At Repair Clinic, an online parts retailer that also matches consumers with repair pros, the wait for service is currently two to four days, according to Chris Zeisler, the website’s technical services supervisor. And once the summer hits, Zeisler expects that wait time to increase to three to six days.
“The common part supply chain for U.S. manufacturers is much better [than it was during COVID-19],” Zeisler says, “but there is still a significant lag time for control boards, especially for overseas brands like Samsung, LG, and Bosch.” A control board is a central processing unit that manages an appliance’s various functions.
Some refrigerator owners are waiting six to eight months for parts—usually those control boards, Zeisler says; more complex machines can have more than one. “Gone are the days of a simple mechanical timer controlling anything anymore,” Zeisler says. “Even the most basic clothes dryer uses a control board or two.”
In the interim, he says, those waiting consumers are “probably using the garage or basement fridge, or getting something in the used market.” You might have to compromise by finding a temporary replacement, accepting generic parts, or deciding to buy a new appliance. (Find out which appliance repairs you can do on your own and which require a pro.)
A final word from Zeisler on repairing vs. replacing: Given cost and availability concerns, he encourages large appliance owners to repair anything less than 6 years old.
Source link