Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Minneapolis, MN

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers many attractions, from the largest shopping mall in the United States to its chain of lakes and several outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and ice fishing in winter. When residents return indoors from all these activities, they depend on appliances like ACs to keep cool, heaters to keep warm, refrigerators to preserve goods, washing machines to clean up, and ovens to make food. If these appliances fail, it may mar one's day. Luckily there are over 200 appliance repair technicians in Minneapolis to help with any appliance issue in any emergency.

While you may want to repair the appliance by yourself because of an emergency or cost saving, it is wise to wait for an experienced appliance technician. Hiring a professional appliance repair service to handle repairs or maintenance helps prevent costly replacements, protect your warranty, and eliminate any risk of electrical hazards.

To ensure you choose a reliable and competent appliance repair technician in Minneapolis, it is important you ask the following questions:

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

In Minneapolis, a professional appliance repair technician can handle various issues associated with your home's appliances. They usually diagnose and resolve problems related to different units, such as washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, refrigerators, clothes dryers, and trash compactors. Professional appliance repair technicians in Minneapolis have areas of specialization like:

  • Brand/Product-Specific Repair: These technicians mainly handle issues related to the brands and products of major appliance manufacturers such as Whirlpool, Samsung, Electrolux, and KitchenAid.
  • Appliance-Specific Repair: Appliance repair technicians mainly deal with issues related to specific types of appliances of different product manufacturers, such as air conditioners, microwaves, and refrigerators.
  • Energy Source-based Repair: These technicians focus on fixing appliances that run on specific energy sources, such as gas or electricity. They may handle issues related to hybrid and solar-powered devices.
  • Commercial Appliance Repair: These technicians mainly deal with commercial kitchens and industrial appliances, such as refrigerators and ovens.

Below is a list of common home appliances in Minneapolis and their average life expectancy of several years. Note that various factors such as the model, make, and usage will affect their durability and lifespan:

  • Dryers: 10 – 13
  • Freezers: 10 -15
  • Dishwashers: 8 – 10
  • Refrigerators: 10 – 13
  • Washing Machines: 9 - 10
  • Microwave Ovens: 8 – 10
  • Ranges/Oven Hoods: 10 – 16
  • Garbage Disposers: 10 – 12
  • Trash Compactors: 6 – 7
  • Room AC Units: 9 - 11
  • Dehumidifiers: 7 - 8

You should contact a professional appliance repair technician. If you notice any issues with your appliance, such as:

  • Burning smells
  • Weird noises
  • General malfunctions
  • Noticeable increase in your energy bills
  • Unexplainable moisture in or around the appliance

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Minneapolis?

Appliance repair technicians in Minneapolis don't need state or city-issued licenses before offering services to interested city residents. Nonetheless, if the appliance repair technician performs any specialized services like electrical services on your appliances, they must register with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

To become an electrician through the state Department of Labor and Industry in Minneapolis, the appliance repair technician must gain work experience and classroom training, pass an exam, earn a journeyman electrician license, and become a master electrician. The department also registers unlicensed individuals like appliance repair technicians so they can perform specific electrical work under the supervision of licensed electricians. To register for this license, the technician must meet these requirements:

  • The repairs must include the work the licensed electrician can perform.
  • The technician and the licensed electrician supervising them must be employed by the same licensed electrical contractor.

To renew this registration, the appliance technician must report their annual electrical work experience. If your preferred technician requires an electrician license before repairing your appliance, you should confirm whether they have the proper registration or license. You can use the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's licensing management system to verify your appliance repair technicians' status.

Appliance repair technicians who work on appliances that contain refrigerants must also obtain Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Minneapolis?

On average, an appliance repair technician in Minneapolis charges around $55 to $500, while labor expenses for local technicians can range from $50 to $120 an hour. The following factors determine how much you need to spend for the repair services:

  • The nature of the problem
  • The urgency of the repair
  • The appliance's energy source
  • Accessibility to the appliance
  • The type, make, and model of the appliance
  • The cost of necessary replacement parts

Below are estimated costs for various types of home appliance repair services in Minneapolis:

Refrigerators:
$55 - $470
Freezers:
$110 - $500
Washers:
$55 - $450
Dryers:
$70 - $435
Room AC Units:
$90 - $900
Stoves/Ovens:
$90 - $450
Cooktops:
$80 - $400
Microwaves:
$60 - $385
Dishwashers:
$120 - $300
Garbage Disposals:
$55 - $200
Trash Compactors:
$55 - $250
Water Dispensers:
$55 - $350
Ice Makers:
$120 - $250

The best way to avoid getting ripped off by a technician when fixing your appliance is to compare quotes from different technicians. However, before they provide their estimates, ensure they inspect the appliances. Also, before you allow the technician to start to work on your appliance, request a written estimate and ensure you have authorized them first.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Factory-certified technicians have been vetted, trained, and authorized by a manufacturer to provide specialized or advanced maintenance or repairs on their products. Hiring these technicians will help you get a positive result after appliance repairs. These professionals have the proper skills and experience to handle various issues related to your appliance. Although they charge more than non-certified technicians, factory-certified individuals can offer various benefits, like:

  • Professional service delivery
  • Access to genuine components and manufacturer support
  • Protection of warranty

However, if you are unable to find an authorized factory technician for your specific appliance repair needs, you can hire technicians who are certified by various trade organizations and educational institutions like the International Society of Electronics Technicians and the United Appliance Servicers Association.

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

When hiring appliance repair technicians in Minneapolis, you must confirm that the parts will be from the original equipment manufacturer. These components are better quality and last longer than generic alternatives. Generic components are made by third parties not affiliated with the appliance's original manufacturer. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts can help protect your appliance's existing warranties. But, if you cannot find the required components from the manufacturer, you may have to use generic alternatives from alternative sources, such as online marketplaces or local retailers.

Ensure that the appliance repair service provider you choose provides a warranty on their work and replacement parts, regardless of whether it's OEM or generic.

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

A home warranty is a type of service agreement that provides coverage for repairs or replacement of appliances malfunctioning because of regular wear and tear. Unlike home insurance, which provides coverage for damages to your home, a home warranty only covers specified home appliances.

A home warranty lasts for one year and can be renewed annually. Although some home warranties can provide coverage for damages caused by improper repairs and poor maintenance, many won't cover damages like:

  • Pre-existing faults
  • Improper installation
  • Appliance misuse

Ensure you review the terms and conditions of a home warranty contract before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Minneapolis Appliance Technician?

Although Minneapolis appliance technicians are not required by law to carry liability insurance, it is essential that you hire one with adequate coverage. This policy provides coverage for property damage and injuries caused by their work. However, appliance repair technicians with a valid electrician license or registered as unlicensed electricians must carry at least $300,000 liability coverage and post and maintain a $25,000 surety bond.

Hence, before hiring a Minneapolis appliance repair technician, ensure they have adequate liability insurance and bonding. Ask for proof of workers' compensation insurance for employees if dealing with an appliance repair firm. Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at (651) 284-5034 for more information regarding insurance requirements for appliance repair technicians holding a valid license.

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

If you have a complaint about an appliance repair or service in Minneapolis, report it to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry using its online platform.

You may also file a complaint against an appliance repair or service with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office by completing a Consumer Assistance Request Form online.