Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Lexington, KY
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Service in Lexington
The climate in Lexington is mild, generally warm, and temperate, allowing for grooming some of the best horses and enjoying several outdoor thrills. When residents retire indoors, they must count on their appliances to refresh. These home appliances, including stoves, cookers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, will break down occasionally. When they do, it is best to hire an appliance repair service; a DIY repair may result in further damage or void your warranty.
Luckily, Lexington has a considerable number of skilled appliance repairers who are well-equipped to fix any kind of fault. However, before you hire an appliance repair service in Lexington, you should ask the following smart questions:
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Appliance Technician in Lexington?
- Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Lexington?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Lexington?
- Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?
- Do You Replace Parts with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts?
- Will My Home Warranty Cover the Cost of Repairing the Appliance?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Lexington Appliance Technician?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Appliance Repair Services in Lexington?
What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Appliance Technician in Lexington?
Appliance repair professionals in Lexington maintain and repair home appliances like refrigerators, water dispensers, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Typically, these occupations must adhere to state and federal limitations to practice. Even while most appliance technicians are trained to work on various appliances, many professionals choose to concentrate on specific industries and develop their expertise there. These specialty areas consist of:
- Product: Appliance industry experts are often very familiar with at least one item produced by specific manufacturers like LG, Binatone, Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Frigidaire.
- Appliance: These appliance specialists are qualified to maintain and fix certain appliances, regardless of the brand.
- Energy-Source: These professionals often concentrate on electric or gas appliances. However, some of the experts in this team repair equipment that uses hybrid or dual fuels in addition to solar power.
- Size: A small minority of appliance technicians may be experts in larger equipment typically found in commercial settings like restaurants, industrial kitchens, and other food operations, while the bulk of appliance technicians concentrate on common residential appliances.
The average lifespans (in years) of popular 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, our appliance's lifespan and longevity will rely on various factors, including the brand, model, level of maintenance, and use. No matter how current your appliance may be, if you detect any of the following, call a qualified Lexington appliance technician:
- Your energy costs have multiplied.
- You find a lot of issues with your appliance.
- Either the inside or the outside of the appliance is damp.
- The equipment is making strange noises.
- Burning is evident.
Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Lexington?
While Lexington does not require a dedicated license for appliance repair, It is advised that you hire an appliance repair specialist with state and federal licenses and certificates. One such certificate is the Section 608 Certification. Technicians must obtain this certification from an EPA-approved organization before working on, servicing, or maintaining appliances like refrigerators and freezers containing refrigerants that could be released into the atmosphere.
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Building, and Construction, Hazardous Materials Section requires an LP Gas License from technicians who wish to maintain, modernize, or repair propane/LP gas-powered equipment.
Repairing equipment, machinery, and systems without a license is a serious crime in Lexington, and offenders face fines and perhaps jail time. Use the license search platform of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Building, and Construction to be sure your appliance repair technician is licensed. Contact the Department at (502) 573-0365 for more details regarding appliance repair technician licensing.
What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Lexington?
To fix a broken or malfunctioning appliance in Lexington, you should budget between $40 to $305 because appliance repair professionals often charge $75 to $150 per hour for work. The following factors have an impact on this total cost:
- Appliance categorization
- Nature of malfunction
- Degree of repair priority
- Cost of necessary replacement parts
- The energy source for the appliance
- Ease of access to the appliance
The following are the prices in Lexington for fixing some common home appliances:
When considering an appliance repair technician, obtaining and comparing estimates from up to three professionals is advisable. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing rates in your area and help safeguard against unscrupulous practitioners. In assessing these options, it is important to scrutinize the technician's qualifications, proficiency, and reputation within the local community rather than solely relying on pricing as the determining factor.
Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?
