So, you’ve purchased a beautiful Kenmore or Kitchen-Aid  refrigerator…you’re ready to go…then the salesman asks, “Would you like an extended warranty on this item?  It covers….” Just when you thought you had learned everything you needed to know about this wonderful product, you’re asked if you want to pay MORE money to protect the item they’ve just claimed is a good product!  You’re faced with the decision: To Buy or Not to Buy.

The Internet has opened up a wealth of information to consumers.  In a report by J.D. Power and Associates, it was learned that consumers “choose which brand to purchase first”, then find a retailer that offers that particular brand ( http://www.jdpower.com/news/pressRelease.aspx?ID=2011068).  Consumers have the power to validate the information given them by a salesperson and have the ability to compare brand names such as Kenmore, Frigidaire or Whirlpool.  The Internet has become a platform for review, discussion and comparison of every major appliance being sold. Use this tool to your advantage.  If you are purchasing an appliance that is rated as good quality, the likelihood of that appliance needing repair within a few years after purchase is rare.

Most importantly, we need to remember a few things when faced with the purchase of an Extended Warranty:

1). A quality appliance should not need major appliance repair (if any) within a few years of        purchase.

2). A quality appliance brand, such as Kenmore or Bosch, is manufactured to last.

3). the average cost of appliance repair is usually about the same as the cost of the Extended

Warranty.

4). Extended Warranties may not cover common appliance service resulting from normal wear

and tear.

5).  Remember your own personal experiences with Extended Warranties: Did you ever use it?

If so, were there additional costs involved?  Did you have to ship the product for appliance          service? Did you have to wait an extended period of time for home appliance repair?  Your old    refrigerator appliance…how long did it last?  How often was the appliance serviced?

In the event that you need appliance repair or appliance service, you will find it will most likely be after many years of use.  Extended warranties may end up costing more in the long run if they do not cover the appliance repair or appliance service.  Though there are many appliance repair companies to choose from in the Tucson area, remember the Internet can also be used to research appliance repair and appliance service companies.  Find a company that is reliable, efficient, knowledgeable and provides appliance repair and appliance service for the most popular brands such as Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Frigidaire.   Dependable Refrigeration,llc 681 W Placita Vega Vista Tucson, AZ  85737

Website

Gifting appliances

There’s an old saw that you should never give an appliance for a holiday or birthday gift.

I don’t know about you, but the people on my holiday gift list are just not that shallow.

Since when is it true that people do not want to receive useful, functional, labor-saving devices as gifts? Forget the fruitcake, the chocolate bonbons, the boxed cheese and weenies, the garish reindeer sweaters and all the other useless holiday truck. A sleek, well designed, well made, energy efficient appliance is a terrific, thoughtful gift that brings not only immediate delight but also gives years of enjoyment.

It’s a myth that giving an appliance implies expectations or sends a message about someone’s domestic role or culinary shortcomings. In our business, we talk to many people on the subject of appliances, and it’s just not true that people see them as drudge devices. The vast majority of people take pride in owning, maintaining and using nice appliances.

In 30 years in the appliance repair business, I have found that many people actually develop a strong attachment to their appliances. We often hear customers tell us how and when they acquired a particular appliance. If it came to them as a gift, they recall the occasion and remember the gifter.

I can assure you, a food processor, juicer or espresso machine will bring joy to almost anyone on your gift list. A wine chiller will make your favorite wine connoisseur tipsy with delight. A large appliance such as a refrigerator, freezer or range is a wonderful, practical gift for someone who needs to update or upgrade. What’s more, appliances are gifts that keep on giving. People often delight in sharing the fruits of their appliances with others by using them to entertain, cook, bake, grill or prepare homemade treats.

There may have been a time when Americans shunned practical gifts. But today most Americans have come to appreciate value, quality, functionality and energy efficiency. And there are appliances on the market that appeal to almost any taste, style, interest, or lifestyle. Believe me, an appliance is a gift of respect, thoughtfulness, functionality and good taste. Happy Holidays from Dependable Refrigeration,llc .

