Help & Advice

Frequently Asked Questions
How to Find The Model Number
Tips & Advise

Q: Can you provide me an estimate before coming?
A: This is the most common request I get and at the same time the trickiest one. While there are some services that I can provide with an estimate beforehand, the chance remains of additional work or problems arising when I check the appliance in person. Always guaranteeing an estimate before seeing the appliance sets me and customer up for disappointment by promising something that may not be in line with reality. While there may always be a "cheaper service" option out there when it comes to estimates or base service charge, I pride myself of providing honest and exceptional service.

Q: How do I know when you will arrive?
A: Your time is important to us. All appointments are scheduled within two or three hour window for your convenience. Our friendly technician always give you a courtesy call to let you know he is on his way, approximately 15-30 minutes before arrival.

Q: How do I know if my appliance is worth repairing?
A: Our experienced technician will let you know from a professional standpoint, if the cost of the repair is a better value than replacing the unit. If at that point, you prefer not to have any work done, or the unit is not repairable, you would just be responsible for the diagnostic fee.

Q: Will my appliance be fixed the same day?
A: Our technicians have service van stocked with certain parts which causes common problems. We carry those parts in order to be able to fix your appliance the same day. Although we are able to drive and pick up replacement parts the same day, occasionally, we do have to order parts from our distributors, which sometimes can take a few business days.

Q: What kind of appliances do you repair, maintain and install?
A: We repair all types of major home appliances such as Fridges, Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Ovens, Stoves, Cooktops, Garburators and others. Check out our Service Page to get more info about that and on which brands we service.

Q: Why is it important for me to be at home and answer the phone during my scheduled appointment time?
A: With the exception of apartments, we cannot send our technicians out to a home without a person being there during the appointment window. If you are unable to keep your appointment, we ask that you call as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule.

Q: What should I do when my appliance breaks down?
A: When your appliance suddenly stops working and you can't understand why, unplug it right away. Also you may switch off the main power circuit to be safe. Wipe up any leakage that may have occurred, such as with a fridge or washing machine, but you have to turn it off before doing that. It is important to get the issue addressed right away, so call a qualified appliance repair technician who can get out there immediately and address the situation. Time is of the essence, especially, in cases of fridges where food may spoil quickly.

Q: How do I know the repair technician I choose is reputable?
A: Any technician you hire should be able to boast the proper licenses and insurance, but in addition to that you want someone who will show up on time when they say they will, have the necessary parts on hand to minimize wait time, perform the job quickly and efficiently and leave your home neat and tidy. Check out reviews on the company and hire technician who is highly regarded in the community.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Repairs are based on labour and the replacement part price that failed. We offer fair rates in any case and we cannot give you fair estimate until we have seen the appliance.

