generalappliancesvc

Dryer Taking Too Long? The #1 Dryer Vent Mistake That Can Also Start a Fire (60-Second Check)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:43:50 GMT

“If your dryer suddenly needs 2 cycles, it’s often an airflow/vent problem—and it can be a fire hazard. Do this 60-second outdoor vent test before you run another load.”

Dryer Taking Too Long? The #1 Dryer Vent Mistake That Can Also Start a Fire (60-Second Check)

If your dryer suddenly needs two or more cycles to dry the same load, you might be dealing with more than just an inconvenience — it could be a hidden fire hazard . And the culprit? In most cases, it’s not the dryer itself, but your dryer vent system .

Before you call for service or replace your appliance, here’s a 60-second test that could save you hundreds of dollars — or even your home.

Why Is Your Dryer Slowing Down?

A dryer that used to finish in one cycle now needs two. Clothes come out damp. The laundry room feels hotter than usual. Sound familiar?

This often points to restricted airflow . Over time, lint builds up inside the dryer vent hose or ductwork. Other times, the vent is crushed behind the unit, clogged with debris outside, or blocked by a stuck flap. When airflow is limited, your dryer works harder, overheats, and still leaves clothes damp.

Worst of all? This buildup is one of the leading causes of house fires caused by appliances.

Try This 60-Second Airflow Test Before You Call Anyone

This is a simple, DIY-friendly test you can do with no tools.

Step 1: Start your dryer on a normal heat cycle.

Step 2: Go outside to where your dryer vent exits the house.

Step 3: Place your hand near the outdoor vent. You should feel a steady, strong flow of warm air.

If the airflow is strong and warm , your dryer vent is likely clear.
If the airflow feels weak or barely there , your vent is partially or fully blocked.
If you feel no airflow at all , stop using the dryer immediately. This is a serious fire risk.

Some pros use a handheld airflow meter with red, yellow, and green lights to instantly measure vent performance. Green means good. Yellow is borderline. Red is trouble.

Common Airflow Blockers You Might Be Ignoring

There are a few things that can reduce or completely block airflow from your dryer:

Lint buildup inside the vent hose or wall duct
Bird nests or leaves clogging the exterior vent cover
Crushed or kinked hoses , especially when the dryer is pushed too close to the wall
Vent flaps that are stuck shut or broken

Any one of these can cause your dryer to overheat and work overtime — which not only wastes energy but also wears out heating elements and sensors faster.

When to Call the Pros in Boca Raton

If your dryer is still running slowly after a clean lint trap and a failed airflow test, it's time to call in a technician.

At General Appliance Service , we specialize in dryer repairs and full vent inspections across Boca Raton . We use advanced airflow meters, camera scopes, and professional tools to find — and fix — the exact issue. Whether it's a crushed vent, lint blockage, or outdoor obstruction, we’ll get it sorted quickly.

Live a bit outside Boca? We also service nearby areas like Palm Beach Gardens , and more across Palm Beach County aswell as northern

Why Homeowners Trust Us

At General Appliance Service, we’re local — not a national chain or dispatcher. Our experienced techs are trained in diagnosing airflow and dryer performance issues on the spot.

You can learn more about who we are and how we work by visiting our About Us page.

Final Reminder: Don’t Ignore Slow Drying

If your dryer is taking longer to dry, don’t ignore it or blame the appliance right away. A restricted vent can quietly overheat your machine and poses a real fire hazard.

Take 60 seconds to step outside and test the airflow — and if you’re not sure, let us take a look. It’s a fast, affordable way to stay safe, save time, and extend the life of your dryer.

Best Appliance Repair Near Me

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:50:14 GMT

Looking for the best appliance repair near me without inflated pricing or sales gimmicks? At General Appliance Service , we’ve earned our reputation by doing what others won’t: providing same-day service , using factory tech sheets , and charging fair, transparent rates — not jacking up prices to cover advertising costs.

Why Good Appliance Repair Companies Don’t Rely on Ads

Here’s the truth: the most trusted appliance repair companies don’t need to advertise. Their reputation fuels word-of-mouth referrals, not Google Ads.

But companies that pay for leads? They often inflate their prices to recover that cost. We've been called in after other companies charged:

Over $700 just to replace a water filter
Double or triple the national average for common repairs

At General Appliance SVC, we’ve never paid for ads. We believe you shouldn’t have to pay for our marketing budget — just the actual repair.

We Price Repairs by the Book — Literally

We use the Appliance Blue Book national pricing guide , so you get:

✅ Transparent, flat-rate estimates
✅ No upcharges or surprise fees
✅ Industry-standard pricing — no more, no less

Most Companies Guess. We Use Factory Tech Sheets.

Many techs don’t have access to official service documentation — so they guess, Google, or wing it.

We don’t.

Our certified technicians show up with:

Manufacturer Service Manuals & Service Bulletins
Wiring diagrams, error flowcharts, and part specs
Brand-specific tools and training

That’s why we fix appliances faster , more accurately , and with fewer callbacks .

See our full appliance repair near me service page to learn more.

Service Areas: Palm Beach & Broward County

We proudly serve homeowners across Palm Beach and Broward County , with fast local coverage in the busiest cities:

Palm Beach County

Broward County

Expert Repairs for All Major Brands

We specialize in all major appliance brands — including high-end systems many competitors avoid. Common Repairs We Handle Whirlpool Washer belts , dryer heat, oven faults LG Error codes , water inlet, spin issues Samsung Ice maker repairs , display problems, Dead GE Dishwashers , oven elements Sub-Zero Cooling failures , LG compressor issues , KitchenAid Cooling failures , range heating issues and more.

Looking for Whirlpool help? Visit our Whirlpool appliance repair page.

Same-Day Service That Respects Your Time

When your fridge leaks or washer won’t start, you need help fast — not next week.

We offer:

Same-day and next-day availability
Text alerts and live tech tracking
Clean, professional service
Fully stocked trucks for same-visit repairs

Schedule your service now — our dispatch team is ready.

What Customers Are Saying

“Another company quoted $900. General Appliance fixed it for under $300 and even showed me the blue book pricing!”

“The last guy used a YouTube video. These guys had the actual manual and fixed it right.”

Read more customer reviews and see why so many South Florida homeowners trust us.

Don’t Overpay. Don’t Settle. Call the Experts

Choose a team that:

✔ Doesn’t inflate prices
✔ Doesn’t rely on gimmicks
✔ Does have the knowledge and documentation to fix it right

No games. No markups. Just honest, expert repairs from techs who know their craft.

�� Book your service today

Other Helpful Pages

How to Repair Your Glass Cooktop: A Comprehensive Guide

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 17:26:28 GMT

Step-by-Step Instructions and Professional Tips for Maintaining Your Glass Cooktop

Discovering the World of Appliance Repair: A Visit to Citrus Cove Elementary School

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:34:32 GMT

Inspiring Future Repair Experts

Discovering the World of Appliance Repair: A Visit to Citrus Cove Elementary School

At Citrus Cove Elementary School's Career Day , students and parents had the unique opportunity to dive into the intriguing world of appliance repair, thanks to General Appliance Service. The event was a deep exploration of how appliance technicians are essential in our daily lives, emphasizing the value of repairing over replacing, and showcasing the blend of problem-solving and technical skills required in this field.

