The Cost of Appliance Repairs vs. Replacement: Making Informed Decisions

In most cases, no. Using a qualified, certified technician like those at UDG Services should not void your manufacturer warranty. We follow manufacturer guidelines and use appropriate parts for each repair. If your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty, we recommend checking the terms first. Some warranties require using authorized service providers for certain repairs. We're happy to advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.

Military service instills values that translate directly to excellent customer service: integrity, attention to detail, commitment to the mission, and respect for the people we serve.

At UDG Services, these values shape everything we do. We show up on time, do the job right, give honest assessments, and treat your home with respect. We take pride in our work and stand behind it. When you choose UDG Services, you're supporting a Veteran-owned small business that's committed to serving the West Michigan community with the same dedication we brought to serving our country.

Long drying times usually point to one of a few common issues:

• Clogged dryer vent: This is the most common cause. Lint buildup restricts airflow and makes your dryer work harder. It's also a fire hazard—dryer vent cleaning should be done every 6-12 months.
• Failing heating element or gas igniter: If your dryer isn't producing enough heat, clothes take longer to dry.
• Worn drum seals: Allowing hot air to escape reduces drying efficiency.
• Overloading: Too many items prevent proper air circulation.

If cleaning your lint trap and checking the external vent doesn't solve the problem, it's time for a professional diagnosis.

We make the process as easy as possible. Here's what to expect:

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Before the appointment: We'll confirm your appointment time and contact you when our technician is on the way.

‍During the visit: Our technician will introduce themselves, listen to your description of the problem, and thoroughly examine your appliance. They'll explain what they find and provide a clear estimate before beginning any repair work.

‍After the repair: We'll test the appliance to ensure it's working properly, clean up any work area, and answer any questions you have about maintaining your appliance.

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With a 90%+ first-visit completion rate, most repairs are completed during this single visit.

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Payment is due when the service is completed. For commercial accounts, we can discuss invoicing options that work for your business. We believe in making the payment process as convenient as the repair itself.

We repair all major appliance brands, including Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, GE, KitchenAid, Maytag, Frigidaire, Bosch, Kenmore, and many more. We also service premium brands like Sub-Zero, Viking, Wolf, and Thermador.

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Whether you have a basic model or a high-end built-in appliance, our certified technicians have the training and experience to diagnose and repair it correctly.

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends. Several factors come into play—the appliance's age, the cost of repair, its overall condition, and energy efficiency compared to newer models.

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A helpful guideline is the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half what a new appliance would cost, and your appliance is past the midpoint of its expected lifespan, replacement often makes more sense. But there are exceptions—a high-quality appliance might be worth repairing even at higher costs.

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We'll give you an honest assessment. If we think repair isn't your best option, we'll tell you. Our goal is to help you make the right decision, not just sell a repair.

UDG Services proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout West Michigan. Our primary service area includes Muskegon, Grand Haven, Norton Shores, Spring Lake, Fruitport, Holland, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, along with the surrounding communities.

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Not sure if we serve your area? Give us a call—we're happy to help and may be able to accommodate locations outside our typical range.

We strongly recommend against DIY repairs on gas appliances. Gas leaks, improper connections, and carbon monoxide risks make gas appliance repair a job for trained professionals.

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Our technicians are certified to work on gas ranges, ovens, dryers, and water heaters safely. They have the training to detect leaks, ensure proper connections, and verify safe operation after repairs.

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For gas appliances, the risks of DIY repair simply aren't worth it. Leave this one to the professionals.

Food safety is a legitimate concern when refrigeration fails. According to food safety guidelines, perishable foods can generally remain safe for about 4 hours in a closed refrigerator that's lost power or stopped cooling. A full freezer can hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full).

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To protect your food: Keep the doors closed as much as possible, check the temperature with a thermometer if you have one, and call for emergency repair service. We offer same-day emergency service for refrigerator failures because we know how important this is.

When in doubt about food safety, remember: when in doubt, throw it out.

We understand that a broken appliance disrupts your daily routine, so we prioritize getting to you quickly. In most cases, we can schedule your repair within 24-48 hours. For urgent situations—like a refrigerator that's stopped cooling or a water heater that's failed—we offer same-day emergency service throughout West Michigan.

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When you call or book online, we'll find the earliest available appointment that works with your schedule. Our technicians arrive during a convenient time window, and we'll contact you when we're on our way.

Most repairs are completed within 1-2 hours. Simpler issues like replacing a worn belt or faulty thermostat might take less time, while more complex repairs involving major components may take longer.

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Our technicians arrive prepared with common parts and tools, which helps us complete over 90% of repairs on the first visit. If a part needs to be ordered, we'll schedule a follow-up appointment at your convenience.

Repair costs vary depending on the appliance type, the specific problem, and any parts needed. Simple repairs might run under $200, while more complex issues involving major components can be higher.

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Here's how we handle pricing: We charge a diagnostic fee to come out and identify the problem. If you proceed with the repair, that fee is applied toward the total cost. Before any work begins, we provide a clear, upfront estimate so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises.

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We believe in transparent pricing. You'll always know the cost before we start the repair.

With proper care, most major appliances last 10-15 years, though this varies by type:

• Refrigerators: 10-18 years
• Washing machines: 10-14 years
• Dryers: 10-13 years
• Dishwashers: 9-12 years
• Ovens and ranges: 13-15 years
• Water heaters: 8-12 years

Regular maintenance can extend these lifespans significantly. An appliance in the early part of its lifespan is usually worth repairing, while one approaching the end may not be.

Yes, we understand that some appliance failures can't wait. A refrigerator full of food, a water heater in winter, or a commercial kitchen with orders to fill—these situations need immediate attention. We offer same-day emergency service throughout West Michigan. Call us and let us know it's urgent—we'll do everything we can to get a technician to you as quickly as possible.

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive commercial appliance repair for restaurants, laundromats, grocery stores, schools, healthcare facilities, and other businesses throughout West Michigan.

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Our commercial services include walk-in coolers and freezers, commercial refrigeration, restaurant cooking equipment, commercial dishwashers, laundromat washers and dryers, and ice machines. We understand that equipment downtime means lost revenue, so we prioritize fast response for commercial customers.

We charge a diagnostic fee for service calls, which covers the technician's time to travel to your location and thoroughly diagnose the problem. This fee applies whether the issue is simple or complex—proper diagnosis is essential for an effective repair.

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However, if you proceed with the repair, we apply the diagnostic fee toward your total cost. You'll receive a complete estimate before any repair work begins, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Yes, we stand behind our work. All UDG Services repairs are backed by warranty protection that covers both parts and labor. If the same issue recurs within the warranty period, we'll return to make it right at no additional cost.

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We use quality parts and proven repair techniques because we want your appliance to stay fixed. Our 90%+ first-visit completion rate reflects our commitment to getting repairs done right the first time.

Yes, we ask that an adult (18 or older) be present during the service call. This allows our technician to discuss the problem with you, get approval for the repair and estimate, and demonstrate that the appliance is working properly when the job is complete.

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We schedule appointments during convenient time windows and contact you when we're on the way, so you're not waiting around all day.

Absolutely. All UDG Services technicians are fully certified, licensed, and insured. Our team receives ongoing training to stay current with the latest appliance technologies and repair techniques. We're qualified to work on all major brands—from everyday household appliances to high-end models like Sub-Zero and Viking.

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As a Veteran-owned business, we hold ourselves to high standards of professionalism and integrity. When our technicians enter your home, you can trust that they have the skills and credentials to do the job right.