That Dishwasher’s a Lie: What to Know About Pre-Owned Appliances

The red flags no inspector will catch—but your wallet definitely will

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We apologize for the dishwasher-shaped disaster.

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Many of us have been there. You think you’re getting a bunch of fantastic appliances as part of the package for your new home. You’ve got the inspector’s stamp of approval. And then? You find out—yeah, it runs. Right into a $2,000 floor replacement.

This week, we’re looking at some of the things people wish they’d been told before signing on the dotted line.

The Problem with “It Works”

When “functional” means “barely alive.”

Here’s the problem: a home inspector is meant to identify structural problems in a home before it’s sold. Their job is to check for gaping leaks, mold, or giant holes that may or may not lead to Narnia. Or to flag any potential red flags in the home’s history—like that one time the stairs had to be replaced due to termites.

But if appliances are included in the sale, their job stops at “does it turn on?”

As we’ve said over and over: an appliance can technically function and still be struggling—causing inefficiency, damage, or real safety hazards.

Important takeaway: If appliances are included, inspect them yourself. Make sure they work the way you want them to.

Red Flags & Real Costs

What they won’t show you up front (but you’ll absolutely pay for later).

This isn’t about calling anyone out—unless we’re writing a recall post. But it’s worth remembering: a realtor’s job is to show you how the house is now, not walk you through its full appliance history.

Here are some common problem spots:

• Refrigerator – Cooling issues, signs of refrigerant leaks, unsealed gaskets

• Oven/Range – Inconsistent heating, faulty burners, safety concerns

• Dishwasher – Leaks, pump issues, water damage you can’t see

• Washer/Dryer – Mold, clogged vents, odd noises, lint buildup

• HVAC – Mold, rust, hidden costs from poor maintenance

And just because something looks clean doesn’t mean it was deep-cleaned or that hidden issues aren’t still lingering. You can wipe up mold blooms, but depending on the type, it may still be thriving inside the walls.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Because the seller sure isn’t volunteering this info.

If the appliances are included, ask yourself: Why are they being left behind?
It could be convenience. It could be generosity. Or it could be that the seller’s tired of dealing with them.

Either way, a few friendly questions can go a long way—and they can be phrased as light conversation to keep things smooth with the seller and agent.

Try asking:

• Can I test the appliances during a showing or second visit?

• How old are they, and can I see proof of maintenance?

• What’s the plan for disposal or replacement if they die tomorrow?

Strategy, Not Sentiment

Don’t fall in love with the fridge (or anything else).

It’s easy to get caught up in the look of the kitchen suite—but appliances can fail between closing and move-in. Rather than falling in love, think strategy.

If you don’t like the appliances, consider negotiating them out. Ask the realtor. Ask the seller.

Some buyers even find success casually suggesting they’d prefer the appliances removed in exchange for a lower sale price. Not every seller will go for it, but if the units are old or visibly failing, some will be understanding.

If removal isn’t an option, it’s time for a family strategy session:

• What’s on your must-have list?

• What are you willing to live with?

Does the kitchen suite need to match? Can you deal with mismatched finishes? Do you have to have a working fridge on day one? Your answers will be different from someone else’s, but having that clarity up front helps keep expectations grounded.

Know What Comes With the House

Don’t assume. Verify. Then verify again.

If you’ve never bought a home before, hear this loud and clear: verify everything. If you have bought a home before, well, you probably already learned this the hard way.

Don’t assume anything—from your move-in date to the status of the appliances to who’s paying what in closing costs. Talk through all of it with your realtor, and keep notes.

That includes:

• Who’s doing the inspections?

• Who pays for problems that arise?

• Do those problems affect the sale price?

• When is your final walk-through, and what should still be in the house at that point?

We’ve heard more than one horror story about buyers expecting a washer and dryer that never materialized. Sometimes it was never part of the deal. Other times, the seller just changed their mind last-minute. If it’s not in writing, it’s not guaranteed.

Think Past Move-In Day

Eventually, everything breaks. Be ready.

It’s unfortunate but true: every appliance has an expiration date. Even if they seem perfect on move-in day, that doesn’t mean they’ll last the year.