The Impact of Appliance Repair

Appliance repair plays a pivotal role in ensuring our homes operate seamlessly, offering both environmental and economic benefits. By choosing to repair rather than replace, we contribute to waste reduction and save money in the long run. This principle is fundamental to sustainable living, aligning with our school's commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Tools and Techniques

The hands-on presentation provided a fascinating glimpse into the tools and techniques used by professionals to diagnose and fix common appliance issues. The students were captivated by the combination of knowledge and manual skill involved, sparking curiosity about the science behind our everyday conveniences.

A Rewarding Career Path

Highlighting appliance repair as a fulfilling career choice was a significant aspect of the day. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm among students for a profession that not only offers technical challenges but also delivers tangible benefits to people and the planet. This exploration of career opportunities in appliance repair could pave the way for future technicians among our students.

Exclusive Offer for Citrus Cove Families

In an exciting development, General Appliance Service has generously offered a 20% discount on service calls exclusively for Citrus Cove Elementary School families. This gesture not only provides a practical benefit but also strengthens the bond between our school community and local businesses. Whether facing a fridge malfunction or a dishwasher dilemma, our families now have a go-to solution that supports local craftsmanship and expertise. For those interested, details about this offer and the company's services can be found on their website: General Appliance Service .

Join the General Appliance Team

The event also served as a platform for General Appliance Service to announce exciting career opportunities. With a focus on expanding their team, they are welcoming individuals interested in pursuing a career in appliance repair. Emphasizing that no prior experience is required, this opens doors for parents and community members seeking a rewarding and impactful career path.

Final Thoughts

The visit to Citrus Cove Elementary by General Appliance Service was more than just an educational presentation; it was an eye-opening experience into the essential world of appliance repair. It not only educated our students on the importance and impact of this profession but also offered valuable opportunities to our school community. Whether it's servicing your appliance needs or considering a career switch, General Appliance Service stands ready to support our community.

P.S. Don't miss out on scheduling your service or exploring career opportunities at General Appliance Service. For more insights on navigating appliance repair decisions, visit To Repair or Replace .

Choosing whether to fix or replace appliances

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:11:03 GMT

Choosing whether to fix or replace appliances involves thinking about both the planet's health and our wallets. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

For the Planet

1. Less Waste: Opting for appliance repair helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Electronics, in particular, can harm the environment due to their toxic components and non-biodegradability. By repairing, we contribute to less pollution.

2. Saving Resources: The production of new appliances consumes significant amounts of materials and energy. Repairing extends the use of these resources, aligning with the principle that it's better to use what we already have than to expend more resources on manufacturing new products.

3. Lowering Pollution: The lifecycle of appliances—from production to disposal—releases considerable greenhouse gases. Repairing appliances can diminish these emissions, contributing to a healthier planet by prolonging the life of our appliances and decreasing the frequency of manufacturing and disposal processes.

For Your Wallet

1. Saving Money: Repairing an appliance can often be more economical than buying a new one. For guidance on whether a repair is the best option for your appliance, consider consulting resources like "To Repair or Replace: Navigating the Appliance Dilemma" , which can help you weigh the costs and benefits.

2. Boosting Local Businesses: Repair services are often local, meaning choosing to repair can support local jobs and the economy. Engaging a local repair service not only contributes to your community but also can be more convenient. Ready to book a service? Schedule your service with a trusted local provider.

3. Better Products: A demand for durable and repairable appliances can lead manufacturers to produce higher-quality goods. This shift means appliances that last longer, saving consumers money and hassle over time. For more insights into appliance maintenance and repair, check out General Appliance Service .

Finding the Right Balance

Making the choice between repairing or replacing involves considering the appliance's age, efficiency, and the cost of repairs. While newer appliances might be more energy-efficient, offering long-term savings and a lesser environmental footprint, it's essential not to overlook the potential benefits of repairing an existing appliance.

The ideal decision varies depending on individual circumstances, but leaning towards repair when feasible can offer significant environmental and economic advantages. Everyone, from consumers to manufacturers and policymakers, plays a role in promoting a culture of repair, supporting sustainability, and economic efficiency through education, regulation, and incentives.

Navigating the appliance dilemma doesn't have to be complicated. With the right information and resources, you can make a choice that benefits both the planet and your pocketbook.

Is it Better to Repair or Replace My Appliance?

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 23:47:22 GMT

Making the Smart Choice: Repair or Replace Your Home Appliances?

Why Is My Fridge Leaking Brown Liquid?

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 23:52:12 GMT

Why is my fridge leaking brown liquid? If your refrigerator is experiencing this problem, then there are a few common causes and solutions.

What to Expect When Replacing a Belt on a Whirlpool Dryer

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:30:37 GMT

The dryer belt on your appliance may need service in order to return to normal function. Learn more about replacing a belt on a Whirlpool dryer here.

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When to Repair or Replace Your Appliance

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:14:14 GMT

Consider age, repair cost, pricing, and whether to modify your kitchen to accommodate a new unit.

If your refrigerator breaks, the food within it will go bad after about 4 hours . Finding a speedy appliance repair service can be a godsend for those who find themselves in a breakdown emergency.

Sometimes your best defense against appliance breakdowns is to get them replaced. Other times you can keep your current appliances and make minor repairs to keep them running. But which should you choose?

This guide will outline your options when it comes down to remedying the problem of broken appliances. That way you can decide whether you need to order a new machine, or google search "appliance repair near me".

Appliance Age

The primary factor that you should analyze when determining whether to repair or replace an appliance is its age. Old appliances can be difficult or expensive to repair.

Finding parts for them can be challenging and there is no guarantee that the added repair effort will keep them alive for much longer. If your appliance is dated you may want to think about replacing it.

Type of Appliance

A refrigerator repair can be much cheaper than a washer repair depending on the make, model, and type of appliance. Make sure to take into account the type of appliance when considering whether to replace or repair it.

If you decide to proceed with the repair make sure that your technician has the capability for multiple types of appliance repair services.

The last thing you want is to have someone that specializes only in washers come to handle your dryer repair.

Availability of Replacements

In this day and age of shortages, it can be very tough to find new appliances. You may not be able to replace your broken appliance no matter how much you want to.

Make sure to do some research before discarding your broken appliance. Your only option may be to find a reputable repair service near you. Make sure to select one with good reviews and customer testimonials .

Appliance Repair Feasibility

Some problems are too severe or costly to repair. In this case, you will have no other option but to replace your appliance. Make sure to get your broken appliance diagnosed by a professional before discarding it.

Only a pro can let you know whether it is cost-effective, or even possible, to repair the problem with your appliance.

Just like an automobile, sometimes

Call Us For a Professional Opinion

Choosing whether to repair or replace appliances is never easy. Appliance repair is often cheaper, but not always feasible for dated appliances. Your best bet is always to contact a professional to diagnose your issue.

Contact us today if you want an appliance repair specialist with a great reputation for excellence. We can diagnose your problem and let you know if repairs are feasible. We can also repair your appliances if it is an option.

That way you can make the call whether buying a new appliance is better than repairing your existing one.

The importance of responsible appliance disposal

Another factor to also consider is you can’t throw just anything in the trash. Like special drop-off sites for medical waste, paint cans, and household chemicals, there are places where you should take old appliances. click here For more on proper disposal.

A Homeowner's Guide to Refrigerator Maintenance

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:50:34 GMT

Do you know how to properly care for your refrigerator? If not, let us help you out with this quick guide to refrigerator maintenance.

