Jun 7, 2025
Professional Appliance Repair vs DIY: What You Should Know
Jul 12, 2025
Many homeowners accidentally shorten the lifespan of their new investment by skipping key steps during setup and early use.
A new appliance is a major financial commitment. To help you get the most out of your purchase and ensure your appliances last for years, you should not wait for a problem to occur.
This comprehensive guide covers the most frequent mistakes made by homeowners and provides the exact actions you should take to avoid them.
5 Appliance Mistakes to Avoid So Your New Appliances Last Longer
1. Skipping the Manufacturer’s Manual
Modern appliances are complex machines with advanced sensors and specific installation needs. Many homeowners assume they already know how to use a new appliance and toss the manual aside. This can cause safety problems or cancel your warranty.
Before first use, scan the manual for any setup steps that must be done in order, including removal of packaging or shipping parts, correct connection requirements, and any recommended “first run” or calibration steps. Keep the manual in an easy-to-find place so you can quickly check error codes, settings, and care instructions later instead of guessing or relying on random online advice.
🛠️ Need a home appliance diagnostic and inspection? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.
2. Poor Installation and Leveling
When appliances are not installed properly, they can shake, leak, make noise, and wear out sooner than expected.
Before you use the appliance, make sure it sits steady and level. Use a simple bubble level and make small tweaks if needed. This can cut down on shaking and wear over time.
Next, check every hookup and connection. Make sure each one is tight and secure. Look for hoses or cords that are kinked, pinched, or pulled too tight.
If the install involves gas, high voltage, or plumbing, hire a certified professional. It helps prevent leaks, damage, and other safety problems.
3. Overloading and Misusing the Appliance
Just because an appliance looks roomy doesn’t mean you should fill it to the max. Overloading, or using it the wrong way, can block normal operation and put extra strain on internal parts.
Stick to the capacity and use limits from the manufacturer, even if it seems like it can handle more. Load items so they have space to move, and so air or water can flow as needed. Use the recommended products and settings, and don’t use more than required. Too much product can cause buildup and lower performance over time.
4. Skipping Regular Maintenance from Day One
Many homeowners think a new appliance needs no care. But dust, residue, and debris can build up right away. Without upkeep, odors or performance issues can show up within weeks.
Start basic maintenance early, not after a problem starts. Keep a simple cleaning routine on a set schedule, with extra attention on spots that hold moisture or grime. Wipe seals and contact points to stop buildup. Check filters, traps, and vents often so air flow and drainage stay clear. Small monthly habits can help prevent smells, clogs, and early wear.
5. Forgetting Warranty Registration
With a busy schedule, it’s easy to forget warranty registration. But if you skip it, you may face delays or lose coverage when you need a repair.
Register the appliance as soon as it’s installed so the purchase is linked to your name and contact details. Keep the model and serial number, proof of purchase, and warranty info together in one spot. That way, you can find everything fast if you need service.
If you’re thinking about an extended plan, read what it really covers. Then decide based on likely repair costs, the appliance’s complexity, and how often you use it.
Common Home Appliance Issues and How to Solve Them
If your new appliance is not working as expected, try these steps before calling for service:
Problem | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
Unpleasant Odors | Allow airflow after use and clean internal surfaces regularly |
Poor Performance | Ensure nothing is blocking moving parts or airflow paths. |
Excess Moisture or Frost | Check door seals and make sure they close tightly. |
Appliance Won’t Start | Check the circuit breaker and confirm it is on a dedicated circuit if required. |
📖 Resources:
Final Tips
Preventive care is always cheaper than repair. Simple habits can add years to your appliance’s life.
By avoiding these common mistakes and staying proactive with maintenance, you can protect your investment and enjoy reliable performance from your appliances for years to come.
👉 Need a home appliance diagnostic and inspection? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.
👉 Service areas: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Knoxville (North Carolina and Tennessee).
May 12, 2025
When your refrigerator stops cooling or your washer won’t spin, you do not have time to gamble on the wrong technician.
Hiring the right appliance repair company can save you money, time, and the headache of repeat breakdowns. However, with so many options available, finding a service you can trust can feel like stepping into a maze.
Why Should You Care About Hiring the Right Appliance Repair Service?
Choosing the right professional is essential for several reasons.
First, safety is a top priority, as appliances involve a dangerous mix of electricity, gas, and water.
Second, professional repairs protect your warranty, whereas DIY attempts can void it.
Finally, experts have the diagnostic tools and experience to fix the real problem quickly, ensuring long-term cost savings by preventing further damage.