Start by asking about local disposal rules. Some cities offer curbside pickup. Others require you to schedule in advance—or fine you for putting appliances out unannounced. Your realtor should be able to get that info quickly.

Even if the appliances seem solid, you’ll rarely get a maintenance binder or history log. So assume nothing. Just because it’s running today doesn’t mean it will be next spring. That’s why we always recommend: as soon as you move in, start budgeting for replacements.

They may be new to you, but they won’t stay new forever.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

If you’re feeling even slightly unsure after reading this—walk away. If you’ve seen sketchy signs, especially involving water or fire, walk away. Your wallet will thank you. Your future self will too.

There’s no reason to be stuck with someone else’s grime. And more importantly, you shouldn’t be stuck with their safety hazard.

If you’ve recently purchased a home and didn’t get a chance to ask all the right questions, we can help. Schedule a maintenance appointment with us. One of our technicians will do a full walkthrough of the appliances in your home, let you know what issues we find, what to watch for, and how to keep everything running in tip-top shape.

You can reach us through our website or give us a call.

Appliance Rescue Service — helping you keep your home running, whether it’s old or new, so that you can keep running too.

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Home Appliance Lifespans: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Get the most out of your home’s appliances with this handy room-by-room breakdown.

When you're handed the keys to your first home, there's a lot to figure out. If you're lucky, the previous owner or your realtor leaves behind a neat binder detailing everything that’s been done to the house during their tenure. But most of us aren't that lucky. Instead, we’re left guessing—when was the last pest treatment? Has the dishwasher ever been cleaned? Were the appliances repaired or just limping along?

Keeping your appliances happy and healthy is the key to making them last. This also means knowing how long your appliances should be kept, as well as how long you should reasonably expect them to work. This week, we're taking a look at all of the appliances in your home in a room-by-room breakdown. You'll get a better idea of the average lifespan you should expect from your appliances, along with some tips and tricks.

Owning a home for the first time comes with a steep learning curve. You suddenly become the plumber, the repair technician, and the budget analyst all in one. No more calling the landlord when something breaks—now it’s up to you to spot problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Whole Home Systems

There are four major systems that care for your entire home. Each of these varies in terms of how long they last, but all have the same thing in common: they are meant for the comfort of your home.

These aren’t the glamorous purchases you imagined when you dreamed about homeownership, but knowing how long your systems last can save you thousands. Most first-time homeowners are surprised to learn just how much routine care these systems need to stay functional.

Thermostats

Your thermostats can last up to 35 years. Thermostats can last up to 35 years, though we usually upgrade them long before then to keep up with changing technology. So long as you replace the batteries regularly and keep them updated, they should last you for a long time.

Air Conditioners

Second, we have our air conditioners. These come in three different varieties: your whole-house HVAC systems, wall or window units, and then portable ones. Portable units will vary between 5–10 years because they're often built to be lighter and thus aren't up to rigorous use. Wall and window units will typically last for 10 years, if cared for well, with consistent filter cleaning. Finally, your HVAC units will last between 15 and 20 years, especially if cared for regularly and maintained.

Furnaces & Boilers

Next up is your furnace and your boiler. These will often last about the same amount of time, so we've put them together. On average, these last the second longest in a home, second only to the thermostats. With electric units, they last the least amount of time, clocking in at roughly 15 years. Gas units will range from 18 to 20 years, thanks to being of simpler design. And finally, units that run on oil will last the longest, at 21 years. With regular maintenance and annual checkups, you can help your furnace and boiler reach the upper end of their lifespan.

Water Heaters

Finally, for our whole home section at least, we have water heaters. This time electric heaters will actually last longer at 11 years, while gas heaters typically only last for 10. The one that blows both of them out of the water though is tankless water heaters. If you haven't heard of these, they work on an ‘as needed’ basis only heating water when you use it. Because of that, they can last for twenty years or more!

If this is your first home, there’s a good chance no one told you that your water heater could flood your garage or closet if it fails. It’s not just about hot showers—it’s about knowing when to flush the tank or check for leaks before they become emergencies.

🧺 Laundry Room Appliances

Let's move on to our next area, the laundry room. As we talked about in the past, both your washer and your dryer need regular cleaning and maintenance in order to keep them in peak working condition. If you're just moving into your home, you'll want to check both appliances thoroughly, inspecting seals, vents, and filters to make sure they were well-maintained.

One thing no one tells you as a new homeowner: your appliances aren’t “set it and forget it.” Regular maintenance—yes, even cleaning your washer—can make all the difference between an appliance that lasts five years or fifteen.

Washing Machines

Courtesy of RDNE Stock project.

Your washing machine will typically last around a decade, give or take a year. The biggest things to remember are to keep the seals cleaned, and to keep an eye on the filters. If the seals get damaged, you'll be dealing with water getting everywhere. If the issue is the filters getting clogged, then your washer will struggle to work.

Dryers

Moving on to the dryer, this is another where you need to pay close attention to your filters. As usual though, we recommend cleaning the filter after every use, just so that it stays a habit. There's also the dryer vent on the back, which needs to be cleaned once a year. If you do both of these things, not only will this reduce fire risk, but you should also expect your dryer to last roughly 13 years.

👩‍🍳 Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerators

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It is constantly running, working to keep your food at 35 degrees. That means that you need it to keep running for as long as possible. Fortunately, your refrigerator, when treated right, will typically last you between 11 and 14 years. The best way to do this is to make sure you keep things open rather than packed completely full, and to vacuum the coils twice a year.

Courtesy of Kristoferb

If you’ve never owned a fridge before, you might not realize it needs regular care. Cleaning the coils and giving it breathing space aren’t just nice-to-haves—they keep your fridge from overworking and dying before its time.

Freezers

For freezers that are attached to a refrigerator, the lifespan will naturally be the same. What about the ones that are on their own though? Freestanding freezers, chest freezers and the one you keep out in the garage just for storing extra meat? For those you want to defrost as needed and make sure that the vents are kept clear. If you do that, your freezer should live for around 11 years.

Dishwashers

If you go to your dishwasher right now, you should find in the bottom of it a filter that you can twist out and remove. While it varies depending on the model, it is almost always there. Why? Because that catches the food debris that gets rinsed off your plate. Unlike old dishwashers that would catch and grind up the food, these just catch the food. That means that caring for your dishwasher means cleaning out the filter monthly. Additionally, you’ll want to run it regularly so that you can prevent failure of the door seal. Doing these things will make your dishwasher last between 9–12 years easily.

Ranges & Stovetops

Courtesy of Rangemaster

Ranges and stovetops are coming in three major varieties right now: electric and gas, with the new contender being induction. Induction stoves are still relatively new, so their average lifespan isn’t well-established yet. Electric stoves will last between 12 and 13 years while gas stoves will last between 14 and 15. The biggest difference is that electric stoves have more bits and pieces within them that can go wrong sooner.

As you get settled into your new home, we hope that you'll keep in mind the importance of regular maintenance. Whether you do it yourself or call us, taking care of your appliances means they'll take care of you.

Being a homeowner means learning as you go—and that’s okay. Whether you’re figuring out where your furnace filter is or learning the hard way that dishwashers have filters, every small win makes you a more confident homeowner. And when in doubt, our team is always just a call away.

Reminder: if an appliance is acting up before its ‘end of life’ time period, it could be worth repairing it now rather than replacing it outright.

That’s where our team at Appliance Rescue Service comes in. Whether you’re setting up your new home or fixing a long-standing issue, we’re here to help. Together we'll find a time and date that works for your schedule to send out our technicians and get your home running smoothly again.

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From the Border to Your Kitchen: The Ripple Effect of Tariffs on Repairs

 As new appliances become more expensive, more homeowners are turning to repairs—but that’s not without its own challenges.

In the last two weeks, we’ve looked at how tariffs are driving up prices for purchasing appliances, and how tariffs will affect the supply chain to get them built. This week we’re looking at how tariffs are also going to affect repairing your appliances.  This matters for all of us, as when the prices go up for new appliances, more people focus on fixing what they have. That increased demand puts even more pressure on the supply chain—one that’s already strained by the need to build new appliances With higher demand, the already strained repair economy will be placed under even more pressure. 

So what should you be watching for—and what can you do now to stay ahead of the curve?

