Q: Where are you located?
Q: Is your trip charge included if I authorize the repair?
Q: Is my appliance worth repairing?
Q: How much will it cost to recharge my refrigerator with Freon?
Q: How much will it cost to…?
Q: My washer (or dryer) shakes a lot and I'm worried it's going to shake away from the wall or cause damage to the floor. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
Q: My washer is giving off an unpleasant smell, what can I do about this?
Q. What are safety "Must Haves,” and are they that important?
Q. The spring broke on my oven door. Do I have to get it repaired right away?
Q. My range keeps making a "clicking" sound even when I am not using it, what should I do?
Q. Are there any foods that I should not put in my disposal?
Q: Are there recommended cleaning methods for my cleaning my appliances?
Q: Do I need to clean the duct on my clothing dryer or is cleaning the lint filter between loads enough?
Q: How do I get rid of odors in my refrigerators?
Q: I have a ball point pen explode in my dryer. How can I remove the ink stain?
Q: I just bought clothes and put them in the washer. Now they are torn and damaged, is there a problem with my clothes or my washer?
Q: I am seeing white residue on my clothes after I cleaned them, what is the problem?
Q: Why is overloading a washer a problem?
Q: How can I tell if I have a gas leak? If I have one, what should I do?!
Q: Are all your technicians licensed, bonded, and insured?
A: Yes.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our Customer Assistance Center and Parts Counter is located at 416 Higgins Rd in Park Ridge, IL. We also have eight kiosk locations in Chicago, Mundelein, Wheaton, Naperville, Downer's Grove, Schaumburg, and Winnetka.
Q: Is your trip charge included if I authorize the repair?
A: Yes, it is included in the overall cost of the repair as part of the itemized labor. Our trip charge includes the original and any future trips to your location as well as the time involved in diagnosing your appliance problem. Our technicians have a standardized labor guide that details exactly what we charge for the total repair, including the trip.
These prices are adjusted by the type of appliance due to the actual labor involved in diagnosing the problem. But remember, you will only pay this charge once!
Please be advised that other appliance repair companies may say that they "waive" the trip charge if you continue with the repair. The truth is that they do charge you, but they include the trip charge into their labor cost. At AAA Appliance Service Center, we don’t have any hidden charges!
Q: Is my appliance worth repairing?
A: In general, it's far more economical and eco-friendly to repair an appliance than to replace it. Not only does throwing away an appliance create waste, but some of the materials in these appliances can be harmful to the environment. Also, don’t forget the additional costs of delivery and installation.
Some businesses use their service departments as a sales tool and often will try to sell you a new unit regardless of the level of repair needed. We are not a sales driven business and we are realistic about repair. We are a service business that has the customers’ best interest in mind, so you will trust us in the future! We will give you an honest assessment of what we believe to be in your best interest. If we do find that it is in your best interest to replace the unit, you will be advised of this, and we will be happy to assist and educate you for your purchase.
If you are still not convinced of the right course of action, please know that older units tend to last much longer, even after a repair, than newer units. In the appliance business, they really don't make them like they used to.
Q: How much will it cost to recharge my refrigerator with Freon?
A: A refrigerator does not use up refrigerant. The refrigerator is NOT like changing the oil on your car. If your refrigerator is low on refrigerant, you have a leak. So, if you have a leak more refrigerant will not solve the problem. Please be aware that it is illegal to add more refrigerant when you have a leak because refrigerant is extremely harmful to the environment.
Furthermore, if you have a leak, your system will become contaminated. If left untreated, this contamination will eventually lock up your compressor and render your unit unusable and very expensive to repair.
So, if your refrigerator has stopped cooling properly, the lack of refrigerant is probably not the issue.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: At this time we can only give a quote for a repair after a technician has inspected and diagnosed the appliance in person. The only cost we can quote you before seeing and diagnosing your appliance is the trip cost, which is the one time transportation and diagnostic charge. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer them.
If you know what you part you need replaced before a technician comes to your location, we can quote you the price of the part and we will make sure that the technician has it with him when he arrives. Any additional labor charges are based on our printed national flat rate “Price Guide.” The “Price Guide” is based on data accumulated over the last 60 years. The labor fee is provided to you up front for your approval before the final work is started for your peace of mind.
Please note that we cannot warranty work based on someone else's diagnosis. If a part is returned it will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. Electrical parts, if opened, are not returnable under any circumstances.
A: Yes, they are important! Safety is always first! A few must haves would be: fire extinguisher; shut-off valves for gas appliances; current or new gas connectors; smoke detectors; and carbon monoxide detectors.
- If you are in doubt about the gas connectors, have them professionally inspected, they could be extremely dangerous.
- A fire extinguisher should always be kept in the kitchen area at minimum.
- Each gas appliance should have its own, independent shut-off valve.
- Smoke detectors should be installed. Be sure to change the batteries in the spring and fall when you change the clocks.
- Monoxide detectors should also be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Nighthawk™ brand with a digital LED display is a type of non-battery detector that re-samples the air in two-minute intervals to accurately log events which can prevent false alarms. Always locate these in sleeping quarters, but never around items such as stoves, water heaters, furnaces, etc.