To ensure you receive the best service, here are the essential traits you should look for when looking for appliance repair services.
What You Should Look For When Choosing an Appliance Repair Service?
1. Proper Licensing, Insurance, and Certification
A reliable company must hold the necessary licenses and certifications for your region. This ensures that technicians meet specific safety and performance standards. Furthermore, they should carry insurance to protect you if a technician is injured or if your property is damaged during the job.
Always ask for proof of credentials; reputable companies are happy to show them. Check if the technicians are factory-trained or certified by major manufacturers.
2. Broad Experience and Brand Expertise
Not all appliances are built the same. A high-quality company should have hands-on experience with a wide variety of brands—from Whirlpool and LG to high-end names like Bosch, Miele, or Sub-Zero. Technicians familiar with different manufacturers can diagnose problems faster and fix them correctly the first time.
Visit the company’s website to see if they list your specific appliance brand under their expertise. Ask if the technician has "seen it all" regarding your specific model so your home does not become a training ground.
3. Transparent and Upfront Pricing
No one likes hidden fees or nasty surprises on a bill. Trustworthy companies provide clear, upfront pricing before any work begins. They should also be honest about whether a repair is actually cost-effective or if you should consider replacing the appliance instead.
Ask about the diagnostic fee upfront. Some companies, like Fred’s Appliance, charge a flat fee for inspection and diagnosis, and it is credited toward the total repair cost if you choose to hire them.
4. Positive Local Reputation and Reviews
A company’s past performance is a strong indicator of your future experience. Local companies are often more invested in their community and motivated to maintain a strong reputation for repeat business.
Search for the company on Google, Yelp, or Thumbtack. Look for patterns in reviews, such as consistent mentions of professionalism, punctuality, and long-term reliability. Be cautious if there are repeated complaints about the same issue.
5. Fast Service and Flexible Scheduling
When an essential appliance like a fridge or oven breaks, you cannot wait a week for a fix. The best companies offer same-day or next-day appointments to handle urgent issues.
Check for availability immediately. Ask if they provide a specific service window for their arrival so you do not have to wait around all day.
6. Solid Warranties on Parts and Labor
A company that stands by its work will offer a warranty. This gives you peace of mind knowing that if the same problem returns shortly after the repair, you are covered without extra costs.
Confirm the length of the warranty. A standard window is often 30 to 90 days, while some companies may offer longer guarantees on specific parts.
7. Professionalism and Clear Communication
From the first phone call to the final follow-up, a company’s communication says a lot about its quality. They should confirm appointments, arrive on time (ideally in uniform), and explain the issue in a way you can understand.
Pay attention to how they handle your initial call. Do they return messages promptly? Can you speak to a real person?. A professional company should provide a detailed invoice or report once the job is done.
8. Well-Equipped and Prepared Technicians
Expert technicians should arrive with the right tools and commonly used parts to fix most problems during the first visit. This prevents unnecessary downtime while waiting for parts to be ordered.
Ask if they stock parts for your specific brand and model in their service trucks. Some local companies maintain a large, well-stocked warehouse to ensure faster repairs.
Key Takeaways
To solve the challenge of hiring the right specialist, you can use these multiple approaches drawing from the sources:
The Website Check: Verify brand expertise and local presence before calling.
The Interview Approach: Ask the technician direct questions, such as: "Would you repair or replace this if it were yours?" or "What can I do to prevent this from happening again?".
The Credential Verify: Request proof of licensing and insurance before letting anyone touch your appliances.
The Interaction Test: Judge the company based on their responsiveness and willingness to give a realistic arrival window.
👉 Need a home appliance diagnostic and inspection? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.
👉 Service areas: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Knoxville (North Carolina and Tennessee).
Mar 8, 2025
A dishwasher that doesn’t clean your dishes can quickly disrupt your daily routine.
When a dishwasher is not washing dishes properly, it’s often a sign of underlying issues such as poor water circulation, mineral buildup, low water temperature, or worn-out components.
The good news: most dishwasher cleaning problems are easy to diagnose and fix, so you can get your dishes spotless again without spending hours scrubbing by hand.
7 Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know why it is happening. Here are the most common dishwasher issues:
1. Blocked or Dirty Spray Arms
These arms spin and blast water at high pressure to remove food. Over time, bits of food, grease, or hard water minerals block the tiny holes, reducing the cleaning power to a gentle sprinkle.
2. A Filthy Filter
The filter traps food particles so they do not recirculate onto your clean dishes. When it is clogged, dirty water cannot drain, and you may find gritty residue on your plates.
