Get Quotes from Top Appliance Repair Services in Chesapeake, VA

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

Appliance repair technicians are trained professionals who specialize in fixing home appliances, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring the efficient performance of these appliances. They also assist with appliance troubleshooting and other related considerations. However, these technicians sometimes specialize in different service areas and improve their expertise accordingly. Major areas of specialization for appliance technicians include:

• Appliance: This relates to technicians who focus on fixing only specific appliances.
• Brand/Manufacturer: This relates to technicians who are only proficient in handling appliances from a manufacturer. These technicians are mostly factory-certified and obtain training from the manufacturer whose appliance they are proficient with.
• Energy Source: Some technicians prefer to work on appliances with an energy source. Popular energy sources are gas and electricity.

Chesapeake does not require appliance technicians in the city to hold an occupational license. However, technician certifications from a manufacturer or reputable organizations are indicators of a technician's expertise and credibility. Technicians in Chesapeake must strictly follow other citywide, state, and federal occupational requirements specific to their services, such as the Section 608 certification requirement for technicians working on refrigerant-based appliances.

Home appliances have different life expectancies, affecting how efficiently the appliance operates after some time. Here are the life expectancies of some well-known home appliances (in years):

• Refrigerators: 10 – 13
• Air Conditioners: 12 - 15
• Microwaves: 6 - 7
• Blenders: 5 - 8
• Compactors: 6 - 7
• Cloth Dryers: 12 - 15
• Freezers: 10 -15
• Gas Cookers: 10 - 15
• Washers: 9 - 12

Despite these average life expectancies, faults may occur even in newer appliances. Regardless of when you notice such faults, ensure you contact a professional repairman. Other instances it is best to do so include when you notice:

• Fishy or burnt wire odors
• Power surges or fluctuations
• Sparks
• Electric shocks
• Buzzing noises

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Chesapeake?

Chesapeake repairmen do not have to obtain an occupational license to operate within the city. Though this may be the case, these professionals must register with the Chesapeake Office of the Commissioner of Revenue (OCR) before offering services within the city. It should be noted that technicians offering installation, upgrade, or electrical connection services may have to obtain an electrical license from the Virginia Board for Contractors (VBC). Similarly, repair technicians handling refrigerant appliances may have to obtain an HVA license from the Board.

Technicians needing assistance getting a business license from the OCR can contact the Office at (757) 382-6455. Likewise, they may contact the VBC at (804) 367-8511 to confirm if a professional license is necessary to offer their services.

Any professional you are engaging must have a registered business in the city to prevent falling victim to unscrupulous and fraudulent individuals. Also, it is easier to trace registered businesses and hold them accountable where necessary. You may confirm a technician's business registration status by contacting the OCR at (757) 382-6455. Also, you may verify a VBC-issued license, where applicable, through the Board's license lookup tool.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Chesapeake?

On average, appliance repair technicians in Chesapeake charge about $20 per hour. However, the rate for their services depends on the nature of the service and the appliance they are working on. Below are estimated flat rates Chesapeake repairmen charge for fixing some commonly used home appliances:

Additionally, repair technicians also consider the following things before billing you:

• The urgency of the service
• Labor considerations
• Part replacements
• How long the service may take

Therefore, it is best to always compare estimates from multiple technicians before deciding on any. Comparing estimates gives you a clearer idea of the cost. It is also useful for knowing when a technician is attempting to scam you with unreasonable rates and avoiding fraudulent professionals.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Factory-certified technicians have obtained appliance repair training from an appliance manufacturer. This factory certification, sometimes referred to as factory authorization, indicates that the certified technician has extensive skill, expertise, and understanding regarding most appliances associated with the brand of the manufacturer that issued the certification. Considering their skill, these technicians are pricier to engage. However, the benefits they offer outweigh this cost, and examples include:

• A better understanding of the appliance
• They can easily obtain technical support from the manufacturer
• Easier access to original equipment
• Your product warranty is protected

However, factory certifications are not the only proof of a technician's skills. Technicians also undergo training with and get certified by other credible organizations, such as the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. Remember, ensure you verify any certification claims your prospective technician makes before hiring them.

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

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts are appliance parts produced by the manufacturer. They are considered the best parts to use during appliance repairs because of their compatibility with the relevant appliance, durability, and warranty protection. If an OEM part has a defect or cannot be used, you can get a replacement at no cost. Therefore, you should confirm with your repairman that they will use OEM parts for your repair service, as this goes a long way in determining the quality of the service.

However, note that OEM parts are not always available, which may be due to the product having been discontinued or other production reasons. Should this be the case, your technician must use parts produced by third-party companies. This is not always a bad option, but ensure such third-party parts are compatible with your appliance and confirm they will not void your appliance warranty. Preferably, ensure your repairman gives you a warranty for their service and the part they use, as this guarantees the quality of the service.

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

Home warranties are coverage plans that cover the cost of fixing faulty home appliances. These warranties mostly last a year and may cover these costs wholly or partly. However, home warranties typically apply to repair costs from appliance malfunctions, normal wear and tear, and general technical faults. Accordingly, certain situations are excluded, especially issues caused by:

• Improper use of the appliance
• DIY attempts or poor repairs
• Pre-existing conditions
• Poor maintenance

In most cases, these situations are stated in the warranty terms. Therefore, read these terms before signing off on them.

Likewise, note that a home warranty is different from homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance covers damage to the home's structure, especially the interior and exterior. It may extend to protecting assets in the home, but these rarely extend to home appliances. In any case, you should confirm the extent of any warranty or insurance before signing off on it.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Chesapeake Appliance Technician?

There are no insurance or bond requirements for Chesapeake appliance technicians. As such, these are largely voluntary for technicians. However, technicians with two or more employees must maintain workers' compensation insurance.

Hiring insured and bonded technicians is important because you are covered when your repair service results in property damage or injury. It ensures you do not have to fully pay for the resulting expenses out-of-pocket if at all you have to pay. A bond also covers instances the technician does a poor job or refuses to complete the job.

Verify your technician's insurance and bond status by requesting the relevant certificates and confirming them with the issuing organization.