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

Most appliance repair jobs in Tulsa can be performed by skilled technicians who handle various home appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines. However, technicians must obtain a state-issued contractor's license before working on certain repairs, such as those involving room AC units and refrigerators. Most appliance repair jobs are typically handled by highly skilled technicians who specialize in at least one of the following types of appliance repair services:

• Brand/Product-Specific Repair: These technicians mainly fix specific brands of home appliances, such as those made by major companies such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag.
• Appliance-Specific Repair: They handle specific types of home appliances, such as garbage disposers, ovens, and refrigerators.
• Energy Source-based Repair: They fix appliances that use specific energy sources, such as electric-powered, gas-powered, solar-powered, or hybrid/dual-fuel appliances.
• Commercial Appliance Repair: They mainly fix large appliances commonly found in industrial and commercial facilities like restaurants and farms.

Below is a list of major home appliances' average life expectancy. Note that the model, make, and usage of the appliance can affect its longevity and durability:

• 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 if your appliance is brand new or old, certain situations require the attention of a professional appliance repair technician, including the following:

• General appliance malfunction
• Burning smells from the appliance
• When the appliance makes abnormal sounds
• The presence of unexplained moisture in or around the appliance
• Noticeable increase in energy consumption when you use the appliance

Are You Licensed as an Appliance Repair Technician in Tulsa?

There are no licensing requirements for individuals operating as appliance repairmen in Tulsa. However, an appliance repair technician may need to obtain an appropriate state or locally-issued contractor's license to provide some specific services within the city. For instance, the repair technician must obtain a mechanical contractor license from the Oklahoma Construction Industry Board to perform certain repairs on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration appliances.

Appliance repair technicians with valid state-issued mechanical contractor licenses must also register with the Oklahoma City Development Services Department. In addition, appliance repair technicians who wish to repair, service, or maintain appliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and any other appliance that contains refrigerants must obtain a Section 608 Certification from an EPA-approved organization.

When it comes to fixing your appliance, choosing an appliance repair technician with the proper training and skills can help ensure that the work is done properly and professionally. This is why verifying the license status of the individual you choose to work on your appliances is important. If the technician claims to hold a mechanical contractor license, you can use the Oklahoma Construction Industry Board's licensee search portal to verify.

For more information regarding the licensing process for appliance repair technicians, contact the city's Development Services Department at (918) 596-1865.

What Rates Do You Charge for Appliance Repairs in Tulsa?

Depending on the type of appliance and the required repairs, typical costs in Tulsa range from $50 to $600 and about $50 to $150 per hour for labor. Nonetheless, several factors influence the actual cost of appliance repair services, such as the following:

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

The following are cost estimates for fixing some common appliances in Tulsa:

Before hiring an appliance repair technician in Tulsa, it is best to get and compare the cost estimates of multiple technicians. This will allow you to make an informed decision and avoid getting ripped off by dishonest technicians. Also, ensure you do your due diligence by confirming they have the necessary credentials and experience to perform the job.

Are You Certified by the Manufacturer to Repair This Appliance?

A factory-authorized technician is a person who has received a certification from manufacturers to carry out certain specialized or advanced services for their specific line of products. Those who are certified by a company pass background checks and receive training to be able to offer these services. It can be a bit expensive to hire a factory-certified appliance repair technician, but it provides various benefits, for example:

• Warranty protection
• Direct access to the administrative and technical support of their manufacturer
• Access to the latest techniques and diagnostic procedures
• Guarantee that the company authorizes the technician and has the necessary skills and knowledge to handle repairs on your specific brand of appliances

Please note that not having a factory-authorized certification does not mean that a technician is not qualified to handle your appliance repairs; this is because manufacturers only allow a limited number to be certified. Nevertheless, Tulsa's professional appliance repair technicians also receive training and certification from trade schools and organizations like the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).

Hence, before hiring an appliance repair technician in Tulsa, authenticate any credentials they provide.

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

When negotiating with appliance repair companies in Tulsa, you must confirm that the parts that will be used are original equipment manufacturers. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are typically more durable and have better appliance-compatible characteristics than generic components. Be aware that companies make generic parts without affiliation with the original appliance manufacturer. While using OEM parts may cost more, it is a more financially prudent choice in the long run. In addition, they do not void your appliance's existing warranties.

Although you should always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, you might have to use generic parts if you cannot get them from the manufacturer. You can get them from local supply shops and online marketplaces. However, to ensure that the work will be satisfactory, you should always ask for a warranty from the appliance repair company. The warranty ensures that the repairs will be done professionally and that the materials are high quality.

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

A home warranty is a service agreement that covers the cost of repairs or replacement of specific appliances, such as ovens, clothes washers, and microwaves, due to their everyday wear and tear. This type of coverage lasts for a specific period, typically one year, and is usually renewable annually.

Note that home insurance is not the same as home warranties. While home warranties only cover specified appliances, home insurance is designed to cover your home and personal properties for any damages caused by unexpected events. Although most home warranties only cover issues usually caused by regular wear and tear, some types provide coverage for damages caused by improper repairs and maintenance. However, home warranties do not cover damages caused by the following:

• Pre-existing issues
• Appliance misuse
• improper appliance installation

Therefore, before signing a contract, thoroughly review the terms and conditions of your home warranty.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Tulsa Appliance Technician?

Appliance repair technicians in Tulsa do not have mandatory requirements to carry insurance. Nevertheless, when hiring a professional appliance repair technician, it is essential to ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage. This will protect you from incurring liability for any property damage or bodily injuries that may occur as a result of their work. On the other hand, any technician repairing mechanical systems must meet the Oklahoma Construction Industry Board's general liability insurance requirements of $50,000.

You can verify the insurance status of your potential appliance repair technician by asking for proof of their policy and authenticating such proof with the issuing insurance provider. For more information about mechanical contractor license holders' insurance requirements, contact the Oklahoma Construction Industry Board at (405) 521-6650.