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

Buffalo appliance technicians generally diagnose, repair, and service home appliances, like refrigerators, heat pumps, AC units, washing machines, stoves, microwave ovens, and garbage disposers. However, many professional appliance technicians specialize in specific appliance repair, including:

• Product-based Repairs: These technicians diagnose, service, and repair appliances from specific manufacturers such as Bosch, Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, Maytag, KitchenAid, LG, Samsung, and Frigidaire.
• Appliance-based Repairs: This specialization focuses on specific types of appliances like ovens, freezers, dishwashers, and washing machines, regardless of the brand or manufacturer.
• Fuel Source-based Repairs: Technicians focus on appliances powered by various fuel or energy sources, such as electric, gas, solar, or hybrid/dual-fuel systems.
• Commercial Appliance Repairs: These technicians diagnose, service, and repair appliances used in commercial and industrial settings.

The following list provides an estimate of the average lifespan in years for common home appliances in Buffalo (Note that the actual lifespan of these appliances will be determined by factors like the appliance's make, 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

It is always in your best interest to contact a professional appliance technician as soon as you notice any of the following issues with your appliance, no matter its brand or how new it may be:

• Unusual sounds
• Burning smells
• Electric sparks
• Unexplained moisture in or around the appliance
• A noticeable increase in energy consumption when using the appliance
• General malfunctions

Contacting professionals when faced with these issues ensures that the problem is swiftly and efficiently diagnosed and repaired. Even though general appliance repairs can be done without licensing in Buffalo, a locally-issued Heating Contractor license may be required to repair or service heating appliances.

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Buffalo?

There are no occupation-specific licensing requirements for appliance repair in Buffalo. However, appliance repair technicians who wish to repair, service, or maintain heating equipment and appliances, like heat pumps, solar water heaters, and stoves, must obtain a Heating Contractor License from the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services (DPIS). Noncompliance with this requirement is considered an unclassified misdemeanor; violators face penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, jail time of up to 60 days, or both. Appliance repair technicians who wish to obtain a DPIS-issued heating contractor's license must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have at least two years of practical experience or an acceptable equivalent.
• Pass a licensing exam administered by the DPIS' Board of Heating Examiners

Similarly, per federal law, an EPA-approved organization must certify appliance repair technicians in Buffalo before they work on refrigerant-containing appliances, like refrigerators, AC units, and freezers.

Questions concerning the required local licenses and federal certifications for appliance repair work in Buffalo can be directed to the DPIS at (716) 851-4972. This department can also help you verify whether your preferred appliance repair technicians have complied with these requirements.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Buffalo?

Buffalo appliance repair prices generally range from $50 to $550 – this fee covers the cost of necessary replacement parts and the technician's labor charges, which often fall between $50 to $120 per hour. However, the actual cost of fixing your faulty appliance will be determined by factors like:

• The nature of the problem
• The type, make, and model of the appliance
• The complexity of the repair
• Your preferred appliance repair technician's local reputation

Listed below are cost estimates for repairing some common appliances in Buffalo:

We recommend comparing cost estimates from up to three appliance repair technicians before hiring. In addition to giving you a clear picture of current market rates for your required repairs, this strategy helps you spot technicians who overcharge for their services. However, be wary of any technician who is quick to offer an estimate before physically inspecting the faulty appliance. Also, never hire a technician based on their rates alone; ensure they are aptly experienced, insured, and licensed or certified, where applicable.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When hiring appliance repair technicians in Buffalo, checking for factory certification ensures that your faulty appliance will be repaired per its manufacturer's specifications. Factory-certified technicians are vetted and authorized by appliance manufacturers to provide advanced diagnostic, repair, and maintenance services for their products. The benefits of hiring these technicians include, but are not limited to:

• Direct access to administrative and technical support from the appliance manufacturers
• Assured confidence that your appliance repair will be handled professionally and with genuine appliance parts
• Warranty protection

The availability of nearby factory-certified technicians for your appliance will depend on its make and model. However, if you cannot find a factory-certified technician for your repairs, you can explore alternative options, like checking for technicians who have been certified by the International Society of Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and other renowned appliance repair-related organizations.

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

The replacement parts used for your appliance repairs directly affect its efficiency post-repair; as such, it is crucial to confirm that your appliance technician utilizes Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. OEM parts are specifically designed and supplied by the original manufacturer of the appliance, while "generic parts" refer to parts, components, and accessories made by third-party companies (who may or may not be affiliated with the original manufacturer). Although OEM parts are usually more expensive, they are a cost-effective choice in the long run because they are of higher quality, more durable, more appliance-compatible, and help preserve existing warranties on the appliance.

You may find OEM parts for your appliance - whether directly from the manufacturer or local retail stores and online marketplaces – if its production has been discontinued. In these situations, your technician may use generic parts (professional technicians always inform clients before doing this). Nevertheless, ensure you will be offered a warranty that covers the appliance repair technician's workmanship and parts used, irrespective of whether these parts are OEM or generic.

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

Home warranties are service agreements that pay for the repair or replacement of appliances like built-in microwaves, cooktops, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and washing machines when they break down or malfunction from normal wear and tear. This is not the same home insurance covering damages to your home and belongings caused by unforeseen events. In contrast, home warranties focus solely on specified appliances.

Standard home warranties provide coverage for about a year and have an annual renewal option. Additionally, even though home warranties cover appliance issues resulting from normal wear and tear, some agreements offer coverage for damages caused by inadequate maintenance and improper repairs. However, most warranty providers do not cover appliance damages caused by:

• Pre-existing faults
• Improper installation
• Appliance misuse

Therefore, it is always in your best interest to carefully read the terms and conditions of any home warranty you wish to purchase before signing to understand its coverage scope clearly.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Buffalo Appliance Technician?

Always confirm your prospective appliance technicians are insured and bonded; otherwise, you may be held liable if work-related injuries and property damages occur during your appliance repair. Even though there are no local liability insurance requirements for Buffalo appliance technicians, ensure your technician carries this insurance. Note that appliance technicians with employees are mandated to carry workers' compensation insurance. Likewise, Buffalo appliance technicians with a locally issued Heating Contractor License must also post and maintain a $10,000 bond throughout the validity period of this license.

You can confirm your prospective appliance technician's insurance and bond status by requesting copies of their insurance and bond certificates and validating these documents with the appropriate issuer. Questions concerning the necessary insurance and bond requirements for Buffalo appliance technicians can also be directed to the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services at (716) 851-4972 and (715) 851-4959.