When it comes to household appliances, dishwashers are the most common source of service problems. According to a survey by Puls, the most trusted brands are Whirlpool and Maytag, followed by Kenmore and LG. The most common issues reported by consumers are lack of drainage, leaks, and the machine not cooling properly. July is the month with the highest number of refrigerator breakdowns, due to the extra effort required to keep food cold during hot summer months.
Water leakage is a common problem in refrigerators, caused by food particles or ice cubes getting stuck in the drain hose. Service departments are often overwhelmed with calls for repair, with 35 technicians at Puls logging more than 40,000 calls last year. When it comes to dryers, a common issue is that the machine does not spin as it dries. The average delivery time for a repair nationwide is 90 days.
According to Consumer Reports, LG is much more reliable than archrival Samsung at 13%, with a dishwasher reliability rating of 1.7%. Whirlpool Corporation and most Sub-Zero appliances are manufactured in the US. GE, LG, Samsung, Bosch and Thermador also have significant manufacturing in the US. Wayne Archer, a technical expert at Sears Home Services, recommends that any screeching or tapping sound should be addressed as soon as possible.
A report on the affordability, reliability and seasonality of appliance repair by San Francisco-based home maintenance company Puls provides further insight into appliance problems and repairs. To ensure your appliances last as long as possible, it's important to create a budget for home maintenance using the American Home Shield appliance life expectancy chart. With proper care and maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your appliances are running smoothly.