This site is a homeowner’s guide to appliance repair in Austin: the problems refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers and ovens develop most often, simple troubleshooting you can do before calling for service, how Central Texas heat and hard water affect appliances, and how to decide whether to repair or replace. The articles below go into specific appliances. This page is the overview.

How Austin’s conditions affect appliances

• Heat: long, hot summers make refrigerators and freezers work harder, especially in garages, and overheat dryer exhaust and electronics.
• Humidity: moisture affects dryer performance and encourages mold in washer gaskets and dishwasher filters.
• Hard water: much of Central Texas has mineral-rich water that leaves scale in dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers and water lines.
• Power events: summer storms and grid strain can cause surges and outages that damage control boards.

See how Texas heat and humidity wear out appliances.

Common problems by appliance

Refrigerators and freezers

Not cooling, frost buildup, water leaks, noisy fans, and ice makers that stop working. Often caused by dirty condenser coils, failed door gaskets, blocked defrost drains, clogged water filters or failed fans and thermostats. See the refrigerator repair guide.

Dishwashers

Dishes not getting clean, standing water, leaks and error codes. Common causes include clogged filters and spray arms, hard-water scale, a failed drain pump or a faulty inlet valve.

Washing machines

Not draining, not spinning, leaking, shaking violently or smelling musty. Check for clogs in the drain pump filter, unbalanced loads, worn door gaskets, and hose problems.

Dryers

Taking too long, not heating, or overheating. The most common cause is a clogged lint screen or exhaust vent, which is also a fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration has home fire prevention guidance, including for dryers.

Ovens and ranges

Uneven heating, burners that won’t light, and temperature that runs hot or cold. Often a failed igniter, element or temperature sensor. Gas appliances should be serviced by someone qualified to work on gas lines.

Troubleshooting before you call

1. Check the power: plug, outlet, breaker, and any reset button.
2. Check the water supply for appliances that use it: valves open, hoses not kinked.
3. Clean filters: dishwasher filters, washer pump filters, refrigerator water filters, dryer lint screens.
4. Look up the error code in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
5. Try a reset: unplug the appliance for a few minutes, then restart.
6. Note the model and serial number before calling; it speeds up diagnosis and parts ordering.

Always unplug an appliance before reaching inside it, and don’t attempt gas or sealed refrigeration system repairs yourself.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense when the appliance is relatively young, the problem is a single part, and the repair costs well under the price of a comparable new model. Consider replacement when:

• The appliance is near the end of its typical life and has needed several repairs.
• The repair involves an expensive component such as a sealed refrigeration system or main control board.
• Parts are no longer available.
• A new, more efficient model would noticeably cut energy or water use. ENERGY STAR lists efficient models.

Warranties and recalls

Check whether the appliance is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or an extended plan before paying for a repair. It’s also worth checking for safety recalls on your model through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Industry information on appliance standards is available from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Choosing a repair service

• Ask whether they work on your brand and appliance type regularly.
• Ask about the diagnostic fee and whether it’s applied to the repair.
• Ask whether they use genuine manufacturer parts.
• Ask what warranty covers the parts and labor.
• Read recent reviews from several sources.

Preventive maintenance

• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils a couple of times a year.
• Clean the dishwasher filter monthly and descale periodically if you have hard water.
• Leave the washer door open after use to let the gasket dry.
• Clean the dryer vent duct at least once a year.
• Use surge protection on appliances with electronic controls.

Brand-specific guides cover GE appliance repair and LG appliance repair in Austin. The newest articles on this site are listed below.