Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Milwaukee, WI

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Milwaukee

Milwaukee's climate is continental, with wide variations in temperature across all four seasons. Either in the city's frigid, snowy, and windy winters or warm summers, you need to depend on appliances like stoves, boilers, heaters, ACs, freezers, and refrigerators to stay comfortable indoors. Any of these home appliances can break down; therefore, it is best to leave repairs to a qualified technician rather than handle it yourself. A DIY repair may further damage the appliance, void your warranty, or cause an electrical accident. Luckily, there are over a hundred appliance repairers in the city ready to help fix any kind of fault.

However, before you hire an appliance repair service in Milwaukee, it is best to ask the following questions as a part of doing your due diligence:

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

Appliance repair professionals in Milwaukee specialize in maintaining and fixing home appliances like ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. These professionals need to adhere to state and federal standards. Although most appliance technicians are knowledgeable about a wide range of appliances, many specialists focus on specific fields and develop their talents there. These specialty areas consist of:

  • Product: These appliance experts are familiar with one or more goods made by certain manufacturers, such as LG, Binatone, Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Frigidaire.
  • Appliance: Regardless of the product's manufacturer, appliance specialists are capable of maintaining and mending a certain type of appliance.
  • Energy-Source: These experts often concentrate on electric or gas appliances. However, some of the technicians in this group work on devices that utilize solar energy and hybrid or dual fuels.
  • Size: while most appliance technicians concentrate on standard home appliances, some specialize in larger equipment that is frequently seen in commercial settings like restaurants, industrial kitchens, and other food establishments.

The average lifespans (in years) of well-known home appliances are listed below:

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

Remember that the lifespan and longevity of your appliance will depend on its manufacture, model, level of maintenance, and use. No matter how recent your appliance may be, if you notice any of the following, call a qualified Milwaukee appliance technician:

  • Strange noises.
  • Burning is discernible.
  • Frequent issues.
  • Inexplicable wetness within the appliance or nearby.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Milwaukee?

While Milwaukee appliance repair technicians are not required to have specific licenses to operate in the city, based on the type and extent of services they intend to provide, these technicians may need to earn at least one of the following state and federal licenses and certifications:

Technicians who repair, service, or maintain refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances that contain and have the potential to leak refrigerants into the atmosphere must have a Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization.

In addition to this EPA certification, check that your preferred appliance repair technician has a National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC). Note that NASTeC is a voluntary certification for appliance repair technicians in the US.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Milwaukee?

Appliance repair specialists in Milwaukee normally charge between $45 and $95 per hour for labor; you can expect to pay between $75 and $150 to get your damaged or malfunctioning appliances fixed. This total cost is affected by things like:

  • Device accessibility
  • The nature of the fault
  • The appliance's power source
  • The urgency of the repair
  • The cost of the necessary replacement parts
  • What type of device is it

The following are the expenses in Milwaukee for fixing some common home appliances:

Refrigerators:
$60 - $420
Freezers:
$110 - $510
Washers:
$59 - $459
Dryers:
$90 - $430
Room AC Units:
$84.73 - $97.02
Stoves/Ovens:
$90 - $420
Cooktops:
$90 - $400
Microwaves:
$118.21 - $131.71
Dishwashers:
$121.26 - $139.58
Garbage Disposals:
$324.55 - $409.64
Trash Compactors:
$70 - $270
Water Dispensers:
$79 - $385
Ice Makers:
$129 - $256

Get and compare estimates for your appliance repair from up to three pros before deciding to get a clear idea of the relevant market pricing in the city and avoid being ripped off by dishonest technicians. When comparing these options, make sure the technician is qualified, knowledgeable, and has a good local reputation before choosing them for lower costs.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Consumer goods manufacturers may occasionally grant appliance repair technicians a status referred to as "factory certification" or "factory authorization." This designation shows that the technicians have undergone screening, qualification, and approval to provide more intricate or specialized services for the manufacturer's particular line of products. Although employing factory-certified repair personnel may incur additional costs, there are numerous benefits, such as:

  • Peace of mind knowing your appliance is in excellent hands since certified and experienced technicians will handle your repairs.
  • You have access to genuine replacement parts for your appliance through warranty protection, guaranteeing high-quality parts.
  • You will receive direct technical support from the company that made your appliance, so you can trust knowledgeable assistance for any problems you run into.

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and local trade schools in Milwaukee offer training and certification for appliance technicians, and they also help them obtain factory certification from the companies whose products they repair.

Before entering an agreement with an appliance technician, it's critical to confirm any claimed certifications. This guarantees that the technician is knowledgeable and skilled enough to offer top-notch service.

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

It is essential to ensure that your appliance repair technician in Milwaukee uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts when fixing faulty household appliances. OEM parts are manufactured by the same company that created the appliance, while generic parts are produced by other businesses. OEM parts are more robust, higher quality, and more compatible with the appliance, making them the better choice. By utilizing OEM parts, any existing appliance warranties will remain intact, providing additional protection for your investment.

Although OEM parts are preferred when repairing household appliances, generic parts may be used in some cases if the original appliance manufacturer or other sources do not have the required parts in stock. This circumstance commonly occurs after a certain appliance model's manufacture has been stopped. In these situations, it's crucial to ask your appliance technician if they offer a guarantee that covers the repair work and any replacement parts they use, whether they are OEM or generic. This offers you peace of mind and ensures the caliber of the technician's services.

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

Home warranties are legal contracts that cover the upkeep, repair, or replacement of home appliances, such as those in the kitchen, laundry room, and dryer, when they break down because of normal wear and use. Such a warranty usually has an annual renewal option and is offered for a fixed time, usually one year. Home insurance offers protection against unforeseeable occurrences that harm your home or personal items, whereas home warranties are solely intended to cover certain home equipment.

Home warranties offer coverage for household appliances that malfunction due to regular wear and tear. However, some home warranties may also provide protection against damages resulting from inadequate maintenance or repairs. It's important to remember that certain types of damage are not typically covered by home warranties, including:

  • Pre-existing issues,
  • Damages caused by misuse of appliances,
  • Damages resulting from improper installation.

It is essential to review the terms and conditions of your home warranty before signing so as to understand the extent of coverage provided. This can help you make informed decisions about the best ways to protect your home and appliances.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Milwaukee Appliance Technician?

Milwaukee does not have any special insurance requirements for appliance repair professionals, but it is still crucial that the expert you hire has general or "professional liability insurance coverage that will protect you if the appliance is accidentally damaged. Also, note that every appliance repair technician with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance.

It is imperative to collect copies of prospective appliance repair specialists' bonds and insurance certificates and to double-check these papers with the relevant insurance firm before entering into any agreements with them.

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

Calling the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection will help you address problems with your Milwaukee appliance repair services. Residents can complain to this office online or by phoning the toll-free hotline at (800) 422-7128.

Alternatively, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 998-0700 or (608) 266-1852 to complain about appliance repair services.