Appliance Repair Service in Tucson

A customer called Dependable Refrigeration,llc recently and asked us to give a second opinion regarding repair/replacement of his five-year old refrigerator. The customer had been told by another appliance repair company that the fridge required extensive work, needed expensive parts, and was not worth repairing. He was advised to junk the unit and buy a new one. The customer was reluctant to part with his $1800 French Door Maytag refrigerator, which looked brand new, without a scratch or mark on it. So he asked us to take a look. Within 20 minutes, we determined that the refrigerator needed a new compressor and we could bring it back to productive life for less than $500.

What’s up with situations like that? Why would an appliance repair company blatantly misinform or knowingly lie a customer? Why not just fix the fridge? How hard can that be?

Here’s the explanation: Refrigerators have two systems: a sealed system and an electrical & mechanical system. The electrical & mechanical system consists of components such as the fan, motor, and thermostat that an experienced appliance technician can replace. The sealed system consists of the compressor, evaporator coil, heat exchanger, filter dryer, and R12 circulating Freon mechanism. Working on a fridge’s sealed system involves getting inside the sealed system and working on complex, integrated circuitry. It is a job for a trained, highly skilled technician.

Unfortunately, many reputable appliance repair companies are not knowledgeable, comfortable or interested in working on refrigeration sealed systems. They may replace a fan or fix other accessible electrical & mechanical system parts. When they run into a sealed-system problem, they are out of their depth – and the easiest solution is to tell the customer it can’t be fixed or isn’t worth the price of repair and advise him/her to buy new unit. They then pocket the service fee and walk away from the problem.

You’d be surprised how many reputable appliance repair companies in Tucson are not familiar or knowledgeable about sealed refrigerant systems and don’t want to bother with that part of repairing a refrigerator  .

Dependable Refrigeration’s, experienced  technicians repair, service and maintain all makes and models of refrigerators, including both sealed and electrical & mechanical system problems. All of our refrigeration repair techs have over 20 years experience. We are sealed system experts, R12 Freon conversion specialists and are able to repair or replace compressors efficiently. Our techs are experts at finding stubborn Freon leaks in refrigeration systems and skilled at retrofitting old refrigerators to make them Energy Star compliant/green friendly.

The next time you call an appliance service company to deal with refrigerator or freezer problem and get shocking news, be aware that the problem may with the untrained, inexperienced repair tech and not with your fridge. On average, refrigerator repair cost are $150-$350 parts labor included.

Same day refrigerator repair service in Tucson: Dependable Refrigeration,llc offers reliable quality residential refrigerator repair in Tucson. Sealed system experts provide complete residential and commercial services. 24/7 dispatch for emergency refrigerator repair at Dependable Refrigeration,llc Tucson, AZ  85737  520.797.9249.

A key piece of information when shopping for a new appliance is that prices on major appliances in Tucson, and nationally, have remained stagnant over the past 15 years. However, while prices haven’t fluctuated much, their quality has. Manufacturers have been able to keep prices on low-end major appliances level over the past 15 years despite increases in inflation and rising manufacturing costs. Marketers know that a consumer will not pay more for the typical home appliance. However, keeping prices steady has come at a cost to the consumer.

The $400 washing machine one purchases today is of nowhere near the same quality of a $400 washing machine bought 15 years ago. Nowadays, manufacturers keep the cost down on lower-end appliances by using inferior quality materials. You can still purchase a high-end appliance, but you will need to pay more for it. Realistically, in purchasing a high-end appliance, the price should be higher to reflect the higher manufacturing cost. For example, top-end dishwashers cost about $900, washers around $1,100, dryers around $600, etc.

The decision you make when purchasing a new appliance in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, or anywhere in Southwest Tucson is whether to purchase a low-cost, low-end appliance and paying to maintain it regularly, using Dependable Refrigeration, LLC. Otherwise, to avoid frequent appliance repair, you can spend more on a high-quality appliance, which will be more durable and last many more years before needing any appliance service. Make sure keep appliances maintained

We don’t usually promote products, but this one is worth it. It may save you a repair bill, so try it before calling for service.

Dishwasher Magic® is a product that breaks up and cleans away the food oils, minerals, and soap build-up. When you run your dishwasher, the heating element inside keeps the water at an average temperature of 125+°F depending on make and model.

