Find a licensed appliance repair technician
How to find, check and hire a licensed appliance repair technician: state license rules, public-record listings and what to ask before you hire.
Appliance repair technicians fix refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens and ranges. Most charge a diagnostic or trip fee and then quote the repair. Before you approve it, compare that quote with the appliance's age and the price of a new one. Some cities, including New York, license appliance service businesses.
Where do you need an appliance repair technician?
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Louisville, KY
- Wichita, KS
What do appliance repair shops do?
- Refrigerator and freezer repair
- Washer and dryer repair
- Dishwasher repair
- Oven, range and cooktop repair
- Ice maker and water line repair
- Microwave and range hood repair
- Gas appliance connections
- Dryer vent cleaning
How do you hire a good appliance repair technician?
- Ask what the diagnostic or trip fee is and whether it's credited toward the repair.
- Get the repair quote in writing before work starts, with parts and labor listed.
- Ask whether they use original manufacturer parts and how long the repair is guaranteed.
- Check whether the appliance is still under the manufacturer's or retailer's warranty before you pay for a repair.
- For gas appliances, make sure the technician is qualified to work on gas connections in your area.
The US Census Bureau counts about 4,562 appliance repair and maintenance businesses with employees nationwide (County Business Patterns 2023). We list the ones we can confirm in public license records, starting with New York City.
Questions people ask
Is it worth repairing an old appliance?
A common rule is to repair if the cost is under about half the price of a new unit and the appliance is less than about two-thirds through its typical life. Refrigerators and washers often last 10 to 13 years, dishwashers around 9 to 10.
Why do appliance repair companies charge a diagnostic fee?
It covers the trip and the time to find the fault. Many companies credit it toward the repair if you go ahead. Ask before they come out.
Do appliance repair businesses need a license?
It depends on the city and state. New York City requires an Electronic and Home Appliance Service Dealer license from DCWP; many other places have no specific license, so check reviews and written guarantees.
What can I check before calling for a repair?
That it's plugged in and the breaker hasn't tripped, the door switch closes, filters (dishwasher, dryer lint) are clean, and for gas appliances that the gas valve is open. Many no-start calls are one of these.