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What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Appliance Technician in St. Louis?

Most appliance technicians are skilled at diagnosing and fixing various types of home appliances, such as air conditioning units, ovens, washing machines, and dishwashers. They do not usually require a local occupational license to work in the city. However, they must have a state-issued license to repair refrigeration or AC units. Appliance repair technicians in St.Louis typically specialize in specific areas of appliance repair. These areas of specialization include the following:

• Product-based Specialization: These technicians mainly focus on repairing brands of specific appliance manufacturers, such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Jenn-Air.
• Appliance-based Specialization: These technicians handle the repairs of particular types of appliances regardless of the brand, such as ovens, air conditioning units, and refrigerators.
• Energy source-based Specialization: These technicians mainly fix appliances that use a specific energy source, such as gas, electric, or hybrid/dual fuel.
• Size-based Specialization: These technicians mainly deal with large-sized commercial and industrial appliances.

Below is a list of average life expectancies of major home appliances commonly used in St. Louis (note that the actual lifespan and durability of these appliances can vary depending on their usage, model, and brand):

• 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

Regardless of the brand or model of your appliance, certain circumstances will require the services of a professional appliance repair technician, including but not limited to the following:

• When the appliance is making unusual sounds
• Finding unexplainable moisture inside or around the appliance
• When there is a significant spike in energy bills when using the appliance
• General appliance malfunctions

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in St. Louis?

Appliance repair technicians in St. Louis do not need a license to work on various household items, such as ovens, ranges, and washers. However, repairing heating, ventilating, refrigeration, and AC units requires a mechanical contractor license from the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works. The department issues certificates of qualification at the journey and master mechanical contractor levels.

Typically, appliance repair technicians must prove they meet the following requirements to be eligible for any of these licenses:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having the proper training either through a technical college or trade school
• Having acceptable and verifiable work experience
• Having passed the relevant licensing examination
• Having obtained a Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization if they will deal with appliances containing or emitting refrigerants.

Before hiring an appliance repair technician to work on your cooling and heating appliances, confirm they hold a valid mechanical contractor license. You can use the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works' list of mechanical-certified contractors to verify their licensing status. Contact this department at (314) 615-7096 for more information about the process and requirements for obtaining a mechanical contractor license in St. Louis.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in St. Louis?

The cost of appliance repairs in St. Louis can range from $50 to $600, typically including labor costs (between $50 and $120 per hour) and replacement parts. Keep in mind that many factors can affect the actual cost of your repair services, such as the following:

• The nature of the problem
• The urgency of the repair
• Accessibility to the appliance
• The type, make, and model of the appliance

Listed below are estimated repair costs for common appliances in St. Louis:

Before you hire a local appliance repair technician, you should get and compare cost estimates from multiple technicians. This will help you determine current rates for repairs in the city and help you avoid getting overcharged by dishonest technicians. Also, avoid choosing technicians based solely on their low rates; always do your due diligence before picking such technicians.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When looking for a reputable appliance repair company in St. Louis, it's important to check whether the technicians you are considering hiring have factory authorization or certification. These credentials show that the appliance manufacturer has thoroughly vetted and trained them to handle the repair and maintenance of their products. Hiring factory-certified individuals can provide you with several advantages like the following:

• Direct access to technical details, replacement parts, and administrative support from the appliance manufacturer
• Access to high-quality components and genuine products to repair your appliances, which can preserve their warranty

An appliance repair technician not having factory certification or authorization does not mean they do not have the necessary skills to handle your repairs. Professional technicians also receive certifications and training from reputable organizations like the United Appliance Servicers Association, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET), and the Professional Service Association.

Whatever the training and certifications, ensure you verify any credential claim made by your preferred appliance repair technician before agreeing to work with them.

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

Before hiring a local appliance repair service provider in St. Louis, confirm if they will use genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for the repair. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components are made and designed to endure the test of time and offer better durability and compatibility than generic parts. They also help preserve any existing warranties on your appliance.

Nevertheless, it may be necessary to use generic components for certain appliances due to the manufacturer discontinuing production of OEM parts or unavailability through local suppliers and online marketplaces. In this situation, the appliance repair technician will typically ask for your approval before using generic components. Ensure you get a warranty covering the technician's work and the replacement parts, regardless of whether they use OEM or generic.

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

A home warranty is a type of agreement that covers the cost of repairs or replacements of household appliances (such as ovens, washing machines, and microwaves) that are prone to malfunction or breakdown due to normal wear and tear. It lasts for a specific period, typically one year, and can be renewed annually. Unlike home insurance, which covers damages to your belongings or home, a home warranty only covers specific systems and appliances.

Although home warranties mainly cover the cost of repairs related to regular wear and tear, they may also cover damages caused by faulty repairs or inadequate maintenance. This type of warranty usually doesn't cover issues related to improper installation, improper appliance use, or pre-existing issues. Hence, before purchasing a home warranty, it is critical for you to review its terms and conditions thoroughly.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded St. Louis Appliance Technician?

Although appliance repair technicians in St. Louis are not required to carry general liability insurance, ensuring that your preferred technician has proper insurance coverage is still important. Hiring an insured appliance repair technician can help prevent you from being held liable for any property damages or bodily injuries that may occur due to the repairs. When looking for insured technicians, confirm that their insurance coverage will be adequate for the scope of repairs by requesting a copy of the technician's insurance certificate.

Be aware that if your appliance repair technician holds a mechanical contractor license in St. Louis, they must carry at least $500,000 worth of general liability insurance for property damage and bodily injuries and post a bond of $10,000. If applicable, they must also carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. Contact the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works at (314) 615-7096 for more information regarding the insurance requirements for occupational license holders.