Hiring an appliance repair technician: warranty first

When a washer stops mid-cycle or the fridge goes warm, the first call often shouldn't be to a repair shop at all. If the appliance is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the repair, and having someone else work on it first could complicate things. Check the warranty, then decide who to call.

This page walks through that order, the repairs worth handing off, how licensing works for appliance techs and how to describe the problem so the first visit fixes it.

Start with the warranty and authorized service

Find the model and serial number. They're on a label inside the door, on the frame, on the back or under the kick plate. See find your appliance model number.
Find your proof of purchase. A receipt, order confirmation or credit card statement. Manufacturers may ask for it.
Check the warranty terms. They're in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Many major appliances come with a one-year limited warranty, and some parts have longer coverage. Also check any extended warranty or service plan you bought, and whether your credit card adds coverage.
Contact the manufacturer. Use the support number or website for your brand to schedule warranty service. Whirlpool, for example, runs its own service program with technicians it trains and certifies, using its own genuine parts, according to Whirlpool's service page. Other major brands have similar programs.

Out of warranty, you have more choices. Many independent shops are factory-authorized for certain brands, which usually means they have training and access to original parts. It's worth asking.

What an appliance repair technician does, and doesn't do

Appliance techs diagnose and repair the machines themselves:

Washers and dryers
Refrigerators, freezers and ice makers
Dishwashers and garbage disposals (some shops)
Ranges, ovens, cooktops and microwaves
Room air conditioners

They generally don't run new gas lines, add electrical circuits or reroute plumbing. If your new range needs a new outlet, that's an electrician. If the dishwasher drain line backs up into the sink, the clog may be a plumber's job. Central air and furnaces belong to an HVAC technician.

Appliance repairs you shouldn't DIY

Gas appliance connections and gas valves. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside (see what to do if you smell gas). Never DIY gas lines.
Sealed refrigerant systems. Opening a fridge's refrigerant system requires EPA Section 608 certification; household refrigerators fall under Type I, which covers small appliances, per the EPA.
Control boards and high-voltage parts. Microwaves in particular can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged.
Anything still under warranty. Call the manufacturer first.

Easy checks worth doing yourself first: dishwasher not draining, dryer not heating, refrigerator not cooling, washer won't spin and oven not heating. Unplug the appliance or turn off its breaker before any hands-on check.

Licensing for appliance repair

Appliance repair is licensed less often than plumbing or electrical work. Many states have no specific appliance repair license, though the business may still need a local business license. Some states do regulate it. California, for example, requires state registration for businesses that repair washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ranges, microwaves, dishwashers and room air conditioners, per the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

Whatever your state's rules, a federal requirement applies everywhere: a tech who opens a refrigerant system must be EPA Section 608 certified. And if the job involves gas or new wiring, your state's plumbing, gas or electrical licensing rules apply. Our guide to checking a contractor license shows how to search your state's boards.

What drives the cost

Warranty status. Covered repairs may cost you little or nothing.
Diagnostic or trip fee. Common, and sometimes credited toward the repair.
The part. A door switch and a control board are very different prices. Original parts may cost more than generic ones.
Brand and age. Parts for high-end or older models can be harder to get.
Return visits. If a part has to be ordered, there may be a second trip.

Questions to ask before hiring

Are you factory-authorized for my brand?
Do you use original manufacturer parts or aftermarket parts?
What's the diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Do you carry liability insurance?
For refrigerators or room ACs: are you EPA Section 608 certified?
What warranty do you give on parts and labor?
Honestly, is this worth repairing at this age?

How to describe the problem for an accurate quote

Brand, model and serial number. This lets the tech check common faults and bring likely parts.
Age and warranty status. Even a rough purchase year helps.
Exact symptoms. "Dryer runs and tumbles but no heat. Started last week."
Error codes and lights. Write down any code exactly as shown.
Sounds and smells. Grinding, clicking, burning, or silence.
What you've tried. "Cleaned the lint screen and checked the breaker."
Gas or electric. For dryers and ranges.

Ask for a written quote before parts are ordered. If you're weighing repair against replacement, our DIY vs. pro calculator can help.

After the job is done

Run the appliance through a full cycle while the technician is there, or as soon as possible after. Keep the invoice, which should list the parts installed and the warranty on parts and labor. If the same problem returns within the warranty period, call the same shop first.

If the appliance was repaired under the manufacturer's warranty, keep the paperwork with your receipt. It can help if another covered part fails later.

If you rent and the appliance came with the unit, tell your landlord before calling anyone. Appliances the landlord provides are usually theirs to repair.

Next steps

Try the fix-or-call quiz, read how to compare quotes, or send a free match request to hear from local appliance techs.

Common questions

Should I call the manufacturer or a local repair shop?

If the appliance is under warranty, start with the manufacturer, which will send or refer you to its authorized service. Out of warranty, an independent shop can be a good choice; ask whether they're factory-authorized for your brand and what parts they use.

Where do I find my model and serial number?

Usually on a label inside the door, along the door frame, on the back or under a kick plate. Our guide to finding your appliance model number shows the common spots by appliance type.

Is it worth repairing an old appliance?

It depends on the age of the appliance, the cost of the repair compared with a new one, and whether parts are still available. Ask the technician for a written quote and an honest opinion before approving work.

Can an appliance tech fix a refrigerator that's low on refrigerant?

Only if they hold EPA Section 608 certification, which federal rules require for anyone who opens a sealed refrigerant system. Ask before they start.