Refrigerator Troubleshooting: When to Call a Professional

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:01:45 GMT

There are many common problems that can affect refrigerators. When do you need a professional for refrigerator troubleshooting?

How to Find the Right Appliance Repair Service for You

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 03:15:25 GMT

If you're looking to get appliances repaired, you want to hire the best. Keep reading to learn how to find the right appliance repair service company for you.

5 Refrigerator Brands and Common Problems

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:10:06 GMT

Is your refrigerator running? Before you consider your fridge a bad joke, read our short guide to refrigerator brands and common problems that can be repaired.

If you've frequently moved homes, you may have never considered replacing your appliances. But once you become a long-term homeowner, there comes a time when your refrigerator needs an update. In fact, refrigerators have a 40 percent problem rate within the first five years.

It's smart to compare the pros and cons of different refrigerator brands to narrow down your choice. But you'll want to know what problems you'll face before you make your purchase.

So today, let's focus on the cons. Here are some common problems found in today's leading refrigerator brands that you should be aware of.

1. Frigidaire French Door Refrigerator

While you may know Frigidaire as a reliable brand, customer experience with their french door refrigerators says otherwise. Features like crisper drawers, quick freeze, and temperature control don't make up for some frequent issues.

The main complaint about the Frigidaire French Door fridge is its frequently misaligned doors. Combine that with a malfunctioning ice maker and cooling issues, and you've got a recipe for frequent problems.

2. Sub-Zero Built-in Refrigerator

A built-in, custom-fit refrigerator may sound enticing for your kitchen. But you should stay aware of this premium refrigerator brand's common problems. Out of all Sub-Zero top/bottom and side-by-side models, 24 percent malfunctioned within three years.

For Sub-Zero's high price tag, there are a few bothersome issues. Some customers complained of the ice/water dispenser spewing out ice and water randomly. Others complain of expensive parts that need frequent replacing.

3. Maytag Refrigerators

Now owned by Whirpool, Maytag's name for quality has begun disappearing. Common complaints include unsteady temperature control, damaged drawers, and unhelpful service technicians.

Make sure you know what mistakes to avoid when hiring a service for your refrigerator so you don't run into shoddy technicians yourself!

4. Whirlpool Fingerprint Resistant Refrigerator

Speaking of Whirlpool, their fingerprint-resistant model hasn't gone over too well with consumers. The sleek fingerprint-resistant finishing doesn't make up for poor construction.

Construction issues include narrow drawers and frail handles. But some have also experienced a leaking icemaker or a loud noise from the refrigerator's motor.

5. GE Monogram Refrigerator

You should know that just because a fridge has the GE name attached doesn't mean you're getting a GE fridge. GE is owned by Haier, who has the right to use the GE name on their products until 2056.

The GE Monogram has frequent temperature control issues, specifically with the freezer. Other customers experienced water leakage within only a few months of owning their GE Monogram.

Luckily at General Appliance Service, we have ample experience with performing repairs on GE Monogram refrigerators.

Call Us When the Refrigerator Brands Let You Down

There's nothing worse than a newly-purchased fridge showing problems. And the last thing you want is for your refrigerator to stop working altogether! If it does happen, you can't guarantee that refrigerator brands' customer support will work well with you.

That's where we come in! From a leaking fridge to an overheating refrigerator, we can handle all refrigerator repairs for the South Florida area. Contact us today with any questions and we'll schedule a service for you!

Repair or Replace: What to Do With Broken Appliances

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:03:54 GMT

Refrigerator been extremely loud or washing machine not working properly? Read our guide on whether you should look into appliance repair or replacement.

When Is It Time To Call for Refrigerator Repair Services?

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 17:05:47 GMT

Are you worried your fridge might be on the fritz? This article will give you some warning signs to look for before you call for refrigerator repair services.

5 Common Washing Machine Problems

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:11:39 GMT

Some signs that you need a washer repair are more obvious than others. Check out these 5 common washing machine issues to look out for.

How Much Should Appliance Repair Cost

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 22:58:26 GMT

The average expense for most appliance repairs is $175, and the typical range is from $125 – $500. Three common elements affect how much you will pay labor, service charge, and parts.

That being said, the price you’ll pay depends on various factors such as the type of repair you need the brand of your appliance and your area. For example, someone living in New York City or San Francisco will typically pay a higher price for a repair than say, someone in Nebraska and typically pay more for a Subzero refrigerator repair then a whirlpool refrigerator repair.

Your specific price will also fluctuate based on the type and brand of parts needed, the amount of damage and the labor time required for your technician to complete the repair.

Cost vs. Worth

As the old saying goes “you get what you pay for.” Be weary of prices that seem too good to be true - they probably are. A common sales pitch we hear all the time is " Free service calls with repair." Dont be supprised when they ask to collect there service call fee when there done diagnosing the problem.

While price should always be a big factor to consider, it’s even more important to find service that has a strong value, with skilled technicians that stand by their work with " real reviews " to back them up. You should also look for a company with clear, upfront pricing from the get go, so you won’t get one price initially and a totally different price when it’s time for payment.

At General Appliance Service , we’re happy to offer a superior value for your money, with high quality, OEM parts, convenient appointment slots as soon as same-day, and a 90-day guarantee on all parts and labor. Our standard labor rate starts at just $149, and, if you decide to move forward with a repair with us, we will roll your $89 service call fee into the repair, it is not an additional fee like most service companies.

Our skilled technicians can be there the same day to diagnose and fix your appliance for you whenever it suits your busy schedule . For just $89, we’ll come perform a thorough diagnostic on your appliance to pinpoint the exact issue, and, if you decide to move forward with our recommended repair, we’ll credit this fee towards the repair.

All of our repairs include OEM parts and have a 90-day guarantee, so you can feel confident that your repair is done right the first time around, and enjoy peace of mind long after.

4 Common Dryer Repair Issues

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:41:17 GMT

The 4 most common repairs we see on Dryers

Almost all people rely on electric appliances these days. When we talk about the dryer, people can cut their workload with this machine. But if in any case it does not work properly then it can affect our lives. You should take care of your appliances by following our useful tips and methods.

The Drum Isn’t Tumbling

One of the most frequent problems is the product is running, but the drum isn’t spinning. Generally there could be several different reasons for this problem. The belt may be broken, which would keep the drum from turning. It could end up being a motor issue. The entrance switch may also be stuck in the incorrect position. To properly detect and perform dryer repair on this problem, it is best to speak to a professional.

The Dryer is Burning Your Clothes

Burning one load of garments is enough to keep you from looking to use the product again. Like the carol, there is an amount of reasons the machine overheated and scorch your clothing. The rollers and drum seals are a couple of issues that may cause the machine to overheat and burn your belongings. One more could be the glides or thermostat. As with the drum problem, it is best to hire a trained professional to perform the repairs.

Dryer will not turn on

Oftentimes the unit just will not start. Your first move ought to be to ensure that they put is firmly in the wall outlet. You should also examine the circuit breakers or fuse box to make certain that the breakers are not tripped or perhaps the fuses were not blown. The machine itself has a thermal fuse per-installed. Your owner’s manual will have instructions how to locate and examine the joint. If this is taken, simply replace it and your machine should work again. If it is not blown, the door switch may be damaged in the off position. Depending on your maintenance skills, the door move is simple enough to replace that you may well be able to do it yourself.

