Do you work on my brand?

Yes, we likely service your brand! Check out our comprehensive list of supported brands here and if you don’t see yours listed, feel free to reach out to us for confirmation.

What if the property is vacant?

If your property is vacant, no worries! We work with many property managers and landlords in similar situations. If there’s a lockbox or someone else can grant us access, we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll send you e-sign documents for your approval, then visit the site to assess the situation and propose a solution. If you’re unavailable by phone, it’s ok – we’ll send an email estimate for your review and approval before proceeding with any services or repairs. Just give us a call so we can walk you through any questions you have to figure out the right solution for you.

What if you don't have the part on the van?

No problem at all! If we don’t have the part on hand, rest assured there are no extra trip fees for us to return. We’ll order the necessary part and keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll receive updates via phone and automated notifications regarding the estimated arrival date of your appliance part(s). Once we have the part, we’ll promptly reschedule your appointment at the next earliest convenience for you. And here’s the best part – you won’t pay a cent until all the work is completed. You can trust that we’re committed to seeing the job through to completion.

Is it cheaper to buy a new unit?

That’s a great question! While every situation is unique, when it comes to repairs, we typically advise against costs exceeding 50% of a new unit’s price unless special circumstances apply. Replacing an appliance involves various expenses like purchase, delivery, and installation fees, plus potential costs for old appliance removal and warranties. Disposing appliances improperly can harm the environment, release pollutants, and waste valuable materials. We’re here to assist you in making the best decision for your needs and budget, ensuring convenience and sustainability. Feel free to reach out for further assistance!

Do you service my area?

We cover a wide service area, spanning from Frankfort to Gurnee in the north and from Chicago to Rockford in the east-to-west direction. Our technicians live near you and are in your communities daily, so you don’t have to worry about paying someone to travel a far distance or take a long time to get to you. Follow this link to find your city or zip code on our full-service area list. Chances are, we’ve got you covered! Feel free to reach out if you’re unsure; we’ll be happy to confirm. We also offer virtual meetings with a technician for those who prefer a DIY approach, need advice, or are in another state and don’t require on-site support. Click here to learn more!

Do you service my appliance?

We understand the importance of having reliable appliances, and we’re here to help. We specialize in servicing major home appliances, including refrigeration, cooking, laundry, and dishwashers. However, please note that we do not service water heaters (a plumber’s job) or heating and air conditioners (handled by HVAC companies). Additionally, we’re equipped to work on specialized laboratory equipment such as warmers and flask scrubbers. For a complete list of appliance types we service, feel free to call us to get your questions answered. We’re here to assist you every step of the way!

What if you cause damage?

We understand your concern, and please rest assured that our technicians prioritize avoiding any damage during service calls. We take every precaution, using floor glides, padding, and tape to safeguard your space. Sometimes, we even bring extra personnel or specialty equipment to ensure the utmost care. Accidents are why we have insurance if we ever need it. We’re fully insured for that will meet the requirements for certain buildings or facilities to be an approved servicer. If we cause any issues, we take responsibility and will make it right.

Do you work with my extended or home warranty?

We partner with various home and extended warranties, including Best Buy’s Geek Squad and SquareTrade. If you’re unsure whether we’re in network with your warranty company, give them a call and request for us to receive the work order or claim directly. You can also streamline the process by having them conference call us. Don’t worry if we’re not currently in the network! You might have the flexibility to choose your service and seek reimbursement from your warranty company afterward. It’s all about finding the best repair company for your needs rather than just going with the next one on their list.

Do you send the same technician every time?

Absolutely! We understand the importance of consistency and clear communication. That’s why we assign the same technician to your service call from start to finish. This way, you’ll have familiarity and direct communication with your technician throughout the process. However, if you have a preference for a specific technician, whether it’s someone you trust who speaks Spanish or for any other reason, we’re more than happy to accommodate your request. Just let us know, and we’ll ensure you’re paired with the right person for the job. You must be comfortable.

