Have you ever counted how many appliances you have in your home? Over 16 million large types of appliances and 66 million small appliances were sold in a year in the UK. So, what can you do to keep all your appliances in optimum condition?
UK households are using more appliances than ever to support cooking, preparation, cleaning, grooming and other tasks. Although appliances continue to advance, there still comes a time when they need repair. So, how can you find the best appliance repairman for the task?
Appliance engineers specialize in maintaining and repairing appliances, clasified as white goods. These would include Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Dishwashers, Ovens, Hobs, Extractors, Microwaves and fridge Freezers. However, not all appliance engineers offer the same services or quality. Read this guide to learn how to find the best appliance repair engineer for your needs.
Training and Accreditations
When hiring a repairer, you need to check their training background. Look out for appliance repair services engineers that have been trained, such as our CPD Acredited 224 White Goods Training, which provides indepth training and assesments to qualify them as Appliance Repair Engineers.
Also ask to see there Appliance Safe Registration card which will help you identify the engineer and check there training and qualifications.
When an appliance repair engineer has accredited training and is registered with the Appliance Safe Register, you can have peace of mind they have specific working standards. They know the best practices for repairing appliances safely and efficiently. These types of courses also include accreditations, such as from The Institute for Whites Good Engineers and the CPD Certification Service.
Appliance Experience
An experienced appliance repair technician will be more familiar with different appliance issues. They will know when you need appliance maintenance or when a replacement is necessary. Appliance repair services often disclose their company history and individual technician experience.
You can also check an appliance engineer’s experience with undertaking different training courses, such as the Appliance Safety Register. This is a voluntary scheme that ensures the safe handling of electrical appliances.
Expertise With Different Types of Appliances
Appliance engineers may specialize in repairing different types of appliances. It is essential they have the skillset and resources to tackle your appliance problem. Searching for specific types of appliance repair will help narrow down your search.
Appliance repair can be complicated, and any wrong move can worsen the problem. This can lead to costly replacements and even put you in danger if the appliance is mishandled.
For example, over 98% of UK homes have a fridge or fridge freezer. A white goods engineer specializes in this type of appliance repair. They may also specialize in particular brands or types of white goods.
Appliance Repair Engineers Reputation
An appliance repairman may look great on paper, but how does their reputation hold up? Ask loved ones and colleagues if they have any recommendations for a reputable appliance maintenance specialist.
You can also check independent reviews online and ask for customer testimonials. Look out for reviews that focus on similar issues to your appliance needs.
Along with being a skilled appliance repair technician, check reviews regarding their customer service. You want to make sure they can assist you if any further issues arise or if you have any questions.
Appliance Repair Services Insurance
You may have your own insurance to cover appliances and household goods. However, it is important to check that appliance repair services have insurance to protect their engineers.
Otherwise, you could end up with liability issues. You could also face legal issues if an accident occurs during appliance maintenance and repair. Insurance helps ensure all parties are protected.
Customer Service
When you speak to appliance engineers, compare their customer service. You can consider factors such as:
- Response times
- Method of contact
- Working hours
- Warranty
- Additional services
How long did they take to respond to you? There’s no use in hiring an appliance repairman who is hard to contact or offers working hours that do not align with your schedule. Check there is a clear method of contact so you can have a seamless experience.
You should also check if additional services are offered. For example, if a white goods engineer needs to repair your appliance off-site, will they offer delivery or pick-up? Also, ask if they offer any warranty on repairs should an issue arise after their work.
Working Times
Pick an appliance repair technician whose working hours suit your schedule. Ask when they can do the repair and how long it will take. While you cannot rush a quality repair, if they are busy, you might have to wait several weeks before they can repair your item.
Appliance Maintenance and Repair Costs
Work out your budget before hiring an appliance engineer. You can compare the costs of appliance engineers to work out averages. Check what costs include and ask for a written quote to ensure there are no hidden fees.
The cheapest appliance repairman does not mean the best quality, nor does the most expensive. That is why it is important to take into consideration other factors, such as experience and training, before making a decision.
Use a Reputable Search Platform
One way to narrow down your search is to use a reputable platform to search for appliance engineers, such as our site. You can have peace of mind that the engineers are trained and work to a certain standard.
For example, you can search for an appliance repair technician who is part of the Appliance Safety Register on our site. You can also choose filters, such as finding one that is certified with IWGE, the Institute of White Goods Engineers.
You can also customize your search to your area. It can be helpful to use a local appliance repairman, as they will be familiar with where to access parts in your area. They will also be easily accessible, and you can use them for future appliance maintenance and repair.
Find Certified UK Appliance Engineers
Follow this guide to find the best appliance repairman for your needs. It may be tempting to save time and skip the research when hiring a repairman, but it can lead to costly issues at a later date.
The IWGE is committed to supporting and training appliance engineers, independent repair companies, and manufacturers. Use our search tool to find a reputable appliance repairman you can trust. Please contact us if you have any questions.
