Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of your technicians licensed and insured?

Here at About Time we value our customers safety and security, which is why all of our Technicians are fully licensed, and insured.

Is your trip charge included if I authorize the repair?

Yes, it is included in the overall cost of the repair as part of the itemized labor. Our trip charge includes the original trip to your location, as well as the time involved in diagnosing your appliance problem. Our technicians have standardized labor rates, which provide us a detailed guide as to what we will charge for the total repair, including the trip.

Please be advised that other appliance repair companies may say that they "waive" the trip charge if you continue with the repair. The truth is that they do charge you, but they include the trip charge into their labor cost. We don't have any hidden charges.

Is my appliance worth repairing?

In general, it's far more economical and eco-friendly to repair an appliance than to replace it. Not only does throwing away an appliance create waste, but some of the materials in these appliances can be harmful to the environment. Furthermore, it incurs additional costs of delivery and installation.

We're a service business that keeps your best interests in mind, so you will trust our professionals in the future. We will give you an honest assessment of what we believe to be the most economical and reliable choice. If we do find that it is best to replace the unit, you will be advised of this, and we will be happy to assist and educate you on your purchase.

If you are still not convinced of the right course of action, please know that older units tend to last much longer, even after a repair, than newer units. In the appliance business, they really don't design them like they used to.

How much will it cost to recharge my refrigerator with Freon?

A refrigerator does not use up the refrigerant. The refrigerator is not like changing the oil in your car. If your refrigerator is low on refrigerant, you have a leak. So, if you have a leak, more refrigerants will not solve the problem. Please be aware it is illegal to add more refrigerant when you have a leak because the refrigerant is extremely harmful to the environment.

Furthermore, if you have a leak, your system will become contaminated. If left untreated, this contamination will eventually lock up your compressor and render your unit unusable, leading to extensive repairs.

 So, if your refrigerator has stopped cooling properly, lack of refrigerant is probably not the issue

How much will my appliance repair cost?

At this time, we can only give a quote for a repair after a technician has inspected and diagnosed the appliance in person. The only cost we can quote you before seeing and diagnosing your appliance is the trip cost, which is the one-time transportation and diagnostic charge. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer them.

If you know what part you need to replace before a technician comes to your location, we can quote you the price of the part, and we'll make sure that the technician has it with him when he arrives. Any additional labor charges are based on our printed national flat rate "Price Guide." The "Price Guide" is based on data accumulated over the last 60 years. The labor fee is provided to you upfront for your approval before the final work is started.

Please note that we can't warranty work based on someone else's diagnosis. If a part is returned, it will be subject to a 20-percent restocking fee. Electrical parts, if opened, are not returnable under any circumstances.

What maintenance should I be doing on my appliances to keep them in tip top shape?

The following checklist will help you get the most life out of your appliances.

  • Clean

    Keep appliances free of dust, grime, and food debris. Pay special attention to the condenser coils under your refrigerator as a substantial buildup of debris will cause reduced efficiency and given enough time may lead to premature failure of the compressor. 

  • Inspection

    Check for leaks in hoses, connections, and seals to prevent water damage and mold growth. You can also check your dryer's exhaust duct or exterior vent for excessive lint buildup to ensure it's venting properly. 

  • Check power cords

    Look for signs of wear or fraying and replace damaged cords immediately to avoid electrical hazards. 

  • Check filters

    Clean or replace filters as the manufacturer recommends to improve performance. For example, you can replace the water filter in your refrigerator every six months or when the indicator light comes on. 

  • Check temperature settings

    Make sure your refrigerator, oven, and freezer are maintaining accurate temperature settings for optimal performance and food safety. you

  • One final maintenance service that we would recommend is having a professional clean out the lint buildup from inside your dryer ducting every other year.