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

Skilled appliance technicians can handle various types of home appliances, such as washing machines, ovens, and refrigerators. Although Omaha has no licensing requirements for appliance repair services, technicians must still acquire a state-issued license when repairing refrigeration and AC units. Appliance repair technicians in Omaha usually specialize in one or more of the following types of repairs:

• Product-based Repair: Mainly deals with fixing brands of appliances from specific manufacturers, such as General Electric, Maytag, LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
• Appliance-based Repair: Focuses on repairing specific types of appliances, irrespective of brand, such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
• Energy source-based Repair: Concerns the repair of various types of gas, electric, and solar-powered appliances.
• Size-based Repair: Deals with large-sized equipment commonly used in industrial and commercial facilities.

Below is a list of the average life expectancy of major home appliances (note that the lifespan and overall durability of a particular device are determined by factors like make, 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

Regardless of the age of your appliance, you should seek the services of a professional when faced with the following situations:

• The appliance is emitting abnormal sounds
• There is unexplained moisture in or around the device
• Burning smells coming from the appliance
• There is a noticeable increase in energy consumption when using the device
• General appliance malfunctions

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Omaha?

There are no licensing requirements for technicians in Omaha who repair appliances such as microwaves, electric ovens, and washing machines. However, technicians must obtain an air conditioning/air distribution contractor license from the City of Omaha Planning Department to fix commercial and residential refrigeration equipment and air conditioning units.

Appliance repair technicians can apply for a commercial or residential contractor license to work on air conditioning units. To be eligible for any of these licenses, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Accumulating at least four years of acceptable and verifiable work experience
• Providing proof of having passed a board examination
• A federal Section 608 Certification obtained from an EPA-approved organization is required if they wish to repair appliances that emit or contain refrigerants.

Hence, before hiring a technician in Omaha for commercial or residential air conditioning or refrigeration repairs, confirm their licensing status by contacting the city's Planning Department at (402) 444-5350. You can also contact this department for more information about state-issued licenses for air conditioning and refrigeration repair technicians in Omaha..

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Omaha?

Fixing an appliance in Omaha can cost from $50 to $500, including labor fees of about $50 to $100 per hour and replacement part expenses. However, various factors like the following can affect the overall cost of repairs:

• The urgency of the repair
• The nature of the problem
• Accessibility to the appliance
• The type, make, and model of the appliance

Below are cost estimates for repairing some common appliances in Omaha:

We recommend you get and compare cost estimates from at least three appliance repair technicians before making your final hiring decision. Ensure they diagnose your appliance before giving you an estimate, although they may have to charge you a diagnosis fee for this. Taking this step is worth it, as it will help you avoid being scammed by unscrupulous individuals and get the best possible deal. Base your hiring decision on the technician's skills and not solely on cheap pricing.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

When choosing a reputable appliance repair company in Omaha, one must consider whether its technicians have factory authorization or certification. These terms often refer to individuals specially trained by appliance manufacturers to repair specific models or brands of their products. Hiring a factory-authorized technician can provide various benefits, like the following:

• Direct access to the resources of the appliance manufacturer, such as technical data and administrative support.
• Repairing your appliance using high-quality parts ensures the warranty is not voided.

If a technician isn't factory-certified, this doesn't mean they don't have the necessary skills to fix your appliance. Besides factory certification, many appliance repair professionals in Omaha get the necessary training and certification from various organizations and trade schools like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET), the United Appliance Servicers Association, and the Professional Service Association.

Finally, before agreeing to work with an appliance repair technician who claims to have credentials, verify their claim.

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

When negotiating with your prospective appliance repair technician, you should always confirm that they will use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts when replacing your appliance's faulty components and accessories. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are durable and more compatible with your appliance than generic components. Using OEM parts also protects any existing warranties on your appliances.

However, sometimes you may be unable to access OEM parts for your appliance repairs, especially when the appliance manufacturer has stopped production, and OEM is unavailable at local stores or online retailers. In these situations, your appliance repair technician may need to use generic parts.

Ensure you give your approval before the technician uses generic parts and request a written warranty covering the work of the appliance repairer and the replacement parts.

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

A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs or replacements of household appliances, such as ovens, clothes washers, and microwaves, which usually break down or malfunction due to normal usage and wear. This type of coverage is valid for a specific period, typically a year, and can be renewed annually. Be aware that home insurance, which covers unexpected damages to your personal property and home, is different from a home warranty, which only covers certain appliances.

In addition to covering the cost of repairing and replacing household appliance breakdowns caused by regular wear and tear, a home warranty may also cover damages caused by poor maintenance and repairs. However, it will not provide coverage for damages caused by misuse, pre-existing issues, and incorrect appliance installation. As such, reviewing the terms and conditions is important before buying a home warranty.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Omaha Appliance Technician?

When looking for appliance repair technicians in Omaha, you should only hire insured technicians to ensure that you are not held liable for any damages or injuries that may occur as a result of their work. While appliance repair technicians in the city are not required to carry liability insurance, engaging insured professionals is essential. You can do this by requesting a copy of their insurance certificate and authenticating it with their provider. In addition, verify they carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any.

Appliance repair technicians who hold a state-issued license allowing them to fix air conditioning and air distribution appliances must carry $300,000 liability insurance and post a bond of $10,000. For more information about the insurance requirements for licensed appliance repair technicians, contact the Omaha Planning Department at (402) 444-5350.