The Dryer Isn’t Heating

Often dryer repair is necessary because the appliance isn’t heating system at all. This is certainly almost as frustrating as the system burning your possessions. Your first step should be to ensure that the temperature settings are not accidentally changed. Most devices have a “fluff” yet another setting which produces air but produces no heat. However, if your settings are where they are said to be, then the condition may be around the electronic ignition. Sadly, this part is not the easiest to get to. Manufacturers often hide it so that just someone trained in the repair of their models can get on and replace it. You may also need specialized tools in order to get rid of it.

Dryer repair is usually limited to very specific problems. Depending how helpful you are, you may be capable of at least diagnosing the problem on your own, However there are a few problems that should be handled by a trained professional to prevent damage or even injury. Click the link below to schedule a repair with one of our skilled technicians.

www.generalappliancesvc.com/schedule-your-service

COVID-19 Pandemic Causes Appliance Shortage In US

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 23:15:22 GMT

Problems In Appliance Supply Chains

With the current appliance supply crisis, seeing deals for appliances doesn't mean they're available anytime soon.

A few brands are suspending orders from retailers until the end of September, contributing to the supply chain's national issue.

Here is why this will be a problem for you.

There is a historical increase in demand for appliances now after a recorded decrease in March and April, yet many companies have not recovered to handle the volume.

Refrigerators , laundry, dishwashers , and grills have the highest demand with lower output.

You may be waiting 3-6 months for your appliance.

Many factories and warehouses all over the world were shut down due to contamination.

Upon reopening now, they have to distance at 6 feet, decreasing production socially.

NC Bosch-subsidiary appliance factory closing; 1,400 workers affected . Bosch's dishwasher factory in North Carolina is running at far less capacity for that reason.

At this writing, much of the South and West are peaking.

Most appliances are manufactured in affected areas and the southern United States, such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arizona.

The Coronavirus has been a problem since early January in the U.S. and will probably continue to be for a while.

If you're shopping for anything that's a part of a global supply chain, you're going to have problems finding your appliance readily in stock.

Any imports will most likely be affected because California is the entry point for Asian appliance brands like Samsung, LG, and Haier.

There may be an indefinite backorder for some appliances or incredibly limited stock.

Keith's Appliances in Connecticut has seen sales go up 60% this summer, and it's not just local customers.

"We probably get about 20 calls a day from all over the country, people looking for freezers. And this has been happening since the beginning of March," owner Jessica Burzycki said.

When the pandemic hit, Americans started stocking up on food and needed freezers to hold it. Then demand grew for refrigerators, washers, and dryers as more people upgraded their appliances. At the same time, the coronavirus forced many factories to shut down or scale back production, leading to shortages.

Jill Johnson needs to replace a broken fridge and was told the wait for some models could be months.

"I was very limited as to what I could buy because they don't have it in stock," she said.

Getting an older appliance fixed isn't easy either. Repair specialist Robert Villatoro is working 12 hours days, seven days a week to try and accommodate all his customers.

"Right now, we're booked three to four days in advance, so, you know, we're having to turn people down," he said.

Appliance repair service companies are also seeing a boost in business.

"With people staying home, washers and dryers are getting heavy use and breaking down more. And to make matters worse parts we normaly would stock are now on back order as well." Rob of General Appliance Service says.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Refrigerator Repair Contractor

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:00:06 GMT

If you refrigerator needs to be fixed, you need to know your options for technicians. Here are mistakes to avoid when hiring a refrigerator repair contractor.

7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Appliance Repair Services

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:17:55 GMT

Whether or not you can keep your home appliances running will depend on the repairmen you hire. Ask these questions before hiring appliance repair services.

The Pros and Cons of a Stackable Washer and Dryer

Sat, 30 May 2020 17:12:15 GMT

Every household has different needs when it comes to laundry. Find out here if a stackable washer and dryer is right for you.

9 Key Signs That You're in Need of Washing Machine Repair

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:05:44 GMT

There are several signs that you're in need of washing machine repair. You can learn more about the common signs and problems here.

7 Reasons Why You Need an Experienced Technician to Repair Your Appliance

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 20:07:50 GMT

REASON #1: WE HAVE ACCESS TO TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Many times the repair is due to a design flaw in which an upgraded part or lately even a computer upgrade may be needed to successfully repair your appliance. We have access to technical information, Service Bulletins, Recalls and more that simply the consumer will not find on the internet or user manual. Do your self a favor and have one of our professionals diagnose it correctly. click the link below to schedule your service or call us today at 561-396-9878

REASON #2: PROFESSIONAL REPAIRS COME WITH WARRANTIES

Did your appliance stop working again within days of being repaired? Was the part faulty? If you do the repair yourself, you’ll have to do it all over again—which means both more time spent repairing your appliance and more money spent on the new parts. In some cases, you may end up spending more money for further parts! When you opt for a professional repair, on the other hand, there’s a warranty on the repairs that will ensure that if something breaks again, it will be taken care of quickly.

REASON #3: YOUR TIME IS WORTH SOMETHING

Doing repairs yourself might save you a little money up front, but is it really worth it? Keep in mind that your time is worth something, too. Instead of spending time working on your appliance, you could be enjoying your family, catching up with tasks around the house, or taking care of work tasks—all of which are well worth the expense of an appliance repair professional .

REASON #4: LICENSED SPECIALISTS HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB

Often, repairing appliances takes specialized tools that were designed just for the task. Unfortunately, most people don’t keep those sitting around in their garage! When you work with an appliance repair specialist, you’ll quickly discover the benefits of using the right tools for each appliance. Modern appliances, in particular, may depend on a range of digital tools in order to complete repairs. Appliance repair specialists may be able to easily diagnose potential problems with your appliances, rather than leaving you struggling to figure out exactly what the problem is.

REASON #5: YOU’LL PROTECT YOUR APPLIANCE WARRANTY

Are you working with a relatively new appliance that is still under warranty? Attempting repairs yourself can damage your warranty and leave you unable to replace or repair your appliance under it if something goes wrong. Licensed appliance repairs, on the other hand, will protect your warranty, saving you money on potential repairs in the future.

REASON #6: HIRING A PROFESSIONAL IS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION

When you attempt DIY repairs, you may quickly find yourself dealing with a similar problem again. Working with a licensed professional , on the other hand, will ensure that your appliances are completely repaired and that you don’t spend another chunk of your day examining an appliance in need of repair. You’ll get better long-term functionality out of your valuable appliances and increase their longevity at the same time.

REASON #7: PROFESSIONAL REPAIRS DECREASE EXPENSE

All too often, DIY repairs result in appliances that are broken again within a short span of time. Because you lack the expertise necessary to understand exactly what’s wrong with the appliance, you may end up failing to complete the right repairs—and that means that you’ll end up calling in a professional to take care of the repairs after all. Ultimately, that means you’ll pay more to complete the repairs on your appliance than you would have if you had hired a professional the first time!

Working with an appliance repair specialist is the best way to save money and keep your appliances running smoothly. If you have an appliance in need of repair, contact us today to learn how we can help!

10 Telltale Signs That You're in Desperate Need of Refrigerator Repair

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 21:16:42 GMT

Here are the telltale signs that say your fridge is broken. Consider hiring a professional refrigerator repair service to fix it for you.

Is your refrigerator running? No, really, is your fridge running the way it should?

