Many people prefer to “do-it-themselves” when they are faced with what appears to be a seemingly simple appliance problem. However, in most cases, it is still much more beneficial to seek professional help with Samsung appliance repair instead of a do-it-yourself approach, for several important reasons:

1. Safety. The number one concern for undertaking any sort of hands-on project is safety. Many amateurs are not well-versed in safety training and the potential hazards of repair. As a result, many people may accidentally injure themselves through ways like electrical shock, burns, muscle straining or pulling, or the falling of heavy objects. Professionals are specifically brought up through years of education and experience to know how to avoid such dangers. It’s never worth the pain and possible medical bills of doing something yourself over your safety.
2. Quality. Unless you yourself are an expert in repairing and maintaining appliances, it’s unlikely that you can do a better job of fixing a refrigerator or washing machine than the guys at SoBellas  Appliance Repair. Even if you understand and follow detailed, step-by-step instructions from a manual on how to fix a broken dryer, there are endless subtleties and possibilities that could occur that the untrained amateur has no way of detecting. A certain loosened screw, an opening too large – it’s very difficult to tell if something is considered normal or not, when you have not been as extensively trained in such matters as has a professional.
3. Time. If you enjoy fixing things yourself, then perhaps these types of projects aren’t so bad for you. However, it’s undeniable that repair always involves a huge time commitment – meaning hours spent rereading instructions from a manual, gathering and possibly having to buy the right tools, instead of focusing on other matters that might hold greater priority, like your current job or family. Professionals are trained to recognize the problem, have the tools immediately on hand, and get the job done fast and efficiently, leaving you with little-to-no stress and more time for leisure activities like that one episode of CSI you so watched to watch.
4. Money. The reason many people prefer to do-it-themselves instead of seek professional help at first is fear of handing over their wallet. But in the end, cost-benefit analyses show that seeking professionals is likely to save money. For instance, if you try to repair an appliance but do a poor job of it, it is likely to create further, more major problems that an amateur cannot fix. Consequently, the costs would be even more expensive to repair than it would’ve been in the first place. Furthermore, even if the product is fixed, the solution may only be temporary; the problem may be indicative of a more serious, long-term defect with your appliance. Professional repairmen are dedicated to helping maintain your appliance in its top shape, and many offer warranties in case of any dissatisfaction with their work. In fact, we at SoBellas offer a 1 year, 100% satisfaction guarantee warranty; if the same problem occurs with your appliance that you paid for us to repair, we will return and fix it without any additional charge.

This isn’t to say that doing-it-yourself is bad in any way. In fact, we have a troubleshooting guide here for any do-it-yourself-er’s who want some guidance on certain appliances. Nevertheless, for your own safety, time, and for the quality and state of your appliances, it may be more advantageous to consider seeking professional help instead of doing-it-yourself for certain repairs. So please don’t hesitate to call us or contact us if you have any questions or any problems with your appliances. We are here to keep you safe, save you time, and make you happy!

Samsung Appliance repair pros discuss repair vs. replace.

Should I repair or replace my refrigerator?
appliance repair

When it comes to the kitchen, the refrigerator is arguably one of its most important parts. It keeps your frozen food cold and your perishable food from spoiling before you have a chance to use it. A good refrigerator will work quietly in the background for years, but (like most appliances) it will eventually break down and need to be repaired or replaced entirely.

Here are five questions you will need to answer when your refrigerator is not working the way it should be and you are trying to decide whether to repair it or replace it:

What type of refrigerator do you have?
How old is your refrigerator?
How energy-efficient is your refrigerator?
How often does your refrigerator need to be repaired?
How much are the repairs on your refrigerator going to cost and how much more will it cost for you to replace it?
What type of refrigerator do you have?

Believe it or not, the type of refrigerator you have should be a consideration in the decision to repair or replace it. Some types are just harder and more expensive to repair. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, for example, it is more likely to need repairs sooner than a refrigerator without one.

How old is your refrigerator?

It is generally recommended that you replace your refrigerator every 10-20 years, depending on the condition it is running in. However, some types of refrigerators need to be repaired and/or replaced more frequently than that.

The age at which you should consider replacing your refrigerator can also be affected by its configuration. Consumer Reports recommends the following timelines, based on your refrigerator’s configuration:

Built-in refrigerator – consider replacing it after 10 years
Side-by-sides – consider replacing it after 5 years
Bottom-freezers – consider replacing it after 7 years
Top-freezers – consider replacing it after 3 years, definitely replace after 7 years

How energy-efficient is your refrigerator?

