Major Appliances/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am a self-employed Major Appliance Service Technician. I can answer MOST major appliance questions, and I will only tell you the CORRECT way to fix something (as I would in my customer's house). I do NOT "sugar-coat" my answers - you are told it up-front, and to the point. Some models are not available in Canada however (and vise-versa), and although "a dryer is a dryer" (for example), I am more familiar with North American models. Remember, I HAVEN'T seen EVERYTHING, and I can't do ANYTHING without the correct model number! :)

Experience in the area

I have been a Technician in the Major Appliance field since 1995, after I graduated from Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, in which I took the Major Appliance Repair Technician Program. I have been self-employed since 1998.

Organizations

I am a registered contractor with T.S.S.A. in Ontario. The T.S.S.A. regulate the fuels industry in Ontario, and BY LAW, you MUST be a registered contractor to work on ANY gas appliance in Ontario. I also belong to the Better Business Bureau of Windsor & Southwestern Ontario.

Education/Credentials

I graduated from the Major Appliance Technician Servicing Program at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. I have achieved accreditation by the Government Of Ontario as a Major Appliance Service Technician. I continually attend update workshops, and I am an Authorized Servicer for Whirlpool Canada.

What do you like about this subject?

I like the fact that every day is different, because every job is different.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I continually attend upgrade courses to continue to learn new methods of repairs.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Here in Canada (and any other country that has adopted The Montreal Protocol), it is ILLEGAL to add refrigerant to ANY sealed system, until the system has been repaired, and certified as leak free. A fridge (or a/c unit) NEVER needs "topping up" with refrigerant. REFRIGERANT NEVER WEARS OUT! Adding refrigerant to a sealed system is also a total waste of money!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

As with any trade, there are technicians who are not properly trained and therefore cause problems with customers, and give the whole industry a bad reputation. Remember: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!