A faulty fridge could cost you tons of extra money on your electric bill every month.

The worst part is, you may not know how to tell if your refrigerator is working at 100 percent.

Keep reading for 10 signs that it's time for a refrigerator repair.

1. Your Refrigerator is Talking to You

A healthy refrigerator will make the occasional quiet tapping, clicking, or buzzing sound depending on the make and model. Most of these sounds are so quiet you won't notice them unless you stand with your ear pressed to the door.

You shouldn't be able to hear your refrigerator running from the other side of the house. If you hear rattling, grinding, a loud hum, or water running, it may be time for a fridge repair.

From the buzzing light bulbs and noisy fridge compressor to the dripping pipes and condensers, it could be hard to determine the cause of the noise. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we'll do our best to diagnose the issue and get your fridge running normally again.

2. Food Spoilage = Refrigerator Repair ASAP

Food prices are going to increase this year by one and a half percent. If you're worried about your spending, the last thing you need is food going bad before its expiration date.

Some signs your refrigerator is dying could be your food spoiling quick. If you notice your food is taking too long to get cold, it's time for a repair.

If putting warm food in your fridge makes your other perishables warm up as well, there may be an issue with your refrigerator.

You will definitely save on groceries by getting your fridge repaired. You may also see a decrease in your electricity bill once your fridge is back in working condition.

3. Hot to the Touch

If walking by your fridge feels as toasty as walking by your baseboard heater, it's time for a refrigerator repair.

Feel the back of your fridge. If it's any hotter than lukewarm, the motor is working overtime and running way too hot.

In this case, you'll want to schedule a service to get the motor fixed as soon as possible. If not, you could end up paying more on your electricity bill every month.

4. Lots of Condensation

Condensation can happen inside and outside of your refrigerator.

Outside, condensation forms a puddle underneath and around your fridge. On the inside, you'll notice your food containers will have beads of sweat on them.

If you experience either one of these issues, your fridge isn't cooling the way it should. It may be an issue with your doors not sealing the right way or a more technical issue.

Either way, it's a good idea to invest in refrigerator services to fix the problem in a timely manner.

5. Your Freezer is an Igloo

If you can scrape the ice off of your frozen foods and make a snowball in your kitchen, it's time to get your refrigerator repaired.

On the contrary, you don't want your freezer to be any higher than zero degrees either. This could result in freezer burn and will make your food dry out and taste bad.

6. Icy Milk

On a similar topic, if your fridge gets too cold, you may need to schedule a refrigerator repair.

If you notice that your drinks have little chunks of ice, or you have to wipe the frost off of your produce, you should make sure you lower the temperature setting. If it's still frosty after that, it's time to call a repair expert.

7. Sky High Electric Bills

If you notice a spike in the cost of your electricity bill, don't start turning off all the lights in your house to try to save cash.

While it could be a number of faulty appliances, be sure to check your fridge. Go through this list to see if your fridge checks any of these boxes.

If so, call a repair expert and get your electric bill back to normal.

8. Water/Ice Dispenser is Acting Up

Instant water and ice from your freezer are super convenient, but the extra gadgets make room for more complications.

Some signs your dispenser isn't working right could be slow dispensing. Less ice coming out, ice coming out in large chunks, or dirty water dispensing could be reasons to get a repair.

Not to worry, in most cases, your water dispenser does not affect the function of your refrigerator or freezer. Once you get a repair expert to fix the dispenser, your fridge should be fully functional once again.

9. Doors Won't Shut

There are tons of reasons why your fridge doors won't shut and most of them can be fixed quick and easily.

Make sure nothing inside of your refrigerator is obstructing the door. If not, you may have damaged a seal, the magnets in the door may not be working, or something could be blocking the hinges.

Even if you can't identify the problem yourself, call a repair expert to get it fixed. If the door remains unsealed for too long, your food may be at risk of spoiling.

10. Dead Silence

As mentioned before, there are some normal noises that your refrigerator makes. These should let you know your fridge is in working order.

If you find yourself in the wake of an eerie silence, your fridge may have stopped working.

If there's no hum or buzz coming out, unplug your fridge and plug it back in. If the sounds never kick back on, it may be time to get your fridge repaired.

Fix That Fridge

Now that you're aware of the ins and outs of a faulty fridge, you may have decided you're in need of a refrigerator repair.

Get acquainted with General Appliance Service and feel free to call or email. Schedule a service today, and we'll send out a repair expert to make sure your fridge and all of its contents are good to go.

Why You should Never Run A Self Clean Oven Cycle & A Safer Alternative

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:37:10 GMT

There are a few universal “dreaded” jobs everyone just hates to do—among the top ranked, ironing their clothes and cleaning their oven.

So, it’s likely when you bought your last oven, you were really excited to see that it had a “self-cleaning” feature. Goodbye to the days of smelly cleaner fumes and back-breaking scrubbing, and hello to a sparkling clean oven with just the touch of a button.

Not so fast!

While oven manufacturers have tried to develop features that take the “work” out of housework, the self-cleaning component of many newer models can actually cause some serious problems with your appliance.

Surprisingly, nearly 20% of our oven repairs are related to self-cleaning problems. We’d like to help you avoid major issues with your own oven, so let’s examine the process and the potential concerns:

What is a self-cleaning oven?

A self-cleaning oven is a feature on many modern ovens that burns off cooking spills and splatters with an extremely high temperature (932 F° or 500 C°) to aid in cleaning. A cycle typically takes several hours to complete; and for safety measures, automatically locks the oven door closed until it has sufficiently cooled.

Self-cleaning ovens often cook more efficiently as they are manufactured with more housing insulation to withstand the high temperature needed during cleaning.

Is it worth having a self-cleaning oven?

Let’s take a look at some of the pros:

Convenience—obviously, the primary appeal of a self-cleaning oven is that you won’t have to use harsh oven cleaners or scrub spills and burned on food by hand. You can spend the three to four hours during the self-cleaning process to do other chores or something more enjoyable.
Energy Savings—your oven is equipped with extra heavy insulation to help it achieve the high temps needed for cleaning. This means less heat loss during regular cooking and more efficient energy use. If you run the self-cleaning cycle immediately after cooking, the already high oven temperature will reduce the energy used to get it up to the maximum level needed.
Cost—appliance manufacturers suggest the extra cost of purchasing a self-cleaning oven is offset by its convenience and time-saving attributes. They also indicate that the energy savings achieved during cooking (due to extra insulation) and no need to purchase pricey chemical cleaners also balance out the initial expenditure.

The big reveal.

Now that we’ve examined exactly what self-cleaning ovens are designed to do, let’s really understand the negative impact and potential hazards associated with this feature.

1. Major Parts Damage

The extremely high temperature required to run the self-cleaning cycle can significantly compromise major components of your oven.

Locking mechanism Replacing door locking mechanism affected by self-cleaning feature.

