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

In Norfolk, appliance repair technicians have the skill and expertise to handle appliance-related issues and assist with maintaining these appliances. These technicians are not mandated to hold an occupational license to work in the city, but they undergo professional training and get certified by credible organizations. It is also common for appliance repair technicians to focus on specific areas of appliance repair and specialize.

The areas of specialization that technicians focus on include:

• Manufacturer: Technicians typically focus on one or more manufacturers and receive training in handling appliances made by these manufacturers. Some further get factory-certified, obtaining manufacturer-specific training.
• Energy Source: Appliances are mainly powered by electricity, gas, or battery. Accordingly, some technicians focus on appliances powered by a particular energy source and build their skills around them.
• Use: Appliances are primarily used in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Each use type has its intricacies, and technicians often focus their experience on handling appliances with one or more of such uses.
• Appliance: It is common for technicians to decide on handling only specific appliances and exclude others.

Several factors influence the rate you need to repair an appliance, including the appliance's life expectancy. Appliances typically have different life expectancies, and below is a list showing the life expectancy of frequently used appliances (in years):

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

While technicians do not have an occupational license, they must follow all safety requirements relating to their service. Likewise, for your safety, you should contact a qualified technician or repairman if you notice appliance-related issues or any of the following from an appliance:

• Weird or buzzing noises
• Power fluctuations
• Electrical shocks
• Fish-like odors

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Norfolk?

In Norfolk, there is no specific occupational license for appliance technicians. However, these professionals must register their businesses first to offer their services in the city. The city's Commissioner of Revenue (CoR) processes business registration applications and registers successful applicants. It is worth noting that technicians who provide other electrical-related services or work on HVAC-related appliances may need to obtain an electrical or HVA license, respectively, from the Virginia Board for Contractors (VBC). This is usually the case for commercial appliance technicians who work on more large-scale projects compared to residential appliance technicians.

When seeking to engage a professional, they should be licensed by or registered with the relevant authority, as this speaks to their business' credibility. To confirm a technician's business registration status or make related inquiries, you may contact the CoR at (757) 664-7886. Likewise, you may verify a VBC-issued license by checking the VBC license lookup portal. The Board is also reachable at (804) 367-8511 for licensing-related inquiries.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Norfolk?

Norfolk appliance repair technicians charge around $25 per hour for their services. This figure only covers labor fees and does not include other considerations like the costs of procuring replacement parts. Sometimes, technicians charge flat rates for their services. Below is a flat rate estimate for common home repair services in Norfolk:

Different factors determine what rate a technician may charge for a specific service, such as:

• The type and brand of the appliance
• The nature of the service
• Whether it involves parts replacement
• The technician's skill and expertise
• The labor necessary for the service

Different technicians may have varying fees for the same service. The best way to determine the estimated cost is to compare estimates from at least three technicians. Doing this ensures you can get the best deal without falling victim to untrustworthy technicians who want to overcharge you.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

Certifications is one of many ways appliance repair technicians improve their skills and prove their expertise. An example of such certification is factory certification, a title given by a manufacturer to technicians who have undergone appliance repair training from this manufacturer. The certification typically applies to appliances produced by the manufacturer. It is best to engage factory-certified technicians because they usually have a deeper understanding of these appliances. Additionally, these technicians have:

• Access to technical support from the manufacturer
• A better likelihood of procuring original replacement parts
• Better credibility

Other reputable institutions also offer certification opportunities to technicians, which typically applies to multiple appliances across multiple manufacturers. These institutions include the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians and the Institute of Appliance Service Technicians. However, always verify certification your prospective technician presents as proof of their expertise before hiring them.

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

When it comes to parts replacements during an appliance repair service, your repairman must use OEM parts. These are parts produced by the appliance manufacturer, and they are typically durable, have no appliance compatibility issues, and are protected by manufacturer warranty. Manufacturers may offer technical support for For more complex or large-scale appliances for OEM part installations. These benefits go a long way in ensuring you have a satisfactory service.

However, OEM parts for an appliance may no longer be available. Reasons for this include whether the manufacturer has discontinued production of the appliance or it is a limited edition appliance. In this case, the other option is to obtain parts produced by a third-party company. While this may be helpful, ensure these parts are covered by warranty and that your technician gives you a warranty for the repair service. This assures you some comfort if the replacement part or the repair service is unsatisfactory.

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

One way to protect yourself from fully paying for an appliance repair is by obtaining a home warranty cover. Home warranty is insurance that covers the cost of fixing home appliances. These warranties are primarily valid for one year and cover specific instances, such as issues caused by wear and tear, technical faults, or general malfunctions. They mostly do not cover issues that are the fault of the appliance owner, such as:

• Inadequate maintenance
• Improper repairs
• Inappropriately using the appliance

In most cases, they do not cover pre-existing conditions or cosmetic defects.

Home warranties differ from homeowners insurance. Unlike home warranties, homeowners insurance covers the cost of fixing damages to a building's structure and specific valuable items. This insurance type does not usually cover the cost of fixing home appliances unless in rare situations.

In any case, whether you are getting a home warranty or homeowners insurance, read the policy document and understand the terms before signing off on it.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Norfolk Appliance Technician?

Besides licenses and certifications, the credibility of your preferred technician is determined by their insurance and bond. Only workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for technicians in Norfolk, and this applies to technicians with two or more employees. Therefore, other types of insurance and bonds are optional for most technicians.

There are several benefits to engaging insured and bonded technicians. For example, if your repair service causes injury or property damage, you do not have to pay out of your pocket. The insurance covers this cost either partly or wholly, depending on the policy and the repair costs. You can confirm if your technician is insured or bonded by requesting proof of insurance or bond and verifying this with the relevant organization.