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

Sacramento appliance technicians are skilled professionals who specialize in diagnosing and fixing problems with a variety of household appliances; these devices include freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens, stoves, trash compactors, garbage disposal units, room AC units, and dehumidifiers.

Sacramento appliance technicians often specialize in specific areas of appliance repair, like the following:

• Brand/Product-Specific Repair: these technicians focus on repairing appliance brands or products from specific manufacturers, like Bosch, Samsung, Frigidaire, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Dacor, Electrolux, Zephyr, and Thermador.
• Appliance-Specific Repair: these technicians specialize in repairing a particular type of appliance, regardless of the brand or product manufacturer.
• Energy Source-Based Repair: technicians in this area typically specialize in repairing electric or gas-powered appliances, although some may also have expertise in repairing and maintaining solar-powered and dual-fuel/hybrid appliances.
• Commercial Appliance Repair: these technicians repair large appliances commonly found in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and other commercial and industrial settings.

Listed below is the average life expectancy, in years, of commonly used home appliances in Sacramento. Keep in mind that several factors, like the appliance's make, model, and usage, can impact its lifespan and durability.

• 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
• Trash Compactors: 6 – 7
• Room AC Units: 9 - 11
• Dehumidifiers: 7 - 8

It is recommended that you contact a professional Sacramento appliance technician if you notice any of the following issues with your home appliance:

• A burning smell
• Abnormal sounds
• Unexplainable moisture in or around the appliance
• A noticeable increase in your energy bills
• General malfunctions

Be aware that these technicians must complete a state-mandated registration process in order to provide their services.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Sacramento?

Appliance repair technicians in Sacramento must register with the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) before offering their services to city residents. Failing to register with this agency before bidding for or performing appliance repair or maintenance work in Sacramento is a misdemeanor; offenders face fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to six months, or both. Yet, technicians with an electrical or communication and low-voltage systems contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) do not have to register with the BHGS to perform appliance repairs as long as the repairs are within the scope of their licenses.

The BHGS currently offers appliance repair technicians three registration options:

• Electronic Service Dealer: technicians that register under this category can repair, service, and maintain microwave ovens and other electronic equipment typically used or sold for personal, family, household, or home office use.
• Major Home Appliance Service Dealer: technicians that register under this category can repair, service, and maintain refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, ranges, microwave ovens, room air conditioners, and other similar appliances typically used or sold for personal, family, household, or home office use.
• Combination Service Dealer: technicians that register under this category can provide services covered under the electronic and major home appliance service dealer options.

Notice that Sacramento appliance repair technicians who wish to work on refrigerators, room air conditioners, and other appliances that contain refrigerants must complete a federally-mandated certification program with an EPA-approved organization. In general, all appliance technicians (except CSLB-licensed ones) must complete a separate BHGS registration process for each business or appliance drop-off location they operate, irrespective of whether any actual repairs are done at these locations.

Always confirm that the BHGS has registered your prospective appliance repair technician before concluding hiring arrangements. You can do this via the bureau's license/registry search portal. If the technician claims to be exempt from BHGS registration, check if they hold a valid electrical or communication and low-voltage systems contractor license using the CSLB's Check a License platform.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Sacramento?

Appliance repairs in Sacramento normally cost $50 to $850, considering local appliance repair technicians often bill labor rates between $55 and $130 per hour. However, the following variables affect how much your required services will ultimately cost:

• The appliance type, make, and model
• The nature of the problem
• The urgency of the repair
• Accessibility to the appliance
• The cost of replacement parts
• Your preferred appliance repair technician's local reputation

The following is a list of approximate repair costs for some typical home appliances in Sacramento:

We recommend comparing cost estimates for your appliance repair from several technicians. Doing this gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay and is a great way to spot dishonest technicians. Consider having the technicians physically examine the faulty appliance before providing their quotes (you may have to pay an extra diagnosis fee for this). Lastly, demand a written estimate from your selected technician and ensure to authorize the repair before they begin explicitly.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When searching for appliance repair services in Sacramento, you should consider hiring technicians designated "factory-certified" or "factory-authorized". These designations mean that appliance manufacturers have vetted, trained, and approved the technician to offer specialized services for their respective brands. Hiring a factory-certified technician ensures your appliance warranty remains valid. Other benefits of hiring factory-certified technicians include the following:

• They have direct access to authentic appliance components and technical support from manufacturers.
• They undergo continuous training on the latest appliance diagnostic and repair techniques.

Note that the availability of factory-certified technicians near you depends on the make and model of your appliance. Nonetheless, if you cannot find a factory-certified technician, you can consider looking for technicians certified by respected appliance repair-related organizations like the International Society of Electronics Technicians and the United Appliance Servicers Association. Ensure to verify any technician's credentials before hiring.

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

When fixing appliances in Sacramento, it is important to confirm that your technician will use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to replace faulty components and accessories. OEM parts are made and supplied by the appliance's original manufacturer. Alternatively, generic parts are components made by third parties (who may or may not be affiliated with the original manufacturer). Although OEM parts are typically more expensive than generic ones, they offer higher quality, durability, and appliance compatibility. Using generic parts may also void the appliance's warranty.

If OEM parts are unavailable directly from the appliance manufacturer, authorized retail stores, or online marketplaces, generic parts may be used for the repair. Ensure the technician informs you before doing this, and always ask for a warranty covering their workmanship and parts used.

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

Home warranties are service contracts that offer coverage for repairing, servicing, or replacing home appliances, such as washers, dryers, stoves, and others, in case of a breakdown caused by regular wear and tear. This type of coverage is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually. Be aware that home warranties are different from home insurance, which covers unexpected events and damages to your home and belongings.

While home warranties typically only cover damages caused by regular wear and tear, some home warranty providers may include coverage for damages caused by inadequate maintenance and repairs. However, damages resulting from the following are usually not covered:

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

Hence, always read your home warranty's terms and conditions carefully before signing.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Sacramento Appliance Technician?

There are no mandatory insurance requirements for Sacramento appliance technicians. Nonetheless, confirming that your intended technician carries adequate general liability insurance is crucial; otherwise, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for any injuries and property damage that occur during or as a result of the repair job. In addition, if your preferred technician is a licensed electrical or communication and low-voltage systems contractor, confirm that they have also secured a $25,000 surety bond, as mandated by the California Contractors State License Board.

Always confirm your prospective Sacramento appliance technician's insurance (and bonding, if applicable) status before finalizing hiring agreements.