What’s an Appliance Repairman’s job?

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An appliance repairman, a title that can refer to either a man or a woman, performs maintenance and repairs on various household items. He or she may specialize in repairing small appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and toasters, or larger appliances and appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers. Many appliance repairmen receive special training to work on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) units or complete plumbing courses to work on residential water and gas lines. Most technicians work in appliance service shops and retail stores, although some experienced professionals are self-employed.

People often take their defective small appliances to reputable repair shops. A small appliance repair technician will usually ask the customer questions and carefully inspect the machine to diagnose the problem. Some jobs require simple repairs, like changing a brush or belt on the vacuum, while others require very careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, like replacing wires and diodes in a small electrical device. When a machine requires a new part, the technician checks inventory in his shop and orders parts from wholesalers or manufacturers when needed. Self-employed maintenance technicians often take on additional administrative tasks of running a business, such as managing bills and customer accounts.

Many repairmen do home visits, visiting customers’ homes and businesses to perform repairs on large appliances. An equipment repair technician routinely diagnoses and fixes problems with refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens and other large equipment. He or she may perform general repairs or specialize with a particular type of device, such as HVAC systems. A maintenance technician can use a variety of hand and power tools to disassemble systems, test electrical devices, connect wires, and protect water and gas lines. Specialists may be required to obtain special certification or licensing to handle hazardous materials such as refrigerants used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators and freezers.

A high school diploma is the minimum requirement to become an appliance repairman. Many employers prefer to hire people who have completed one to two year repair programs at community colleges or vocational schools. New repairmen typically work as assistants for up to a year, helping experienced repairmen with routine jobs and gaining first-hand experience in the trade. Some professionals choose to obtain certification from an accredited organization, such as the Professional Service Association in the United States, to enhance their knowledge, credentials, and chances of finding steady employment. An appliance repair technician may also choose to earn travel worker certification or an HVAC license by taking continuing education classes and additional exams.

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