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Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Newark

Whether in Newark's warm and humid summer or during its cold and snowy winter, you have to rely on your home appliances to stay comfortable indoors: stoves, ovens, coffee makers, refrigerators, and freezers for food; dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers for cleaning up; and boilers, heaters, dehumidifiers, and ACs for controlling indoor air quality.

Occasionally, any of these appliances will break down. When that happens, hiring a qualified technician is better than attempting a DIY repair that may worsen the problem, void your warranty, or result in an electrical accident. Luckily, you can find more than a thousand appliance repairers in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area who are ready to fix all kinds of issues.

However, as a part of exercising due diligence, you should ask the following questions to ensure that the technician you hire is skilled and experienced enough to complete the repairs satisfactorily:

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

Numerous skilled appliance repair technicians in Newark are capable of handling various types of kitchen and home appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and cooktops. However, most of the time, professional technicians in Newark specialize in one type of appliance repair, such as follows:

  • Product-based repair: This specialization covers the repair of various products made by specific manufacturers such as Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, and KitchenAid.
  • Appliance-based repair: This specialization involves fixing specific kinds of appliances regardless of their manufacturer.
  • Energy source-based repair: This specialization mainly focuses on the energy sources of certain appliances like gas, electric, and hybrid models.
  • Size-based repair: These technicians mainly deal with commercial kitchen and industrial appliances.

Average life expectancies for common appliances in Newark are provided below:

  • 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

Please note that the lifespan and durability of your appliances can vary based on their model, make, and usage. Always contact a professional appliance repair technician in Newark if you are experiencing any of the following issues with your device:

  • Burning smells
  • Unusual noises
  • General malfunctions
  • Unexplained moisture in or around the appliance
  • Significant increase in energy consumption when using the device

Although, in general, appliance repairers in Newark do not need a license to provide their services in the city, those who service and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration appliances do need to be licensed.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Newark?

Appliance repair technicians in Newark are not required to obtain a specific occupational license to provide their services. However, they may need state-issued licenses from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs through the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors to perform repair and maintenance work on air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating appliances.

To obtain a license from the Board, appliance repair technicians must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Complete an approved formal apprenticeship or employer-sponsored program or attend college.
  • Pass accredited exams
  • Obtain Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization, as mandated by federal law, to work on appliances like freezers or refrigerators that contain and emit refrigerants.

Hence, when hiring an appliance repair technician to repair your air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating appliances, confirm they have the necessary licenses. To verify the licensing status of your prospective technician, you can use the Board's license verification system. For more information on obtaining a license and eligibility requirements for applicants, contact the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors at (973) 504-6250.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Newark?

Repairing an appliance in Newark typically costs from $50 to $450, including hourly labor fees of $30 to $100 per hour and replacement part expenses. However, overall costs can vary depending on several factors, such as follows:

  • The type, make, and model of the faulty appliance
  • The nature of the problem and how quickly it needs to be solved
  • The cost of required replacement parts and accessories

Below are price ranges for repairing common appliances in Newark:

Refrigerators:
$60 - $400
Freezers:
$90 - $400
Washers:
$65 - $300
Dryers:
$70 - $350
Room AC Units:
$95 - $800
Stoves/Ovens:
$85 - $350
Cooktops:
$80 - $350
Microwaves:
$60 - $250
Dishwashers:
$100 - $200
Garbage Disposals:
$60 - $150
Trash Compactors:
$60 - $100
Water Dispensers:
$60 - $250
Ice Makers:
$70 - $150

Before hiring a local appliance repairer, we recommend that you get and compare cost estimates from at least three technicians. This will allow you to identify fraudulent technicians and get the best service possible. Besides good pricing, ensure that your prospective technician has the required experience and credentials to handle your repair satisfactorily.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When looking for a professional technician for your appliance repair, check if your candidate has factory certification. Appliance manufacturers endorse factory-authorized technicians; they can handle various tasks like diagnosing, servicing and repairing their products. Although it may cost more to have a factory-authorized technician handle your repair compared to a non-factory-authorized professional, there are advantages to choosing factory-authorized, such as follows:

  • Warranty protection
  • Professional and quality service delivery
  • Direct access to manufacturers for assistance and genuine replacement parts

Nevertheless, if you cannot find a factory-authorized technician to service your appliance, there are various other reputable organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the Professional Service Association, and the United Appliance Servicers Association that train and certify appliance repair technicians in Newark. Check if your appliance technician is certified and verify any certification claim they make with the appropriate organization.

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

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are components made and supplied by an appliance manufacturer. Confirm with your prospective appliance repair technician if they will use OEM components when making the repairs. OEM parts are typically better quality and last longer than generic alternatives, which are often made by other companies not usually affiliated with the appliance manufacturer. OEM parts also protect any existing warranties on your appliance.

However, if your appliance's original components are unavailable due to the manufacturer discontinuing production of the device, your technician may resort to using generic parts for the repair. Professional repair technicians usually ask for the client's approval before using generic parts. Always request your appliance repairer a warranty that covers their workmanship and the replacement parts used, regardless of whether they use OEM or generic.

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

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of replacing or fixing certain home appliances, such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, or a microwave oven when they break down or malfunction due to normal wear and tear. Unlike home insurance, a home warranty doesn't cover unexpected damages to your belongings or home. A standard home warranty is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

Although a home warranty may cover certain damages caused by improper appliance maintenance or repair, it does not usually cover issues caused by improper installation, pre-existing faults, or misuse. The terms of these service contracts are set by the provider, so make sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of any home warranty you intend to purchase before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Newark Appliance Technician?

Appliance repair technicians are not required to carry liability insurance in Newark. Nevertheless, it is best to hire technicians who carry liability insurance to protect you from liabilities from bodily injuries or property damages that may occur during the repair. So, before hiring an appliance repairer in the city, always confirm they have the necessary insurance coverage. To do this, you can request a copy of their insurance certificate and authenticate it with the appropriate insurance company.

Please note that if your prospective Newark appliance technician holds a valid state-issued license to repair and maintain heating, cooling, and refrigeration appliances, you must confirm that they carry at least $500,000 of liability insurance coverage and a $3,000 surety bond. In addition, they must carry workers' compensation insurance, if applicable.

Always confirm if your technician's insurance is adequate before hiring. Contact the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors at (973) 504-6250 for more information concerning bond and insurance requirements for state license holders.

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

If you have a complaint regarding subpar services or detective business practices in Newark, you can report it to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling (973) 504- 6200.