Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC/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). 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 it's sometimes really difficult to diagnose problems just by a description in a letter. I try my best though. :)

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, and cover most major brands. I am an authorized servicer for Whirlpool Canada.

Organizations

I belong to the Southwestern Ontario Better Business Bureau, and am a registered contractor with T.S.S.A. (The Technical Standards & Safety Authority regulate gas fitters and the fuels industry). By law, you MUST be registered as a contractor with T.S.S.A. to repair ANY gas appliance in Ontario.

Education/Credentials

I graduated from the Major Appliance Repair Program at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. I have obtained my Certificate of Accreditation from The Canadian Electronic & Appliance Service Association in 1997, and my Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario Government in 2000. I am also a Licensed Gas Fitter (G2).

What do you like about this subject?

I love my job, mainly because every hour I am doing something new. I also like the fact that I am continually learning new things - knowledge is an asset.

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

Actually, I learn something new everyday, so it never ends.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Adding refrigerant to a sealed system (fridge or a/c) before fixing the leak, is not only illegal, but a total waste of money (here in Ontario, Canada anyway)! Refrigerant NEVER "wears out", and NEVER needs topping up! And, the word "Freon" is NOT the name of refrigerant - it is a trade name for DuPont Corporation.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Not all of the Appliance Technicians out there are like the ones portrayed on television news-magazines. Remember though, "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"!