Q: Should I repair or replace my malfunctioning appliance?
A: Generally older appliances are more durable and long-lasting than the newer products being made today. Modern models have wonderful features, but they do need more maintenance and repair than their older counterparts. It is wise to get an estimate for repair before replacing. The general rule to follow is for the repair not to exceed 35% of the total replacement cost. The replacement cost includes; product, tax, delivery, extraction of old appliance, etc.
Q: The spring broke on my oven door. Do I have to get it repaired right away?
A: Don't ignore broken oven doors. Ovens are not furnaces and are not connected to a chimney to vent dangerous combustion gases outside. A broken door will not allow the oven thermostat to acclimate or shut off, so carbon monoxide continues to be produced from the continued combustion. A broken door seems minor, but it is potentially deadly.
A: Absolutely! Virtually all manufacturers recommend it be done once a year or more as noted in the owner's "Care and Use Manual." It saves electricity, minimizes bio concerns, and ultimately helps extend the life and productivity of the refrigerator. We have a regularly scheduled service program for our customers to enroll in….it is that important!
Q: Why do my clothes take so much longer to dry than they used to?
A: Many times the problem is as simple as having the dryer vent cleaned properly and professionally. As well as being inconvenient, this build-up of lint is a potential fire hazard, and should not be taken lightly. Alternatively, there could potentially be a malfunction inside the dryer that is preventing the proper heat from being attained so the dryer should be inspected.
Q: After self-cleaning my oven, the door will not unlock. Should I force it open?
A: No! There is a safety temperature control that governs when it is safe to open the door. Allow some time to pass. It should open up after it cools down. If, after several hours, it still won't open, please call for service. We know how to safely treat and resolve the problem.
Q: My oven/cooktop knob will not turn. Should I force it?
A: No. If gas burner valves start "grinding," turning hard, or breaking the knobs, we can often repair the valves before they require total replacement - if caught in time.
Q: Can bacteria really survive wash cycles in my washer?
A: Yes, unfortunately it can. That is why it is important to understand the proper temperature activation and lifetime of the detergent you use. Check the soap manufacturer recommendations on the back of the box. Typically temperature activation is around 72 degrees F and the lifetime of the soap while sudsing is 15-20 minutes. Temperature of the water is important and should not be ignored! Cold temperature setting refers to about 70 degrees F, not 40 degrees F! So in the winter in the Chicago area, the cold water supply out of Lake Michigan can fall below activation temperature resulting in no cleaning action at all! Medium temperature may be needed in the winter. Also, after laundry is completed, many experts recommend that you run an empty bleach cycle to kill the remaining potential bacteria, and then run an extra rinse cycle to get rid of the bleach fully.
For some extra advice on washers, we recommend to NEVER overload a washer! This puts stress on its motor and transmission. One time is enough to do irreparable harm. For example, imagine towing a semi-tractor with a Ford Escort. The Escort might survive that single event, but the stress has killed the life of the vehicle. Please remember that blue jeans and cotton towels are the "semi-loads" of the laundry world.
Q: My range keeps making a "clicking" sound even when I am not using it, what should I do?
A: Immediately, unplug the appliance or turn off the power source at the fuse or circuit breaker. Then call for service. This is typically an electrical issue and if there is a possible spill, it is even more dangerous. Please call a professional.
Q: I burnt popcorn in my microwave, and the smell won't go away. Can I get rid of the odor?
A: Yes, you can! According to Linda Cobb, the “Queen of Clean”, place 1 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Leave the microwave door closed for twelve hours. Remove the vanilla bowl and wipe down the inside of microwave. The smell of popcorn should be gone.
Q: My dishwasher works fine, but the inside is starting to look rusted, what do I do?
A: Linda Cobb, the “Queen of Clean”, recommends filling both detergent cups with Tang™ Breakfast Drink and run through a normal cycle. When doing this, do not put detergent or dishes in the dishwasher. If rust is bad, several treatments may be required.
Q: Are there any foods that I should not put in my disposal?
A: Yes! Do not put bones or celery in your disposal!
A: For maximum energy efficiency, keep your refrigerator between 36 degrees and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Your freezer should be between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures are kept 10 degrees lower than recommended, energy use can increase by as much as 25%!
A: Slide a pan lid over flames to smother grease or oil fires. Turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never carry the pan outside. Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. Never use water or flour on cooking fires. Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.
Important basics are to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and keep working smoke detectors in your home and test them monthly.
Lastly, call the fire department if the fire continues uncontrolled. In many cases, dialing 911 will give you emergency services.
A: Manufacturers and home repair and service professionals recommend the following practical tips to maintain and operate built-in appliances.
Oven/Range/Cook-top– Clean the burners by hand, not in the dishwasher. Don’t line the oven with aluminum foil, which may damage the oven’s finish or result in improperly cooked foods. Never block the vents of a gas oven or range. Good ventilation is necessary in order to keep combustion levels operating properly. Clean the hood and grease filters every three months to provide proper ventilation and help prevent grease fires.
