Appliance Repair glossary
Plain-English definitions of 0 appliance repair terms you will see on quotes and inspection reports.
- 0Terms defined
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Find the word. Read the definition. Check the bid.
Diagnostic fee / service call fee - the charge for coming out and identifying the fault, typically $35-$120 and commonly credited toward the repair if you proceed. Trip or mileage charge - an additional fee outside a company's service area, sometimes around $2 per mile.
Sealed system - the closed refrigerant circuit in a refrigerator: compressor, condenser, evaporator and the lines between them. It requires certified handling and costs $800-$1,200 to repair. This is never a DIY item. Compressor - the pump that drives that circuit, $500-$1,000 to replace.
Control board - the electronics that run the appliance, $500-$1,000 on a refrigerator and $200-$600 on an oven. Heating element - the resistance coil that makes heat, $150-$250 on a dryer and $150-$400 on an oven. Igniter - the component that lights a gas oven, $150-$350.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning a part made by or for the appliance brand. Aftermarket - a part from a third party, often cheaper, with varying fit and warranty. Gasket - the flexible door seal, $60-$100 on a refrigerator and $50-$150 on a dishwasher. Data plate - the label carrying model and serial number, which is the key to parts, warranty and age.
Three rules for every term
- Learn 'sealed system' before you need it It's the $800-$1,200 phrase that usually means it's time to price a replacement.
- Ask OEM or aftermarket every time Both can be right. Not knowing which you bought never is.
- Distinguish diagnostic fee from trip charge They're separate line items and both should be disclosed before booking.
A-Z appliance repair dictionary
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Glossary terms for this industry are being written.
Where related figures come from
Sources last checked
- Fixr - Refrigerator Repair Cost · retrieved 2026-07-26
- Fixr - Oven Repair Cost (control board, igniter, mileage charge) · retrieved 2026-07-26
- Fixr - Dryer Repair Cost (heating element) · retrieved 2026-07-26
- Fixr - Dishwasher Repair Cost (gasket, service call fee) · retrieved 2026-07-26
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