If your refrigerator needs to be repaired, contact an appliance repair company to diagnose the issue and repair your refrigerator. It’s okay to leave it plugged in and running, but unplug it if it makes unusual noises.

Signs that your refrigerator may need repairs include:

• Food items are not being held at the correct temperature (between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit)

• The fridge is using too much energy and seems to run all the time

• Loud and/or unusual noises

Possible causes include:

• A damaged door 

• Faulty condenser coil 

• Malfunctioning control board

Contacting an appliance repair professional as soon as possible can help save items in your fridge from spoiling. Common fridge repairs include the compressor, control board, thermostat, defrost motor, coils, and ice maker.

If you’re having problems with your dryer, contact an appliance repair professional as soon as possible to inspect and repair it. Having a faulty dryer can be a major inconvenience in the home. 

Your dryer may need repairs if:

• It isn’t turning on 

• It’s not releasing enough heat

• The drum doesn’t spin

Common repairs include:

• A damaged or worn-out belt or 

• Damaged or shorted electrical wiring 

• A control board malfunction

Dryers tend to overheat or become short-circuited over time, especially after heavy use. Other common dryer repairs include door switches, timers, and control boards.

If the unit is not under warranty, then you may want to call a reliable appliance repair technician to diagnose the issue and recommend a repair. Some of the most common washing machine issues are inadequate water supply to the unit, poor drainage due to clogging, leaks, and excessive vibration while washing. Like ovens, the cost to repair a washing machine will vary widely depending on which issue you’re experiencing. 

The average cost to repair an appliance depends on the appliance, make, model, the part that needs repair, and how long it takes to replace or repair a part. The following are the average repair costs for the most common appliances:

• Refrigerator: $200–$300

• Freezer: $90–$500

• Oven, cooktop, range: $100–$500

• Microwave: $50–$400

• Dishwasher: $160–$300

• Garbage disposal: $70–$250

• Washing machine: $50–$450

• Dryer: $100–$400

Appliance repair contractors may charge $40 to $120 per hour for labor, and most also provide the replacement parts necessary at an additional cost.  It’s also important to note that these prices can go up on holidays and emergency fees may apply if you need your appliance fixed immediately.

It's good to contact the manufacturer first to see if any warranties still exist, and if they have any specific repair persons they recommend. Some specialty units or smart units may require the assistance of a manufacturer-approved technician. Oven issues can be more challenging to diagnose than other appliances in the home because many of the parts are difficult to access for inspection or replacement. Some common oven repairs involve replacing damaged burners, heating coils, or electric cables. Purchasing additional parts, such as a new heating coil may also increase the total repair cost.