Why Tariffs Affect Appliance Repairs

Courtesy of Markus Winkler

Many of us tend to think of tariffs as something that only affects the price of new appliances—just a matter of taxing anything coming into the United States from overseas. But the reality is more complicated, especially when it comes to appliance repairs. Tariffs don’t just apply to finished products in stores; they also apply to the raw materials and individual parts that make those products work in the first place. And that’s where the ripple effects really begin to show. Global supply chains are deeply interconnected. When tariffs are introduced or raised, those chains get disrupted—both outside the country and within our own borders. As access to essential components tightens, manufacturers and repair professionals alike are forced to find new ways to source the materials they need. That means everything from motors and steel housings to electronic circuit boards. Even companies that assemble appliances here in the U.S. still rely heavily on internationally made parts. So when tariffs hit, they don’t just impact global trade—they drive up the cost of doing business at every level. The result? Delays. Higher prices. And fewer options for the people trying to keep their appliances running smoothly. That’s why tariffs don’t just hit manufacturers—they hit everyone who depends on reliable repairs, too.

 What Homeowners Should Expect

What does that mean for you the homeowner though? The short and simple of it is that repair costs are likely to become more expensive over time. We’re not just looking at an impact of the next few months. This is something that will be affecting prices for at least the next two years, if the last round of tariffs are anything to go by.  

The more companies are charged to just get parts in, the more they have to charge to be able to make the cost back. We also have to look at possible delays as we wait for parts to be made or sourced from different companies in different countries. This then makes things take longer to get here, and reduces the likelihood of having parts on hand at all times. 

Special Challenges for DIY Repairs and Independent Shops

Courtesy of Tiger Lily

Now, this isn’t a problem for just big brand companies. This also affects people who want to do their own repairs. It’s also an issue for professional repair services. So, this is a situation where it bites everyone from the biggest fish to the smallest. As there become shortages of specialized parts, older appliances will get harder to repair, and also potentially less cost-effective.  

Long-Term Effects on Appliance Ownership

As the tariffs continue to fluctuate in the coming months and years we expect home owners to choose repairing over purchasing, if only for the savings that will bring compared to purchasing brand new. We’re also expecting that aftermarket parts will become more common solutions among DIY repairs, as those may be easier to obtain when compared to original parts. 

Finally, an unexpected one, for us at least, is that some are predicting the rise in costs for recycling and the disposal of old appliances due to metal tariffs. We’re not sure about this one though and are waiting to see how things will shake out. 

How to Get Ahead

As always, our biggest concern is YOU our clients in the Dallas-Frisco area. We want to make sure that you are able to take care of your homes and appliances. So, how can you get ahead? Our tips are as follows: 

• Schedule maintenance now if your appliances are showing signs of trouble.

• Use reputable repair services that can help source parts efficiently.

• Consider warranties: some manufacturers are maintaining parts warranties even if prices rise.

The tariff situation is evolving and changing week by week, but those of us with an eye to the future can protect our wallets by acting now. If you need repairs, we suggest working with a team you trust, that can help you to avoid surprise costs and keep your home running smoothly even in uncertainty. 

If you’re reading this and ready to reach out to us for an appointment, you can sign up for one via our website or by giving us a call. We’ll work with you to get your home running smoothly again. Whether it’s your washer not draining right or your oven refusing to heat up, we’re here for you. 

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Why Your Next Fridge or Dishwasher Might Be on Backorder

Navigating rising costs, limited stock, and global supply chain shifts as a homeowner

When your refrigerator stops cooling or your washing machine starts shaking like a jet engine, the last thing you want is sticker shock at the store—or a long wait for a backordered part. But thanks to a new round of tariffs recently enacted by President Donald Trump, appliance buyers and repair customers may soon find themselves caught up in the ripples of global trade policy.

Even if you don’t follow politics, these new tariffs are worth paying attention to—because they will affect the price (and availability) of everything from dishwashers to dryers in the coming months.

Why Tariffs Affect Appliances (and More)

At their core, tariffs are taxes on imported goods. Companies that buy products or components from other countries—like motors from China or electronics from South Korea—now have to pay more at the border. That extra cost often gets passed down the line to you, the customer.

