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

Appliance technicians in Cincinnati are experts at fixing various appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves, stoves, and dishwashers. However, many technicians specialize in specific areas of appliance repair, which include:

• Appliance-based repair: These technicians fix specific types of appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, and dishwashers, regardless of the brand or manufacturer.
• Product-based repair: These technicians fix appliances from specific manufacturers like KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, LG, Bosch, Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Amana, Samsung, and Zephyr.
• Energy source-based repair: These technicians fix appliances that operate using specific power sources, such as electricity, gas, solar, or hybrid/dual-fuel systems.
• Size-based repair: These technicians fix large-sized appliances commonly used in commercial and industrial facilities.

While there are no specific licensing requirements for general appliance repair in Cincinnati, local technicians who repair commercial air conditioning and refrigeration appliances must obtain a state-issued license.

The list below provides the average lifespan (in years) of everyday appliances in Cincinnati. However, the actual lifespan and durability of these appliances will be influenced by variables like their brand, model, and usage:

• 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

We recommend reaching out to professional Cincinnati appliance repair technicians if you experience any of the following issues with your home appliance (even if the appliance is relatively new):

• Abnormal sounds
• Burning smells
• General malfunctions
• Increased energy consumption after use
• Unexplained moisture in or around the appliance

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Cincinnati?

There isn't a specific license required for repairing home appliances in Cincinnati. However, technicians in the city who wish to work on commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances must obtain a state-issued contractor license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). The eligibility criteria for obtaining this license include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a minimum of five years of relevant on-the-job experience or an acceptable equivalent
• Passing an OCILB-administered background check and licensing exam

Cincinnati appliance repair technicians who work on appliances that contain and may release refrigerants into the atmosphere are also statutorily required to complete Section 608 Certification with an EPA-approved organization. This applies to appliances used in both residential and commercial settings. Additionally, appliance repair technicians who offer services related to repairing, maintaining, or servicing refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances may be required to register with the Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections.

Contact the Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections by calling (513) 352-3271 and selecting "option 1" to get more information about local registration and state licensing requirements for refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliance repair technicians. It's also a good idea to confirm the validity of your intended technician's state-issued licenses when hiring for these commercial refrigeration, heating, or air conditioning appliance repairs. You can do this online using the OCILB's eLicense Center platform.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Cincinnati?

The average cost of repairing malfunctioning and broken-down appliances in Cincinnati is $50 - $550 (including the technician's labor rates, which typically range from $50 to $100 per hour). These costs are primarily determined by factors like:

• The nature of the problem
• The type of appliance
• The urgency of the matter
• The cost of necessary replacement components and accessories

Cost estimates for repairing some everyday appliances in Cincinnati are listed below:

Get cost estimates for your appliance repair from up to three technicians and compare their prices before making your hiring decision. By doing this, you can prevent falling victim to a dishonest technician. Remember, always research before hiring; don't just choose the technician with the lowest prices.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Factory certification is an important criterion when negotiating appliance repair services in Cincinnati. This designation implies that the technician has received specialized training from appliance manufacturers to service and repair their specific brand of products. Hiring factory-certified technicians offers several benefits, such as:

• They have direct technical and administrative support from appliance manufacturers and access to the latest information and resources.
• They use genuine, high-quality components and accessories that won't void your appliance's warranty, giving you peace of mind.

However, it's important to note that factory certification is not the sole indicator of a technician's skill and experience in fixing faulty appliances. Many professional appliance repair technicians in Cincinnati also undergo training and certification programs from local trade schools and recognized organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the United Appliance Servicers Association, and the Professional Service Association.

By considering both factory certification and additional certifications or training programs, you can ensure that you hire a qualified technician to repair your appliances effectively and efficiently. Always verify any credentials your preferred technician claims to possess before committing to them.

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

Before finalizing your decision to hire an appliance repair technician in Cincinnati, confirming they use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts when replacing faulty components or accessories in your appliances. OEM parts are specifically designed and supplied by the original manufacturer of the appliance, offering better compatibility and durability than generic parts. An added benefit of using these OEM parts for repairs is they help preserve the existing warranties on your appliances.

However, there may be situations where the only available replacement parts for the repair are generic ones (this usually happens when the appliance is no longer in production, making it difficult to source the required OEM parts from local stores or online retailers). In such cases, professional technicians will seek your approval before using any generic parts. Nonetheless, ensure the technician will issue you a warranty covering their workmanship and the replaced parts, regardless of the parts used.

Confirming your preferred appliance repair technician uses OEM parts whenever possible and offers warranties for their repair work assures you of the quality and longevity of the repairs performed on your appliances.

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

Home warranties are service agreements that cover damages to household appliances, like built-in microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, ranges, and cooktops, caused by normal wear and tear. These warranties are valid for one year and can be renewed annually. The difference between home warranties and home insurance is that they only cover specific appliances and home systems, while home insurance typically covers your home and everything in it.

While home warranties cover damages caused by wear and tear, some providers may offer coverage for appliance damages resulting from inadequate maintenance or repairs. However, it's essential to understand that most standard home warranties do not cover damages resulting from pre-existing faults, improper appliance installation, or appliance misuse.

Before signing up for a home warranty, review the terms and conditions of the agreement to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not. By doing so, you can make informed decisions and ensure that the home warranty meets your specific needs and provides the desired level of coverage for your appliances.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Cincinnati Appliance Technician?

Even though there are no mandatory local insurance requirements for Cincinnati appliance technicians, hiring an adequately insured and bonded technician is extremely important. Failing to do this exposes you to financial and legal liability if any injuries or property damage occurs during appliance repair. Note that appliance technicians with state-issued licenses authorizing repair work on commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating appliances must carry contractor liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 or an appropriate amount as determined by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Before finalizing hiring agreements with appliance technicians in Cincinnati, request a copy of their insurance certificate and validate it with the relevant issuer. Always do this, regardless of the scope of your intended appliance repair work.

For more information regarding insurance requirements for appliance technicians working on refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances in Cincinnati, you can contact the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board at (614) 644-3493 and the Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections at (513) 352-3271.