many homeowners won’t know why an appliance isn’t working, a professional technician can usually pinpoint the problem quickly and make recommendations. Plus, there are other advantages.
- Many of today’s appliance repair companies make it convenient to schedule repair services online through interactive scheduling apps.
- Professional appliance repair companies typically hire experienced repair technicians that are licensed, certified, and insured.
- Professionals know how to protect against electrical shock, and they have specialized equipment to repair the problem quickly; homeowners who attempt to DIY may not have this knowledge or necessary equipment.
FAQs
No one likes finding out an appliance isn’t working correctly, but unfortunately, appliances sometimes need professional repairs. For those looking to hire a repair company, some questions are expected.
Q. Do appliance repair services repair bathtubs?
Probably not, since a bathtub is considered a fixture and not an appliance. The best option is for the homeowner to contact a plumber or bathtub repair specialist.
Q. How much do appliance repair services charge?
It varies by appliance type, brand, and problem, but on average, appliance repair costs $106 to $244, excluding diagnostic fees.
Q. Do appliance repair services charge per hour or task?
Many repair services charge a flat rate for the specific type of appliance, but if a technician has to travel outside their service area or anticipates the repairs will take longer than usual, they may charge a per-hour fee. Customers can find out if a company repairs a specific appliance by asking something like, “Do you offer oven repair service near me?”
Q. How long do I have to wait for appliance repair services?
The average arrival time for national repair service companies is between 4 to 6 hours, but it could be sooner or later depending on how busy the technicians are.
Q. Can I consult with appliance repair services online?
Yes, in many cases. Many of today’s appliance repair companies offer online scheduling, live chats, and interactive consultations.
Q. Do appliance repair services charge an inspection fee?
Many do. It’s called a diagnostic fee, and it covers the cost of sending a technician out to inspect the appliance. However, some companies will waive the fee if a customer hires the technician to make the repairs.
Source: HomeAdvisor
