We rely on our refrigerators to keep food fresh. When your fridge is being stubborn, hiring a refrigerator repair service is a must. Whether it’s fixing the ice maker system, a water leak or finding out why the fridge isn’t cooling, an appliance repair service team can come in handy. But, repairing a faulty refrigerator isn’t a DIY job that everyone can handle.
Hiring a qualified appliance technician for the job can eventually save you time and money. So, keep reading to learn how to hire a refrigerator repair company.
How to Identify a Qualified Professional
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure they’re certified to work in your state and that they have all the proper licenses for the job. This will help you make sure you’re following federal and state laws while also ensuring you’re working with a qualified technician.
An appliance repair technician should be up-to-date with the latest technologies and procedures. Many states require technicians to have a small appliance and electronics repair license to provide refrigerator repair services. These licenses can only be obtained through an authorized government agency.
Tips for Hiring The Right Appliances Repair Service
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Any good repair starts with a great professional. To find a qualified professional to repair your appliances, you need to do some leg work. Start by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. They can provide you with a couple of local refrigerator repair service professionals to consider.
Next, you can look online to find other professionals in the area. Trusted sites have hundreds of listings which include ratings and reviews for service repair professionals near you. Spending time on these sites can help you avoid hiring a problematic contractor.
As you navigate these sites, keep the tips below in mind as you choose the right professional to work with.
Ask About Service Warranties
When considering hiring a refrigerator repair service professional, remember that a reputable company will offer a warranty on its repairs. These guarantees cover 30 days to 12 months. Check to see if there is a warranty on any new parts installed as well.
Offering service warranties means the company is confident in the work they do and the products they use. It will also give you peace of mind as the professional is willing to take accountability for any mistakes that could arise.
Always confirm whether an appliance repair service company offers service warranties. Check what’s covered and for how long.
Read Reviews
At last, you want to read reviews. While referrals from friends and neighbors are always good, reading through online reviews will give you an overall idea of their quality and services.
Don’t just read reviews on the appliance repair service’s website. Check review sites like Google, the Better Business Bureau and Yelp. Other trusted sites can help narrow down your search. When you’re reading through the reviews, focus on comments about organization, customer service, schedule and pricing. This will give you an overall idea of why someone was satisfied with their service.
Spend time reading both good and bad reviews to get a more comprehensive idea. Always check to see if the company replies to any review. This way, you can verify the credibility of the reviews as some companies might ask their employees to leave positive reviews.
Unless you see a significant number of troublesome reviews, you want to find a qualified refrigerator repair service technician with a rating of at least four stars.
Make Sure They’re Prepared
Most of the time, service repair professionals will work from your home. Understandably, they might need to order some parts, but a professional technician will usually have some parts with them. Since you’re dealing with a broken refrigerator, you want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll be left without one for days or weeks.
Ask about the company’s policy on availability and parts. Inquire about how often they have to order parts, how long it takes and whether or not they have a solution for out-of-stock parts.
As you’re looking to hire a refrigerator repair service technician, try to schedule a call to explain the issue and fridge model ahead of your appointment. By doing this, you can expedite the process of locating any potential parts they’ll need to complete the job.
Refrigerator Repair Service Red Flags to Watch For
Though hiring an appliance repair service technician is a straightforward process, it’s common to make some mistakes. Spotting red flags before hiring someone can help save you a lot of money and frustration down the line. Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Lowest price offered: while there are no standards for appliance repair costs, you still want to find someone who’s between the average price, not low. The average fridge repair cost is between $200 and $300. Certifications, licenses and warranties all cost money. If a company is offering repair services at absurdly low prices, odds are they’re missing one of those elements.
- Poor customer service: never undervalue customer service. Having a designated phone contact you can reach out to in case of emergencies, changes of schedules or complaints after the service are part of choosing the right company. A service repair company that stands behind an excellent customer service policy will always keep your needs in mind.
- No references: hiring someone before talking to them or meeting with them can be a mistake. Ideally, you want to reference a friend or neighbor and get a bit more information about the person. If not, try to schedule a quick phone call to learn more about the technician’s experience. This will also help you see how the technician handles customer service and if your personalities align.
- Not asking about background checks: besides asking for certifications and licenses, you should consider asking about background checks. After all, this person is going to enter your home. Ask if the company reviews driving records and background checks. You can also do your own research to see if they have been involved in scams or any other events that could raise red flags.
One Last Thing
You want to hire a company that has the expertise, certifications and customer service that you can verify. Look for companies that offer 24/7 emergency services when you need immediate assistance. Also, look for companies that will have the availability to work around your schedule, primarily if you work a full-time day job.
When hiring an appliance repair service, hiring someone you can trust and get the job done promptly is at its essence.