Use your nose — and ears — to tell if your fridge is broken and it’s time to call a pro. 

The first clue is whether your food is expiring too quickly. Your fridge should be at or below 40º Fahrenheit and your freezer should be at 0º, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If temperatures deviate from these figures, the result can be food spoilage (from too much warmth) or even a frost buildup (from a faulty freezer). 

Other telltale signs that your refrigerator is broken are excessive noise, escalating electric bills and excessive heat from the back of the fridge.

If you think your fridge might be broken, don’t delay — contact the top appliance repair technicians near you today.

There are several reasons why it’s worth it to hire an appliance repair technician instead of replacing the unit or doing the repair yourself. The first is to keep your warranty valid — doing a DIY repair on a home appliance may void some warranties.

Another reason is having the proper tools. While you may need to go buy extra tools to perform a repair, a technician will have the tools ready.

Hiring a pro can also help ensure a long-term fix instead of a band-aid solution, as an experienced pro will be able to assess the equipment for function.

If you have a broken appliance, get free estimates from the best appliance repair pros near you to figure out if it's worth hiring a pro to fix it for you.

While the average cost of appliance repair is $65, the price can range from $45 to $120. A technician may set a flat rate or charge by the hour. The average hourly cost is $65, although this can range from $40 to $95. 

Appliance repair technicians typically set their prices depending on the type of appliance, level of difficulty and other factors. Some pros may also charge a service fee or a consultation fee, and they might also offer discounts for new customers. 

To find out how much it will cost to repair your appliance, get free estimates from the best appliance repair technicians near you.

In some cases, it might be cheaper to repair a refrigerator — in others, your best bet is to just buy a new one. The decision to repair or replace a refrigerator will depend on several factors, but the most important is cost. If the cost to repair a fridge is much more than the cost of buying a new one, it’s time to replace the fridge.

To help you determine if your fridge should be repaired or replaced, get free estimates from the best appliance repair technicians in your area.

While some appliance repairs like cleaning the inlet filter on your washing machine or cleaning a smelly dishwasher are perfect DIY projects, others are better left to the pros. 

Certain jobs can be dangerous and risk extensive damage, such as repairing gas lines or leaks. Others require experience and know-how, such as balancing a clothes washer, replacing electric wires, rewiring appliances and more. If you’re not sure how to get it done safely, contact the best appliance repair technicians near you.

There are a number of different appliances that professionals can install for you, including:

• Washers and dryers. These machines are heavy and very sensitive to being level and balanced, and also require hookups to water, electricity and sometimes gas or propane.
• Cooking ranges. Your range may use propane or gas, which is a hookup job best left to the pros.
• Microwaves. You may want to have your microwave be an undermount or in-mounted unit, which a pro can install and make it look seamless.
• Refrigerators. These are heavy and often require a water hookup.
• And more!

Reach out to an appliance installation service, and find out if they can install your appliance. Often, it’s helpful to provide the brand and model of the appliance you’re trying to set up.

Installing a new appliance costs $125, on average. However, homeowners should expect to pay within the range of $120 to $150. 

For less complex appliance installations, you may pay a low-end cost ranging between $65 and $100. On the other hand, more complex appliances like laundry machines, ranges and other items can cost between $175 and $326 to install. Ask whichever appliance installation service you hire to give you a price quote, if possible.

You can tip appliance installers if you feel their service has gone above and beyond. A standard tip is between $10 and $20. 

Reasons you might consider tipping include a very pleasant customer service demeanor, having to carry a heavy appliance up or down the stairs, working in inclement weather, taking care not to make a mess and other acts of care and consideration. You are not obligated to leave a tip — but one is always appreciated.

There are several perks to having a professional install your appliances, including:

• Hiring a pro saves you time and money. If it breaks down, the service person who sold and installed the machine can fulfill its warranty. However, this warranty could be void if you install it incorrectly.
• It will work reliably. Many appliances like ranges and laundry machines rely on being on level surfaces as well as having potentially dangerous hookups installed correctly. 
• You can get repair and maintenance support. If something isn’t working or you want advice, you can call up your installer and ask if they can help you troubleshoot or repair it.

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.