Can anyone recommend a good home repair service for appliances? Our microwave has a short in
the keypad, although the machine still heats things up just fine. Home Depot told me to buy a new one ($199) , and GE
wanted $129 just for a service call, woth parts and labor additional. I don't want to get rid of a machine that still
works and have it end up in a landfill, but I don't want to spend nearly the cost of a replacement to fix what seems
like a small problem. Is there a local service that could do the job for a fair price?
COMMENT 93029
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2010-07-27 09:59 AM |
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Professional time is approximately $100 a hour. What does the term "fair price" mean and to whom. The provider of the service or the consumer of the service. A teachable lesson in market pricing. Buyer needs something and the seller has something to sell. What is the "fair" price under these circumstances, compared to the price of buying a new microwave. Or getting a used one, at the thrift shop or ebay. Teach yourself about home appliance repair is the best response. It is not as complicated as you think once you learn the basics of circuitry and safety. Then figure out how much you would charge your friends and customers to repair their microwaves.
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COMMENT 93036P
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2010-07-27 10:04 AM |
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I have used Steve's Appliance Repair for my microwave and washer. Nice guy. Prompt also. 805-895-8041
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COMMENT 93070
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2010-07-27 10:41 AM |
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Not much to really replace in a microwave. After having ours die and doing some research we found it was just cheaper to buy a new one vs repairing the old one. Depends on the size and age of your current one.
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COMMENT 93074
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2010-07-27 10:47 AM |
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Go to a thrift store...im sure you can find a microwave for under 20 bucks
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COMMENT 93091
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2010-07-27 11:17 AM |
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Hate to keep filling up the landfill with cheap Chinese junk that is cheaper to replace, than to get fixed. In fact they almost design it so it can't be fixed. Think about this when you buy any small appliance these days. Can it be fixed easily or does it have to be dumped and replaced. The Chinese don't care what we have to dump on our side of the planet because they get nice green money in return and that is very recyclable at there end. While we get the landfill problems. Time to reset this imbalance. Stop buying cheap Chinese junk. The consumer has the final voice in all of this. Yes, best choice is to buy used and keep buying used so the Chinese don't keep making money cranking out new ones.
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COMMENT 93120
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2010-07-27 12:21 PM |
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I never buy anything used. Buy a new one and be done with it. Microwaves are recycled and don't go to the landfill. My new Toyota is made of microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, toasters, computers...
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COMMENT 93130P
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2010-07-27 12:40 PM |
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The keypad on our oven "died" so I went online and did some researching. There's even a forum for appliance repair with helpful folks. The guy who runs it will help you find the exact part you need for free - he stocks and sells parts. It was convenient, I had humans to answer all my questions and the part was correct - and I replaced it myself. My washing machine too. Repair Clinic. Good luck.
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COMMENT 93137
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2010-07-27 01:05 PM |
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Unless you buy real high end appliances, they're built to be disposable now. It'll be less to buy a new one. If you're worried about it ending up in a landfill, offer it for free on Craigslist. Maybe someone will pick it up that knows how to fix it.
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COMMENT 93150
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2010-07-27 01:40 PM |
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Go for the new one; at least you'll probably get a year warranty or something. If you pay for the old one to be fixed and it shorts again, you're just outta luck.
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COMMENT 93158
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2010-07-27 01:56 PM |
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How much did Steve charge to fix your microwave?
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COMMENT 93174
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2010-07-27 03:12 PM |
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Buy a good one and it will last. I inherited my son's 5 year old top of the line Microwave from Circuit City when he divorced in 2000, and it is still running splendidly and looks brand new.
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COMMENT 93311
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2010-07-27 10:01 PM |
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Probably cheaper to replace ~
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TOTCH
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2010-07-28 07:50 AM |
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Buy a new one! In Eugene/Springfield, OR when
my printer stopped working they wanted $25 just for
a diagnosis. Bought a new H.P. for $79.99 and gave
the old one to a place that repairs and recycles computers
and electronic equipment. Santa Barbara must have such a place ( By the way that incl. a warranty and no sales
tax here.)
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COMMENT 93450
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2010-07-28 10:08 AM |
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Sorry to burst your bubble but I doubt that very little actually gets recycled, not safely, and not in the U.S. Huge containers of electronics recycling end up on islands far from our peaceful land being picked apart by small children who get poisoned by the toxins used to make them. Balance your own cost new with finding a good used one or fixing your own.... sometimes you just have to buy new....
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COMMENT 93464
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2010-07-28 10:35 AM |
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Buy a new one and take the old one to the recycling center in downtown SB. They accept electronic waste. I just bought a nice new GE over the ovenmodel for under $200. Tip: Buy it using a credit card that doubles the mfr warranty. (Amex is one.)
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COMMENT 93525
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2010-07-28 12:32 PM |
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A-1 Appliance Repair on Reddick
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COMMENT 93544P
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2010-07-28 01:37 PM |
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How much would it cost to have the danged loud buzzer on my dryer disengaged? It alarms me to hear it every time it buzzes, and I know it even bothers my neighbors.
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COMMENT 93561
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2010-07-28 02:21 PM |
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Yes, let's hear it for the green revolution that now guides all our daily decisions. Without a shred of consideration people here say buy a new one, it is cheaper. Nope, you don't get to think that way any longer. Don't you know you are killing polar bears with an attitude like that? It is sane to suggest repair or used. And you better get used to that. Or even, do without. Time isn't that precious that you have to drain out the huge energy microwaves use. Time to push back on those who have not yet gotten the green religion and say no to Buy New and Dump mentalities. No, repair and reuse. This is your new mantra. Small decisions made daily by millions of people make global changes. Election of new talking heads do not.
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COMMENT 93680
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2010-07-28 07:09 PM |
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I'm not sure if I would risk having it repaired. Buy one from Costco and if it ever breaks down, just return it.
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