Home Appliance Repairer
How to Become a Home Appliance Repairer
Job Duties of a Home Appliance Repairer
Skills and Qualities of a Home Appliance Repairer
Home Appliance Repairer Salaries
Influential Professionals in this field
Leading Organizations for Home Appliance Repairers
Top Cities for Home Appliance Repairer Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Home Appliance Repairer
Home appliance repairers hold a high school diploma or its equivalent when they enter this field. Most learn their trade while apprenticing with more experienced professionals, which can last from several months to a few years. A trainee can specialize in one type of appliance (e.g., vacuum cleaners) or work on major appliances, where individuals assist experienced repairers on service visits. Three years of on-the-job training is the typical time needed for a technician to become skilled in all aspects of repair.
On-the-job training is customary, but employers often prefer to hire students from appliance repair or electronics programs that are offered in high school vocational courses, postsecondary technical schools or community colleges. Such programs can last one to two years and include courses in basic electricity and electronics.
Basic skills are developed through formal training or on the job, with beginners receiving additional instruction from their employer and from manufacturers. Appliance manufacturers and department store chains may offer formal training programs that include home study and shop classes where trainees work with demonstration appliances and other training equipment.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all repairers who buy or work with refrigerants pass a written examination to become certified in the correct handling of the refrigerants. Exams are administered by EPA-approved organizations: i.e., trade schools, unions and employer associations.
Many home appliance repairers work a standard forty hour week, working overtime and weekend hours in the summer months when the demand to fix refrigerators and window mounted air-conditioners is high. Repairers work early morning, evening, and weekend shifts and remain on call in case of emergency.
Repairers employed in service centers can be promoted to supervisor or service manager. Some repairers advance to managerial positions such as regional service manager or parts manager for various manufacturers. Experienced repairers who have sufficient funds and knowledge of small-business management may open their own repair shops.
On-the-job training is customary, but employers often prefer to hire students from appliance repair or electronics programs that are offered in high school vocational courses, postsecondary technical schools or community colleges. Such programs can last one to two years and include courses in basic electricity and electronics.
Basic skills are developed through formal training or on the job, with beginners receiving additional instruction from their employer and from manufacturers. Appliance manufacturers and department store chains may offer formal training programs that include home study and shop classes where trainees work with demonstration appliances and other training equipment.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all repairers who buy or work with refrigerants pass a written examination to become certified in the correct handling of the refrigerants. Exams are administered by EPA-approved organizations: i.e., trade schools, unions and employer associations.
Many home appliance repairers work a standard forty hour week, working overtime and weekend hours in the summer months when the demand to fix refrigerators and window mounted air-conditioners is high. Repairers work early morning, evening, and weekend shifts and remain on call in case of emergency.
Repairers employed in service centers can be promoted to supervisor or service manager. Some repairers advance to managerial positions such as regional service manager or parts manager for various manufacturers. Experienced repairers who have sufficient funds and knowledge of small-business management may open their own repair shops.
What does a Home Appliance Repairer do?
Home appliance repairers, also known as in-home service professionals, install and repair home appliances. Some repairers work on small appliances such as microwave ovens and vacuum cleaners, or will specialize in major appliances: i.e., refrigerators, dishwashers, washers/dryers, and window air conditioning units.
Home appliance repairers may be called to install pipes in a customer's home to connect installed appliances to a gas or water line. Once the lines are installed, repairers will turn on the water or gas lines, whichever they installed, checking for leaks. Home appliance repairers also answer any potential' questions about the care and use of appliances.
When problems with home appliances come up, home appliance repairers inspect the appliances visually, looking for excessive vibration, leakage of fluid, or loose parts to determine the cause of the failure. Repairers disassemble the appliance to examine its internal parts for signs of wear or corrosion. They follow service manuals and use testing devices that include ammeters, voltmeters, and watt-meters to check electrical systems for shorts and faulty connections. When repairing appliances with electronic parts, they may replace circuit boards or other electronic components.
Home appliance repairers may be called to install pipes in a customer's home to connect installed appliances to a gas or water line. Once the lines are installed, repairers will turn on the water or gas lines, whichever they installed, checking for leaks. Home appliance repairers also answer any potential' questions about the care and use of appliances.
When problems with home appliances come up, home appliance repairers inspect the appliances visually, looking for excessive vibration, leakage of fluid, or loose parts to determine the cause of the failure. Repairers disassemble the appliance to examine its internal parts for signs of wear or corrosion. They follow service manuals and use testing devices that include ammeters, voltmeters, and watt-meters to check electrical systems for shorts and faulty connections. When repairing appliances with electronic parts, they may replace circuit boards or other electronic components.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Home Appliance Repairer?
Mechanical and electrical aptitudes are good for home appliance repairers, and professionals who work in customers' homes must be courteous and tactful. Self-employed repairers need good business and financial skills to maintain a business. A driver's license is necessary in order to drive to customer's homes.
How much do Home Appliance Repairers make?
How much home appliance repairers make varies by skill level, geographic location, and the type of equipment repaired. Repairers receive a commission along with their salary, so earnings tend to increase with the number of jobs completed in one day, giving incentive to complete as many jobs as possible.. Median hourly earnings, including commissions, totaled $16.28 in May 2006.
Many larger dealers, manufacturers, and service stores offer benefits to their employees: i.e., health insurance coverage; sick leave; retirement and pension programs.
Many larger dealers, manufacturers, and service stores offer benefits to their employees: i.e., health insurance coverage; sick leave; retirement and pension programs.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Mack Blakely is the executive director of The National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) and the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).
What are some leading organizations in this field?
Home appliance repairers will become certified to demonstrate their competency by passing an examination offered by a specific organization. Although they are not mandatory, such certifications are helpful in securing employment.
The National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC)--administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)--requires repairers to pass a fairly difficult examination that tests their competence in the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of major home appliances.
The Professional Service Association (PSA) administers an examination to earn the Certified Appliance Professional (CAP) designation.
The National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC)--administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)--requires repairers to pass a fairly difficult examination that tests their competence in the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of major home appliances.
The Professional Service Association (PSA) administers an examination to earn the Certified Appliance Professional (CAP) designation.
What are the top cities for Home Appliance Repairer jobs?
Alaska and Minnesota were recorded to be the top two paying states for lucrative employment in this profession, with individuals earning annually $47,020 and $44, 520, respectively.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also included Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey amongst the top paying states for employment (May 2007).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also included Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey amongst the top paying states for employment (May 2007).
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