Free, independent repair education
Plain-English guides, a five-point hiring checklist, typical price ranges and an interactive cost estimator — so you can ask the right questions before you hire a technician for a laptop, washer, refrigerator or TV.
Repair category guides
Common faults, safe first checks, questions to ask and warning signs to watch for — organised by device type.
Guide #01 · Hardware & data
Bench diagnostics
Component diagnostics · Data privacy
Pre-payment checklist included
Guide #02 · Water & drive
At-home first
At-home diagnosis · Error codes
Error code basics
Guide #03 · Cooling systems
Test before replacing
Cooling diagnostics · Leak repair
Cooling diagnostics
Guide #04 · Display & boards
Flashlight test
Backlight vs. panel · Board repair
Backlight & panel guidance
Safe-hiring toolkit
Tick each point off while you’re on the phone with a repair business. If any answer is unclear, ask again — or call someone else.
0 / 5 points confirmed
Tick each point as you confirm it on the call.
Example script for the call
“Before I book: what is your diagnostic fee, and is it credited if I go ahead? Will I get a written, itemised quote before any work starts, and what warranty do you give on parts and labour?”
Most technicians are honest. These are patterns to watch for — and the question that usually resolves them.
You might hear: “It’s low on gas — we’ll top it up.”
What to know: Refrigerant circulates in a sealed loop and isn’t used up. Low refrigerant usually means a leak. Ask how the leak will be found and repaired.
You might hear: “We have to take it away to look at it.”
What to know: Many faults can be diagnosed on-site. If removal is needed, ask for the reason, transport charge and estimated cost in writing first.
You might hear: “The compressor / motor / board is gone.”
What to know: Cheaper parts can cause similar symptoms. Ask what was tested, what the readings were and which cheaper causes were ruled out.
You might hear: “It’s a genuine new part.”
What to know: Ask for the part number and type (OEM, compatible or used) on the invoice, and to see the packaging and the old part.
You might hear: “This price is only valid today.”
What to know: A fair quote doesn’t expire in minutes. You can pay the agreed diagnostic fee, take the written quote and get a second opinion.
You can always pay the agreed diagnostic fee, take the written quote and get a second opinion.
See typical pricesFair pricing guide
Indicative US price ranges, split into parts, labour and diagnostic fees, so you can sense-check a quote. Your local prices may differ.
The replacement component. Manufacturer (OEM) parts usually cost more than compatible or used parts — the invoice should say which you received.
The technician’s time to fit and test the part. Jobs that need the item dismantled, or workshop time, cost more.
A separate charge to find the fault. Some businesses credit it toward the repair if you go ahead; others don’t. Ask before booking.
Tier 01
A technician's visit or bench inspection to find the fault. Many businesses waive or credit this fee if you go ahead with the repair — ask before booking.
$40 – $120Often waived or credited if you approve the repair
Basis: Swappa: laptop diagnostic $40–$80. Fixr: washer service call $50–$100 (typically waived if you hire); fridge service call $70–$120. Bob Vila: TV diagnostic fee $40–$85+. Sources: Swappa — Laptop repair vs. replace (opens in a new tab); Fixr — Washing machine repair cost (opens in a new tab); Fixr — Refrigerator repair cost (opens in a new tab); Bob Vila — TV screen repair cost (opens in a new tab)
Tier 02
Smaller, accessible parts such as washer water inlet valves, fridge start relays, laptop batteries and hinges.
$95 – $250Parts + labour, typical totals
Basis: Fixr: inlet valve $95–$190. EasyBear: start relay/overload $95–$190. Worthava: laptop battery $100–$250. ThePricer: hinge replacement $120–$250. Sources: Fixr — Washing machine repair cost (opens in a new tab); EasyBear — Refrigerator start relay / overload replacement cost (opens in a new tab); Worthava Group — Laptop repair costs (opens in a new tab); ThePricer — Laptop hinge repair cost (opens in a new tab)
Tier 03
Washer control boards and TV power supply or T-con board faults. Laptop logic boards and fridge control boards usually cost more (see the estimator).
$100 – $475Repair vs. replacement changes the price
Basis: Fixr: washer control board $250–$400; TV vertical/horizontal lines $150–$475. Homeyou: TV power supply $143–$319. Tech Junctions: shop power-board repair $100–$350. Sources: Fixr — Washing machine repair cost (opens in a new tab); Fixr — TV repair cost (opens in a new tab); Homeyou — TV repair cost (opens in a new tab); Tech Junctions — TV power supply repair cost (opens in a new tab)
Tier 04
Fridge compressor or sealed-system work, TV screen panel replacement, laptop motherboard replacement. Compare against the cost of replacing before approving.
