Every appliance service should be done with adherence to three very important must-follow rules. These rules will help to save time handling the repairs and cut down on the expenses that might arise due to something going wrong. Also, the rules act as a safety precaution to keep you from any injuries.
The 3 Appliance Service rules are:
- Ensure that the power supply in the case of such appliance is disconnected before you do any tests or diagnosis to identify the problem and the same applies to gas appliances. Exercise caution after repairing the appliance and reconnecting the appliance and powering it on; do not just stand by the main supply point and observe from a distance. Turn the power off before you decide to make any further adjustments.
- Always refer to the user manual to see if the appliance manufacturer approves DIY repairs; otherwise, only attempt Do-it-Yourself repairs on household appliances that you are familiar with. Some residential appliances are held together with plugs, screw, bolts, or other fasteners and can be a complex affair. Nevertheless, handling such repairs should be based on your knowledge of how each component in the home appliance works; again, refer to the manual. Any appliance that has been riveted or welded, is a sign that the service should be handled by a professional appliance repair company.
- Often the replacement of damaged or faulty parts is a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new unit and in some cases, doing the repair is simple enough that it can be done without the need to call a professional service technician. Any replacement of the damaged, faulty part or component should be done with extra caution to ensure that the new part is similar to the old component or is compatible with the appliance. Such actions need the repairs to be done as per the installation instructions in the manufacturer’s guide.
You can find the repair manuals for simple appliance maintenance and replacement parts for different appliances from parts stores, service centers and appliance repair dealers. Opting to buy a component from a specific brand-name appliance-parts store or center is advisable but not always a must.
The best approach is to locate reputable dealers and service centers within your local area and then place an order for the parts you need directly from the manufacturer via the center or dealer. Alternatively, you can go online and search for the new parts, the manufacture, and place your order. The manufacturer’s name and the serial and model number are often printed on the appliance. Your order should include the model of the part and any other possible data.
Here are some important things to remember when looking to repair an appliance by replacing the broken or faulty components:
- Make a diagnosis of the appliance to ensure it is not actually working properly. Check and confirm that the plug is placed correctly and the cord is not damaged. Test the voltage using the appropriate tester.
- Check the circuit breakers or fuses to ensure they are not tripped or blown. Some appliances have separate panels and each having a fuse or circuit breaker, so check every panel.
- If the fuse or breakers are not tripped or blown, ensure they are fixed properly, power on the appliance and then push the reset button – if the appliance panel has one – to try and reset the power.
- If the above fails and you also did note any chard spots or a burnt smell, then check the owner’s manual for any possible tips given by the manufacturer on how to troubleshoot and solve the problem. And if any of these tips sounds complicated to you, then it is best that you hire an appliance repairman to fix the problem.
Association Of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Troubleshooting | Refrigerators, Freezers & Ice-makers
The Pros and Cons of Extended Service Contracts and Warranties
How To Repair The Appliances In Your Home
Appliance Repair Reviews created this article as a resource to educate consumers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or feedback. Find a local quality appliance repair company in your area.
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