3. Improper Loading
Overloading is a major mistake. If dishes are "nested" or stacked too closely, the water spray cannot reach every surface.
4. Low Water Temperature
Hot water is vital for breaking down grease and activating detergent. If the water enters at less than 120°F (49°C), your dishes will likely stay greasy.
5. Detergent Issues
Using the wrong type, poor-quality soap, or the wrong amount can leave a film or food residue.
6. Hard Water Minerals
If your glasses look cloudy or have white spots, you likely have hard water. This mineral buildup can also damage the machine over time.
7. A Dirty Interior
Soils, detergent, and minerals can build up on the walls of the machine itself, which eventually transfers back to your dishes.
How to Fix Common Dishwasher Problems Yourself?
Most dishwasher issues come from blocked water flow, weak spray, or poor detergent action. Below are quick DIY fixes that work for the most common problems.
1) Problem: Clogged spray arms — Solution: Clear the spray arms
When the spray arm holes get blocked with food bits or mineral buildup, the water can’t spray with full power. That leads to dirty plates, stuck-on food, and weak cleaning.
How to fix it (2 easy options)
Option 1: Manual cleaning
Remove the spray arms (check your manual if needed).
Use a toothpick, small brush, or thin wire to clear each hole.
Rinse well under warm water and reinstall.
Option 2: Vinegar soak (best for hard water)
Mix 1:1 warm water + white vinegar in a bowl.
Soak spray arms for 30 minutes.
Rinse and put them back in place.
2) Problem: Dirty filter system — Solution: Clean the filter
A clogged filter makes the dishwasher recirculate dirty water. This can cause bad smells, cloudy glasses, and dishes that still feel greasy after a wash.
How to clean the dishwasher filter?
Pull out the bottom rack.
Twist and remove the filter.
Wash it in warm, soapy water.
Scrub gently with a soft brush.
Rinse fully and reinstall it.
3) Problem: Dishes blocking water flow — Solution: Load dishes correctly
If dishes are packed too tightly or placed in the wrong spots, water can’t reach every surface. Sometimes a tall item even stops the spray arms from spinning, leaving half the load dirty.
How to load your dishwasher the right way
Top rack: cups, glasses, and plastics
Bottom rack: plates, pots, and pans
Always face dirty surfaces downward and toward the spray arms.
Don’t nest bowls or stack plates too tightly.
✅ Before closing the door: spin the spray arms by hand. If they hit a tall dish, rearrange the load.
4) Problem: Water too cold or pressure too low — Solution: Adjust temperature and pressure
Dishwashers need hot water to break down grease and activate detergent. If the water is too cool or the pressure is low, dishes come out dull, oily, or still dirty.
Fix water temperature
Run hot water from your kitchen tap for 60 seconds before starting the dishwasher.
This helps it fill with hot water right away.
Fix water pressure
Check the water supply line under the sink.
Look for kinks, bends, or blockages.
Straighten the line if needed.
5) Problem: Detergent not working well — Solution: Optimize detergent use
If you use weak detergent or have hard water, you may notice white film, water spots, or cloudy glassware. Some detergents also struggle with greasy dishes.
Simple upgrades that make a big difference
Switch to tablets or pods: often clean better than powder or gel.
Add rinse aid: helps prevent spots and improves drying (great for hard water).
Use dishwasher salt (if your model supports it):
Helps soften water and reduce cloudiness.
If glasses look cloudy or taste salty, check the salt lid is tight and the dispenser is filled correctly.
6) Problem: Grease and buildup inside the machine — Solution: Deep clean the dishwasher
Grease, soap scum, and minerals build up inside the dishwasher over time. This can cause bad odors and make your dishwasher clean worse, even if everything else looks fine.
Deep clean dishwasher in 2 quick steps
Step 1: Vinegar cycle (removes grease and buildup)
Put 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup.
Place it on the top rack of an empty dishwasher.
Run a full hot cycle.
Step 2: Baking soda refresh (removes smells)
Sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the tub.
Run a short hot cycle.
When to Call a Professional?
If you have cleaned the filters, checked the arms, and adjusted your loading habits but your dishes are still dirty, the problem may be internal. A faulty inlet valve, heating element, or motor might be to blame. In these cases, it is best to schedule a diagnostic service with a certified technician
👉 Need a dishwasher diagnostic or repair? Call +18885085008 or book an expert with Fred’s Appliance Repair.
👉 Service areas: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Knoxville (North Carolina and Tennessee).
