Typically, appliance repair technicians who offer refrigeration repair also work with washers, dryers, dishwashers and other household appliances. While there is no formal training required to be an appliance repair technician, consider certification requirements, as the technician should know how to safely work with refrigerants (the chemical that keeps your fridge cold) and substitute refrigerants such as HFCs. You should also read reviews to get a sense of the pro’s experience and reputation. The appliance repair pro will come to your home, bringing all the necessary tools for diagnosis. They may need to order parts to complete the job, but all the work will take place in your home. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

A handyman is a skilled laborer who provides basic home repairs. Anyone can call themselves a handyman, although most who do so are skilled with repairs and home projects. Reading reviews is a good way to determine their fitness for your job. The tasks a handyman can perform include assembling furniture, painting interiors and exteriors, repairing fences, repairing broken doors or replacing trim, hanging lights, hooking up appliances, and much more. Handymen may have flat fees for certain services, or charge an hourly rate. Handyman rates are often lower than those of a contractor, as they don’t have the same specialization. Some states have no limit on the work a handyman can perform, while others do. For example, California’s Building and Professions Code section 7048 (small operations) permits handymen to provide work similar to that of a contractor (floor installation, painting, etc.) provided the total cost of labor and materials does not exceed $500. A handyman is a great resource for minor home repairs at a lower cost than a licensed contractor, but for more complex projects, it pays to hire a specialized contractor. Fore more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Finding a good handyman can change your life. Within days, the endless list of insurmountable tasks that were either out of your skill range or impossible to fit into your busy schedule can be completed. If you know you want help but aren’t sure how to hire the right pro, ask these questions to find the right fit:

• What is your work experience? If you are putting in a tile backsplash, you want someone experienced with the task, not someone who generally does painting and junk removal.
• How much do you charge? Handymen often charge hourly rates that vary based on the complexity of the task they’re hired to do, as well as flat rates for standard jobs. Be clear about what they’ll charge before you hire them.
• On that note, discuss payment details. It’s wise not to pay all the money up front, especially for larger projects. You may be able to pay a deposit for materials and pay the remainder upon project completion.

• How long will the job take you to complete? If the handyman is as busy as you are and a fence repair is going to take months, you should probably find another qualified handyman for the job.

Read client reviews and follow up with references to make sure you’re choosing the right handyman for your projects. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Refrigerator repair generally costs a fraction of the price of a new fridge and shouldhave your appliance up and running again in no time. The problems your refrigerator is experiencing and the parts required to fix it will affect your repair costs. Where you live can affect labor rates, which will raise or lower your costs. Here are some examples of average costs:

• Diagnostic fees: $50-$100. Repair pros often have a service call fee or diagnostic fee to account for their time traveling to your location with all their tools to assess the problem. If you choose to have them repair the fridge, most pros then credit this fee toward your repair cost.
• Parts: $20-$500. A new compressor averages $200, an icemaker $300, and computerized components such as touch screens and control boards average $300 or more.
• Basic repairs: $180-$400, including parts. This price range can include repairing the evaporator or fan motor.

Refrigerators can last 10 to 20 years, although the most common lifespan is about 13 years. If your fridge is acting up, consider its current age when deciding whether to invest in repairs or buy a new one. Common easy fixes include faulty thermostats, dirty coils and clogged drain lines. Thermostats and dirty coils can be generally be fixed for an average cost of $80-$100. Clogged drain lines, which usually cause leaks, can often be fixed for under $200.

More complex refrigeration repairs such as replacing a bad compressor or replenishing low refrigerant can cost more because of expensive parts and higher labor. A new compressor costs an average of $200, not including labor. If labor is an average of $75-$100 per hour, and the repair takes 3 hours, you’re looking at roughly $500. Consider the age and purchase cost of your fridge; investing $350 in a $600 fridge that is 8 years old may not be cost-effective.