What Should You Look for in a Refrigerator Repair
Whether your refrigerator is relatively new or you've had it for years, it's not completely immune to malfunctioning. A lack of proper cooling, too much cooling, funny smells, and leaks are all reasons to call in an appliance repair professional. But with so many companies out there offering refrigerator repair services - one-man operations and large companies, locally owned businesses and national chains - how can you find the repairman that's right for your needs? Weigh your priorities, as well as the appliance repair company's priorities and qualifications, to make an informed decision.
Punctuality and Turnaround Time
Sometimes you need refrigerator repair fast. Maybe you're hosting a dinner party tomorrow and your fridge has just stopped cooling. Perhaps you cater from home, and you need your fridge to conduct business. Or maybe you just want to be able to provide home-cooked meals for your family and don't want to lose all the food you just bought. In any of these cases, you want a repairman who will answer the phone, make the first possible appointment, and show up on time. Some repair companies make timeliness their biggest priority, even guaranteeing same-day repairs. Keep in mind that you might need to do a little research to find such a company and make several calls to find the first available appointment.A�
Experience and Certification
In an industry like appliance repair, you can't underestimate the value of experience. The more broken refrigerators a repair technician has seen, the more quickly he or she should be able to diagnose and resolve your problem. He'll know what parts to use for your specific brand and model, as well as that unit's common problems. A technician with less hands-on experience, on the other hand, may never have worked on your particular fridge or problem before, and may need a bit more trial and error to find a solution.
Some technicians undergo additional training to be certified to work with certain brands. If you have a high-end Sub-Zero refrigerator, for example, it might be a good idea to hire a repair technician with experience and training directly pertaining to Sub-Zero fridges. A company might also advertise its EPA certification. This means the technician is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency to safely work with refrigerants. You should be able to find all of a company's certifications on its Web site. You can also ask directly over the phone.
Cost
If you're on a budget, cost might be your biggest consideration when choosing an appliance repair expert. While certain companies promise the lowest prices in town, note that the technician's fee can still vary depending on what other perks you're getting. For instance, same-day emergency service might cost more than scheduling an appointment that's a week away. Similarly, companies boasting years of experience or special certifications might charge more for their expertise. Before you settle for the absolute lowest cost for refrigerator repairs, take into account what you might be missing out on. Is it worth it to pay a little bit more for better service?