Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Arlington, TX

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Arlington

Whether in Arlington's warm and muggy summers or cold and snowy winters, home appliances are essential in maintaining a comfortable environment around your home or work. Dealing with a faulty refrigerator, AC unit, washing machine, dryer, or any other appliances when weather conditions get extreme can create many inconveniences. Luckily, over 900 home appliance repairers in the Dallas-Arlington metro area are available to help with various repairs at a moment's notice.

However, before you hire a professional appliance repair service in the city, it is recommended that you ask the following smart questions:

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

Arlington appliance technicians are experts in repairing and maintaining various appliances used in residential and commercial buildings, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and ovens. While there are no occupation-specific licenses for appliance repair in Arlington, these technicians need a state-issued license to install appliances in residential buildings (a separate license may also be required to repair specific cooling and refrigeration appliances).

Even though Arlington appliance technicians have a general knowledge of various appliances, they often choose to specialize in specific areas of appliance repair:

  • Product: This area focuses on a particular product line from specific manufacturers, like LG, Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Samsung, Jenn-Air, and Maytag.
  • Appliance: This area focuses on a specific type of appliance, irrespective of the manufacturer.
  • Energy Source: This area focuses on the appliance's energy source (usually electric, gas, solar, or dual-fuel/hybrid).
  • Size: This area focuses on appliances used in commercial and industrial facilities.

Listed below is the average life expectancy (in years) of common 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
  • Compactors: 6 – 7

Remember, the lifespan and durability of your appliance will vary depending on its make, model, and usage.

Always contact a professional Arlington appliance repair technician if you notice the following issues with your appliance (even if the appliance is relatively new):

  • Burning smells coming from the appliance
  • Significant increase in energy costs
  • Unusual noises being made by the appliance
  • Unexplained moisture around or within the appliance
  • General malfunctions with the appliance

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Arlington?

Even though there is no occupation-specific license for appliance repair in Arlington, local appliance repair technicians need one of the following state-issued licenses from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before providing certain services:

Always verify your prospective appliance repair technicians are licensed to provide your required services and are, thus, qualified to complete the work effectively. You can do this using the TDLR's License Data Search platform.

Get more information on Arlington appliance repair technicians' licensing requirements by contacting the TDLR at (800) 803-9202 or (512) 463-6599 (for callers outside Texas) and the Arlington Planning and Development Services Department at (817) 459-6502.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Arlington?

Appliance repair charges in Arlington typically range from $50 - $850 (this includes the technician's labor rates, which usually cost about $50 - $100 per hour). The exact cost of your appliance repair will largely be impacted by variables like:

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

Here are some repair price ranges for several common appliances in Arlington:

Refrigerators:
$50 - $450
Freezers:
$70 - $485
Washers:
$50 - $350
Dryers:
$75 - $380
Room AC Units:
$80 - $800
Stoves/Ovens:
$75 - $400
Cooktops:
$65 - $350
Microwaves:
$60 - $300
Dishwashers:
$80 - $300
Garbage Disposals:
$50 - $200
Trash Compactors:
$50 - $220
Water Dispensers:
$60 - $300
Ice Makers:
$100 - $250

We recommend getting and comparing price quotes from up to three local appliance repair technicians before hiring. This strategy guarantees fair rates and prevents you from being taken advantage of by shady technicians. Your hiring choice shouldn't just be dependent on price. Always make sure the technician you select is competent and dependable.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When fixing significant appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, and microwave ovens, you should strongly consider getting a factory-certified (or factory-authorized) technician. These technicians receive specialized training from appliance manufacturers, equipping them to repair the manufacturer's range of products expertly. Although the services of these technicians may cost more, this added cost is offset by several benefits, which include:

  • Access to genuine replacement parts and direct support from manufacturers
  • Warranty protection
  • Professional service delivery

Suppose you cannot find a factory-certified technician for your appliance repair. In that case, check for technicians trained and certified by reputable trade schools and appliance repair-related organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the Professional Service Association, and the United Appliance Servicers Association. Verify any certifications your prospective technician claims to have.

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

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts refer to appliance components and accessories made and supplied by the manufacturer. You should always confirm that your technician uses these parts for your appliance repair, as they are generally higher in quality, more durable, and more appliance-compatible than generic parts (components made and supplied by companies other than the appliance's original manufacturer). In addition, using OEM parts for your repairs helps preserve your appliance's existing warranty.

However, if OEM parts for your appliance are unavailable, your technician may use generic parts for the repair – professional technicians will usually inform you before doing this. Always request a warranty for your appliance repair work covering the technician's workmanship and materials used.

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

Home warranties are service contracts that protect household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, ranges, and stoves if they break down from regular wear and tear. This coverage is generally valid for a fixed period, usually one year, and can be renewed yearly. Home warranties differ from home insurance – home insurance covers unexpected damages to your home and personal property. In contrast, home warranties only cover specific appliances and are limited to problems caused by normal wear and tear.

Some home warranty providers may include coverage for improper maintenance or repair in their contracts; however, most home warranties do not cover damages resulting from misuse, pre-existing issues, or incorrect installation. As such, carefully review the terms and conditions of any home warranty you plan to purchase before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Arlington Appliance Technician?

When searching for appliance repair services in Arlington, work with insured technicians; otherwise, you may be held liable for any injuries or property damage that occurs during the job. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to confirm that your intended appliance technician is adequately insured before you commit to them.

Note that Arlington repair technicians who wish to get a state-issued license for repairing air conditioning or refrigeration appliances or engaging in residential appliance installation are required to fulfill certain mandatory insurance requirements. These generally include maintaining liability insurance with minimum limits of about $300,000 per occurrence or $600,000 aggregate to cover property damage and bodily injury and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at (800) 803-9202 to direct questions concerning the insurance requirements for Arlington appliance technicians who wish to offer residential appliance installation or air conditioning and refrigeration appliance repair services.

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

The Texas Attorney General's Office deals with issues concerning unsatisfactory appliance repair services in Arlington. You report these issues, and any other matters involving Arlington appliance repair technicians, to this office's Consumer Protection Division online by calling 1-800-621-0508 or by mailing a consumer complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548