Courtesy of Chanaka

Trump’s proposed plan included a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and steeper levies on goods from specific countries like China. And since appliances rely on international parts and labor—even for brands labeled “Made in the USA”—the impact will be felt across the board.

How the Appliance Supply Chain Actually Works

Modern appliances are global jigsaw puzzles. A single washing machine might include:

A motor from China

Circuit boards from South Korea

Steel framing from Germany

Plastic housing molded in Mexico

Final assembly in Vietnam

Even U.S.-based manufacturing isn’t immune. American-made dishwashers or refrigerators often use imported steel and aluminum, which are now tariff targets too. That means higher production costs, even for companies trying to keep operations stateside.

And that’s where the supply chain bottlenecks begin.

What Homeowners Can Expect in the Short Term

If you’re wondering whether appliance prices will jump overnight—the answer is, not exactly. Some retailers and manufacturers have been stockpiling parts and finished goods to buy time. These “safety stock” reserves may delay the effects for a few weeks or months.

But once those inventories run low, prices are expected to climb. In fact, experts predict some common household appliances could see price hikes of 10–25%, depending on the model and how many of its parts are impacted by tariffs.

Here’s what that might look like:

Refrigerators & Freezers: $150–$500 increase (especially models made in Mexico)

Washing Machines & Dryers: $100–$400 increase (Samsung and Whirlpool models affected)

Microwaves & Ovens: $50–$200 increase (reliant on Canadian and Mexican components)

Dishwashers: $75–$300 increase (many assembled in Canada or with Canadian parts)

Courtesy of Tiger Lily

And for repairs? Replacement parts might be harder to find and slower to ship—especially for older models with less common components.

What You Can Do Now

For Dallas-area homeowners, here’s how to stay ahead of potential supply chain delays and cost hikes:

If You’ve Been Thinking About Upgrading, Don’t Wait

Appliances nearing the end of their lifespan (especially 8+ years old) are good candidates for replacement now—before prices go up.

Look for Open-Box or Clearance Sales

Retailers will likely try to clear pre-tariff inventory quickly. If you can find last year’s model, you might save a bundle.

Consider Repairing Instead of Replacing

If your appliance has a minor issue, repair might be more cost-effective. Local services can often fix problems for less than the cost of a new unit—and without the supply chain headaches.

Plan Ahead for Repairs

If you’ve got a laundry machine or fridge with a known quirk, don’t wait for it to fully fail. Parts may take longer to source, and scheduling repairs will get more competitive.

How This Affects Dallas Homeowners

For homeowners in the Dallas area, this means more than just sticker shock at the appliance store. Expect longer wait times for appliance deliveries, especially for specialty or high-efficiency models. Items that rely on imported parts—like dishwashers with smart features, energy-efficient water heaters, or smart home-compatible appliances—may see the sharpest delays and price hikes. Even appliances labeled "Made in the USA" can still include imported steel, plastic, or internal electronics. So while local retailers may try to soften the blow, once pre-tariff inventory runs out, prices will go up—and stock could get thin.

The Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Panicked

While the full extent of Trump’s proposed tariffs is still unfolding, one thing’s clear: global supply chains are complicated, and even small changes in trade policy can create big ripple effects for consumers.

If you’re in the market for a new appliance—or know yours is on borrowed time—it pays to stay informed, plan ahead, and act when it makes financial sense. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or just trying to keep your washer running another year, a little forethought can go a long way in avoiding surprise costs.

And as always, your local appliance repair experts are here to help. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re keeping a close eye on how tariffs impact availability and pricing—and we’re ready to guide Dallas homeowners through these shifting times with honest advice and reliable service.

Tariff Trouble: Why Buying New Appliances Just Got Pricier

Tariffs are more than a trade term—they’re shaping how much you’ll spend on your next appliance.

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about tariffs until they start messing with our wallets. And unless you’re deep into economics or international trade, the topic can feel like a blur of taxes, trade wars, and political debates. But when those abstract policies start affecting the price of everyday things—like your fridge, your washer, or even your coffeemaker—it suddenly becomes very real.

Courtesy of Markus Winkler

With new tariffs rolling out under President Trump’s administration, a lot of folks are asking: What does this actually mean for me? Will prices spike? Should I buy now or wait it out? And why does it seem like even the smallest appliance is getting caught up in all of this?

