Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Virginia Beach, VA

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

A skilled appliance repair technician in Virginia Beach can diagnose and resolve issues related to your home's various appliances. Most of these technicians can proficiently handle the repairs of appliances like ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, and garbage disposal units. Most of the time, appliance repair technicians in Virginia Beach specialize in specific areas of appliance repair, like the following:

• Brand/Product-Specific Repair: These technicians mainly provide repair services for specific appliance brand manufacturers such as Samsung, Dacor, Electrolux, and Thermador.
• Appliance-Specific Repair: Regardless of the brand or manufacturer, these technicians mainly deal with issues related to specific types of appliances.
• Energy Source-Based Repair: These technicians mostly focus on repairing gas or electric-powered appliances. They may also handle repairs of hybrid and solar-powered devices.
• Commercial Appliance Repair: They usually deal with large kitchen and industrial appliances commonly used in restaurants and commercial establishments.

Below is a list of typical life expectancies of Virginia Beach home appliances. However, note that various factors, such as the model, make, and usage, can affect the longevity and durability of these appliances.

• 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
• Trash Compactors: 6 – 7
• Room AC Units: 9 - 11
• Dehumidifiers: 7 - 8

You should seek the help of a professional appliance technician in Virginia Beach if you notice any issues in your appliances. These issues include the following:

• Burning smell
• Abnormal sounds
• General malfunctions
• Unexplainable moisture in or around the appliance
• Noticeable increase in your energy bills

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Virginia Beach?

Appliance repair technicians in Virginia Beach do not need a license to provide their services to city residents. However, they may need to obtain some specific trade license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, like in the following cases:

• Electrical Contractor license: If an appliance repair technician needs to perform electrical work, such as circuit or wiring repairs on an appliance, they need to hold an electrical contractor license or work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.
• Mechanical Contractor license: If an appliance repair technician performs work that involves the installation, repair, or maintenance of HVAC systems or mechanical components directly related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, they need to hold a mechanical contractor license.

To become a licensed mechanical or electrical contractor in Virginia Beach, an individual must meet certain requirements. These include having a specific level of experience, proof of liability insurance, and passing an examination. In Virginia Beach, appliance repair technicians must complete a federally-mandated certification program with an EPA-approved organization to perform repairs on certain types of appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators.

Hence, before hiring a technician to perform electrical or mechanical repairs on your appliance, ensure they hold the appropriate license. You can verify the licensing status of your preferred appliance repair technician by using the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's lookup a license platform.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Virginia Beach?

In Virginia Beach, appliance repairs typically cost around $50 to $500, and the labor rates charged by local technicians generally are around $55 to $110 an hour. Nevertheless, the following factors will determine the exact cost of your specific repair service:

• The nature of the problem
• The cost of replacement parts
• The urgency/complexity of the required repair
• Accessibility to the appliance
• The type of appliance, make, and model
• Your preferred appliance repair technician's local reputation

Below is a list of the estimated repair costs for various common home appliances in the Virginia Beach area:

When choosing a reputable and honest appliance repair company, we recommend getting and comparing multiple estimates before making your final choice. Doing so will allow you to identify potential fraud. You should also make sure that the technician examines the issue before they provide their quotes. Note that you may have to pay a diagnosis fee for this service. Finally, ensure you get a written estimate and expressly authorize the repairs before work starts.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When looking for a reputable and factory-authorized appliance repair service in Virginia Beach, it is best to choose a technician who has been thoroughly vetted, approved, and designated factory-certified or authorized by the appliance manufacturer. Hiring a factory-authorized technician ensures that the work will be performed according to the manufacturer's specifications and that their warranty will remain valid after the repair. Even though these types of appliance repair technicians are more expensive to hire, they do offer several benefits over other repair services, including the following:

• Direct access to authentic components
• Access to necessary technical support to fix your appliance
• Training on the latest techniques for diagnosing and repairing appliances

Please note that the model and make of your appliance will determine the availability of a factory-authorized appliance repair technician. Nevertheless, if you cannot find a factory-authorized technician near you, you can still hire those certified by a reputable organization. Always verify your preferred appliance repair technician's credentials before concluding hiring arrangements.

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

When fixing an appliance in Virginia Beach that requires the replacement of parts or components, make sure that the technician uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. These are parts manufactured by the original manufacturer, while generic parts are made by a third party that may or may not be affiliated with the original manufacturer. Although original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components are typically more costly, they are generally more durable and last longer than generic parts. In addition, using generic parts can void a manufacturer's warranty.

Nonetheless, certain situations may require using generic parts for repairs, especially when the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are unavailable. However it may be, you should always get a warranty for workmanship and materials to guarantee that you will get a satisfactory service.

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

A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs or replacements of various home appliances, such as washing machines and stoves, if they get damaged due to regular wear and tear. This type of coverage is usually valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

Be aware that home insurance provides coverage for unexpected events that cause damages to your belongings or home and is not the same as home warranties. Home warranties cover regular use, and wear and tear and may also cover damages caused by improper repairs and maintenance. However, these warranties do not usually cover damages caused by the following reasons:

• Pre-existing faults
• Appliance misuse
• Improper appliance installation

Therefore, before signing a home warranty, it is important that you thoroughly read the contract's terms and conditions.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Virginia Beach Appliance Technician?

Although there is no requirement for Virginia Beach appliance repair technicians to carry insurance, it is still essential to confirm that they have adequate general liability. This can help protect you from liability due to property damage and bodily injuries that may occur during the work. However, appliance repair technicians licensed to work and provide mechanical or electrical repair services on appliances must carry a minimum of $500,000 of general liability insurance as required by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Make sure to confirm your intended Virginia Beach appliance technician has adequate insurance and bonding by requesting proof. For more information regarding insurance requirements for technicians holding state-issued licenses, contact the DPOR at (804) 367-8500.