Is There a Lemon Law for Appliances? - AAA Appliance Service Center

A refrigerator keeps leaking. A washer has broken down again. An oven needs another repair.

At some point, you may start wondering:

“Doesn’t the Lemon Law cover this?”

One of our technicians recently heard this question while looking at a leaking refrigerator that was about 13 years old.

It is an understandable question. We usually hear the word “lemon” used for something that keeps breaking or does not work the way it should.

But when it comes to residential appliances, the law works differently.

Does the Lemon Law Apply to Refrigerators and Other Appliances?

No. Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana do not have appliance Lemon Laws like the laws that cover qualifying motor vehicles.

The Illinois Lemon Law is written for qualifying vehicles. Wisconsin’s Lemon Law also covers qualifying motor vehicles. Indiana’s Lemon Law is called the Motor Vehicle Protection Act and applies to qualifying vehicles.

That means your:

Refrigerator
Freezer
Washing machine
Dryer
Dishwasher
Range
Oven
Cooktop
Built-in microwave

does not become a legal “lemon” under these state vehicle Lemon Laws because it has needed several repairs.

There is also no rule that says a residential appliance must automatically be replaced after a certain number of repairs.

But that does not mean you have no options.

So What Protects a Home Appliance?

If an appliance is having problems, the first place to look is usually the warranty that came with it.

A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise about what it will cover if the product has certain problems.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking the actual warranty to see how long coverage lasts, what parts or repairs are covered, and what steps are required to receive warranty service.

Every warranty can be different.

A refrigerator may have one warranty period for the full appliance and different coverage for certain parts. Another brand or model may have completely different terms.

That is why it is important to check the warranty for your exact appliance instead of relying on a general rule you heard somewhere.

What Is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?

You may also hear about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act when researching appliance problems.

Magnuson-Moss is a federal warranty law.

It covers written warranties on consumer products. The Federal Trade Commission also includes appliances within its consumer warranty rules and guidance.

The law sets rules for companies that offer written consumer warranties. It also provides certain consumer remedies when warranty or service contract obligations are not met.

But there is an important difference:

Magnuson-Moss is not an appliance Lemon Law.

It also does not mean every broken appliance must be replaced.

The warranty, age of the appliance, type of failure and details of the situation still matter.

What If My Appliance Keeps Breaking?

This is where things can get frustrating.

Maybe your refrigerator stopped cooling twice.

Maybe your washer has had the same error code several times.

Maybe a part was replaced, but the original problem came back.

It is tempting to count the number of repairs and assume that the manufacturer must eventually replace the appliance.

For residential appliances, there is not one universal rule that says “three repairs means replacement” or any other set number.

Instead, start by answering a more useful question:

Why does the appliance keep failing?

That is where a good diagnosis matters.

Step 1: Find Your Model and Serial Number

Your appliance’s model and serial number can help identify:

The exact appliance
Its age
Applicable parts
Service information
Possible manufacturer updates
Warranty information

If you schedule appliance repair, having this information available can also help the service company prepare for your appointment.

Step 2: Keep Your Repair Records

If an appliance has had repeated problems, keep a simple record.

Save:

Purchase receipt, if available
Model and serial number
Warranty information
Previous service invoices
Dates of repairs
Parts that were replaced
Error codes
Photos of leaks or damage
Videos of unusual noises or problems
Notes from calls with the manufacturer or warranty company

This becomes especially helpful when several repairs have been made.

For example:

“My refrigerator has been repaired three times.”

does not tell us very much.

But:

“My refrigerator stopped cooling three times in six months, and the same component was replaced twice.”

gives a technician much more useful information.

Step 3: Get the Appliance Properly Diagnosed

Before deciding that an appliance is a “lemon,” find out what is actually wrong with it.

Two problems that look the same to a homeowner may have completely different causes.

