Before You Call Appliance Repair
Most appliance trouble starts with power, lint, a filter or dirty coils. Find out if yours does, and what to tell the repair tech if not. Something else? Check any home repair.
Question 1
What is going on?
General guidance, not an inspection. When something feels unsafe, stop and call a professional.
Every answer at a glance
Act now
Stop using it and get to safety
Do not try to diagnose an appliance that smells of burning or gas.
You can likely fix this yourself
Clean the coils and clear the vents
Dirty coils and blocked vents are common and cheap to fix.
Call an appliance technician
Likely the start relay, compressor or control board
These repairs need testing, and sealed-system work needs a certified technician. Keep the doors closed and move food to a cooler after about 4 hours without cooling.
You can likely fix this yourself
Clean the lint path
A clogged vent wastes energy and is a fire risk, so do this soon.
Dryer vent cheat sheetDIY if you are comfortable, otherwise call
Likely a thermal fuse or heating element
On an electric dryer these are replaceable parts if you are comfortable with a multimeter and the power unplugged. A blown fuse often means a clogged vent, so clean that too. Call a pro for a gas dryer.
DIY if you are comfortable, otherwise call
Check hoses and the door seal
Hoses and seals cause most leaks. A leak from under the tub usually needs a repair visit.
You can likely fix this yourself
Clear the pump filter and the drain hose
A sock or a coin in the pump is the usual culprit.
You can likely fix this yourself
Clean the filter and check the drain connection
Most dishwasher trouble starts at the filter or the drain hose.
DIY if you are comfortable, otherwise call
Probably an element or a breaker
Check both breakers for a double-pole range circuit. A visibly broken or blistered element is a simple part to replace with the power off at the breaker. Control board faults are a repair call.
Call an appliance technician
Leave gas components to a technician
Check that the oven is plugged in and the gas valve behind it is open. Beyond that, igniter and valve work should go to an appliance technician.
You can likely fix this yourself
Check the power before anything else
Dead appliances often have a power problem and not an appliance problem.