Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Boston, MA

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Boston

Residents in Boston can expect to pay around $250 to repair their faulty household appliances. This fee is significantly less than the expense of having their microwave, cooktop, refrigerator, dryer, and other appliances replaced. Having your damaged or malfunctioning appliance repaired by an untrained technician, on the other hand, may cause you a lot of frustration, especially when you consider that you may have to pay for another repair due to bad workmanship. Consequently, ask the following questions to verify you're hiring a trained appliance technician in the city who will complete your repairs expertly, safely, and without voiding any current warranties:

Are You Licensed to Practice as an Appliance Repair Service in Boston?

An appliance repair service may need a license to operate in Boston depending on the type of repairs it specializes in. For refrigeration work that is subject to inspection under any legislation, ordinance, by-law, rule, or regulation to be done in the city, the concerned technician must possess a Refrigeration Technician License. In order to get a Refrigeration Technician License, an applicant must fill out an application with their mailing and home addresses, as well as fulfil other requirements. The applicant must also pass a written examination.

An appliance repair technician may also require a journeyman electrician license if the repairs to be done can only be carried out on the premises and property of the client. To conduct the aforementioned type of electrical repairs in Boston, the technician must first meet the Board of State Examiners of Electricians' standards and then apply for a license. For detailed information about obtaining an electrician license in Boston, contact the Board of State Examiners of Electricians at:

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617)-727-9931

An EPA licence is also required for the technician. An EPA licence confirms that a person is competent in handling the refrigerant compounds used in most HVAC systems and is issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Technicians with this licence command a larger pay on average due to their additional knowledge. To obtain this license, technicians will need to be tested by providers who give training. The cost of obtaining this license varies depending on the group you join, but it is usually under $100. This license has no expiration date and does not require renewal.

Use the Public Safety and Inspection's License Verification Site to verify the license of appliance repair technicians in Boston.

Massachusetts is serious about licencing and registration. A first offence conviction for working as an appliance repair professional without a licence in Boston carries a fine of $5,000 and up to two years in jail. To get additional information about licensing for appliance repair services in Boston, contact the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) at (617) 727-3200 or visit its office at:

OPSI
1000 Washington Street,
Suite 710,
Boston, MA 02118

It is important to note that residential appliance repair professionals are different from commercial appliance repair technicians. The former can attempt to fix the oven, refrigerator, or even the dishwasher because of their experience, the latter,s on the other hand, are only authorized to work on a limited number of appliances. Some even specialize in mending specific kinds of merchandise. Despite the fact that the scope of work in household appliances is broader, the risk level in commercial equipment is substantially higher. Repairing commercial appliances also takes longer.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Appliance Repair Services in Boston?

The amount it will cost you to hire qualified appliance repair professionals for a job is mostly influenced by the cost of parts required for its repair, as well as the type of appliance that requires repair or maintenance. It is always a good idea to compare costs by getting quotes from at least three different appliance repairmen in the city before deciding which one to call. It is important to remember, though, that picking an appliance repairer should not be solely dependent on cost. In any event, make sure the individual you choose is qualified for the position.

Appliance repairmen in Boston earn an average annual wage of $53,440. Provided below is a comparison of the hourly average wage for appliance repairmen in Boston with those of these technicians in other areas of Massachusetts and several other locations across the United States:

Boston Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$25.69
Massachusetts Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$25.21
Los Angeles Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$23.44
Houston Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$22.60
New York City Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$27.05
Phoenix Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$29.43
Seattle Appliance Repair Man Average Hourly Wage
$23.82
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair the Appliance in Boston?

Before you hire any appliance repair technician, make sure that they have been factory-certified by the manufacturer of your broken device. When a technician is "factory-certified", it indicates that such an appliance repairman or an appliance repair service has been approved by the manufacturer to perform advanced or specialist repairs on their brand of products. Working with factory-certified experts ensures that the repair work is conducted according to the manufacturer's specifications and that your appliance comes back working perfectly.