A refrigerator that is leaking could have a clogged drain, a water system problem, an ice maker issue or another failure.

A refrigerator that is not cooling could have a problem involving airflow, controls, fans, the sealed system or another component.

That is why diagnosis matters.

A trained appliance technician can test the unit and document:

What the appliance is doing
What failed
Testing performed
Error codes
Parts that may be needed
Recommended repairs
The condition of the appliance

That information helps you make a better decision about what comes next.

What If My Appliance Is 10, 12 or 15 Years Old?

Age matters too.

A Lemon Law does not suddenly apply because an older appliance develops a problem.

That does not mean an older appliance should automatically be replaced either.

The better question is:

Does repairing this appliance make sense?

The answer can depend on:

The appliance brand and model
Its overall condition
What failed
The cost of the repair
Parts availability
Its repair history
What a comparable replacement would cost

Sometimes repairing an older appliance is a very reasonable choice.

Other times, the diagnosis may give you the information you need to decide that replacement makes more sense.

You do not have to guess.

A Leaking Refrigerator Is Not Automatically a Lemon

Let’s go back to the question that started this conversation.

A homeowner had a refrigerator that was about 13 years old and leaking. During the service visit, the idea of an appliance Lemon Law came up.

The leaking refrigerator may need a repair.

It may need more than one repair.

The owner may ultimately decide that replacing it makes more sense.

But none of those things makes the refrigerator covered by the vehicle Lemon Laws in Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana.

The first step is still the same:

Find out why it is leaking.

Once you know the problem, you can make a much better decision about whether to repair it, replace it or pursue any warranty coverage that may apply.

Need Help With an Appliance That Keeps Giving You Trouble?

When an appliance stops working, you usually do not need another opinion from the internet.

You need to know what is wrong and what it will take to fix it.

AAA Appliance Service Center diagnoses and repairs residential refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, ovens and other major household appliances.

Our technicians test the appliance, document what they find and explain the recommended repair so you can decide what makes sense for your home.

We provide appliance repair service throughout our service areas in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.

Call or text 630-966-1950 to speak with our team or request an appliance repair appointment online.

Because “Is this appliance a lemon?” may be the question that gets you started.

But “What is actually wrong with it?” is usually the question that helps you move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Lemon Law for refrigerators?

Not in Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana. The Lemon Laws in these states apply to qualifying motor vehicles, not residential refrigerators.

Does the Lemon Law cover washers and dryers?

No. Residential washing machines and clothes dryers are not covered by the motor vehicle Lemon Laws in Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana.

How many times can an appliance be repaired before it has to be replaced?

There is no universal appliance rule requiring replacement after a set number of repairs. Check the written warranty for your appliance and any other protections that may apply.

Does the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act apply to appliances?

Magnuson-Moss covers written warranties on consumer products, and FTC warranty guidance specifically includes appliances. It is a federal warranty law, but it is not an appliance Lemon Law.

What should I do if my refrigerator keeps breaking?

Keep your service records, model and serial number, error codes, photos and previous repair information. Then have the appliance properly diagnosed so you know whether the same failure is returning or a different problem has developed.

Should I repair or replace an older appliance?

There is no single answer based only on age. The type of failure, repair cost, condition, parts availability, repair history and replacement cost can all matter. A professional diagnosis can give you the information needed to make that decision.

Sources

Information in this article was reviewed using consumer information from:

Federal Trade Commission: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Federal Warranty Law
Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Warranty Guidance
Illinois Attorney General: Illinois Lemon Law
Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Wisconsin Lemon Law
Indiana Attorney General: Indiana Lemon Law / Motor Vehicle Protection Act

This article provides general consumer education about residential appliance repair and warranties. It is not legal advice. Laws, warranties and individual circumstances can vary. For questions about your legal rights or a specific warranty dispute, contact the appropriate consumer protection agency or a qualified attorney.

Is There a Lemon Law for Appliances?