On average, appliance repair service calls cost $60-$95*. 

A service call typically includes the cost for the pro to travel to your home, as well as the time (and labor) it takes to identify the issue with your appliance. During the call, a pro will be able to give you an accurate quote for the repair. In some cases, they can perform the repair on the same day. 

Some professionals also offer free service calls or waive the fee if you hire them for the job. 

*Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of appliance repair services and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.

Unusual noises, weird smells, and inefficient performance are some of the most common signs your appliance needs to be repaired. Here are a few examples of telltale signs that something is wrong with your dishwasher, fridge/freezer, stove, washer/dryer, and other common household appliances:

• The dishwasher won’t turn on

• The gas stove is producing an orange flame

• The fridge has a bad odor

• The freezer is working (but your fridge isn’t)

• The washing machine is leaking water

For more tips on addressing appliance issues, read our Appliance Repair guides.

You can help ensure you’re hiring a reputable appliance technician by completing these steps: 

1. Gauge their quality of work in their reviews. Check to see if the repair technician has high ratings. For example, do many customers report that their appliances still weren’t working after the technician completed their work? Or did their appliance require another repair soon after? If so, choose a different technician with a better reputation. 

2. Find out if they have any certifications. Some states may not require a license for appliance repair work. Instead, check to see if the technician has any certificates, like one from the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) program. 

3. Ask for references. If you can’t find enough information about their experience in appliance repair, ask the technician if they can send you references from past clients or employers. Contact the people on the list to understand their skill level and overall reputation. 

4. Confirm that they offer warranties. Many technicians offer warranties for appliance repair. These warranties may include the technician’s workmanship and cover the cost of repairing (or replacing) the appliance and its parts.

Here’s a common rule of thumb: Consider replacing your appliance if the repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost. In this case, repairing your appliance probably isn’t worth the cost — especially if there’s a good chance it will break down again. 

Many appliance repair technicians offer warranties for parts and labor. So, if the appliance breaks down after the technician finishes the repair, the warranty may cover the cost of having the technician repair (or replace) the appliance. 

It’s important to remember a few rules regarding appliance warranties. For example, don’t accidentally void your warranty by failing to maintain your appliance or hiring an unqualified technician for repairs. You should also know when your warranty expires and ensure you don’t wait too long to schedule a repair. 

The time it takes for a technician to repair your appliance will vary, depending on their schedule and whether the parts are available. In the best-case scenario, a technician may be able to repair your appliance on the same day as the service call. Or, it may take 1-3 days, according to our pros.

If the repair requires fixing the power or water supply source, hiring a professional is best. Working with electricity, gas, and plumbing systems is extremely complex and sometimes dangerous. 

However, some simple fixes don’t always require a professional’s expertise. For example, check out these DIY appliance repair guides:

• Gas stove not lighting? Try these DIY fixes.

• Dishwasher won’t turn on? 6 tips to get it working.

• DIY washing machine repair tips.

• DIY dryer repair tips. 

For more DIY advice, check out our Appliance Repair guides.

Before you call a technician to fix your appliance, do the following: 

1. Double-check the power connection and water supply. 

2. Try resetting or rebooting your appliance. 

3. Read your owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips and DIY fixes. 

4. Contact the manufacturer or technician who recently installed or repaired your appliance. They may be able to help you DIY the repair or fix it for free (especially if it’s covered in the warranty). 

If you still can’t get your appliance to work properly, contact a top-rated technician for help. 

Some appliances (like washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators) don’t require professional service. Instead, you can DIY the service. Regularly perform maintenance on these appliances and deep clean them at least once a month. 

However, you should have a qualified professional service your water heater and gas appliances at least once a year. Your HVAC system should be serviced at least once or even twice a year.

 Here are the most important questions you should ask an appliance repair technician before hiring them:

• Do you have experience fixing my appliance? Make sure they provide several examples of how they fixed your specific appliance problem. You should also verify their experience by reading their customer reviews.

• Do you have any certifications? Find out what training they received and if they can provide proof of certification from a reputable appliance repair association, like the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) program. 

• How much do you charge for this repair? Ask the technician to provide a list of the parts they will use and their cost. You should also ask them how much they charge for labor and if there are any other additional fees to consider. 

• Do you charge for a service call or waive the fees? Some technicians may provide free service calls, or they will waive the fee if you decide to hire them to perform the repair. 

• Do you provide warranties? Try to hire a technician who offers a warranty for parts and labor — this can help save you money if the appliance breaks down in the future. 

• How long will it take to repair my appliance? The longer it takes to fix your appliance, the more it will likely cost. Be wary of any technician who seems to inflate how long it will take to complete the repair.