Hiring guide
How to hire an appliance repair technician
Updated · Fixwell Appliance Repair editorial
Short answer
Appliance repair is not a licensed trade in most states, so the checks are practical: insurance, a clear diagnosis, a written repair plan, a parts and labor warranty, and the right qualifications for gas and refrigerant work.
What to check
Ask about insurance, the warranty on parts and labor, and who supplies the parts. For refrigerant work, ask for EPA Section 608 certification.
- Insurance
- Liability insurance protects you if the technician damages your property.
- Diagnosis
- A clear explanation of what failed and why.
- Written repair plan
- Before parts are ordered or fitted.
- Warranty
- On parts and labor, stated in writing.
Licensing and regulation
Most states do not license appliance repair as a trade. Some do register repair dealers: California's Bureau of Household Goods and Services registers service dealers for major home appliances. Refrigerant handling is regulated nationally by the EPA under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, and gas connections are often limited to licensed plumbers or gas fitters by local code.
Your state attorney general's consumer protection office handles complaints about home service businesses. The state guides link to more for each state.
Warning signs: how to hire an appliance repair technician
Pressure to decide on the spot
A good technician explains the fault and gives you time to decide.
No diagnosis, straight to replacement
A technician should explain what failed.
Pressure to buy a new appliance from them
Get a second opinion.
Vague or verbal-only repair plans
Ask for it in writing or by text or email.
On the call
Describe the problem clearly
Brand, model, symptom, error code.
Ask about the warranty
On both parts and labor.
Ask about the arrival window
And how they confirm.
Ask about warranty status
If the appliance is under manufacturer warranty, check whether an authorized servicer is required.
After the visit
Keep the invoice. It should show the appliance, the fault found, the parts replaced and the warranty on parts and labor. If the same problem returns within the warranty period, call the same technician first.
If you have a dispute that cannot be resolved with the business, your state attorney general's consumer protection office takes complaints about home service companies. Card payments may also offer dispute protection. For refrigerant or gas work, keep any test results or certifications the technician gives you.
Questions: how to hire an appliance repair technician
Does Fixwell vet technicians?
Fixwell routes calls to independent local technicians and does not employ them. Ask the questions on this page before work starts.
Can I supply my own parts?
Some technicians allow it, many do not warranty labor on customer-supplied parts. Ask first.
What if the repair does not fix it?
Ask before the work how the warranty handles a return visit for the same fault.
What should I ask before the visit?
Ask about the arrival window, whether the technician works on your brand, and the warranty on parts and labor.
This guide is general information, not professional, legal or insurance advice. Appliances, water conditions and local rules vary. Have a technician diagnose your appliance, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Want a technician to look at it?
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Call Now (877) 686-5950Have this ready when you call
- Your ZIP code
- The appliance, brand and model number
- What is happening, any error code, and whether water or gas is involved
Gas smell, smoke or flames: leave and call 911 or the gas utility first.