Appliance Repair Questions Answered in Plain Language
Short answers on fees, estimates, warranties and coverage, with the California rule behind each one so you can check it yourself.
Calling and booking
What should I have ready before I call?
Your ZIP code, the appliance type and brand, and a short description of what it's doing, such as "runs but doesn't cool" or "won't drain and shows 5C". The model and serial number help the repair company bring the right part on the first visit, so a photo of the rating label is worth taking.
Do I have to be home when the technician comes?
Usually someone lets the technician in, but not always. If you won't be there, California rules say the diagnostic fee has to be quoted to you and approved first, by phone or another way. If you turn down the diagnostic fee, only the initial service call can be charged (16 CCR 2722.6).
How many visits does a repair usually take?
Often one, when the technician diagnoses the fault and carries the part on the truck. Control boards, compressors and brand-specific parts are commonly ordered, which means a second visit to install them. Ask when you book whether the company stocks parts for your brand.
Can I request a callback instead of phoning?
Yes. The contact page has a short form. Calling is still faster, because the call goes straight to a repair company that covers your area.
Costs, estimates and invoices
Does the diagnostic fee count toward the repair?
That's up to each company, so ask before you book. What the law does require is that the fee be quoted in writing before the repair and that any diagnostic fee be included in the service call charge you were quoted (Bus. & Prof. Code 9844, 16 CCR 2752).
Can the final bill be higher than the estimate?
Not without your consent. California law bars charging for work or parts beyond the written estimate unless you approve it first. If you approve by phone, the dealer has to note on the invoice the date, time, who approved, the number called and the added parts and labor (Bus. & Prof. Code 9844, 16 CCR 2722).
What should the invoice include?
The business name, address and phone number, the dealer's state registration number, the make, model and serial number, your description of the problem, itemized parts and labor, and any used or rebuilt parts. A bare checklist with a total doesn't meet the rule (16 CCR 2725).
Where can I see typical repair prices?
The Sacramento appliance repair cost guide has median prices by appliance from Consumer Reports member surveys and explains what moves a bill up or down.
Repair or replace
What is the 50 percent rule?
A rule of thumb from Consumer Reports: don't spend more than half the price of a comparable new appliance on repairing an old one. It works best combined with the appliance's age. Our refrigerator repair or replace guide applies it step by step.
How long should a refrigerator or washer last?
A 2007 study by the National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America put a standard refrigerator at about 13 years and a washer at about 10 for the first owner. Consumer Reports says manufacturers now design refrigerators, washers and dishwashers to last roughly a decade.
Warranties and guarantees
Will an outside repair void my manufacturer's warranty?
Not by itself. The FTC explains that federal law stops a manufacturer from requiring specific parts or service to keep coverage unless it provides them free. Still, while a fault is covered, the manufacturer's own service fixes it at no charge, so check with the manufacturer before paying anyone else.
What guarantee comes with a repair?
Whatever the repair company puts in writing. If it gives no written guarantee and the invoice doesn't say which parts or labor aren't covered, California treats the repair as carrying a 30-day labor and 90-day parts guarantee (16 CCR 2736).
Coverage and safety
Do you cover all of Elk Grove?
No. Only ZIP 95624 is covered. The 95757 and 95758 ZIPs aren't covered at the moment. The Elk Grove page and the ZIP checker have details.
Can you help with restaurant or commercial appliances?
This service is set up for household appliances in homes and apartments. Commercial kitchen and laundry equipment is a separate trade, so look for a commercial equipment service company.
Is it safe to keep using the appliance until the repair?
It depends on the fault. Unplug anything that sparks, smells of burning or trips the breaker. Turn off the water valve behind a leaking washer, dishwasher or fridge line. If you smell gas, don't touch switches; leave the house and call PG&E or 911 from outside.
Have the brand, model and ZIP ready
The model number is usually on a label inside the door or along the frame. With that and your ZIP code, the call takes a couple of minutes.
Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX