If you are seeking repairs on one of your kitchen or household appliances (such as dryer or washer repair services), chances are it is not a small job. For most small appliances, the repair will probably cost more than replacing it with a new one. However, this is not the case for larger appliances, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, dryers, washers, and stoves. How much is a repair going to cost, though? While there is no hard and fast answer, there is a way to get a ballpark estimate on your repair.

Service Fees

Most repairmen will charge a base service fee for the service of coming to your location and diagnosing the problem. Ask your repairman if they have a service fee and how much it is before you commit them to coming. As previously stated, small appliances will likely make more sense to replace than repair since the cost of the appliance may be less than the service fee. 

Hourly Labor Rate

Every professional will set their own hourly labor rate. This will depend not only on their expertise and training but also on the complexity of the problem. For the most basic and common problems, such as defrosting a freezer, most repairmen will have a flat fee. It is a good idea to ask ahead of time for any flat fees they offer. These fees may also be available on their website if they have one. Most repairmen will charge anywhere from $45-$120 an hour for their hourly rate on complex issues. 

Type of Appliance

While there are some exceptions, for the most part, gas appliances will cost more to fix than electric appliances. This is due to the complexity and potential danger of gas hookups. When done incorrectly, gas appliances could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 

New Parts

For some repairs, a new part will have to be ordered to get the appliance running again. The cost of a new part depends greatly on the appliance, the brand, and the part needed. If your appliance is a very high-quality or specialty brand, the part will likely be more expensive and take longer to come in than a part from a commonly used brand. 

In conclusion, there are many different factors to the cost of your appliance repair. Depending on what is needed, you are likely to save money by having it repaired rather than replaced, though you should weigh the costs. Contact a company like D-3/A-OK Appliance Service Inc. for more information.