Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Toledo, OH

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

Appliance technicians in Toledo are skilled and experienced in fixing several kinds of appliances, like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and dishwashers. However, many of these technicians often specialize in specific types of appliance repair. These specializations include the following:

• Product-based repair: these technicians focus on fixing appliances from specific manufacturers like KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, LG, Samsung, Bosch, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Amana, and Zephyr.
• Appliance-based repair: these technicians specialize in fixing specific types of appliances, such as refrigerators, AC units, ovens, and dishwashers, regardless of the brand or manufacturer.
• Energy source-based repair: these technicians specialize in fixing appliances that operate using a particular power source, which can be electricity, gas, solar, or hybrid/dual-fuel.
• Size-based repair: these technicians specialize in repairing large appliances commonly used in commercial and industrial facilities.

While no licensing requirements exist for appliance repair in Toledo, local technicians must obtain a state-issued license to repair commercial air conditioning and refrigeration appliances.

The actual lifespan and durability of your appliances will vary depending on factors such as brand, model, and usage. Having said that here is the average life expectancy (in years) of everyday home appliances in Toledo:

• 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 contacting a professional Toledo appliance repair technician if you notice any of the following issues with your home appliance, whether old or brand new:

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

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Toledo?

There is no specific licensing requirement for home appliance repair work in Toledo. However, appliance repair technicians who wish to repair or service commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances require a state-issued license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). Technicians who wish to obtain this license must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a minimum of five years of relevant on-the-job experience or an acceptable equivalent.
• Pass a background check and a licensing exam.

It should be mentioned that technicians who plan to work on appliances that contain and can release refrigerants into the atmosphere must first obtain Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization, whether these appliances are intended for home or commercial use. Furthermore, Toledo appliance repair technicians whose scope of services includes repairing, maintaining, or servicing refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances may also be required to register with the Toledo Division of Building Inspection.

For more information on local registration and state licensing requirements for refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliance repair in Toledo, contact the Toledo Division of Building Inspection at (419) 245-1220. You can also verify the validity of state-issued licenses online through the OCILB's eLicense Center. It is advisable to always do this before hiring technicians for commercial refrigeration, heating, or air conditioning appliance repairs.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Toledo?

While the cost of fixing faulty appliances in Toledo typically ranges from $55 to $700 (including the technician's labor fees, which are about $50 - $120 per hour), the actual cost of your repair will be determined by the following factors:

• The type of appliance
• The nature of the problem
• The urgency of the repair

The list below provides cost estimates for fixing some common appliances in Toledo:

We recommend getting quotes for your appliance repair from up to three technicians and comparing their rates before making your hiring selection. Doing this ensures you don't get ripped off by a fraudulent technician. Furthermore, you shouldn't automatically select the appliance repair technician that offers the lowest rates; always do your due diligence on any technician you plan to hire.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Factory certification (or authorization) is an essential criterion to consider when searching for professional appliance repair technicians in Toledo. Factory certification indicates that the technician has undergone specialized training provided by appliance manufacturers to service and repair their specific range of appliances. The benefits of hiring these factory-certified technicians include the following:

• They have access to direct technical and administrative support from the appliance manufacturer.
• They always use genuine, high-quality components and accessories that won't void your appliance's warranty.

However, notice that factory certification is not the only indicator that a technician is skilled and experienced enough to fix your faulty appliance. Many professional appliance repair technicians in Toledo also undergo training and certification programs offered by local trade schools and recognized organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the United Appliance Servicers Association, and the Professional Service Association. Factory-certified or not, verifying any credentials your preferred technician claims to have is always prudent.

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

You should always confirm that your prospective appliance repair technician uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts when replacing faulty components or accessories in appliances before finalizing hiring agreements with them. These parts are specifically made and supplied by the original manufacturer of the appliance, ensuring better compatibility and durability compared to generic ones. Using OEM parts also helps maintain the existing warranties on your appliance.

However, there may be situations where generic parts are the only available option for a repair. This usually happens when the production of the appliance has been discontinued, and the required OEM parts cannot be sourced from local stores or online. In such cases, a professional technician will typically seek your approval before using any generic parts. Whatever the case may be, it is important to confirm that you'll receive a warranty for the appliance repair that covers both the technician's workmanship and the replaced parts, even if generic ones are used.

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

Home warranties are service agreements that cover the cost of fixing appliances like built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ranges, and washing machines when they malfunction or break down because of normal wear and tear. These warranties are valid for a predetermined timeframe, usually one year, and come with an annual renewal option. Bear in mind that home warranties are not the same as home insurance: home warranties only cover damages to specified appliances caused by wear and tear, while home insurance covers unexpected damages to your home and personal belongings.

Even though home warranties typically cover damages caused by wear and tear, some providers offer coverage for appliance damages caused by inadequate maintenance or repairs. Most standard home warranties do not cover damages that result from the following:

• Pre-existing faults
• Improper appliance installation
• Appliance misuse

So, carefully review any home warranty you intend to purchase before signing to ensure you clearly understand its terms and conditions.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Toledo Appliance Technician?

Although there are no specific insurance requirements for Toledo appliance technicians, confirming that the appliance technician you intend to hire in Toledo is adequately insured is crucial. Working with a properly insured appliance technician ensures that you won't be held liable for any injuries or property damage that may occur during the appliance repair work. So, request proof of liability insurance from your prospective appliance technician before committing to them, and validate this proof with the relevant insurance provider.

Be aware that state-licensed technicians who work on commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances do require contractor liability insurance of at least $500,000, or an appropriate amount determined by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

You can get more information on the insurance requirements for Toledo appliance technicians who work on refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating appliances by contacting the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board and the Toledo Division of Building Inspection at (614) 644-3493 and (419) 245-1220, respectively.