At ARS Barrie, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch appliance repair services across Barrie, Ontario. One of the most common questions we receive from our customers is about our service fee. In this blog post, we’ll break down what our service fee includes, the types of appliance faults we can often fix during our initial visit, and situations that may require a return visit. Understanding these details will help you make an informed decision when choosing ARS Barrie for your appliance repair needs.

What Does ARS Barrie’s $120+ Tax Service Fee Cover?

Our service fee of $120, plus applicable taxes, is designed to ensure that you receive a comprehensive diagnosis and, whenever possible, a quick fix during our first visit. This fee includes the cost of dispatching a highly skilled technician to your home, where they will thoroughly inspect and diagnose the appliance issue at hand.

If the problem can be resolved during this initial visit, our technician will resolve it immediately. However, suppose the fault requires a second visit. In that case, ARS Barrie will return at no additional service charge—though additional fees may apply for any necessary parts or repairs outside the normal scope.

Appliance Faults That Can Often Be Fixed on the Spot

Many common appliance issues can be resolved during the initial visit without the need for part replacements. Our technicians are trained to address various faults using their expertise and the tools they carry. Below, we delve into specific issues for different appliances and how they can be effectively fixed on the spot.

Refrigerators: Quick Fixes for Common Problems

Refrigerators are complex appliances, but some issues can be resolved quickly without the need for replacement parts.

1. Adjusting Temperature Settings

Sometimes, a refrigerator may not be cooling properly due to incorrect temperature settings. Our technician can recalibrate the settings, ensuring that the fridge returns to its optimal temperature.

2. Cleaning Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils can cause a refrigerator to overheat and function inefficiently. By cleaning these coils, our technician can restore proper cooling performance. This process involves removing any accumulated dust or debris that could be hindering airflow.

3. Defrosting the Evaporator Coils

Ice build-up on evaporator coils can obstruct the cooling process. Our technician can manually defrost these coils and ensure that the fridge operates smoothly, preventing future ice accumulation.

Dishwashers: Efficient Solutions for Common Issues

Dishwashers are prone to several issues that can be swiftly handled without replacing any components.

1. Clearing Clogged Spray Arms

Clogged spray arms can lead to poor cleaning performance. Our technician can remove and clean the spray arms, ensuring water flows freely and dishes are properly cleaned during the wash cycle.

2. Resetting the Control Panel

A malfunctioning control panel can disrupt the dishwasher’s operation. By resetting the control panel, our technician can often resolve issues related to stuck cycles or non-responsive buttons, restoring the dishwasher’s functionality.

3. Unblocking the Drain Hose

A blocked drain hose can cause water to pool at the bottom of the dishwasher. Our technician can clear any obstructions in the hose, allowing the dishwasher to drain correctly and preventing future clogs.

Stoves and Ovens: On-the-Spot Fixes

Stoves and ovens are essential kitchen appliances, and certain faults can be quickly fixed without the need for replacements.

1. Calibrating the Oven Thermostat

If your oven isn’t heating to the correct temperature, it may need a thermostat recalibration. Our technician can adjust the thermostat settings to ensure your oven heats accurately.

2. Cleaning Burner Igniters

Gas stoves may experience ignition problems due to dirty burner igniters. By cleaning these igniters, our technician can restore reliable ignition and improve the efficiency of your stove.

3. Realigning Oven Door Hinges

An oven door that doesn’t close properly can lead to heat loss. Our technician can realign the door hinges, ensuring a proper seal and efficient cooking performance.

Washers: Quick Fixes for Common Washer Problems

Washers are prone to several issues that can be resolved without needing replacement parts.

1. Balancing the Washer Drum

An unbalanced washer drum can cause excessive noise and vibration during the spin cycle. Our technician can balance the drum by adjusting the washer’s feet, ensuring smooth and quiet operation.

2. Cleaning the Lint Trap

A clogged lint trap can reduce the efficiency of the washer. Our technician can clean the trap, improving water flow and ensuring your clothes are cleaned properly.

3. Resolving Overloading Issues

Overloading a washer can lead to poor washing results and even damage to the machine. Our technician can educate you on the correct load size and help redistribute the load to prevent future issues.

Dryers: Effective On-the-Spot Solutions

Dryers are crucial for quick laundry turnaround; some problems can be fixed immediately.

1. Cleaning the Moisture Sensor

A dryer’s moisture sensor can become coated with fabric softener residue, causing the dryer to shut off prematurely. Our technician can clean the sensor, ensuring that your clothes dry completely.

2. Clearing the Dryer Vent

A blocked dryer vent can reduce efficiency and pose a fire hazard. Our technician can clean out the vent, ensuring proper airflow and reducing drying times.

3. Adjusting the Dryer Timer

If your dryer timer isn’t working correctly, it may be due to a simple misalignment. Our technician can adjust the timer mechanism, ensuring that the dryer cycles through its phases properly.

Appliance Faults That Can Often Be Fixed on the Spot

Many common appliance issues can be addressed during the initial visit, thanks to the expertise of our technicians and the tools and parts they carry. Here are some examples:

1. Simple Electrical Faults

  • Issues like tripped breakers, blown fuses, or faulty wiring are often quick fixes. Our technicians can usually resolve these problems during their first visit without the need for specialized parts.

2. Thermostat Replacements

  • Thermostats in ovens or refrigerators that have malfunctioned can often be replaced on-site. Our technicians carry a variety of common thermostat models, allowing for swift replacements.

3. Clogged Dryer Vents

  • A clogged dryer vent is a common issue that can lead to longer drying times and even pose a fire hazard. Cleaning the vent is a task that our technicians can usually complete during the initial service call.

4. Worn Belts or Gaskets

  • If your appliance is making unusual noises or leaking, it might be due to a worn belt or gasket. These parts are often stocked on our trucks and can be replaced during the first visit.

When a Second Visit May Be Required

While our goal is to fix the issue on the first visit, some appliance problems are more complex and may require additional parts or specialized tools that are not typically carried by our technicians. In such cases, a second visit will be necessary. Here are some common scenarios:

1. Compressor Issues in Refrigerators

  • A malfunctioning compressor is a more serious issue that typically requires a second visit. Compressors are expensive and specific to the refrigerator model, so they are usually ordered separately.

2. Motor Replacements

  • Motors in washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers can wear out over time. Replacing a motor often requires ordering the part, which means a return visit will be scheduled once the part arrives.

3. Electronic Control Board Failures

  • Modern appliances often have electronic control boards that can fail. Diagnosing this issue is usually straightforward, but ordering and installing a new control board may require a second visit.

4. Custom or Specialty Parts

  • Some appliances, particularly older models or those with unique specifications, may require custom parts that are not readily available. In these cases, we’ll arrange a follow-up visit once the parts have been secured.

Why Choose ARS Barrie for Your Appliance Repairs?

Choosing ARS Barrie means choosing reliability, expertise, and excellent customer service. Our service fee is designed to be transparent and fair, ensuring that you receive value for your money. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we strive to fix your appliance issues as efficiently as possible. When a second visit is necessary, you can trust that it will be handled promptly and professionally, with no surprise charges beyond the cost of parts or additional labor if required.

Conclusion

At ARS Barrie, we’re committed to providing you with the best appliance repair service in Barrie, Ontario. Our service fee is more than just a charge—it’s a promise of quality, expertise, and convenience. Whether your appliance issue can be resolved on the spot or requires a follow-up visit, you can rest assured that our technicians are dedicated to getting your appliance back in working order as quickly as possible.

Don’t let appliance problems disrupt your daily routine. Contact ARS Barrie today to schedule your service call and experience the difference that professional, reliable service can make.