Refrigerators that need to be repaired are not among the most energy-efficient of appliances in your home. Something you will want to consider along with the age and type of your refrigerator is how much power it is using. This could be an indicator that your refrigerator needs repairs, if not replacement.

How often does the refrigerator need to be repaired?

Think about all of the times your refrigerator has had problems and you had called a repairman in to fix it. Typically, a refrigerator will need more repairs as it gets older, and those repairs will get more expensive. At some point, the cost of repairs will outweigh the benefit of keeping the old refrigerator up and running.

How much are the repairs on your refrigerator going to cost and how much more will it cost for you to replace it?

You probably will not know exact repair costs until a repairman comes out to assess the problem, but the repair cost should definitely be a consideration. If your refrigerator is still under warranty and your refrigerator’s issue is covered by that warranty, then having the repairs done is a logical decision. Warranties do expire, though, and the lack of warranty coverage together with the types of repairs that will be needed as your refrigerator ages could make replacement a more sensible option from a financial standpoint.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the decision to repair or replace your refrigerator is up to you. If you need someone to look at your refrigerator and help you make that determination, contact us today. Our technicians are factory-trained, the service call is free with any repair work we do, and we will always give you an estimate before we do any work.

Appliance Repair Tips: Is Your Dryer a Fire Hazard?

Appliance service pros talk dryer fires.

You probably don’t think of your dryer as a dangerous appliance, and it’s not when you properly maintain it. However, neglecting to clean your dryer on a regular basis can turn it into a serious fire hazard and result in needed appliance repair. Over time, the dryer hose and vent duct can become clogged with lint and other debris, meaning your dryer’s air flow becomes restricted. That restriction can cause your appliance to overheat, which can ultimately lead to a fire. Luckily, a thorough vent cleaning can stop your dryer from becoming a threat to your household. If your dryer is plagued with any of the symptoms listed below, turn it off immediately, and either clean the dryer and vent on your own, or call a dryer repair professional to do it for you.

A Burning Smell

If your dryer is running and you smell something burning, turn off your appliance right away. A build-up of lint somewhere in the machine has most likely ignited due to your dryer overheating. Lint is extremely flammable, which is why you should always clean your dryer’s lint trap after every use. If you fail to do so, the trap won’t be able to stop lint from entering the dryer’s cabinet or the vent duct.

Long Drying Times

Damp clothing at the end of a regular dry cycle can indicate a clogged vent. Increased drying times suggest the hot, moist air your dryer is supposed to push out is trapped due to a blockage, meaning your clothing will take much longer to dry. A clogged vent isn’t just a fire hazard, it also decreases your dryer’s efficiency and puts more strain on the machine, which can significantly shorten its life expectancy. Cleaning your dryer’s vent will eliminate the risk of a fire and return drying times to normal.

Your Dryer Feels Excessively Hot

If the top of your dryer feels hotter than usual, a clogged exhaust vent is a likely culprit. The restricted air flow will cause the temperature inside your appliance to exceed its normal level, which can lead to the top of your dryer feeling hot to the touch. You may also notice the clothing coming out of your dryer feels hotter than normal. Both occurrences signal your dryer is overheating and needs a thorough vent cleaning.

Other Possible Causes Of A Dryer Fire

Although a blocked vent is one of the leading causes of dryer fires, it isn’t the only hazard that poses a serious fire risk. To make your dryer completely safe, keep the following threats in mind.

• You should think twice before overloading your dryer. From excessive lint to clothing restricting air flow an overloaded dryer is a definite fire hazard. If you haven’t already read your dryer’s manual, do so to learn the load restrictions of your appliance.
• Keep the area around your dryer clean and clutter free. Sweep the dust and lint from the back and sides of your appliance, and never store combustible items near your dryer.
• If your dryer still has a plastic or foil accordion-like duct, you will want to replace it immediately with a rigid, non-ribbed metal duct. Plastic and foil ducts tend to collect lint and can become crushed due to their flexible nature, which can drastically restrict air flow.
• Items containing foam, plastic, or rubber should not be placed in your dryer.
• Don’t leave your dryer running when you leave your home. If a malfunction occurs and nobody is home, a small issue can quickly turn into a major disaster.

When maintained properly, your dryer is a safe appliance that shouldn’t give you many issues. Unfortunately, busy schedules can often make it hard to perform cleaning tasks, such as, removing lint from your dryer’s vent duct. If you don’t have the time to properly clean your dryer or you are concerned your appliance is malfunctioning, please contact us today for local appliance repair and we’ll be happy to help you and your appliance.