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

While appliance technicians in Cleveland have the skills and expertise to fix and service various appliances like washing machines, AC units, refrigerators, stoves, and microwave ovens, many specialize in at least one of the following types of appliance repair:

• Product-based repair: This specialization focuses on fixing appliances from specific product manufacturers, like Maytag, KitchenAid, Samsung, Bosch, Whirlpool, Amana, and Zephyr.
• Appliance-based repair: This specialization focuses on fixing specific types of appliances, like refrigerators, AC units, ovens, and dishwashers, irrespective of the appliance brand.
• Energy source-based repair: This specialization focuses on fixing appliances that utilize a particular power source. This power source is usually electricity, gas, solar, or hybrid/dual-fuel.
• Size-based repair: This specialization focuses on fixing large appliances used in commercial and industrial facilities.

Although there are no licensing requirements for appliance repair in Cleveland, local technicians need a state-issued license to repair commercial air conditioning and refrigeration appliances.

The list below provides the average life expectancy (in years) of everyday home appliances in Cleveland. The actual lifespan and durability of these appliances are typically affected by factors like the appliance brand, model, and usage:

• 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

We recommend calling Cleveland appliance technicians when you notice the following issues with your appliance, whether old or new:

• Unexplained moisture in or around the appliance
• Burning smells
• Abnormal sounds
• Increased energy consumption after use
• General malfunctions

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Cleveland?

There is no occupation-specific licensing requirement for home appliance repair work in Cleveland. However, a state-issued license issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) is required for commercial appliance repairs that involve refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances. The requirements for obtaining this license include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having at least five years of relevant on-the-job experience or an acceptable equivalent
• Passing a background check and a licensing exam

Appliance repair technicians who work on appliances (whether for home or commercial use) that contain and can emit refrigerants into the atmosphere must first obtain Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization. In addition, Cleveland appliance repair technicians who work on air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration appliances may also be required to register locally with the city's Department of Building and Housing.

Contact the Cleveland Department of Building and Housing at (216) 664-2282 for more information on local registration and state licensing requirements for air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration appliance repair work. You can also verify state-issued licenses online via the OCILB's eLicense Center. Always do this before hiring technicians to fix your commercial refrigeration, heating, or air conditioning appliances.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Cleveland?

Appliance repair costs in Cleveland typically range from $50 to $650, including necessary replacement parts and the technician's labor fees (usually about $50 - $110 per hour). However, the overall costs of these repairs are influenced by factors such as:

• The nature of the problem
• The urgency of the repair
• The make and model of the appliance

Here are cost estimates for fixing some common appliances in Cleveland:

Consider getting and comparing cost estimates from several appliance repair technicians before hiring. This ensures you are charged a fair price and not taken advantage of by unscrupulous technicians. However, remember that your hiring decision should not be solely based on low pricing. Always confirm your preferred technician is aptly skilled and reliable.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When looking for skilled and reliable appliance repair technicians in Cleveland, check for factory certification (or authorization). Being factory-certified means the technician has received specialized training from an appliance manufacturer to service and repair their range of appliances. Some advantages that factory-certified technicians have over their counterparts include:

• They have access to administrative and technical support from appliance manufacturers
• They use genuine, high-quality components that won't void your appliance's warranty

However, it should be pointed out that not being factory-certified does not necessarily mean a technician is unskilled or inexperienced. Many professional appliance repair technicians in Cleveland also receive training and certifications from local trade schools or reputable organizations, like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the Professional Service Association, and the United Appliance Servicers Association. Nonetheless, always verify any credentials your preferred technician claims to hold.

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

Ensuring your appliance repair technician uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to replace faulty components or accessories in your appliance is vital. These parts are made and supplied by the original manufacturer of the appliance and are more compatible and durable than generic parts. Moreover, using OEM parts will preserve your existing warranties on the appliance.

However, there may be instances where generic parts are the only option available for repair, usually when production of the appliance has been discontinued and the necessary OEM parts are not available at local retail stores or online. In such cases, a professional technician will typically seek your approval before using any generic parts. Nevertheless, confirm that you'll receive a warranty for the appliance repair that covers the technician's workmanship and the replaced parts, even when OEM ones are used.

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

Home warranties cover household appliances such as washing machines, ranges, microwave ovens, and dishwashers that break down because of normal wear and tear. This coverage is typically set for a predetermined period, usually one year, and can be renewed annually. These home warranties are distinct from home insurance, which covers unexpected damages to your home and personal property. In contrast, home warranties are limited to specific appliances and are typically only valid for problems caused by regular usage and wear and tear.

Some home warranties may also offer coverage for damages caused by poor maintenance or repairs. However, many warranty providers do not cover damages resulting from pre-existing issues, misuse of appliances, and incorrect installation. Therefore, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of a home warranty before making a purchase.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Cleveland Appliance Technician?

Although there are no local insurance requirements for appliance repair technicians in Cleveland, requesting and verifying proof of insurance from any technician you intend to hire. You can do this by requesting a copy of their insurance certificate, contacting the issuing insurance company to confirm their liability coverage, and determining whether it will be sufficient to cover any accidents during your appliance repair.

If your appliance repair involves commercial refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters, or similar appliances, the technician must hold a state-issued contractor license and carry contractor liability insurance of at least $500,000 or an appropriate amount determined by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. You can direct any questions related to state-mandated insurance requirements for commercial appliance repair in Cleveland to this board at (614) 644-3493.