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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From Pantry to Picnic: Peach Cornbread Recipe

A juicy twist on a classic—perfect for warm days and sweeter memories.

Warmer weather calls for the triumphant return of some summer flavors! Although peaches aren't quite in season yet for most of the country, they are near us, and we've decided to take advantage of the availability.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cornmeal

2/3 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground ginger

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup milk

1 large egg

1 whole peach

2 tablespoons Ceylon cinnamon, divided

3 tablespoons honey, divided

Tools:

knife

cutting board

8x8 baking dish

mixing bowl

spoon and/or whisk

measuring cups and spoons

hand mixer (optional)

non-stick spray

As always, please wash your produce! Pesticides and dirt are not considered complementary flavors for this recipe. With peaches you don’t have to scrub too hard, just wash gently in cool water, to get all of the ick off. 

Preheat the oven to 400 and spray the bottom of your baking dish with non-stick spray.

Using a sharp knife, skin and slice your peach. Discard the skin and the pit. Trim your sliced peach into quarter inch chunks. If you have an excessive puddle of juice forming on the cutting board, drain it off.

Measure your dry ingredients - cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, ginger and one tablespoon of the Ceylon cinnamon - into the mixing bowl. Take a minute to break up the biggest clumps you see.

As an aside, Ceylon cinnamon is not strictly necessary for this recipe. The more common/widely available Chinese cinnamon can absolutely be substituted for it, and this cornbread will still taste fantastic. We used Ceylon cinnamon because of its citrus-y profile and more mild spiciness. (We have one in the house who's extra sensitive to spicy food and categorizes Chinese cinnamon as "too spicy.")

To your bowl of dry ingredients, add the melted butter, milk, and egg. Break up the egg yolk with a spoon or whisk. Add one tablespoon of honey and mix well. We used a hand mixer at this stage, mostly for the time savings it affords. The faster it gets to the oven, the sooner we get to eat it.

After draining off any residual juice on the cutting board (because somehow there's always a little more), add the peach pieces to the bowl and stir by hand until they're all coated in the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Level and spread with a spoon if necessary, though it should be thin enough to flow into the edges on its own. We like to poke some peach chunks into the corners just to ensure a more even distribution of fruit. Nobody wants their slice of peach cornbread to be peach-less. That's not only false advertising, it's also just plain sad.

Drizzle the remaining two tablespoons of honey on top of the batter. Sprinkle the last tablespoon of Ceylon cinnamon evenly over the top of the honey drizzle.

Bake for 17-20 minutes until set in the middle. Allow the cornbread to cool for at least five minutes before turning it out of the dish, using a plate to flip it right side up again. Cut into eighths with a sharp knife and serve warm, preferably with extra honey, a pat of butter, or a scoop of ice cream.

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that feels both nostalgic and a little bit new. This week’s peach cornbread brings the cozy, familiar texture of a classic bake, but the juicy bursts of peach and the mellow citrus warmth of Ceylon cinnamon lift it into something truly unique. It’s the kind of simple dish that doesn’t demand much from you—just a little time, a few pantry staples, and one good peach. In return, you get a golden, sweet-smelling square of summer comfort that’s equally at home next to your morning coffee or served warm with a scoop of ice cream after dinner. Recipes like this are part of why we love baking seasonally—it connects us to what's growing nearby, gives us an excuse to slow down, and makes the kitchen smell like all of the best parts of childhood.

If you give this peach cornbread a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you stick with Ceylon cinnamon, or did you raid your spice cabinet for something else? Either way, we hope it brought a little warmth to your table and a smile to someone’s face. And if your appliances ever slow you down, give our team at Appliance Rescue Service a call—we’ll help keep the good stuff coming. 

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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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Call:  (214) 599-0055

Quick Comfort: Ravioli and Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Bake

A hearty, comforting bake that brings family and flavor together.

Ravioli for dinner might seem a little boring... But it's quick and convenient and filling, and even the pickiest eaters still enjoy it. So this week we decided to fancy it up some, add a protein and please the grownups at the table too.

Ingredients:

6 medium chicken breasts

3 Roma tomatoes

8 ounces mozzarella cheese

package frozen ravioli

24+ ounces tomato sauce

2 teaspoons rubbed sage

1 teaspoon rosemary

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon parsley

parmesan cheese, to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

Tools:

9x 13 baking dish

knife

cutting board

plates or bowls to hold cut foods for later assembly

spoon

toothpicks

aluminum foil

meat thermometer

can opener (if canned sauce instead of jarred)

As always, please wash any produce that didn't make its way to your kitchen ready to eat.

Preheat the oven to 350 and grab a 9x13 baking dish. We spritzed the bottom and sides of the dish with spray oil to make cleanup easier later. Set the dish close to the cutting board so you'll save steps on the assembly stage.

Pop open your can or jar of tomato sauce. Drip some into the baking dish and use a spoon to spread it into a thin layer. Place a layer of frozen ravioli (we used spinach and herb ravioli just because we enjoy them; feel free to use any frozen ravioli you like, although we would probably avoid beef for this dinner). Spread some tomato sauce on the ravioli, place a second layer of ravioli and cover that in sauce.

Repeat until you either run out of ravioli or until you only have an inch of headspace in the pan. By our estimate, a standard 9x13 Pyrex will fit about 45 jumbo ravioli in three layers with 24 ounces of sauce and still have just enough room for the the chicken breast, cheese and tomatoes without being over-full.

There's a chance you maybe do what we did at this point: realize you want more ravioli than will fit in the pan with the chicken. There's a teenage boy in this house, and we go through a LOT of pasta. We hastily grabbed and greased a second pan to cook the chicken separately. You'll notice in the photos that there is no bed of ravioli under the chicken.

Take your knife and cut the mozzarella into 12-15 thin slices and set them aside. Slice your tomatoes as thin as you like, aiming for 18 slices, and move those to another dish to clear the cutting board. We diced any odd shaped pieces left over and set them with the slices.

Place a chicken breast on the cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut in from one side to butterfly the meat. Don't cut all the way through; you want the chicken breast open but intact on one side. Slide two or more slices of tomato and a slice of cheese into the split, close the chicken breast back up, and pin it closed with a toothpick if it flops open. Repeat for the five remaining chicken breasts.

Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to the baking dish, on top of the ravioli (if you eat normal person amounts of pasta, at least). Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the chicken, because handling raw meat is kind of gross and cross contamination is dangerous.

Drop your remaining slices and chunks of tomato on top of the chicken. Sprinkle on the rosemary, sage, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper. Lay the remaining slices of cheese over top of the tomatoes and spices. Sprinkle with some dried parmesan cheese if desired.

Cover the pan tightly in aluminum foil and bake 35 minutes. Take the pan out of the oven at the the 35 minute mark, pull the foil off, and bake your meal another 15-20 minutes uncovered.

These instructions apply to both pans if you also ended up cooking the ravioli and the chicken separately. To ensure your chicken is cooked all the way though, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast - your goal is 165 degrees.

Allow everything to cool in the pan for at least five minutes before serving. Add a veggie of your choice to complete the meal.

Cooking for family and friends is much more fun when your appliances work like they should. If your oven, stove, or any kitchen sidekick is giving you trouble, give Appliance Rescue Service a shout. We’ll help keep everything running smooth, so you can focus on the good stuff — like sharing meals and making memories.

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Call:  (214) 599-0055