Cooks Appliance Repair
Appliance Problems and Diagnosis
Refrigerator: Many fridges last 10 to 15 years before having problems and breaking down. Replacing a compressor on an old refrigerator may not be the best decision. Replacing a compressor can cost almost half the price of a new refrigerator. In such a case, we will be honest and recommend replacement. Other typical causes of failure are, the door is not properly closed or sealed. The condenser coils may need cleaning. The controls may be set too cold. Ice may build up blocking air flow.
Washers: If the repair would cost less than half the price of a new washing machine and your washer has several years expected life,
a quick fix could be a cost-effective. Washing machines today are more high tech than in years past. The programmable type sometimes have issues with the electronic (computerized) controls. They have a motherboard just like your home computer.
On top of that, there are also sensors that can go bad. Many of theses newer clothes washers can display diagnostic codes just like your motor vehicle. If you have any warranty, that can make a big difference in your decision to repair or not. Motherboards or electronics can be more expensive than an old style knob and switch setup. Additional failures include bad motors, bad bearings, loose or broken belts and everything else that may wear out.
Dryers: If a clothes dryer is relatively new, repairing it may bring you many more years of life. It can be worth spending $100 – $200
to repair a clothes dryer that's less than three years old. One of the major causes of a dryer not heating is simply a bad heating element. An inspection should be done to determine possible reasons for an element failure. A vent tube clogged with lent may cause the element to overheat and burn out. Sometimes a little routine maintenance cleaning of the vent can prevent such problems. Of course there are other possibilities such as loose or broken belts, bad motors, bad bearings, shorted electronics and simply worn out parts.
Dishwashers: There are several reasons to opt for repairing your dishwasher. Aside from electronics, most problems come from pump issues. Sometimes the pump or pump screen is simply clogged. It may need to be disassembled to determine if that is the case. Sometimes the pump works but the pump impeller has failed by no longer retaining its position on the pump motor shaft.
We recommend having an appliance repair professional diagnose it properly. In addition there may be issues with the dishwasher filling to the proper level or draining properly. If you have any issues it may be well worth having a professional check it out.
Microwaves: If the electronics or keypad are working and it does not heat the food, you probably have a diode or magnetron issue.
In this case as with most appliances, knowing the brand and serial number is helpful. If you have sparks inside the unit, the problem is more likely chipping or peeling inside the microwave cabinet. Replacement would be the best option in that case.
If the microwave shuts off in the middle of cooking, the problem is likely an electronics issue.
Stoves and ovens: If you have a gas stove that won't light the problem may be a faulty igniter or misalignment issues.
If you have an electric oven, the heating elements should glow red. If they do not glow, they should be replaced.
If an oven that does not heat to the correct temperature the problem is typically a faulty temperature sensor or a problem with your ovens overall temperature calibration. Problems with your ovens self-cleaning function can be many causes. An oven with a defective door lock will not self-clean. Self-cleaning problems can also be temperature sensors or a defective control board. Clock failure and wiring are also causes of failure. Due to the number of problems with self-cleaning ovens, it is best to hire an appliance repairman.
We also service garbage disposals, range hoods and most major home or commercial appliance.
What appliances do we recommend if your appliance is shot and needs replaced ?
Our recommendations are based on a Consumer Reports survey for 2020.
Washing machines: In consideration that there are different types of washers, top load or front load, General Electric or (GE) dominates with 6 of the top 8. Kenmore came in second with 2 of the top 8. Further down the list were Samsung and Speed Queen.
Clothes Dryers: Once again General Electric (GE) had 4 of the top 5. Samsung had 1 in the top 5. Next were Kenmore and Speed Queen.
Refrigerators: Maytag shines as number 1. Down the list were Danby, Galanz, Thermador, GE, KitchenAid, Samsung, Hi-Sense, and LG.
Dishwashers: Maytag took number 1 spot followed by Whirlpool, Frigidair, Themador, Kitchen Aid, Bosch,Cafe and GE in that order.
Stoves and Ovens: Frigedaire took the top spot followed by Thermador, Kitchen Aid , Whirlpool, Cafe, Bosch and last GE.
Ranges: Bosch was number 1 for being most reliable. Top contenders included Jenn-Air, Viking, Frigidaire, GE, Café, and Samsung.
Wall Ovens: Thermador was number 1 for the being the most reliable. Also highlighted were Whirlpool, Café, Frigidaire, GE, Viking, LG, and KitchenAid.