Technicians who have been factory-certified have specialist skills in dealing with a wide range of issues related to certain appliance types and are typically approved by the equipment manufacturers. They also give you direct access to the technical and administrative support of these manufacturers, ensuring that your repair is done as promptly as possible. They typically have access to genuine parts and are up to date on the latest diagnostic, maintenance, and repair techniques. Working with a factory-certified technician also ensures your appliance's warranty is not voided.

It is important to keep in mind that just because an appliance repairman or service is not factory-certified does not mean they are improperly trained to fix or service your appliance. The reality is that some manufacturers limit the number of certified repairmen in a certain geographic area, and so, it is conceivable that skilled specialists in your area are not certified. Many non-certified technicians have excellent training and experience in a variety of appliance repairs. That being the case, if your appliance's warranty has expired, you can have it restored by a non-factory-certified repair specialist as long as the person is fully licensed, has the necessary tools, and can provide original parts.

Will You Get the Appliance Parts and Accessories Required by the Manufacturer?

Before hiring any repair technician or service for your refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, or any other home appliance in Boston, it is vital to understand which parts will be required to repair your appliance. The two categories of parts accessible for appliances and equipment are OEM and generic components. The term OEM refers to the original equipment manufacturer. An OEM part is one that comes directly from the manufacturer and is, therefore, the best option for repairing appliances. The generic part, on the other hand, is manufactured by a different company and attempts to replicate the OEM part's appearance and functioning. Such parts are however not always as good as the OEM equivalent.

Using an OEM part has a lot of added advantages, For one, it removes a variable from the repair procedure because you know for certain that you are replacing a damaged part with the same part. OEM components are also usually associated with authorized servicers, who have been trained by the manufacturer to fix their equipment. When problems develop, OEMs offer superior support since they are often very good about standing behind the things they sell if they fail.

In addition to buying parts made by the original manufacturer, it is also crucial to be sure that any device part you buy comes with warranties. This written document is a commitment made by the manufacturer to support their products, and as such guarantees quality. Warranties are available for you to read before purchase.

When an otherwise flawless appliance becomes unrepairable due to a lack of parts, it can be extremely aggravating. Local parts supply stores may be able to aid in these cases and even repair the part, thus patronizing them may solve the problem. You might also take the part to a repair shop or a used appliance store to see if they can fix it or suggest alternatives. Google can also assist you in locating your part number so that it can be purchased from online retailers.

What Kind of Appliance Repair Services Do You Offer?

Gas appliances, ice machines, central vacuum systems, microwaves, and kitchen hoods, to mention a few, are all repaired and installed by appliance repair technicians in Boston. The repairs of water leakage in dishwashers and washing machines, the fixing of dryer problems, and the installation of new electrical or gas appliances are just a few of the services available in the City.

If you are having any of these problems, make sure the technician you hire is familiar with both the type of equipment you are having serviced or repaired and the brand of appliance you have. Always confirm this with the repair specialist and question about the cost of the repair service before concluding any job agreements. The following are price estimates for some of Boston's most typical appliance repair services:

Central vacuum system installation
$1,996.75 - $2,964.75 (for existing typical four-bedroom home)
Dishwasher repair/replacement
$157.16 - $180.90
Electrical appliance installation
$150.94 - $206.01 (for basic appliance hookup only)
Garbage disposal unit repair/installation
$420.61 - $530.88 per hour (labor only)
Gas appliance installation
$128.00 and $578.00
Kitchen hood repair/installation
$115.00 - $521.00
Microwave oven installation
$153.20 - $170.69 (labor only, for basic microwave installation)
Small appliance installation
$95.00 - $125.00
Appliance water line installation
$156.49 - $219.22
Stove installation
$121.00 and $546.00
Oven repair
$284 - $296
Refrigerator repair
$279 - $304

How Do You Handle Issues of Product Repairs Going Wrong?