$390 – $1,200Get a second written quote
Basis: Fixr: fridge compressor $500–$1,000, sealed system $800–$1,200. Homeyou: TV screen replacement $390–$952. Worthava: laptop motherboard $300–$1,000+. Sources: Fixr — Refrigerator repair cost (opens in a new tab); Homeyou — TV repair cost (opens in a new tab); Worthava Group — Laptop repair costs (opens in a new tab)
Interactive cost estimator
Choose a device and symptom to see an indicative parts, labour and total range. This is guidance only — not a quote.
| Device | Symptom / fault | Parts (approx.) | Labour (approx.) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC & LaptopDiagnostic: $40 – $80 | Cracked, dark or flickering screen | $80 – $450 | $70 – $250 | $150 – $700 |
| Battery drains fast, won't charge or is swelling | $40 – $180 | $60 – $70 | $100 – $250 | |
| Loose or broken hinge | $20 – $200 | $30 – $200 | $50 – $400 | |
| No power / suspected motherboard fault | $100 – $700 | $200 – $300 | $300 – $1,000 | |
| Washing MachineDiagnostic: $50 – $100 | Won't drain — drain pump replacement | $100 – $180 | $200 – $220 | $300 – $400 |
| Won't fill, fills slowly or overfills (inlet valve) | $30 – $90 | $65 – $100 | $95 – $190 | |
| No power, dead display or random stops (control board) | $130 – $250 | $120 – $150 | $250 – $400 | |
| Loud roaring or grinding on spin (drum bearings) | $40 – $80 | $110 – $145 | $150 – $225 | |
| RefrigeratorDiagnostic: $70 – $120 | Clicks every few minutes and isn't cooling (start relay / overload) | $20 – $60 | $75 – $130 | $95 – $190 |
| Freezer cold but fridge section warm | $10 – $100 | $40 – $150 | $50 – $250 | |
| Gradual loss of cooling, suspected refrigerant leak | $50 – $100 | $150 – $200 | $200 – $300 | |
| Compressor failed (confirmed by testing) | $250 – $600 | $250 – $400 | $500 – $1,000 | |
| TV & ScreenDiagnostic: $40 – $85 | Sound works but the screen is dark (backlight) | $30 – $120 | $70 – $240 | $100 – $360 |
| Won't turn on, standby light blinks or clicks (power supply) | $20 – $100 | $80 – $300 | $100 – $400 | |
| Lines, double image or odd colours (T-con board, cables) | $20 – $175 | $130 – $300 | $150 – $475 | |
| Cracked or physically damaged screen panel | $250 – $700 | $140 – $300 | $390 – $1,000 |
We read each of the published US cost guides below and took the total (parts + labour) ranges they publish for each repair. Where sources disagreed, the range spans their figures. Because sources publish totals, the parts/labour split shown is our approximation. Each estimate lists the exact source figures it is based on. Figures were last reviewed in October 2026. We have no commercial relationship with these publishers.
Consumer FAQ
Straightforward guidance for the situations people ask about most.
Rule 01
Get it in writing
Fees, quotes and warranty terms — before work begins.
Rule 02
Agree before work starts
Approve the price before any disassembly or parts are fitted.
Rule 03
Test before you pay
Watch the repaired item work through a full cycle or check.
It depends on the repair cost, the item’s age and condition, and what a comparable replacement costs. A common rule of thumb is to think carefully about any repair that costs more than about half the price of a new equivalent, especially for an older item. Also consider energy use, parts availability and whether other parts are likely to fail soon.
Key point: Compare the written quote with the price of a comparable new model before approving a major repair.
Contact the repairer promptly and refer to the warranty terms on your invoice. That is why it is important to get warranty terms for parts and labour in writing. If the business won’t honour its written terms, your state consumer protection office or local equivalent can explain your options.
Key point: Keep the invoice and any old parts until the warranty period ends.
Some work genuinely needs a workshop — for example component-level board repair or some TV backlight jobs. Before anything leaves your home, ask why it is necessary, what it will cost (including transport) and when it will be returned, and get those details in writing. Photograph the item and any serial or part labels.
Key point: Photograph labels and condition, and get the reason and costs in writing before removal.
Ask whether the part is a manufacturer (OEM) part, a compatible part or a used part — all can be legitimate, but the price should reflect which one you’re getting. Ask to see the packaging and part number, and make sure the part type and number appear on the invoice.
Key point: The invoice should state the part number and whether the part is OEM, compatible or used.
Usually, yes — a diagnostic or call-out fee covers the technician’s travel and time. Policies on whether it is credited toward the repair vary, so ask before you book. The fee should be the amount you were told in advance.
Key point: Confirm the fee and whether it is credited toward the repair before the visit is booked.
You don’t have to approve a higher price under pressure. Ask for the new quote in writing with an explanation of what changed. You can decline, pay any agreed diagnostic fee, and get a second opinion. Agreeing a maximum price before work begins helps avoid this situation.
Key point: Agree in advance that no extra work will be done without your approval.
Look for consistent reviews across more than one platform, a clear business name and contact details, written quotes and invoices, and — where your state or local area requires it — a valid licence or registration. You can also search your state consumer protection office or the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
Key point: A business that puts its fees, quotes and warranty in writing is easier to hold to account.
Many common appliance repairs — such as washer drain pumps, inlet valves and door locks, or refrigerator start relays, fans and defrost parts — are routinely done in the home. Sealed-system refrigerant work is also normally done on-site by a certified technician. Some TV and laptop repairs need a workshop bench.
Key point: If a technician says an appliance must be removed, ask them to explain why.
No. Our price ranges are indicative US figures compiled from published cost guides, and real quotes vary by location, model, parts and labour rates. Repair Guide does not perform repairs, recommend specific businesses, or check technicians’ qualifications — our guides help you ask the right questions when you choose one yourself.
Key point: Always get a written quote from the repairer you choose.
Still unsure about a quote?
Read how Repair Guide works and what our guides can — and can’t — help with.
