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

Many appliance technicians in New Orleans have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle various types of appliances, such as washing machines, air conditioning units, and refrigerators. However, these professionals also tend to specialize in at least one specific type of appliance repair, such as the following:

• Product-based repair: This specialization is focused on fixing appliances made by certain product manufacturers such as Samsung, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Maytag.
• Appliance-based repair: This specialization focuses on fixing specific types of appliances, irrespective of the appliance brand, such as ovens, refrigerators, and AC units.
• Energy source-based repair: This specialization involves fixing appliances that use a specific power source, including gas, electric, and hybrid/dual fuel.
• Size-based repair: This specialization is focused on large industrial and commercial kitchen appliances.

Below is a list of standard life expectancies for various home appliances in New Orleans. Notice that these estimates are based on factors like the appliance's brand, model, and usage:

• 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

We recommend hiring a New Orleans-based appliance technician whenever you notice any of the following issues with your appliance, regardless of its make or model:

• Burning smells
• Abnormal sounds
• General malfunctions
• Increased energy consumption after use
• Unexplained moisture in or around the appliance

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in New Orleans?

There are no licensing requirements for appliance repair technicians in New Orleans.. However, if the technician performs heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work valued over $10,000, they must obtain a state-issued commercial mechanical contractor license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). To obtain these licenses, appliance repair technicians must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Learn the trade through classroom training and gain hands-on experience
• Provide a financial statement affidavit with a minimum of $10,000
• Pass the required examinations

Be aware that providing these services without a valid license is illegal, and doing this may carry fines or other penalties decided by the LSLBC. Hence, always confirm the licensing status of your prospective appliance repair technician if they will be repairing commercial refrigeration, heating, or air conditioning appliances. You can verify a state-issued commercial mechanical contractor license via the LSLBC's online contractor search platform.

In addition, if the appliance repair technician will be working on appliances containing refrigerants, they must obtain Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in New Orleans?

The cost of an appliance repair job in New Orleans can range from $50 to $600, with appliance repair technician labor fees usually ranging from $50 - $100 per hour. However, the actual cost of your repair services will be influenced by various factors such as follows:

• The nature of the problem
• The urgency of the repair
• The make and model of the appliance

Below are estimated service costs for various common appliances in New Orleans:

Before you hire an appliance repair technician, consider getting and comparing cost estimates from multiple technicians. Ensure they diagnose your appliances before giving you an estimate (this service may come at an extra cost). Besides price, verify any prospective technician is skilled and reliable. In this way, you'll get a fair price and avoid being scammed by unscrupulous individuals.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When looking for a dependable and skilled appliance repair service provider in New Orleans, you should consider hiring a factory-authorized technician. These technicians become factory-certified after undergoing extensive training from an appliance manufacturer to service their specific line of appliances. Compared to their non-certified counterparts, factory-authorized technicians offer several advantages, including the following:

• They have access to the appliance manufacturer's technical support and administrative resources.
• They use high-quality parts and can carry out their work without voiding the warranty on your appliance.

Keep in mind that not being factory-authorized does not mean that a technician is unskilled. Many appliance repair technicians in New Orleans receive the necessary credentials and training to carry out their duties from reputable organizations, like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the Professional Service Association, and the United Appliance Servicers Association. Nevertheless, before hiring a technician, always verify any credentials they claim to possess.

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

The technicians who perform repairs on your appliance should use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to replace faulty components. OEM parts are made and supplied by the original manufacturer of your appliance and are more durable and compatible than generic ones. In addition, they can help preserve existing warranties on your devices.

However, sometimes generic parts may be the only option for fixing your appliance, especially when the production of OEM parts has ceased, or the required OEM parts have become unavailable online or in stores. If the technician has to use generic components, ensure to give your approval first. Also, ask for a written warranty for the appliance repair that covers the work of the technician and the replacement parts (whether OEM or generic).

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

A home warranty can cover various household appliances, such as washing machines and ranges, that break down due to regular wear and tear. This type of coverage is usually set for a specific period, typically one year, and can be renewed annually. Unlike home insurance, which covers unexpected damages to your property or home, a home warranty only covers certain appliances. It is usually only valid for problems that result from regular use of the device.

Although some home warranties provide coverage for poor repairs or maintenance, they do not usually cover damages caused by improper installation, pre-existing issues, or misuse of appliances. This is why it is essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of a home warranty before purchasing it.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded New Orleans Appliance Technician?

Even if there are no mandatory insurance requirements for appliance repair technicians operating in New Orleans, hiring technicians with adequate insurance coverage is important. If a technician claims to have insurance, you can confirm this by requesting a copy of their insurance certificate and authenticating it with the insurance provider. Also, determine if the insurance coverage will be adequate for your intended repairs. .

Be aware that if your appliance repair technician will repair your commercial refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters, or similar appliances, they must carry liability insurance of at least $100,000. Furthermore, they must carry workers' compensation for their employees, if any. For more information regarding insurance requirements in New Orleans, contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) at (225) 765-2301.