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

Hiring a professional appliance technician to inspect and repair your malfunctioning appliances is crucial in preventing minor issues from becoming more expensive and guaranteeing the appliance's safe operation after the repair. When selecting appliance technicians in Riverside, it is advisable to consider their area of expertise to ensure that they are best suited for the task. Professional appliance repairers typically specialize in at least one of four areas:

• Brand/Product-specific Appliance Repair: these technicians specialize in repairing appliances from specific manufacturers, like Bosch, Jenn-Air, LG, Whirlpool, Amana, Thermador, and KitchenAid.
• Appliance-specific Appliance Repair: these technicians specialize in repairing a particular type of appliance, like refrigerators, ovens, or dishwashers, regardless of the product manufacturer.
• Energy Source-based Appliance Repair: these technicians specialize in repairing appliances that use a particular power or fuel source, usually electric, gas, solar, or hybrid/dual-fuel.
• Commercial Appliance Repair: these technicians repair large appliances typically used in commercial and industrial settings, like restaurants and commercial kitchens.

Below is a list of the average lifespan, in years, of frequently used appliances in Riverside (note that the lifespan and frequency of breakdowns of your specific appliance can be influenced by factors like type, brand, model, and usage).

• Refrigerators: 10 – 13
• Room Air Conditioners: 9 - 11
• 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
• Trash Compactors: 6 – 7
• Dehumidifiers: 7 - 8

Some situations in which to call a professional Riverside appliance technician include the following:

• When you notice unexplainable moisture in or around the appliance
• When you perceive burning smells coming from the device
• When you notice a significant increase in energy consumption when using the appliance
• When the machine makes abnormal noises

Always confirm that the technician you contact has completed the state-mandated technician registration process before committing to their services.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Riverside?

Appliance repair technicians who wish to operate in Riverside must first register with the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). Failing to register with this agency before providing appliance repair services is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a jail term of up to six months, fines of up to $1,000, or both. However, individuals licensed as electrical or communication and low-voltage systems contractors by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) are exempt from this registration requirement if the solicited appliance repair work falls within the scope of their license.

The BHGS offers appliance repair technicians three registration options based on the scope of services they intend to offer:

• Electronic Service Dealer: these technicians are authorized to work on microwaves, televisions, copiers, computers, and other similar electronic devices.
• Major Home Appliance Service Dealer: these technicians are authorized to work on refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, trash compactors, dishwashers, microwave ovens, ranges, washers, dryers, and similar major appliances.
• Combination Service Dealer: this option combines the authorized scopes of the electronic and major home appliance service dealer options.

Be aware that Riverside appliance repair technicians must complete a separate registration process for each place of business and drop-off location they operate, even if no repairs are conducted on-site. Furthermore, technicians who work on refrigerators, room air conditioners, freezers, and other refrigerant-containing appliances must obtain Section 608 certification from an EPA-approved organization.

Always confirm your prospective appliance repair technician's BHGS registration status before finalizing hiring agreements. You can do this online via the bureau's license/registry search platform. On the other hand, you can use the CSLB's Check a License platform to confirm if the technician holds a valid electrical or communication and low-voltage systems contractor license, exempting them from BHGS registration.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Riverside?

Riverside appliance repair technicians charge an average of $55 - $110 per hour for their services, with total repair costs ranging from $60 to $950 or higher, depending on factors like the following:

• The appliance type
• The nature of the problem
• The cost of necessary replacement parts
• The urgency of the repair

Following are repair cost estimates for common appliances in Riverside:

It is always a good idea to compare quotes from several appliance repair technicians before hiring; this gives you an idea of the current market rates for your required services and helps you spot dishonest technicians. In that sense, be wary of technicians who provide quotes before inspecting the faulty appliance (some technicians may charge a separate diagnosis fee for this). Finally, ensure you obtain a written estimate from your chosen technician before they start working.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Hiring a factory-certified technician for your appliance repair is an excellent way to ensure you receive high-quality services. Factory-certified technicians have been trained and approved by appliance manufacturers to provide specialized repair services for their line of products. These technicians have access to authentic parts and technical support, are more skilled and experienced in handling brand-specific repairs, and choosing them guarantees that existing warranties on your appliance are not voided. This makes them the wise choice for your appliance repairs.

If you cannot find a factory-certified technician for your appliance repair, ensure that the technician you eventually hire is certified by a reputable organization, like the International Society of Electronics Technicians and the United Appliance Servicers Association.

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

When looking for an appliance repair technician to hire in Riverside, it's important to ask about the parts they plan to use for the repair. There are two types of parts that can be used: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which are manufactured and supplied by the appliance's original manufacturer, and generic parts, which are made by third-party manufacturers who may or may not be affiliated with the appliance's manufacturer. Although OEM parts are more expensive, they are better quality and more appliance-compatible and durable than generic ones, making them a better choice for repairs. Additionally, using OEM parts ensures that any existing appliance warranties are not voided.

If OEM parts are unavailable, you may settle for generic parts. This often happens when the production of the appliance has been discontinued, and the required OEM parts cannot be sourced from retail stores and online marketplaces.

Nonetheless, whether OEM or generic parts are used for your repair, always confirm that you will be issued a warranty covering the technician's workmanship and parts used.

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

Home warranties are service contracts covering the cost of fixing or replacing appliances malfunctioning due to normal wear and tear. These contracts differ from home insurance in that home warranties only cover specific appliances like washing machines, dryers, ranges, microwave ovens, and stoves, while home insurance covers damages and losses to your home and belongings caused by unexpected events.

Home warranties typically provide one-year coverage with an annual renewal option. Some home warranties may also cover appliance malfunctions resulting from improper maintenance or repairs; however, most standard home warranties do not cover damages caused by pre-existing faults, misuse, and improper installation.

As such, always review the terms and conditions of any home warranty you plan to purchase carefully before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Riverside Appliance Technician?

Although appliance technicians in Riverside are not required by law to carry insurance, it's important to ensure that the technician you hire has general liability insurance (and workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if applicable). This provides financial and legal protection if any accidents or injuries occur during the repair work. It's worth noting that if a technician holds an electrical or communication and low-voltage systems contractor license issued by the California Contractors State License Board, they must maintain a $25,000 surety bond for the duration of the license's validity.

Therefore, always ask your prospective technician for a copy of their insurance and bond certificate, if applicable, and verify the validity of these documents with the issuing company before concluding hiring arrangements.