Appliance Service Technician Career

*A job as an Appliance Service Technician falls under the broader career category of Home Appliance Repairers. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.

Job Description for Home Appliance Repairers : Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.


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Home Appliance Repairer Career

What Home Appliance Repairers do:

  • Instruct customers regarding operation and care of appliances, and provide information such as emergency service numbers.
  • Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
  • Disassemble appliances so that problems can be diagnosed and repairs can be made.
  • Level washing machines and connect hoses to water pipes, using hand tools.
  • Reassemble units after repairs are made, making adjustments and cleaning and lubricating parts as needed.
  • Provide repair cost estimates, and recommend whether appliance repair or replacement is a better choice.
  • Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.
  • Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.
  • Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
  • Maintain stocks of parts used in on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of appliances.
  • Set appliance thermostats, and check to ensure that they are functioning properly.
  • Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
  • Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.
  • Service and repair domestic electrical or gas appliances, such as clothes washers, refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.
  • Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
  • Clean and reinstall parts.
  • Level refrigerators, adjust doors, and connect water lines to water pipes for ice makers and water dispensers, using hand tools.
  • Record maintenance and repair work performed on appliances.
  • Test and examine gas pipelines and equipment to locate leaks and faulty connections, and to determine the pressure and flow of gas.
  • Observe and test operation of appliances following installation, and make any initial installation adjustments that are necessary.
  • Contact supervisors or offices to receive repair assignments.
  • Clean, lubricate, and touch up minor defects on newly installed or repaired appliances.
  • Install appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves.
  • Respond to emergency calls for problems such as gas leaks.
  • Take measurements to determine if appliances will fit in installation locations, performing minor carpentry work when necessary to ensure proper installation.
  • Install gas pipes and water lines to connect appliances to existing gas lines or plumbing.
  • Conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants used in cooling systems.
  • Assemble new or reconditioned appliances.
  • Measure, cut, and thread pipe, and connect it to feeder lines and equipment or appliances, using rules and hand tools.
  • Hang steel supports from beams or joists to hold hoses, vents, and gas pipes in place.
  • Disassemble and reinstall existing kitchen cabinets, or assemble and install prefabricated kitchen cabinets and trim in conjunction with appliance installation.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Holland Code Chart for an Home Appliance Repairer