Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q:Are all your technicians licensed, bonded, and insured?
A: Yes.
Q:Where are you located?
A:We have nine locations throughout the Chicagolandland area. We have locations in Chicagoland, Niles, Mundelein, Wheaton, Naperville, Downer's Grove, Schaumburg, and Winnetka, Our trip charge is the same regardless of distance with the rare exception of customers located outside of our service territory. Our Customer Assistance Center and parts counter is located in Chicagoland.
Q: Is your trip charge included if I authorize the repair?
A: Yes, it is part of the itemized labor total. Our technicians have a standardized labor guide that will show you exactly what we charge for the total repair, including the trip. Many companies will say that they "waive" the trip charge if you continue with the repair, which really means that they've built that trip charge into their labor quote. In other words, you're still paying for the trip; they're just calling it "labor".
Q: Is my appliance worth repairing?
A: In general, it's far more economical to repair a unit than to replace it, particularly when you account for the cost of delivery and installation. Some businesses use their service departments as a sales tool and often will try to sell you a new unit regardless. We are serious about repair and will give you an honest assessment of what we believe to be in your best interest. If we do find that it is in your best interest to replace the unit, you will be advised of this, and we will be happy to assist you in your purchase. Some other things to consider before purchasing a new unit: First, older units tend to last much longer, even after a repair, than newer units. In the appliance business, they really don't make them like they used to. Second, repairing is much more eco-friendly than replacement. Not only does throwing away an appliance create a lot of waste, but materials used in appliances can be very harmful to the environment.
Q: How much will it cost to recharge my refrigerator with Freon?
A: A refrigerator does not use up refrigerant. There are many things that may cause your refrigerator to stop cooling properly, and a lack of refrigerant is probably not the issue. However, if your refrigerator is low on refrigerant, you have a leak. Putting more refrigerant in it without fixing the leak will not solve your problem, but more importantly, it would be illegal. Leaking refrigerant is harmful to the environment and we cannot ethically or legally put more into a refrigerator without fixing the leak. Furthermore, if you have a leak, your system will become contaminated, and if left untreated, this contamination will eventually lock up your compressor, rendering your unit unusable and very expensive to repair.
Q: How much will it cost to…?
A: Unfortunately, we can only give a quote for a repair after we have inspected and diagnosed the product in person. We are happy to answer any questions we can before coming out, but the only thing we can be sure of before seeing the unit is the cost of the trip. However, if you know what you want replaced before you receive a diagnosis, we can tell you what the part will cost and make sure that the technician has it with him when he comes out. However, we cannot warranty work based on someone else's diagnosis, and if returned, these parts will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. Furthermore, labor quotes given over the phone are subject to adjustment on site should circumstances call for it. Electrical parts, if opened, are not returnable under any circumstances
Q: My washer (or dryer) shakes a lot and I'm worried it's going to shake away from the wall or cause damage to the floor. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
A: There are a number of things that could cause this problem, including overloading your washer/dryer. If the unit is problematic even with small loads, we recommend trying Kellet ShakeAway™ pads, which can be purchased in our online store.
Q: My washer is giving off an unpleasant smell, what can I do about this?
A: There could be a number of causes, but if you have a high efficiency washer, most likely you're experiencing a build-up of detergent and dirt. HE washers don't use as much water, and therefore can't wash out the tub as effectively. Bleach doesn't typically clear out this residue, so we recommend AFFRESH Washer cleaning tablets, which is specifically designed to break up that residue and clean out your washer.
Q: What are safety "Must Haves,” and are they that important?
A: Yes, they are that important, safety is always first! A few must haves would be: fire extinguisher; shut-off valves for gas appliances; current or new gas connectors; smoke detectors; and carbon monoxide detectors.
* If you are in doubt about the gas connectors, have them professionally inspected, they could be extremely dangerous.
* A fire extinguisher should always be kept in the kitchen area at minimum.
* Each gas appliance should have its own, independent shut-off valve.
* Smoke detectors should be installed. Be sure to change the batteries in the spring and fall when you change the clocks.
* Monoxide detectors should also be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Nighthawk tm brand with a digital LED display is a type of non-battery detector that re-samples the air in two-minute intervals to accurately log events which can prevent false alarms. Always locate in sleeping quarters, never around items such as stoves, water heaters, furnaces, etc.
Q: Should I repair or replace my malfunctioning appliance?
A: Generally older appliances are more durable and long-lasting than the newer product being made today. Modern models have wonderful features, but do need more maintenance and repair than their older counterparts. It is wise to get an estimate for repair before replacing. The general rule of thumb is to not exceed 35% of the total replacement cost: = product, tax, delivery, extraction of old appliance, etc.
Q: The spring broke on my oven door. Do I have to get it repaired right away?
A: Don’t ignore broken oven doors. Ovens are not furnaces, and are not connected to a chimney to vent dangerous combustion gases outside. A broken door will not allow the oven thermostat to acclimate or shut off, so monoxide continues to be produced from the continued combustion rather than stop. This broken door seems minor, but is actually potentially deadly.
Q: Is it really important to clean the condenser on my refrigerator?
A: Absolutely! Virtually all manufacturers recommend it be done once a year or more as noted in the owner's "Care and Use Manual." It saves electricity, minimizes bio concerns, and ultimately helps extend the life and productivity of the refrigerator. We have a regularly scheduled service program for our customers to enroll in….it is that important!
Q: Why do my clothes take so much longer to dry than they used to?
A: There could be a malfunction inside the dryer preventing the proper heat from being attained so the dryer should be inspected. Many times, however, the problem is as simple as having the dryer vent cleaned properly and professionally. As well as being inconvenient, this build-up of lint is a potential fire hazard, and should not be taken lightly.
Q: After self-cleaning my oven, the door will not unlock. Should I force it open?
A: No! There is a safety temperature control that governs when it is safe to open the door. Allow some time to pass. It should open up after it cools down. If, after several hours, it still won't open, call for service.
Q: My oven/cooktop knob will not turn. Should I force it?
A: No. If gas burner valves start "grinding," turning hard, or breaking the knobs, we can often repair the valves before they require total replacement - if caught in time.
Q: My range keeps making a "clicking" sound even when I am not using it, what should I do?
A: Unplug the appliance or turn off the power source immediately at the fuse or circuit breaker. Then call for service. It is also possible that there was a spill, and that the components are wet. The clicking may stop when they dry out.
Q: I burnt popcorn in my microwave, and the smell won't go away. Can I get rid of the odor?
A: Yes, according to Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean, place vanilla extracts in a bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds. Leave the door closed for twelve hours. Remove the vanilla and wipe down the inside of microwave. The smell of popcorn should be gone.
Q: My dishwasher works fine, but the inside is starting to look rusted, what do I do?
A: Linda Cobb recommends that to remove rust from the inside of a dishwasher, fill both detergent cups with Tang™ Breakfast Drink and run through a normal cycle. When doing this, do not put detergent or dishes in the dishwasher. If rust is bad, several treatments may be required.
Q: Are there any foods that I should not put in my disposal?
A: Yes, do not grind bones or celery in your disposal!
