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Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder: “Consumers can expect to pay between $60 and $100 for the actual service call to diagnosis the problem. The parts and the labor are going to be in addition to that. But keep in mind, many service companies will deduct that service call fee if you hire them to do the work, so don’t be afraid to ask.”

Gary Miller, Mr. Appliance:  “The majority of the calls that we go out on are associated with the refrigerator. That is because those refrigerators run 24/7. Whereas your washers, your dryers, microwaves – you only use those when you need them. There is maintenance associated with refrigerators. It’s important to clean your condenser coils. It will operate more efficiently when you do so, therefore lowering your electric bills. On a washing machine if you have an improper load setting and you fill that with clothes without the proper water level you don’t have buoyancy for those loads to properly agitate and it will overwork your drivetrain in the washer. The dryer is important to maintain your vent as well and your lint screen and to make sure they are clean and air flows properly. You really need three things for your clothes to dry properly: air flow, tumble, and heat. Any of those that are absent you won’t get proper drying.”

 Angie’s List Tips:

• Get at least three estimates.

Your refrigerator/freezer:

• Clean the condenser coils.

Your washing machine:

• Don’t overload the unit.

Your clothes dryer:

• Clean the dryer vent every load to speed up drying time.
• Clean the outside vent cleaned annually.