Q: Will I be charged again, if the technician has to return due to non-stocked parts?
A: Absolutely not!
Parts usually differ from model to model and to find the right part for your appliance you will need a complete model number. This page will show you where to look for the model tag. It's on a small tag that will always have the serial number in addition to the model number. The above sample model tag is found on all appliances. Some tags are metal and some tags are paper. Here are the common places to locate them:
Washing Machine Top Load:
- Upper left in back
- Back of control panel
- Inside of washer lid area
- Lower left corner in front
Washing Machine Front Load:
- Inside the door, on back
- Top of control panel
- Kick panel area
Dryer Electric:
- Upper back corner
- Cabinet frame inside door
- Front side of cabinet
Dryer Gas:
- Behind front access panel
Refrigerator:
- Inside wall of either food or freezer door
- Cabinet door jamb
- Behind crisper drawer
- Behind the kick plate
- Back of refrigerator
Stove / Range and Oven:
- Underside of fuse cover (electric)
- Underneath top burners
- Lower left hand area of oven
- Door jamb area of lower storage drawer
- Outside bottom area of cabinet
Dishwasher:
- Top of door jamb
- On interior of door
- Underside of control panel
- For portables: back off unit or side near hoses
Freezer Upright:
- Behind kick plate
- Door jamb
Freezer Horizontal:
- Near top on the back
- Inside wall
- Right or left hand side of freezer
Furnace:
- Inside of access panel
Microwave:
- Behind door on the edge of unit
- Side of control panel
- Upper left side of interior
- Back of unit
Trash Compactor:
- Behind trash drawer
- Right or left side of interior cabinet
DISHWASHER TIPS
- If your dishwasher does not wash properly, please clean your filter and spray arms. Most new dishwashers have very small holes in the spray arms and you need to make sure they are not clogged. Make sure that the spray arms are free to spin. You can test it by waiting until the dishwasher is in the washing cycle. Point the spray arms directly towards you and close the door. Open it after a few minutes and you will notice if the spray arms have moved or not.
- A common problem with dishwashers is that the flood switch is activated caused by internal leaking. Sometimes it may leak because of using the wrong or too much soap. If you use tablets, many of them already contain rinse aid.
- Don’t add rinse aid, as it can cause too many suds, which can result in internal leaking and may stop the dishwasher filling and this will activate drain pump.
WASHING MACHINE TIPS
- Some problems with washing machines, mostly with front loaders, can be caused by using the wrong soap. Front loader and top loader soap is different and using the wrong soap, or using too much of it, can cause the washing machine to leak or to stop.
- Do not use too much rinse aid, especially when you wash on cold. It will build up in the inner drum and leave brown residue on your clothes. If the washing machine does not fill water, please check the taps are open. If does not drain, try clearing the filter.
DRYER TIPS
- Please, try not to overload the dryer. In the long term it may cause the dryer bearings to collapse.
- Clean the filter every time you use it and make sure that the grill in the back of the dryer is also clean. If the dryer stops, it might be because it is overheated. You need to wait for it to cool down and with some models you might have to reset.
- Do not add wet items to a near-dry load.
- Don’t over dry clothes. Removing clothes from the dryer before they begin to wrinkle can eliminate ironing and save energy.
DISHWASHER WATER-SAVING TIPS
- Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer’s recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature (120° F).
- Scrape, don’t rinse, off large food pieces and bones. Soaking or pre-washing is recommended in cases of burned or dried on food.
- Be sure your dishwasher is full (not overloaded) when you run it.
- Avoid using the “rinse hold” on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3-7 gallons of hot water each use.
- Let your dishes air dry; if you don’t have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and open the door slightly, so the dishes will dry faster. Still having problems? Please, contact us.
OVEN / RANGE TIPS
- Cook with the right size pot on the right size burner. Energy is lost up the sides of a small pot on a large burner and adds necessary heat to the kitchen.
- Open the oven door as little as possible. Your oven loses 25° F to 50° F each time you open the door, making it work harder to maintain its temperature.
- If you cook with electricity, turn the stove top burners and oven off several minutes before the allotted cooking time.
- Preheat ovens only when necessary. Unless you are baking breads or pastries, you may not need to preheat the oven at all.
REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER ENERGY TIPS
- Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 35°-38° F for the fresh food compartment and 0°F for separate freezers for long-term storage.
- Check the refrigerator temperature by placing an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours. Check the freezer temperature by placing a thermometer between frozen packages. Read it after 24 hours.
- Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you may consider buying a new appliance unit.
- Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
- Regularly defrost manual-defrost freezers and refrigerators; frost build-up decreases the energy efficiency of the appliance unit. Don’t allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.
OTHER ENERGY-SAVING KITCHEN TIPS
- Look for a natural gas oven or range with an automatic, electric ignition system which saves gas since a pilot light is not burning continuously.
- Look for blue flames in natural gas appliances; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment may be needed. If you see yellow flames, consult your local utility.
- Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, and you will save energy.
- Use a covered kettle or a pan or electric kettle to boil water; it’s faster and uses less energy.
- Match the size of the pan to the heating element.
REPAIR OR REPLACE?
If the repair is costly, it may be the right time to get a new appliance, especially if the existing appliance is at least 8 to 9 years old. The National Association of Home Builders provides the following estimates for the longevity of common household appliances:

Appliances average life expectancy;
- Dishwashers: 9 years
- Dryers: 13 years
- Freezers: 11 years
- Refrigerators: 13 years
- Gas Ranges: 15 years
- Washing Machines: 10 years.
Wait! You’re not going to hire a service company without checking Vancity Appliance Service first, are you? Ask us!

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