It is conceivable that even after engaging a fully qualified, licensed, and factory-certified appliance repairman, you are dissatisfied with the outcomes of your product repair. Whenever that happens, always voice your displeasure to the expert and specify what aspects of the repair job you dislike. Many qualified repair professionals will work with you to find a fair and cost-effective solution to the problems that have emerged. This could include referring you to a different repair professional and refunding some or all of your money.

In cases where the technician refuses to be fair, or where you believe they are being unscrupulous in their dealings with you, you can seek assistance from reputable consumer-oriented organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. This organization's office serving Boston can be reached at:

290 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Suite 102,
Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone: (508) 652-4800

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) works to protect and empower consumers via advocacy and education while also ensuring a level playing field for Massachusetts businesses. You can reach the OCABR at:

501 Boylston Street
Suite 5100,
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 973-8787

You may consider taking legal action if these agencies are unable to assist you in obtaining enough compensation for the technician's violation. Small claims courts are a quick, informal, and affordable way to settle disputes involving claims of $7,000 or less. You can only file a small claim in court for the location where the plaintiff or defendant lives, works or has a place of business. The Boston Municipal Court holds Small Claims Court sessions in the city. If you believe your settlement is worth more than $7,000, you should speak with a consumer attorney about your options. You can find consumer attorneys in Boston by using the Massachusetts Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service or the Boston Bar Association referral service. You can also search the National Association of Consumer Advocates' online directory.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Appliance Repair Services in Boston?

Confirming that your desired appliance repair technician's insurance status is a vital step in determining their eligibility for your repair job. It is critical to choose a technician with good insurance that will cover the financial consequences of any damage the technician makes to your property. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, home appliance repairmen in the United States alone had 1,000 nonfatal occupational injuries in a single year. So in the event of a workplace accident, hiring an insured expert protects you from financial and legal implications.

Although insurance for appliance repair services in Boston is not mandated, it is vital that you confirm that the company you choose has coverage. Commercial general liability insurance protects you against third-party property damage and physical injury claims, and commercial property insurance covers the cost of any necessary repairs. If the technician has even one employee, be sure they are covered by workers' compensation. Also, consider acquiring a service contract to protect your personal property in the event that the property covered by the contract requires repair or replacement. Request proof of the technician's insurance coverage, as well as the authentication of any documents provided by the technician by the relevant insurance firm.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Appliance Repair Service in Boston

In order to defraud you of your hard-earned money, unscrupulous appliance repair technicians in El Paso may devise common repair scams like requiring full payment before starting work, lying about being fully licensed to work, misrepresenting the level of damage to your appliance, and causing more damage to your appliance. Working with appliance repair specialists in El Paso requires extreme caution to prevent falling prey to any of these deceptions. The following tips will assist you in avoiding con artists and determining whether or not your planned appliance repair is authentic:

  • Check the Better Business Bureau and other reputable online review platforms for the company's standing and confirm the business name.
  • Keep a list of businesses that come highly recommended. You can also ask family and friends who they use and trust.
  • Check Google Street View for the company address you found on Google Maps. Be thorough about this, fake appliance repair companies frequently utilize a different business address or a made-up address for a vacant lot or area.
  • Examine the telephone number. Businesses having nothing to hide will reveal the name of the actual company represented on the Internet, as well as whether or not they have a physical location.
  • Make sure the company's pricing and level of service are in line with your expectations.
  • Understand the terms of your warranty, as well as who performs repairs and any fees. Your warranty papers should include a phone number and webpage to help you find a list of nearby approved repair services.
  • Always use credit cards and make sure there are several payment methods accessible.
  • Obtain a documented estimate in a professional format before any work begins. If the estimate appears to be too high, bring in another technician. An accurate estimate should keep you from having to double or triple your spending.

If you or someone you know have fallen victim to an appliance repair scam, file a complaint online with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office or via the Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400