FAQ — Houston Appliance Repair
Booking, Pricing, and Service Call
Q: Do you charge a diagnostic fee / service call?
A: Yep — there’s a service call to come out and diagnose the issue. If you move forward with the repair, it’s usually applied toward the total. Share your ZIP and model and we’ll confirm the visit fee upfront.
Q: Is the diagnostic fee waived if I approve the repair?
A: Most of the time, yes — it’s credited or waived once you move forward.
Q: Can you give me an exact price over the phone?
A: We can give a range, but the exact number comes after diagnosis — different failures can look identical from the outside.
Q: What’s included in the service call?
A: A real diagnosis, a clear explanation of what failed, and options with pricing before any work starts.
Q: How fast can you get here?
A: If it’s urgent (no cooling, leak, gas smell), say so — we’ll try to prioritize the earliest window.
Q: Do you work weekends?
A: We can offer weekend options depending on the schedule.
Coverage, Scheduling, and What to Expect in Your Home
Q: What areas do you cover around Houston?
A: Houston metro and nearby communities. Check our Service Areas page for the full list, or send your ZIP and we’ll confirm availability fast.
Q: How long does a visit usually take?
A: Diagnosis is often under an hour; repairs vary by issue and access.
Q: What should I do before you arrive?
A: Clear access and pull items out if needed. If you happen to see an error code, just mention it when you call.
Q: Will you protect floors and cabinets?
A: Yes — we work clean and we don’t treat your kitchen like a jobsite.
Safety Questions
Q: Is it safe to keep using an oven that smells like burning?
A: No — turn it off and get it checked. Burning smell can be wiring, control, or debris overheating.
Q: My cooktop keeps clicking — is that dangerous?
A: Usually it’s not “dangerous,” but it’s not normal — it often means moisture/grease or an ignition issue that should be fixed.
Q: Can you repair gas appliances?
A: Yes — ranges or cooktops, ovens, and dryers – residential and commercial.
Q: I smell gas — what do I do right now?
A: Shut it off if you can, ventilate, don’t flip switches, and contact your gas utility if the smell is strong. Then book service.
Q: Can you help if I’m seeing an error code?
A: Yes — send the code and model number. Codes help us narrow it down, but we still confirm with real testing.
Appliance-Specific FAQs
Q: Fridge runs but not cooling — what’s usually wrong?
A: Dirty coils, airflow/fan, defrost, or controls.
Q: Washer won’t drain — what’s the usual cause?
A: Clog or a failing drain pump.
Q: Dryer runs but no heat — what’s likely?
A: Heating issue or restricted venting.
Q: Dishwasher not draining — what’s usually wrong?
A: Clogged filter/drain path or a drain pump issue.
Q: Oven won’t heat / takes forever to preheat — why?
A: Heating/ignition, sensor, or control problem.
Q: Do you service premium built-ins (Sub-Zero / Wolf / Thermador / Miele)?
A: Yes — careful access, clean reinstall, and full performance checks.
“Why did it happen?”
Q: What causes a fridge to suddenly stop cooling?
A: Dirty coils, a fan failure, defrost issues, power problems, or a control fault.
Q: What causes a dryer to lose heat?
A: Vent restriction, thermal safeties tripping, or heater/gas heat component failure.
Q: Why do ovens fail right after self-clean?
A: Self-clean runs extremely hot — it can push weak components over the edge (sensors, boards, wiring).
Q: Why does a dishwasher start smelling?
A: Food debris in filters, standing water, or drain flow issues.
Q: Why do washers start leaking?
A: Worn door gasket/boot, hoses, pump area leaks, or over-sudsing.
Warranty, Parts, and “Will It Hold?”
Q: Do you warranty your repairs?
A: Yes — repairs are typically backed by a parts/labor warranty (terms depend on the job).
Q: What if the same problem comes back?
A: If it’s the same issue, we come back and take care of it under the warranty.
Q: Do you use OEM parts?
A: When OEM is available and it’s the right fix, yes — especially for premium built-ins.
Q: Can you use a cheaper aftermarket part?
A: Sometimes, but we’ll tell you when it’s a bad idea (some “cheap fixes” don’t last).
Q: Will you fix it today or do you need to order parts?
A: Many repairs are same-visit, but some need parts — we’ll tell you right after diagnosis.