The food oils (grease) and particles that are being removed from the dishes combine with the hot water and detergent. Left unchecked, these by-products of the cleaning process begin accumulating on the filter screen, starving the pump of the necessary pressure and spray arms of the velocity and quantity of water necessary to adequately clean your dishes. The more build-up that accumulates, the more the cleaning performance of the dishwasher suffers.

By eliminating the excessive buildup, Dishwasher Magic® not only removes interior staining within your dishwasher, but also maintains the dishwasher by allowing optimal performance.  Of course, the amount of build-up will depend on how often you use your dishwasher, how dirty your dishes are and how hard your water is.

Q. Does it actually disinfect my dishwasher?

A. Yes, Dishwasher Magic® is an EPA registered disinfectant against salmonella, e-coli and gram-negative bacteria.

Q. Does it dissolve limescale in my dishwasher?

A. Limescale is insoluble in water and is resistant to the normal alkaline detergents used in dishwashers. The solution in Dishwasher Magic® increases the solubility of limescale and dissolves the soap scum and any food oils and grease left over from normal operation. After the build-up clinging to the jets and interior walls, is loosened it is flushed away by the chelating properties of the product along with the normal rinsing action of the dishwasher.

Q. How often should I use Dishwasher Magic®

A. It is recommended that Dishwasher Magic® be used once a month to properly maintain your dishwasher under normal circumstances. If you use your dishwasher on a more frequent basis, you may need additional treatments with the product.

Q. The wax plug will not melt, now what?

A. The water in the dishwasher needs to reach at least 125°F in order to completely melt the plug. If it is not melting, it’s because the water inside the appliance is not getting hot enough. Try running the faucet closest to the dishwasher (presumably the kitchen sink) until the water runs hot, then begin the dishwasher cycle so it fills with hot water from the start. If the problem continues, check your water heater to be sure it is set at the proper temperature.

Q. The product does not fit in my silverware basket, can I still use it?

A. Dishwasher Magic® is designed to fit all standard size silverware baskets. However, if it does not, you may still use the product. The bottle must be placed upside down on your lower dish rack. Use a rubber band and fasten the bottle to one of the prongs on your lower dish rack to hold it in place during the cycle.

Q. The solution never came out of the bottle. Did I do something wrong?

A. Please ensure you met the following conditions while using Dishwasher Magic®:

• The cap was removed exposing the wax plug.
• Make sure you run on heavy cycle (i.e. pots & pans, sanitize, etc.)
• The dishwasher must be connected to the hot water supply. If the connection is made, it could be because the water is not getting warm enough. Run the sink closest to the dishwasher until the water turns hot and then run the dishwasher. If the water does not reach 125°F, have a qualified person raise the temperature of the water heater accordingly.
• The heating element must be properly working in your appliance. It may not start due to a timer problem, bad sensor or bad heating element. If this is the case, you should consult your local appliance service center.

Q. Do I leave my dishes in the dishwasher while using Dishwasher Magic®?

A. Dishwasher Magic® may scratch or etch dishes, most notably glassware. Because of this, we only recommend using Dishwasher Magic® with an empty dishwasher.

Q. Is it safe for my septic system?

A. Yes, Dishwasher Magic® will not harm septic systems, plumbing or your appliance in any way.

Q. Is it safe for the environment?

A. Yes, all ingredients in Dishwasher Magic® are natural and the bottle is recyclable.

Q. Can this product be used with stainless steel dishwashers?

A. Yes, Dishwasher Magic® will clean your stainless steel to a lovely shine.

This product can be purchased at your local ACE Hardware store. Try this before calling for a dishwasher repair In Tucson and be sure to print a coupon here for Dishwasher Magic®  Learn more on the Dishwasher Magic® main website. We hope this helps you!

The cost of caring for your clothing may not noticeable in the same way your food, housing and auto bills are — but that doesn’t mean you can’t save money on laundry expenses!

Water Temperature

Most clothes will come just as clean in cold water. Using cold water as the default setting for your washing machine will save the average family of four $250 per year or more! On occasion you may need hot water, but those situations are rare. Whenever possible… Go cold!

Appliance Selection

There have been quite a few studies lately about the cost comparisons between front and top loading washing machines. They indicate that less water is used and less energy is required to run a front-loading machine. If you would like to do some of your own research on how to save money on laundry (and many other daily expenses), you can check out Mr. Electricity’s site to plug in your figures and find the savings that are possible.

