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

Appliance technicians fix and repair appliances like freezers, microwaves, washing machines, and refrigerators for clients. While there are no licensing requirements for appliance repairs in Irving, these technicians may require a state-issued license to perform specific tasks, like fixing cooling, refrigeration, and heating appliances or installing new appliances on residential property. Irving appliance technicians are competent in repairing various appliances, but many choose to specialize in the following areas:

• Appliance-type Specialization: These technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining a particular type of appliance, irrespective of the product brand.
• Energy-Source Specialization: These appliance technicians fix and maintain electric or gas appliances. A subcategory of this specialization focuses on solar-powered appliances as well.
• Product-specific Specialization: These appliance technicians specialize in repairing products of a particular brand like Whirlpool, LG, and General Electric.
• Size-based Specialization: these technicians repair commercial-sized appliances like those found in commercial kitchens and large food production facilities.

Listed below is the average life expectancy of most major household appliances (in years):

• Gas ranges: 10 - 18
• Garbage disposer: 10 - 12
• Dryers: 10 - 13
• Refrigerators: 10 – 14
• Freezers: 10 -15
• Washing Machines: 9 - 10
• Dishwashers: 8 – 10
• Microwave Ovens: 8 – 10
• Ranges/Oven Hoods: 10 – 16
• Compactors: 6 – 7

Your appliance's longevity and durability will depend on its use, level of maintenance, and the product's make and model. The list below itemizes some signs of an appliance malfunction for which you will need a professional appliance repair technician:

• An abnormal noise from the appliance
• Signs of unexplained excess moisture
• A burning smell
• A noticeable difference in your energy cost
• General system malfunctions

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Irving?

While appliance repair technicians do not require local licensing to operate in Irving, technicians who install appliances in residential dwellings must be licensed as Residential Appliance Installers by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Similarly, technicians who want to work with heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning appliances are also required to obtain an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License from this agency.

Per federal law, technicians who fix or maintain appliances that release refrigerants into the atmosphere (like refrigerators and freezers) must also obtain Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization.

Confirm that any appliance technician you hire in Irving has satisfied all necessary regulatory requirements for your intended repairs; this assures you that the job will be handled competently and professionally. Irving appliance repair technicians who offer services that require state licensing without holding the required licenses can face Class C misdemeanor charges and administrative sanctions imposed by the TDLR.

You can verify state-issued licenses by using the TDLR's License Search tool. You can also contact the Irving Inspections Department for questions about licensing or regulatory requirements for appliance repairs at (972) 721-2371

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Irving?

Appliance repair technicians in Irving charge hourly labor rates that range between $50 - $120, and the total cost of fixing faulty appliances varies based on the type of appliance and other factors like:

• The cost of necessary replacement parts
• The urgency of the repair
• The type of problem
• The appliance's energy source
• Accessibility to the appliance

Itemized below are estimates for repairing some common household appliances in Irving:

It is advisable to request and compare costs for your appliance repair with up to three technicians before hiring. This will give you an idea of current appliance repair market rates and help you spot unscrupulous technicians. However, be cautious about hiring a technician just because they offer the cheapest rates; ensure that the technician is experienced, competent, and has a good local reputation.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Appliance manufacturers often give specific technicians a stamp of approval indicating that they have the skill set to repair, maintain, and service their brand of products; this authorization is called a "Factory Certification." While hiring these factory-certified appliance technicians may cost a bit more, there are several benefits to doing so, like:

• Warranty protection
• Assurance that competent professionals will handle your repairs
• Access to authentic replacement parts and direct technical support from your appliance's manufacturer

While professional Irving appliance technicians are generally trained and certified to repair various appliances, they may also undergo training with international organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).

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

Always confirm if your Irving appliance technician will use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or generic parts. OEM parts are appliance parts made by the original manufacturer of the appliance in question. In contrast, generic parts are not made by the appliance's original manufacturer but can work with said appliance. OEM parts are typically more suited to the appliance and are of higher quality than generic parts, which makes them a better option. There is also the added advantage of protecting the existing warranties on your appliance.

However, unavoidable circumstances may warrant generic parts to repair an appliance. These circumstances include when OEM parts cannot be sourced from the original appliance manufacturer or alternatives like local supply stores and online marketplaces due to supply problems or production discontinuation. You should request a warranty from your appliance technician that covers the repair work, irrespective of the type of parts used. This assures you of the quality of the technician's services.

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

Home warranties are service contracts, typically renewed annually and provide coverage for servicing, repairing, or replacing household appliances like ovens, washers, and household appliances that break down from regular use. They differ from home insurance in that the latter covers damages to your entire home and personal belongings from unexpected events.

While most home warranties cover appliance malfunctions that result from normal wear and tear, some contracts may include coverage for damages from improper repair and inadequate maintenance. However, most home warranties will not cover the following:

• Pre-existing faults
• Damages caused by appliance misuse
• Damages caused by improper appliance installation

As such, carefully read the terms and conditions of any home warranty you intend to purchase before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Irving Appliance Technician?

Hiring insured and bonded appliance technicians protects you from financial liabilities in case of injuries or property damage during your appliance repair. Irving appliance technicians offering residential appliance installation services or working on refrigeration or heating appliances must maintain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence.

As such, you should always request and verify a copy of the insurance certificates of any intended appliance technician or appliance repair firm before finalizing hiring arrangements and ensuring they have adequate liability coverage. Also, even though it is not mandatory, you should strongly consider checking for workers' compensation insurance if you plan to hire an appliance repair company with employees.

You can get more information on applicable insurance requirements for Irving appliance technicians by contacting the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at (800) 803-9202. Queries can also be directed to the Texas Department of Insurance at (800) 578-4677.