Home Appliance Repair Career Overview

Service technicians or home appliance repairers assist in ensuring all home appliances operate safely, efficiently and that potential breakdowns are avoided.Additionally, they will assist in the inspecting, changing and removal of appliances.For the most part, service workers are called after a problem has occurred, when breakdowns could've been prevented with regularly scheduled maintenance.Technicians and repairers carry out visual inspections, listen for unusual noises, check for potential leaks as well as not-connected parts, in order to properly diagnose the problem.Repairers rely on service manuals, troubleshooters, previous training and their own experience to identify problems.Home appliance repairers often carry out installation of home appliances, and pipes for gas connections.Repairers usually work with very little or no supervision, a feature of the career that is appealing to those who enjoy being on their own.Many repairers or technicians work typical 40-hour work weeks, but many do work significant amounts of overtime and some weekends in summer months when appliances tend to break due to over-use and heat.

Repair Courses and Required Skills

Small appliance repair skills are usually acquired on the job while large appliance repairers typically get formal training at community colleges, vocational or trade schools.The types of required courses vary depending on whether or not you plan to specialize in a specific area or type of appliance.Common courses include Business Best Practices, Customer Service and Relations, Tools, Materials and Test Equipment, Ovens and Stoves, Refrigerated Appliances, etc.Traditional training programs last from one to two years.More manufacturers are incorporating circuit boards and electronic controls, making it vital to be knowledgeable of the fundamental principles of electricity and electronics.Some manufacturers are now holding their own training seminars to educate repairers and technicians on their products.The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPS) mandated that all repairers that work with refrigerants must receive certification for proper handling.To receive certification the repairer or technician must pass a formal written exam.

Job Opportunities and Career Outlook

With the increased growth of homes, businesses and home-based businesses, the number of appliances used are expected to increase, resulting in a much higher demand for repairers and service technicians.As these appliances become more technologically advanced and integrated, the demand for trained and skilled technicians to diagnose and fix problems will increase. For convenience purposes, consumers have had a tendency to purchase new appliances when warranties have expired rather repair broken appliances. However, it is predicted, as more consumers purchase higher priced technologically advanced appliances designed to have longer lives, they will be more likely to utilize repair services than to purchase brand new appliances. Employment remains relatively steady during economic downturns because there continues to be demand for appliance repair services.As the number of mom and pop shops and small businesses decline, the number of job opportunities in larger companies and corporations are expected to increase.

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