Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Aurora, CO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Aurora

While Aurora's mild and dry climate is generally favorable for outdoor recreational activities, appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, cooktops, dishwashers, and washing machines are necessary for indoor convenience, comfort, and general productivity in daily activities. However, these appliances break down over time – factors like misuse and improper maintenance increase the frequency of malfunctions. Fortunately, residents have access to over 250 appliance repairers skilled at diagnosing and effectively fixing all kinds of faults.

However, to ensure you select a reliable professional capable of delivering satisfactory services, ask the following questions when interviewing prospective appliance repair technicians in Aurora:

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

Appliance technicians are skilled individuals who maintain and repair various home appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and AC units. While there are no specific local licensing requirements for appliance repair in Aurora, appliance technicians in the city who wish to fix heating and cooling appliances and equipment may need to be licensed as Mechanical Systems Contractors to do this.

Professional appliance technicians in Aurora typically have at least one or more areas of specialization. These usually include:

  • Product-based specialization: These technicians repair appliances from specific manufacturers, such as KitchenAid, Amana, Whirlpool, Bosch, Kenmore, LG, Frigidaire, and Jenn-Air.
  • Appliance-based specialization: These technicians repair specific types of appliances, such as refrigerators, AC units, microwave ovens, ranges, stoves, or garbage disposers.
  • Energy source-based specialization: These technicians repair appliances that utilize specific energy sources, such as electric-powered, gas-powered, solar-powered, or hybrid/dual-fuel appliances.
  • Size-based specialization: These technicians repair large-sized appliances typically found in commercial and industrial facilities.

The list below provides everyday home appliances' average life expectancy (in years). Remember, factors such as the make, model, and usage of the appliance can affect its durability:

  • 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

Regardless of your appliance's age, certain situations warrant the attention of professional appliance technicians. These include:

  • Unusual sounds from the appliance.
  • The presence of unexplained moisture in or around the appliance
  • Burning smells emanating from the appliance.
  • A noticeable increase in energy consumption when using the appliance.
  • General malfunctions of the appliance

If you notice these issues, it's advisable to seek the expertise of a professional Aurora appliance technician to address them effectively.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Aurora?

While there are no occupation-specific licensing requirements for appliance repairs in Aurora, appliance repair technicians who wish to conduct business in the city, need a locally-issued business license before doing so. Appliance repair technicians in Aurora who service or repair heating and cooling equipment and appliances, like air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators, may need a separate Mechanical Systems Contractor License from the Aurora Building Division. Similarly, technicians who wish to work service, repair, or maintain refrigerant-containing appliances must complete a federally-mandated certification program with an EPA-approved organization.

You can get additional information on the licensing and certification requirements for appliance repair technicians in Aurora and also confirm that your intended technicians have fulfilled these requirements by contacting the following agencies:

  • The Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (for business licenses) – (303) 326-8686
  • The Aurora Building Division (for mechanical systems contractor licenses) – (303) 739-7420
  • The EPA's Region 8 Office (for federally-mandated certifications) - (303) 312-6312 or toll-free number (800) 227-8917.

You can verify locally-issued business and contractor licenses online via the city's Business License and Contractor License lookup tools.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Aurora?

Appliance repairs in Aurora typically range from $55 - $750 or higher. This includes the technician's labor fees (which usually cost between $50 and $150 per hour) and the expenses for necessary replacement parts. Other factors that affect the cost of appliance repair in Aurora include:

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

Listed below are cost estimates for repairing some common appliances in Aurora:

Refrigerators:
$55 - $550
Freezers:
$85 - $600
Washers:
$55 - $500
Dryers:
$80 - $430
Room AC Units:
$80 - $850
Stoves/Ovens:
$90 - $500
Cooktops:
$80 - $375
Microwaves:
$60 - $380
Dishwashers:
$100 - $300
Garbage Disposals:
$55 - $210
Trash Compactors:
$55 - $235
Water Dispensers:
$75 - $350
Ice Makers:
$100 - $250

It is advisable to compare cost estimates from several technicians before hiring. This gives you a clear idea of current market rates and protects you from dishonest technicians exploiting you. However, do not make low rates your only reason for hiring an appliance repair technician; always do your due diligence on your preferred technicians.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Factory certification is a special designation granted by appliance manufacturers to technicians with the necessary qualifications (as determined by the manufacturer) to provide advanced and specialized repair and maintenance services for their range of products. Opting for a factory-certified technician for your appliance repairs has several advantages, such as:

  • Confidence that vetted and experienced professionals will handle your repairs.
  • Access to authentic parts, accessories, and direct support from your appliance's manufacturer
  • Protection of existing warranties on your appliance

Remember, some appliance manufacturers limit the number of technicians they issue factory certifications for their products. Nonetheless, professional appliance repair technicians also obtain certifications from recognized organizations like the International Society of Electronics Technicians, the Professional Service Association, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, and the United Appliance Servicers Association.

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

Before finalizing hiring agreements with appliance repair technicians in Aurora, it is crucial to ensure that your chosen technician will utilize Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for the job. OEM parts are made and supplied by appliance manufacturers, unlike generic parts, made and supplied by third-party companies. OEM parts are typically more compatible, durable, and of higher quality, preserving the appliance's warranties. As such, even though these OEM parts usually have a higher upfront cost compared to generic parts, using them for repairs ultimately saves you money in the long term.

If OEM parts for your appliance cannot be sourced directly from the manufacturer, local retailers, or online marketplaces (usually because the production of the appliance has been discontinued), generic parts may have to be used for the repair. Nonetheless, always confirm that you will be provided with a warranty for your appliance repair that covers both the used appliance parts (whether OEM or generic) and the repair work itself.

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

Home warranties are service agreements that provide coverage for repairing or replacing household appliances, such as dryers, washers, ovens, cooktops, and built-in microwaves, during malfunctions or breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. These agreements are typically valid for a specified duration, usually one year, and can be renewed annually. These home warranties should not be mistaken for home insurance - home warranties only cover selected appliances, while home insurance typically covers your entire home and personal belongings.

While most home warranties cover issues from normal wear and tear, some agreements may also include coverage for damages resulting from inadequate maintenance or improper repairs. However, damages caused by pre-existing faults, misuse of appliances, and improper installation are generally not covered. Therefore, before committing to a home warranty, carefully review its terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage it provides.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Aurora Appliance Technician?

Hiring an uninsured appliance technician can make you liable for any injuries or property damage that occurs during or as a direct result of your appliance repairs. As such, even though Aurora appliance technicians have no mandatory insurance requirements, ensure that the technician you hire carries general liability insurance. Note that, per the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act, Aurora appliance technicians with employees must have workers' compensation insurance in place, even if these employees are part-time workers or family members.

You can get additional information on state-mandated workers' compensation insurance requirements for Aurora appliance technicians by contacting the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation at (303) 318-8700, toll-free number 1-888-390-7936, or via email.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Appliance Repair Services in Aurora?

You can resolve issues with appliance repair technicians, unsatisfactory appliance repair services, and other similar matters in Aurora by filing a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General's Office online. You can also contact this office at (720) 508-6000 for more information on its complaint submission and resolution process.