The process of appliance manufacturers authorizing repair specialists is called "factory certification" or "factory authorization." This stamp by the manufacturer shows that the technicians are qualified to perform more difficult or advanced repairs because they have successfully passed a test demonstrating their expertise in repairing the company's products. Hiring these skilled repair technicians may be more expensive, but there are some benefits, such as:
- You can be sure that skilled and seasoned individuals will handle your repairs.
- Your appliance will be fixed with high-quality parts, and genuine replacements will be available because of the warranty protection.
- It provides direct technical help from the company that made your appliance, allowing you to fix any problems quickly and efficiently.
Aside from receiving factory certification from appliance makers, Lexington appliance repair technicians also receive training and certification from local trade schools and internationally renowned organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).
Confirm a technician's credentials before hiring them for your repair needs. By doing this, you can be sure the technician you have chosen has the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver top-notch service.
Do You Replace Parts with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts?
You must ensure that any Lexington appliance repair technician you hire only fixes your broken home appliances with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. While OEM parts are produced by the business that originally designed the gadget, generic components are produced by independent companies. Because they are more dependable, higher quality, and better suited to the appliance, OEM parts are typically a more expensive option. However, using OEM parts also helps maintain ongoing appliance warranties, which adds another level of protection for your investment.
Generic parts can occasionally be a good alternative to OEM parts, especially for older appliances, even though OEM parts should be the first option. In addition to costing more, OEM parts could be harder to get. It is nevertheless essential to make sure the generic parts used are of excellent quality and suitable for the device. Always inquire about the warranty that your appliance technician provides, covering the repairs they do and any replacement parts they use, whether they are OEM or generic. A trustworthy expert should provide a full warranty regardless of the parts they use to guarantee the dependability of their services.
Will My Home Warranty Cover the Cost of Repairing the Appliance?
Home warranties are service agreements that protect home appliances against normal wear and tear. This covers appliances in the kitchen, laundry room, and dryer. This sort of insurance coverage is often offered for a set period, usually one year, and is renewed annually. The distinction between home insurance and warranties must be made clear, as some people conflate them. Home insurance is made to protect your home and belongings from unforeseen events like theft, accidents, and natural disasters. A home warranty only covers specific systems and appliances that may require maintenance or replacement due to normal wear and tear.
It is essential to have a firm understanding of the protection a home warranty provides before making a choice. Although most warranties do cover appliance defects caused by normal wear and tear, some may also protect against losses due to negligent maintenance or repairs. However, it is vital to keep in mind that certain sorts of damage are not usually covered, such as:
- Any current issues
- Any damage resulting from poor installation.
- Any damage resulting from using appliances incorrectly
Before purchasing a home warranty, it is crucial to carefully study the policy's terms and conditions so that you are informed of what is and isn't covered. Knowing this, you can then select how to protect your home and appliances.
Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Lexington Appliance Technician?
Appliance repair specialists working in Lexington are not explicitly required to carry insurance. However, you must select a specialist whose work is protected by general or professional liability insurance. These insurance coverages will safeguard you in the sad event that your appliance is accidentally damaged. Please be advised that a worker's compensation insurance policy is essential for every appliance repair technician who employs two or more persons. Remember, if your repair technician does not employ anyone, they must provide an affidavit.
To ensure your repair work is protected, request copies of any potential appliance repair professionals' insurance certificates. Furthermore, you are advised to confirm these documents with the appropriate insurance provider before entering into legal agreements with them.
How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Appliance Repair Services in Lexington?
You can address problems with your appliance repair services in Lexington by calling the Consumer Protection Division at (502) 696-5389 or (888) 432-9257. Online complaint forms are also accessible for filing a complaint. Furthermore, you can contact their office at:
Office of Consumer Protection1024 Capital Center Drive,
Suite 200
Frankfort, KY, 40601
Table of Contents
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Appliance Technician in Lexington?
- Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Lexington?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Lexington?
- Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?
- Do You Replace Parts with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts?
- Will My Home Warranty Cover the Cost of Repairing the Appliance?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Lexington Appliance Technician?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Appliance Repair Services in Lexington?