This is the assembly that is supposed to lock and unlock automatically after the cycle is complete. It’s common for this to malfunction and get stuck in the locked position. This will require a service call and part replacement.
Thermostat/Thermal fuses Brand new oven thermostat

These safety features control the temperature settings for conventional cooking. They are positioned on top of the oven or on the oven walls and can be damaged or “pop” from the high heat. This can lead to inaccurate temperature readings to under cook or overcook your food (a health hazard) or make the oven stop working entirely. This will also require professional oven repair .
Electronic boards/Touch panels Burnt main board

These control units, aka “the brain,” work together to make sure your oven responds to your orders. These components sit on top of the oven and can be affected by the intense heat generated from self-cleaning. You may see error codes, the oven may turn on and off at will, or everything may just shut down completely. These parts are very expensive to replace and will definitely require an appliance technician to correct.
Wires and contact terminals Back wall oven wires and main board connectors are affected by extreme temperatures of self-cleaning mode

A maze of wires and connectors distribute electricity to all parts of your stove. While they are covered with thermal insulation to protect them from the heat of normal cooking, the extreme and prolonged temperature needed for the self-cleaning mode may melt the insulation and damage wiring. Pinpointing the exact problem area could require numerous visits and significant troubleshooting.
Miscellaneous interior components Oven heating element broke in four places after running the self-cleaning mode several times.

Everything from the light bulbs and glass housings to thermal sensors to the enamel inside your oven could be damaged from the process. While these parts may not fail on the first use, continued applications will definitely compromise every part inside your oven.

If your oven shows an error code during or soon after using the cleaning mode, it’s likely related. Consult your owner’s manual to identify the error code and contact General Appliance Service to schedule a quick-response service call. Here’s a quick table of error codes for Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, Electrolux, GE (General Electric), Ikea and Kenmore range stoves:

Newer Whirlpool and Maytag Range Fault Codes
Some Kenmore and Ikea ranges are built by Whirlpool

Errors – Locking mechanism	Errors – Electronic Oven Controls (EOC)
F5 – E1	F1 – E0
F5 – E2	F1 – E1
F5 – E3	F1 – E2
F5 – E4	F1 – E4
F5 – E5	F0
F5 – E6	F1
F9	F2

Newer Frigidaire and Electrolux Range Fault Codes
Some Kenmore ranges are built by Frigidaire

Errors – Locking mechanism	Errors – Electronic Oven Controls (EOC)
F90	F10
F95	F11
F8	F12
F9	F13

Newer GE (General Electric) Range Fault Codes

Errors – Locking mechanism	Errors – Electronic Oven Controls (EOC)
FC	FF or FFF
	F0 or F1 or F2

2. Dangerous Smoke, Odors and Carbon Monoxide

Failure to remove bigger pieces of food debris or liquid from your oven prior to running the self-cleaning feature can lead to excessive smoke and foul odors. In addition, those pieces may not break down into ashes but bake on even harder. Sugary foods and spills can create enough smoke to set off fire alarms or cause eye and breathing issues.

Worse yet, a study by the North Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association discovered that carbon monoxide is produced when food residue is burned during the self-cleaning cycle. This poisonous gas is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Carbon monoxide is responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths every year. It’s critical that you open windows and run an exhaust fan to dissipate gas fumes during the cleaning process. Keep a working carbon monoxide detector in your home as there is no way to completely eliminate carbon monoxide emissions when using this function.

3. Family Safety

Children and pets can be at great risk of burns as the exterior of the oven also gets extremely hot, so you should never leave kids or animals in the kitchen unattended while cleaning.

Toxic fumes emanating from the smoke cloud can also be dangerous to anyone suffering from asthma or respiratory diseases. The Teflon coating inside your oven can break down when exposed to high temperatures and inhaling the fumes can lead to breathing issues, coughing, sweating, chills and flu-like symptoms.

Animals, especially birds, are also at risk from smoke and fumes. Large amounts of oxygen are required to maintain a bird’s flight muscles. The toxicity in the off-gasses can quickly permeate through the bird’s body and even cause death.

Ventilating the kitchen is not sufficient to protect your family or animals from breathing in harmful fumes. If you use the self-cleaning feature on your oven, make sure family members (including children) and animals are as far away from the room during the process.

4. Fire Hazard

Last, but certainly not least, the self-cleaning feature can present a fire hazard. Even if you’ve removed all the larger food particles, you’ll likely have grease or cooking oil splatters and spills to burn off. With an inside temperature exceeding 500° C, and a flash point (the temperature at which items can self-combust without an ignition source) between 750 to 815°F° or between 400 to 435° C, your leftover pepperoni grease can start on fire.

A word of advice: If your oven does catch on fire during the clean cycle, don’t try to put it out. Even if the oven has cooled sufficiently for the door to open, doing so will allow oxygen to rush in and fuel the flames. Obviously, if it is fully engulfed, get out of the house and call 911.

So, now what?

Now that you understand all the pros and cons of using the self-cleaning feature on your oven, you may be wondering what other alternatives might be available to safely removing grease and grime.

Consider these options:

Manual Cleaning Method

You can buy extremely harsh chemicals that will eat through any remaining debris, but the fumes are strong enough to singe off your eyebrows. The accompanying dizziness probably isn’t worth it either.

Instead, you can clean your oven naturally with a little vinegar, baking soda, and good ol’ elbow grease!

Empty the oven : Remove your oven racks, pizza stone, oven thermometer, and anything else you have inside the oven. Set aside.

How To Clean the Oven & What You Need

Baking soda
Water
Rubber gloves
Damp dish cloth
Plastic or silicone spatula
Spray bottle
White vinegar

Instructions

Empty the oven : Remove your oven racks, pizza stone, oven thermometer, and anything else you have inside the oven. Set aside.
Make a baking soda paste : In a small bowl, mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Adjust the ratio of both as needed until you have a spreadable paste. For me this took about 3 tablespoons of water to get the desired spreadable consistency.
Coat your oven : Spread the paste all over the interior surfaces of your oven, steering clear of the heating elements. I used gloves for this portion, as my oven was pretty grimy. It helped me really get in there and coat the dirtiest nooks and crannies without having to worry about all that grime under my nails. The baking soda will turn a brownish color as you rub it in; it also might be chunkier in some places than others, which is fine. Just try to coat the whole oven to the best of your abilities, paying extra attention to any particularly greasy areas.
Let it sit overnight : Allow the baking soda mixture to rest for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
Clean your oven racks : Meanwhile, clean your oven racks.
Wipe out the oven : After 12 hours or overnight, take a damp dish cloth and wipe out as much of the dried baking soda paste as you can. Use a plastic or silicone spatula to help scrape off the paste as needed. I found that the damp cloth was enough for me, but a spatula might come in handy in those hard-to-reach places.
Spray a little vinegar : Put a little vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz everywhere you still see baking soda residue in your oven. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and gently foam.
Do a final wipe-down : Take your damp cloth and wipe out the remaining foamy vinegar-baking soda mixture. Repeat until all the baking soda residue is gone. Add more water or vinegar as needed while wiping to really get the oven clean and shiny.
Replace your oven racks : Replace the oven racks and anything else you keep in your oven, and you’re done!

New Technologies

If you’re in the market for a new oven and want to avoid the current self-cleaning options, Whirlpool and Bosch have both introduced their technologies:

Whirlpool with Aqua-lift—uses a special coating that activates with water and low-temperature heat to release dirt and debris for easy removal.
Bosch with Eco-Clean —includes a ceramic coating on the back wall of the oven (ceiling and side walls can be upgraded) to reduce spills from sticking.

Before buying any home appliance, always do your research. Watch and read technology descriptions and reviews, ask questions on local forums or ask local appliance repair experts like General Appliance Service if your in The south Florida Area

Cooking Showdown: Gas vs Electric – Which is better?