Garbage Disposal – Always run cold water, and be sure to let water run until the disposal has been shut off. Avoid overfilling the disposal with waste, and avoid putting onion skins, corn husks or other fibrous food into it. Check for a potentially faulty condition if: (a) bottom of unit shows signs of rust; (b) you see signs of water leaking under the sink; (c) the circuit breaker trips continuously.
Dishwasher – Run the dishwasher at least once a week to prevent seals from drying out and causing leaks. Check for signs of a potentially faulty condition including: (a) rush on rack seams and tub bottom; (b) the door doesn’t close properly; (c) discoloration on floor near dishwasher.
A: Clothes dryers are equipped with lint filters, which should be cleaned out after each use. However, particles of lint manage to get past the filter. Over time, lint accumulates in the venting system which will restrict airflow and consequently will cause the dryer work harder and eventually malfunction. Lint buildup is also a fire hazard. The dryer vent pipe should be made of either rigid or flexible aluminum tubing. White vinyl tubing is actually more prone to lint accumulation, and should be replaced. This system should be cleaned professionally at least once a year. However, if you want to try and tackle this task yourself, you should do the following:
Begin by unplugging the dryer. If it is a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply. Pull the machine away from the wall, and vacuum behind and beneath it. Then, disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer, which is usually held on with a ring clamp or duct tape. Using a crevice attachment, vacuum the dryers exhaust duct. If you have flexible aluminum tubing, vacuum it thoroughly, or replace the entire length. Rigid tubing should be disassembled and each section cleaned by pushing a cloth through it. Then, reconnect all the pieces, reposition the dryer, and plug it in. And don’t forget to clean out the exhaust hood mounted on the outside of your house.
A: Different manufacturers have particular recommendations or solutions to remedy the problem. They are as follows:
Whirlpool
· Put coffee grounds in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
· Put wet newspapers in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
· Rub down the walls with lemon juice.
Maytag
· Put activated charcoal in an unplugged refrigerator for a couple of days.
· Wash down with 1 cup baking soda, mixed with 1 cup water.
· Stuff crumpled newspaper in unplugged unit.
General Electric
· Spray down unit with Smell BeGone
Sub Zero
· Flush drain tube with 1 capful of bleach to 3 cups water. Then wash unit down with soapy water and finally set box of baking soda in refrigerator
Frigidaire
· Rinse unit with tap water & ammonia and then let it air out.
· Put mixture of coffee grounds or coffee beans with 1 tsp of vanilla in a bowl in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
· Put a couple of pieces of newspaper in a bowl, and then add water and 1 tsp lemon juice.
A: Try to remove the ink stain by one of the following methods or a combination of them:
· Clean the area well with an all purpose cleaner.
· Spray with an aerosol laundry presoak such as Spray n’ Wash or Shout.
· Rub gently with a light abrasive such as SoftScrub. Then wipe off with a damp cloth and tumble-dry a load of rags at regular heat settings. At the conclusion of the drying cycle, some staining may still be visible, but it will not transfer to any clothing.
If this is not satisfactory, the drum can be replaced.
A: Fabric damage, holes, and tearing of faded or frosted fabrics (although a new purchase) may actually have abraded and partially worn-out.
· Pre-stressed finishes include frosted, acid washed or stone washed denims, sand washed silk, or weathered knits.
· Shorter agitation times and lower spin speeds can be used to prevent further damage to already weakened pre-stressed fabrics.
A: White residue can be the result of undissolved detergent resulting from low water temperatures. The mix of hot and cold water for “warm” setting may not be hot enough to dissolve some detergents, depending on water heater thermostat setting, distance between washer and heater, and pipe insulation. Consumers may use too much concentrated detergent. Most water heaters are factory preset at 120 to 125 degrees. With 40% hot and 60% cold water mix, the warm water wash will be 73 degrees. A “hot” water wash should be 140 degrees, “warm” should be 110 degrees, and “cold” wash water should be 80 degrees.
A: Overloading the washer will cause mechanical wear on clothing and produce lint. The wash load needs adequate water to properly circulate in the tub.
Q: How can I tell if I have a gas leak? If I have one, what should I do?!
A: Gas leaks can be very dangerous, possibly resulting in a fire or explosion. There are three ways to detect a gas leak:
Smell: Natural gas is injected with a distinct odor, which many people relate to rotten eggs. If you are curious, you can contact Nicor Gas for a scratch 'n sniff card with the scent.
Sight: Visible blowing dirt, bubbling water or discolored vegetation near a buried natural gas line.
Sound: A hissing or blowing sound near the gas meter or gas appliances.
If you suspect that you have a leak, take the following steps:
- Exit the building or area immediately, leaving the doors open as you exit. Do not open windows if they're not already open. Do not use your cell phone or telephone, operate any appliance, light a match or turn light switches on or off.
- Call Nicor Gas at 1-888-Nicor4u from a neighboring location without a gas leak.
- Wait at the different neighboring location until Nicor Gas determines it is safe to return.