Your home is your sanctuary, where you relax and recharge after a long day, all thanks to the appliances that make your life easier and more comfortable. But what if your appliances aren't working properly? It can be a major inconvenience, and even a safety hazard. That's where appliance installers come in.

These skilled professionals are essential for ensuring that our appliances are installed correctly, repaired promptly, and replaced safely. They have the expertise to handle all types of appliances, from ovens and cooktops to refrigerators and dishwashers. Whether you're moving into a new home, renovating your existing home, or simply need to replace an old appliance, a professional installer can help you get the job done right.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, including:

• What tasks appliance installers can take care of
• The most common appliance issues
• The cost of hiring an appliance installer
• How to hire a reputable local appliance installer
• Licensing for appliance installers
• Getting quotes from appliance installers

What does an appliance installer do?

These tradies are responsible for installing a wide range of appliances throughout the home, including:

• Ovens, cooktops and rangehoods
• Dishwashers
• Fridges and freezers
• Water dispensers
• Washing machines
• Air conditioners 
• Dehumidifiers
• Security systems

In addition to installing new appliances, they can also repair or replace existing appliances as well as provide specific advice on brands or products suitable for your needs and budget.

Most common appliance issues

Some of the most common appliance issues result from improper installation, damage to the appliance during installation or general wear and tear. You might notice an issue with your appliance when:

• It is not working as expected, for example, a fridge may not be cooling food properly
• It makes strange noises 
• It leaks water or gas
• It’s not level or stable

If appliance issues are not addressed quickly, there is a significant risk of:

• Safety hazards, such as leaks, fires and electric shocks
• Reduced performance
• Increased energy costs
• Shortened lifespan of your appliance.

Read more: How long do common house appliances last?

How much does it cost to hire an appliance installer?

Appliance installation is usually charged as a flat rate per appliance. There may also be additional charges on top, for services like the removal of the old appliance, and this fixed price will fluctuate depending on the work required.

More complex installations, such as range hoods and built-in ovens, typically cost more than simpler installations, such as washing machines. This is because more specialised knowledge and skills are required to install these appliances.

Additional work, such as electrical or plumbing connections, will also increase the cost of the installation. For example, if you are installing a new dishwasher and your kitchen does not have a dishwasher connection, the installer will need to create one. For this additional component, you will need to pay more.

Some typical cost estimates include:

• $99 for a washing machine installation
• $165 for a wall mounted clothes dryer
• $175 for an oven installation
• $285 for a canopy range installation
• $385 for a dual fuel stove installation

Read more: How Much Are Average Appliance Repair Costs? and  How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

How to hire a reputable local appliance installer

When hiring a reputable local appliance installer, it's crucial to ask the right questions to ensure the installation is done efficiently and safely.

Key questions include:

• Are you licensed?
• Do you specialise in installing specific types of appliances, such as gas stoves, dishwashers, or range hoods?
• What is the estimated timeline for the installation of the appliance?
• Do you provide any warranties or guarantees on your installation work?
• How do you handle issues that may arise after installation?
• Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the installation costs, including any additional charges for unexpected complications or materials?
• Do you handle the cleanup of debris and old appliances after installation, or is this a separate service?
• Are you available for emergency installations or repairs if needed in the future?

Licensing for appliance installers

Appliance installers work with electrical components, so they need to be licensed electricians to complete their work safely and legally.

It’s also a good idea to hire an installer who is a member of a professional trade association. One example is The Housing Industry Association (HIA) which is a national trade association for electrical contractors, including those who install appliances.

Getting quotes from appliance installers

Once you have found a few reputable installers, it's important to get quotes from each one. This will help you to compare prices and choose the best installer for your needs.

Remember:

• Be clear about the scope of work
• Ensure the installer understands exactly what needs to be done
• Be prepared to negotiate
• Ask about payment options if the cost poses a barrier.

By choosing a reputable and qualified installer, you can ensure that your appliances are installed correctly and safely, and that you will be satisfied with the work.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.