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:51:17 GMT

Gas Vs Electric Oven

Your kitchen is something that you’ll be using practically daily for a long time, so investing in the right appliances is important. Of the appliances in a kitchen, your oven and stove are likely to experience the most use and will play a sizable role in your overall cooking experience.

But the choice is always there – gas vs electric. So how do you choose the right one when it comes to cooking?

You may be surprised at how much goes into choosing a stove and oven setup outside of going stainless steel or going with a colored finish. You’ll want to make sure it’s big enough to cook the entirety of Thanksgiving dinner without drying out the turkey or making the stuffing mushy.

In many cases, you’ll be picking out a range (stove and oven combination) for your kitchen and will have to decide between 2 fuel sources for both units: electric and gas. Each has their benefits when it comes to either the stove or oven, and there are even hybrid options that allow you to do both!

Below we’ll go over the pros and cons of gas and electric stoves & ovens to help you decide if you can choose a single style or need a hybrid to fit your cooking needs.

Gas Vs Electric Oven

When it comes to baking anything from a lasagna to cookies, your oven is the go-to appliance. They are often attached to a stove top as part of a range, with gas (from a gas line), electricity (from an outlet), or both options for fuel (hybrids/dual-fuel).

Whether it uses a flame for heat or an electric coil, the oven can be set to a high temperature to cook a wide variety of dishes and treats. However, each fuel type makes a difference in the cooking experience, so you’ll want to know what to look for when shopping.

	Gas	Electric
Upfront Cost	~$550 – $3,200	~$700 – $1,500
Operating Cost	Low	High
Heat Time	10 – 15 minutes	20 – 25 minutes
Cook Style	More Moist	More Dry
Convenience	3/5	4/5
Safety	3/5	4/5

Cost

There are actually 2 costs associated with each type of oven: initial costs and operating costs.

Initially, an electric model will be cheaper than a gas oven. This is because a gas oven requires a gas line to function, and the installation of the model includes hooking it up with the help of an expert. It becomes even more expensive if you don’t currently have a gas line installed.

However, the cost to use the ovens over time will vary based on the price of gas versus electricity. In general, gas as a heating source is about 3-4 times cheaper than electricity, helping to make up for the cost difference over time.

Gas ovens are much more expensive to purchase and install.

Heating Time

To get the oven up to temperature, an electric oven will heat the coil inside to distribute heat throughout the oven. This involves going from a cold coil to a superheated coil before it can give off sufficient heat, making it slightly slower to get up to temperature.

However, once the flame is lit on a gas oven the heat begins instantly and can be easily adjusted based on the size of the flame, allowing for faster cook times and higher temperatures.

Alternatively, an electric coil will hold its heat for longer between cooking. This allows you to start and restart cooking more effectively with an electric coil despite a slower initial heat-up.

Gas ovens reach cooking temperature much faster than electric ovens.

Cook Style

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of choosing between an electric vs gas oven is that they provide different types of heat, providing a different cooking experience for your food. The benefit of gas ovens is that they provide a moister heat, helping to prevent roasts and certain dishes from drying out when heated.

Alternatively, electric oven cooking gives you a drier baking experience that makes it great for adding crisp or crunch to your foods, perfect for crispy cookies or french fries.

Gas ovens provide a more moist and humid heat.

Convenience

While chances are that you won’t be moving your gas or electric range too often, in the case that something comes detached or it gets moved, you’re going to be safer with an electric model. Electric models can be placed anywhere and simply need an outlet to work, while gas ranges need to be connected securely to a gas line.

This means that if there is a power outage, your electric oven won’t work but your gas oven still will. For those who experience rolling blackouts or natural storms that cause power outages, a gas stove may prove superior.

A gas stove will work in a power outage, an electric stove will not.

Safety

When you’re working with any type of fire or heat, there are always dangers. This is especially true for gas ovens that require a gas line to operate. If there is any separation or leak from the line, you risk inhaling fumes or even worse – igniting your kitchen.

With an electric oven, only electrical failure and burns pose a threat making them safer in many cases.

An electrical oven is considered the safer option.

Efficency

The clear winner in the energy efficiency battle between gas and electric is gas. It takes about three times as much energy to produce and deliver electricity to your stove. According to the California Energy Commission, a gas stove will cost you less than half as much to operate (provided that you have an electronic ignition--not a pilot light ).

Although the government's Energy Star program, which rates home appliances for energy efficiency, doesn't rate ranges, buying a gas stove and then following our energy-saving tips (see sidebar) can help you spend less each year. The final figure on your annual energy bill will depend on how much time you spend cooking on your stove, but energy company MGE asserts that you can expect to pay an average of $2.34 per month to run a gas range without a pilot light (based on a gas rate of $1 per therm, or 100,000 BTU), compared to $5.94 per month to run an electric range (based on an electric rate of $.14 per kilowatt hour).

Gas Stoves Are Easy to Use, Too

Gas stoves may also be the clear winner when it comes to ease of use. Although electric stoves sometimes heat up more quickly than gas, cooks can control the level of heat more quickly and easily with a gas stove by turning the flame up or down. Also, electric stove burners tend to hold heat longer, so if you leave a pot on the stove it may keep cooking and eventually burn -- even if you've turned off the heat.

Gas and electric stoves may be relatively similar in price, but the energy efficiency of the typical gas stove will save consumers money in the long run. So, feel free to go wild in the kitchen as you go green!

How long should my Appliances last?

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 19:16:28 GMT

So, Here it is. The #1 question we get on almost every service call. " How long is this appliance supposed to last? Our last appliance lasted 30 years?" Our response most of the time " They don't make them like they used too."
So we decided to do some research and here is what we found directly from Consumer Reports.

Average life expectancy in years of a thermostat and a compactor, respectively the longest-lived and shortest-lived appliances in the American home, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Bank of America Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components . (See the table below for an alphabetized list of appliances.)

Keep in mind that the life expectancy listed here is just a general guideline—depending on the model and brand of appliances you buy and how well you treat them, your gear might last longer or might need replacing even sooner.

So after you figure out where to buy appliances , be sure to check the brand-repair histories (available to subscribers ) of the gear on our Appliances hub .

Appliance	Life Expectancy (years)
Air Conditioners (room)	10
Air Conditioners (central)	15
Boilers (electric)	13
Boilers (gas)	21
Compactors	6
Dehumidifiers	8
Dishwashers	9
Dryers (electric and gas)	13
Freezers	11
Furnaces (electric warm air)	15
Furnaces (gas warm air)	18
Furnaces (oil warm air)	20
Garbage Disposers	12
Humidifiers	8
Microwave Ovens	9
Range/Oven Hoods	14
Ranges (electric)	13
Ranges (gas)	15
Refrigerators	13
Refrigerators (compact)	9
Thermostats	35
Washing Machines	10
Water Heaters (electric)	11
Water Heaters (gas)	10
Water Heaters (tankless)	20+

What's The Best Brand Dishwasher to Buy?

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 02:58:25 GMT

We took a look at some analysis done consumer reports and thought we'd share with you what consumers thought the best (and worst) dishwasher brands are. In general, we see Bosch holding the top spot, which is rightfully deserved in our opinion. Also, we see the South Korean appliances hanging at the bottom of the ranking - LG, Samsung (who isn't listed but ranks on par with LG from our experience), etc. create some find looking machines, but these South Korean brands are currently struggling with quality.

