The COVID-19 pandemic, among its many consequences, has led to an increased shortage of home appliances. Homeowners have been forced to opt for repairing their appliances as a result. In normal times such a situation would be a welcomed one; however, appliance repair professionals face limited replacement part supplies. The virus’s impact on global production lines and transportation prevents these items, many of which originate abroad, from getting to the US. Those that do sell out quickly or get directed to existing back-order requests.
Despite these circumstances, technicians still possess a resource to complete jobs and keep their customers happy: appliance circuit board repair. The following article provides appliance repair pros with an overview of these services and solutions.
What is Appliance Circuit Board Repair and Why It’s Booming?
Circuit boards are composed of electrical or electronic components on an insulated material, which controls the different features in a device. Inside appliances, the parts regulate functions like temperature, displays, and lights. Newer models, in particular, consist of intricate electronic set-ups meaning that when issues arise they require immediate attention.
In 2020, a national appliance part shortage encourages homeowners to ask for appliance parts to be repaired versus replaced. Circuit boards, specifically, are one of the most requested repairs we’ve been hearing pros identify as being in high demand by customers. The situation continues today at an ever increasing rate. A few years ago we rarely shipped out computer boards for repair but now it is a frequent occurrence.
Below we outline how to identify if a circuit board is failing or broken, as well as a source who can help with these repairs.
How to Identify a Broken Circuit Board
Signs of a Failing or Dead Appliance Circuit Board
Although each type of appliance and its brand may offer varying warning signs, here are some of the most common ones appliance repair techs see.
Ovens and Ranges:
- An error code may be displayed; however, this code does not specify the exact issue. Electric ovens often seem like they are working but will not heat up.
Refrigerators:
- Many homeowners initially report a burning odor or a warm fridge. Techs can confirm this from error codes displays or visible burns on the board.
Washers and Dryers:
- Similar to refrigerators, homeowners often mention a burning odor to appliance repair professionals to tip them off about a faulty board. Additionally, a dryer’s failure to produce heat could be another symptom to investigate further.
Possible Causes of Circuit Board Failure
- A heavy circuit that overloads the system
- An appliance that is overworked and not regularly maintained
- Heat sensitivity (ovens, ranges, dryers)
- Compressor heat and improper venting can cook the board (refrigerators)
Circuit Board Repair: When It’s a Good Idea and How Much to Charge for This Service
Once you have identified that a faulty circuit board is a reason an appliance no longer works and you are unable to purchase a factory original part your only option is to ship the faulty board to a rebuilding center. Fortunately, my mentor Uncle Harry has been repairing circuit board for years and he has expanded this service to appliance repair techs and homeowners. I have personally used his service and it was quick and the rebuilt boards worked perfectly. He is charging $189.00 for a board rebuild including a year guarantee. I charge $500-600 for this repair! Follow this link for details>>.
Hi! I have a kitchenmaid refrigerator model number KBRC36FKS00. The control board has gone out part number 2252161. We sent it into our warranty company and they lost it (after 6 months of giving us the run around). I’m just reaching out in the hope that maybe you could locate one or refer me to someone else that might be able to find one? Thank you so much!
That part is no longer available as you have found out. The old one can be repaired but you do need the original to start from.