Microwaves: Black & Decker rated number 1 followed by Samsung, Café, KitchenAid, Magic Chef, Sharp, Frigidaire, Toshiba, and Panasonic.
We hope you find this information useful just in case we determine your appliance is not worth the cost of repair.
Washers: If the repair would cost less than half the price of a new washing machine and your washer has several years expected life,
a quick fix could be a cost-effective. Washing machines today are more high tech than in years past. The programmable type sometimes have issues with the electronic (computerized) controls. They have a motherboard just like your home computer.
On top of that, there are also sensors that can go bad. Many of theses newer clothes washers can display diagnostic codes just like your motor vehicle. If you have any warranty, that can make a big difference in your decision to repair or not. Motherboards or electronics can be more expensive than an old style knob and switch setup. Additional failures include bad motors, bad bearings, loose or broken belts and everything else that may wear out.
Dryers: If a clothes dryer is relatively new, repairing it may bring you many more years of life. It can be worth spending $100 – $200
to repair a clothes dryer that's less than three years old. One of the major causes of a dryer not heating is simply a bad heating element. An inspection should be done to determine possible reasons for an element failure. A vent tube clogged with lent may cause the element to overheat and burn out. Sometimes a little routine maintenance cleaning of the vent can prevent such problems. Of course there are other possibilities such as loose or broken belts, bad motors, bad bearings, shorted electronics and simply worn out parts.
Dishwashers: There are several reasons to opt for repairing your dishwasher. Aside from electronics, most problems come from pump issues. Sometimes the pump or pump screen is simply clogged. It may need to be disassembled to determine if that is the case. Sometimes the pump works but the pump impeller has failed by no longer retaining its position on the pump motor shaft.
We recommend having an appliance repair professional diagnose it properly. In addition there may be issues with the dishwasher filling to the proper level or draining properly. If you have any issues it may be well worth having a professional check it out.
Microwaves: If the electronics or keypad are working and it does not heat the food, you probably have a diode or magnetron issue.
In this case as with most appliances, knowing the brand and serial number is helpful. If you have sparks inside the unit, the problem is more likely chipping or peeling inside the microwave cabinet. Replacement would be the best option in that case.
If the microwave shuts off in the middle of cooking, the problem is likely an electronics issue.
Stoves and ovens: If you have a gas stove that won't light the problem may be a faulty igniter or misalignment issues.
If you have an electric oven, the heating elements should glow red. If they do not glow, they should be replaced.
If an oven that does not heat to the correct temperature the problem is typically a faulty temperature sensor or a problem with your ovens overall temperature calibration. Problems with your ovens self-cleaning function can be many causes. An oven with a defective door lock will not self-clean. Self-cleaning problems can also be temperature sensors or a defective control board. Clock failure and wiring are also causes of failure. Due to the number of problems with self-cleaning ovens, it is best to hire an appliance repairman.
We also service garbage disposals, range hoods and most major home or commercial appliance.
What appliances do we recommend if your appliance is shot and needs replaced ?
Our recommendations are based on a Consumer Reports survey for 2020.
Washing machines: In consideration that there are different types of washers, top load or front load, General Electric or (GE) dominates with 6 of the top 8. Kenmore came in second with 2 of the top 8. Further down the list were Samsung and Speed Queen.
Clothes Dryers: Once again General Electric (GE) had 4 of the top 5. Samsung had 1 in the top 5. Next were Kenmore and Speed Queen.
Refrigerators: Maytag shines as number 1. Down the list were Danby, Galanz, Thermador, GE, KitchenAid, Samsung, Hi-Sense, and LG.
Dishwashers: Maytag took number 1 spot followed by Whirlpool, Frigidair, Themador, Kitchen Aid, Bosch,Cafe and GE in that order.
Stoves and Ovens: Frigedaire took the top spot followed by Thermador, Kitchen Aid , Whirlpool, Cafe, Bosch and last GE.
Ranges: Bosch was number 1 for being most reliable. Top contenders included Jenn-Air, Viking, Frigidaire, GE, Café, and Samsung.
Wall Ovens: Thermador was number 1 for the being the most reliable. Also highlighted were Whirlpool, Café, Frigidaire, GE, Viking, LG, and KitchenAid.
Microwaves: Black & Decker rated number 1 followed by Samsung, Café, KitchenAid, Magic Chef, Sharp, Frigidaire, Toshiba, and Panasonic.
We hope you find this information useful just in case we determine your appliance is not worth the cost of repair.