Let’s break it all down—plain and simple—so you know what’s happening, who it’s going to hit, and how it might change your next appliance purchase.

What Are Tariffs? 

Although many of us have our opinions on whether tariffs are good or bad, let’s take a look at what they are. 

Tariffs are taxes placed by the government on goods brought in from other countries. For example, if a company wants to buy phones from South Korea to sell here in the US. There’s a tax for bringing in goods from outside the country, rather than buying from local suppliers. 

That’s the basics. 

When it comes to the tariffs that President Trump is enacting, it hits home appliances on multiple levels. 

First we have the varying charges on goods imported from different countries. These are based on how that country has interacted with the US, and the tariffs that they charge us. There’s a complicated formula that was used, but that’s not relevant. 

Second, you have across the board tariffs that are being charged on all imported home appliances. 

Finally, you have tariffs that are being applied to steel and aluminum, which will also affect the price of goods made from those materials. 

Who Will Be Affected By Tariffs? 

In theory, tariffs are meant to increase our nation’s income, by taxing incoming goods.They are meant to help our economy by making imported products more expensive. This encourages businesses to buy and sell goods made in the United States instead.

However, what happens when companies are charged through the nose to bring in goods from other countries? We, the consumers, get charged through the nose. Prices go up because materials cost more, because of the tariffs themselves, and because supply is shrinking.

Courtesy of Freddy

So, in theory the companies who are importing goods will be paying. In practice? It’ll be us. 

How Will Tariffs Affect Buying New Appliances—And Why? 

Now for the meat of things. How are the tariffs going to affect buying new appliances? 

Some companies preempted the tariffs going into effect by raising prices ahead of time. Thermador, LG, GE, and Sub-Zero all did this. Thermador and LG both raised their Prices in January, GE raised theirs in February and Sub-Zero raised theirs in March. While none of these hikes were more than 25% at the time, it’s unclear how much they’ll go up in response to the  April 3rd tariffs.  

Here’s a breakdown of what we’re likely to see  for all of the different appliances.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Many major brands are manufactured in Mexico, so they’ll be hit with the tariffs for importing from there.  

Washing Machines & Dryers

Samsung and Whirlpool both have assembly plants in Mexico, again, import tariffs from Mexico. 

Microwaves & Ovens

Both have a large number of pieces (if not their entirety) made of steel and aluminum, even as many are assembled in the US. This means that they get hit with the charge for steel and aluminum imports. 

Gas Grills

Almost half of the choices you see in the store are all made in China, so they’ll get hit with the highest tariff currently on the books. 

Coffeemakers 

Yup. Even our coffeemakers are going to get hit since most of them from KitchenAid to Thermador are imported. 

Courtesy of Gerd Altmann

As tariffs go into effect, companies will start to bring in fewer units to limit how much they’re paying at one time. If they can’t guarantee the capability of selling what they have, they aren’t going to bring it in. This will mean we’ll start to see availability issues as prices are rising, or you’ll be charged extra to ensure that you get what you wanted. 

In fact, kitchen appliances are experiencing a double whammy: not only are many finished products imported, but even U.S.-made models rely on foreign steel and components now subject to tariffs. That means manufacturers face increased costs on multiple fronts — and consumers foot the bill.

An important thing to consider is that President Trump has already given a 90 day pause on certain tariffs, as well as being ‘open to negotiation’ from certain countries. So, trying to predict how and when prices will rise or fall is not worth the time. The situation is in flux from one day to the next, and we don’t know how it will shake out or how long it will take for things to settle. For that one, you can look back at how tariffs affect washing machines in President Trump’s first term. 

And whether shoppers feel panicked or patient often has little to do with pricing spreadsheets and everything to do with political outlook. Those hoping tariffs will pay off long-term are often more willing to ride out the discomfort — while others, feeling blindsided, are scrambling to buy before things get worse.

While tariffs may change the price tag on new appliances, one thing that won’t change is the value of a well-timed repair. If your current appliances are still hanging in there but acting up, our team at Appliance Rescue Service can help you extend their lifespan and avoid steep replacement costs. Give us a call—we're here to keep your home running smoothly, no matter what the market looks like.

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