When your home’s oven, refrigerator, washing machine, or clothes dryer starts acting up, it’s tempting to grab your toolbox and pull up online tutorials. However, do-it-yourself repairs are not always a good idea for major home appliances. In fact, there are an array of situations when it’s best to call a professional for an appliance repair.
So, how do you know when it’s time to pick up the phone? Here are the most important signs it’s time to call an appliance professional.
Signs You Should Call an Appliance Repair Company
1. Strange Noises or Odors
Your appliances shouldn’t sound like they’re auditioning for a garage band. Unusual noises (like banging, grinding, or screeching) are often early indicators of worn-out parts, loose components, or electrical issues. Similarly, odd odors, such as burning smells coming from your oven or washer, can point to overheating or electrical shorts. Continuing to use these appliances without professional help can lead to safety hazards or permanent damage.
2. Poor Performance or Inefficiency
If your refrigerator isn’t keeping food cold enough, your dryer is taking forever to finish a cycle, or your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, it’s clear that something isn’t functioning as it should. Many homeowners ignore these subtle shifts in performance, chalking them up to age or overuse, but a qualified technician can determine whether the appliance needs repair or simple maintenance to restore its efficiency and prevent complete breakdowns.
3. Water Leaks
Finding water around your washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator is never a good sign. Leaks can stem from damaged hoses, clogged filters, or faulty seals, and ignoring them can lead to water damage, mold growth, and expensive flooring repairs. An experienced technician can pinpoint the source of the leak and fix it correctly to minimize the chances of unnecessary costs in the future.
4. Unresponsive Controls or Electrical Problems
If your appliance’s buttons, dials, or digital display stop working, or if the appliance keeps tripping your circuit breaker, it’s time to call in a professional. Electrical issues are among the most dangerous problems for homeowners to tackle on their own. A trained repair expert will not only identify the root cause but also ensure the appliance is safe to use again.
5. Excessive Heat or No Heat at All
Ovens that won’t heat up or dryers that run cold can point to complex internal malfunctions. Whether the problem lies with the heating element, thermostat, or electrical connection, these repairs require proper diagnostic tools and training. A professional can assess the issue quickly and safely restore your appliance’s performance.
6. You’re Dealing With a Sealed System
This applies primarily to refrigerators and freezers. The cooling system (which includes the compressor, evaporator, and refrigerant lines) is a sealed system and should not be subjected to DIY appliance repairs for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, handling refrigerant is regulated by the EPA, and you must be certified to work with and dispose of it properly.
7. The Appliance Is Still Under Warranty
Is your appliance still under its manufacturer’s warranty? Do not even remove a single screw! Almost every warranty in existence will be immediately voided the moment you attempt a DIY repair because the manufacturer requires all service to be performed by an authorized technician. In the event you do attempt a do-it-yourself repair, you could end up being on the line for any future services.
8. Frequent Breakdowns
If you find yourself calling for appliance repairs every few months, it might be time to have an expert evaluate the overall condition of your units. Recurring issues can signal deeper problems or outdated equipment that’s costing more to maintain than it’s worth. A repair professional can advise whether another repair makes sense or if it’s time to consider replacement.
Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Appliance Repairs
It’s easy to assume that following an online tutorial or replacing a part yourself will save money. The truth is that DIY repairs can end up costing you more in the long run and put your health and safety at risk.
Safety Concerns
Most major household appliances are powered by high-voltage electricity or gas. Attempting repairs without the proper training can lead to electric shock, gas leaks, or fires. Even something as simple as replacing a heating element or motor can become dangerous if handled incorrectly.
Risk of Further Damage
A DIY fix gone wrong can cause additional damage, making future repairs more expensive or even rendering the appliance irreparable. For example, you might “fix” a dryer’s squeak only to find you’ve improperly tensioned the new belt, which then burns out the motor. Or you could try to replace a simple water inlet valve on your fridge’s ice maker and end up cracking the main water line, causing a catastrophic flood. Certified technicians understand how to repair appliances like these without compromising warranty coverage or damaging other components.
Wasting Time and Money
The 45-minute online tutorial often turns into an all-weekend ordeal. You buy a part, wait for it to arrive, install it, and the appliance still doesn’t work. Now you’ve wasted time, spent money on a part you can’t return, and you still have to call a professional.
Trust the Experts at FixEm Appliance Repair
Is your washer, dryer, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, or garbage disposal not working like it should be? Our experts have years of experience and advanced training in servicing most major household appliances, and we know exactly how to fix yours safely and efficiently the first time.
Before you fall down the rabbit hole of online tutorials, contact the professionals at FixEm Appliance Repair in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, CA. We’ll get your home’s appliance running smoothly again while preventing future problems.