Reduce Detergent

Reduce the amount of detergent you use in each load to save money. It’s a simple savings – and it’s better for your washer and your clothes.

Most Americans use too much detergent, wasting money and getting their clothes less clean in the process, according to Mary Marlowe Leverette, the laundry guide writer for About.com and a former Clemson University extension agent. (She taught classes on laundry and stain removal, so she really knows her stuff!)

“We all tend to think if a little bit works, a little bit more will be better,” says Leverette. “But in fact, adding excessive amounts of laundry detergent can be detrimental.” Water is an important component of the cleaning process and too many suds can actually make the washing machine fail to get the clothes clean. The detergent, the water and the agitation are all required in the proper proportion. The wrong balance and clothes come out dirty.

Leverette says that sometimes the product packaging can make it harder for consumers to get the measurements right.  She says hard-to-see lines on product measuring caps are partly to blame and recommends using a permanent marker to darken these lines — and to always use the measurement for the least volume of detergent unless your clothes are exceptionally grimy.

Cutting your detergent usage in half will save you around $80 annually!

I hope this has been helpful, in this economy we need to save where we can! If you should need appliance repair in Tucson call and Schedule!

This can be done by searching the Yellow pages, or searching online for refrigerator repair Service Company in Tucson Pima County.  Good refrigerator or appliance repair companies will have a listing online and perhaps a bold presence in what they specialize in.

The questions you want to keep in mind while searching are:

Does the company have verified reviews?

How long has the company been in business?

Are they a Better Business member?

Are their technicians screened and back ground checked?

Do they have Liability insurance?

If they have been around a fair amount of time, say 6-10 years at least, then they must do something right.

Professionalism is important, especially as it relates to customer service.  Is someone directly answering the telephone and do they appear helpful and polite? It is important that you find the answers you’re looking for as soon as possible. If you contact a company and get an answering machine or voice mail, you have no idea how long it’s going to take to receive a return call.

Search for a company that offers 24 hour service in Tucson and has a 24 hour dispatch.  Whether it’s before or after a repair, you can be assured your request is handled promptly; you have direct access 24 hours a day. This level of customer service is an indication that the company cares enough to be in touch with their clients 24/7.

Also, a testimonial from third parties that have no ties to the company is good to look for. When clients take the time to write something good about a refrigerator service company it means they were happy with the service and repair they received.  It’s just like a reference; so consider a verified review a plus.

Ask for a special offer or coupon.  You would be surprised at how many times you will get a discount simply by asking for one.

A common and logical question is how much is the service going to cost? An adequate quote of repair can only be given once the problem is diagnosed by a technician. Most refrigerator repair companies have a flat service fee to come out and diagnose the refrigerator and this cost is applied to the repair.  Since there  are one of more then several parts that will make a refrigerator not cool or freeze, it has to be diagnosed before a repair price can be given.  The complexity of the repair also has an influence of repair price.  It will cost more to repair a $10,000 refrigerator compared to a $1,500 model .

Built-in refrigerator , freezers like Sub-Zero, Ge Monogram
$640- $925.00 installed 1 YEAR COMPRESSOR WARRANTY
1 year labor. Contact Dependable Refrigeration,llc 681 W Placita Vega Vista Tucson, AZ 85737

We see compressor failures on some brands and models of Amana bottom freezer and some sxs. This is due to factory system contamination. We use a better known proven compressor and offer a 2 year warranty upgrade. You only get a year warranty with purchase of a new refrigerator.

Refrigerator Compressor Repair

Replacing the compressor is the most costly service repair. Be sure that the compressor is bad before replacing it.

The fault mat either be:

1 Electrical

2 Mechanical

Electrical faults are the most common reason for replacing a good compressor! Other electrical problems can mislead a tech into thinking the compressor is at fault. To check the compressor, remove the electrical connections cover, and disconnect the system wiring from the compressor relay, capacitors, overload, and all. Check the motor windings for continuity, shorts, and grounds. (use an ohm meter) If  unit checks out correctly , connect a starting circuit to the motor compressor. Use exactly the correct size of capacitors and overload cutout.

If system starts and operates correctly with these manual start electrical connections, the problem is in the external part of the system (wiring, control board, thermostat, relay, capacitor, overload )