Failure Rates for Major Dishwasher Brands

The bar graph below shows the failure rates as reported to Consumer Reports. Appliances with less failures/repairs have the shortest bars (lowest failure rates).

Do's and Don'ts of Appliance Repair

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:41:03 GMT

Everyone has had an appliance break or stop working completely. While we would much rather solve the issues ourselves than hire someone else to help us, the problem is many homeowners don’t know (or necessarily care) how appliances operate the way they do - such as why a refrigerator has coils. Knowing little things like this is what separates professionals from everyone else, but you can still do some basic troubleshooting.

Do’s

Even though we advise against detailed troubleshooting of the appliance, there are some preliminary checks that you can do which can help save the cost of a service call. We created a few tips to help you investigate:

Most appliances come with an owner’s manual and usually have instructions on how to troubleshoot the appliance. If you do not have the handbook, there is likely some common troubleshooting tips online. Sometimes appliances are known for certain types of failures and these are discussed in detail on some internet forums.
Check to see if your appliance is on, and check to see if the circuit breaker is operational. The issue could be simple as a bad power cord or an unplugged appliance.
Keep appliances clean as dirt build up can cause major issues. Example: Dryer vents https://www.inman.com/2013/03/29/dryer-vent-dos-and-donts/ can cause fires if not cleaned out yearly.
Most appliances will come with a warranty and can be repaired or replaced within the warranty period – this is essentially pre-paid repair that you should take advantage of it at all possible.

Don’ts

Knowing how to investigate is one part of the equation; understanding what to do is the other part. A broken appliance is an easier fix than one that has been taken apart and put back together incorrectly. The appliance can malfunction or worse, we generated a few tips on what not to do:

Obviously, do not try and fix any appliance yourself unless you are a professional. Duct tape is not a tool for fixing a leak in a faucet. This is as much a safety issue as anything else. Some appliances, even when unplugged, can store lethal amounts of electricity. Attempting to repair the appliance yourself can lead to serious injury or further damage the appliance.
New appliances are nice to look at and seem any easy fix to a broken appliance. The truth is: older appliances are often built better and last longer. Newer appliances, such as front-load washers and dryers, are computer-controlled or contain other advance circuitry that can react badly to power surges, water leaks, etc. whereas older appliances may be more tolerant of these conditions.
In general, appliances today don’t contain many (if any) user-serviceable parts. Most items in appliances now are FRUs (field replaceable units) where entire control boards are swapped out vs. attempting to repair discrete components. As such, there is little value attempting to access these components without specialized diagnostic tools that can point you to the defective FRU.
Another reason not to take your machine apart: you may be able to get the device back together. Once you try to do a little bit of tear-down investigation, you can find yourself ‘going down the rabbit hole’ and end up with a lot of parts and materials that you’re no longer sure how to re-install. In addition to stored electricity, appliances are often not user-friendly on the inside and contain many sharp edges where you can easily cut yourself.
If you have taken apart your appliance call Heritage Appliance Repair, we will help you fix it (without Duct Tape) and put it together correctly.

At General Appliance Service , we will give you an honest opinion about repair vs. replace considerations of your appliance. If the cause of a problem can’t be identified with absolute certainty, we will tell you before suggesting replacement parts. We want you to have the best experiences with your appliances and with our appliance repair services, so we always advise you as if your appliances were our own.

Don't Get Scammed

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:37:24 GMT

By all accounts the appliance repair business is an honorable one. However, like any market, appliance repair has its share of dishonest people that are just looking to take your money.

Here at General Appliance Service, we believe in integrity. We hold firmly to the belief that our techicians should inspire confidence, radiate trust and be honest and forthcoming. Our owner, Rob is also the lead technician and surely becoming known in the area as an honest and caring business man. A recent article in the news through reminded us that this isn't always the case.

The department began investigating Harner for scams in August after someone reported he had taken cash for appliance parts without performing any repairs. The 46-year-old Harner is charge with appliance repair scams in Cumberland, Dauphin and York counties, and several arrest warrants had been issued.

Wesley Robinson

PennLive Article Link

The person in this story was charged with appliance repair scams in several counties in central Pennsylvania and several arrest warrants had been issued for him. While the law usually and eventually catches up with these people, many people don't see restitution for the money that has been paid to a fraudulent appliance repairman. We have heard of similar incidents all over the country and recognize that people may have a fear that the repair service provider that they are hiring isn't legitimate and is seeking to steal their money or even just overcharge for their services.

At General Appliance Service, we want you to know that we have been servicing the Boynton Beach area for several years and have a great reputation for the service that we provide. We are always more than happy to provide references and we always call our customers to confirm before arrival. We take not only the financial investment in appliance repair of our clients seriously, we take security seriously as well. Trust General Appliance Service to provide accurate and fair appliance repair estimates, doing only the work that is necessary and authorized, while using new, OEM approved replacement parts.

generalappliancesvc

Dryer Taking Too Long? The #1 Dryer Vent Mistake That Can Also Start a Fire (60-Second Check)

“If your dryer suddenly needs 2 cycles, it’s often an airflow/vent problem—and it can be a fire hazard. Do this 60-second outdoor vent test before you run another load.”

Dryer Taking Too Long? The #1 Dryer Vent Mistake That Can Also Start a Fire (60-Second Check)

Why Is Your Dryer Slowing Down?

Try This 60-Second Airflow Test Before You Call Anyone

Common Airflow Blockers You Might Be Ignoring

When to Call the Pros in Boca Raton

Why Homeowners Trust Us

Final Reminder: Don’t Ignore Slow Drying

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Choosing whether to fix or replace appliances involves thinking about both the planet's health and our wallets. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

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A Homeowner's Guide to Refrigerator Maintenance

Do you know how to properly care for your refrigerator? If not, let us help you out with this quick guide to refrigerator maintenance.

Refrigerator Troubleshooting: When to Call a Professional

There are many common problems that can affect refrigerators. When do you need a professional for refrigerator troubleshooting?

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5 Refrigerator Brands and Common Problems

Is your refrigerator running? Before you consider your fridge a bad joke, read our short guide to refrigerator brands and common problems that can be repaired.

1. Frigidaire French Door Refrigerator

2. Sub-Zero Built-in Refrigerator

3. Maytag Refrigerators

4. Whirlpool Fingerprint Resistant Refrigerator

5. GE Monogram Refrigerator

Call Us When the Refrigerator Brands Let You Down

Repair or Replace: What to Do With Broken Appliances

Refrigerator been extremely loud or washing machine not working properly? Read our guide on whether you should look into appliance repair or replacement.

When Is It Time To Call for Refrigerator Repair Services?

Are you worried your fridge might be on the fritz? This article will give you some warning signs to look for before you call for refrigerator repair services.

5 Common Washing Machine Problems

Some signs that you need a washer repair are more obvious than others. Check out these 5 common washing machine issues to look out for.

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Refrigerator Repair Contractor

If you refrigerator needs to be fixed, you need to know your options for technicians. Here are mistakes to avoid when hiring a refrigerator repair contractor.

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Whether or not you can keep your home appliances running will depend on the repairmen you hire. Ask these questions before hiring appliance repair services.

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Every household has different needs when it comes to laundry. Find out here if a stackable washer and dryer is right for you.

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There are several signs that you're in need of washing machine repair. You can learn more about the common signs and problems here.

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