Our fridge is finally working again.
# Spent $119 with a local repair outfit that diagnosed the compressor. He said he will not touch any OEM replacement parts, but could repair it with other parts for $1500 or more. We declined. (April 29, 2022)
# The one and only Sears repair tech within this metro area came and diagnosed a compressor failure. We paid $256 to cover service call and 50% of the expected labor. He ordered all the parts, which arrived within a week or so. (June 18)
# The tech returned and repaired the unit. He was fine and did a great job. I asked him how long I can expect the unit to last and he said, at least until you can't see my taillights leave the driveway. We paid $238 for a total of $613. Parts were covered under the 10-year warranty. (July 29, 17 weeks after failure.)
# After a number of calls with their off-shore team, we were sent a compressor (without the other required parts) early in the process. This compressor is still sitting in our kitchen. What to do with it?!?!?
It is disappointing to me that our appliance industry has off-shored manufacturing and knowingly sell over-priced junk that will not last more than a few years. I would replace my appliances every three years if they were priced accordingly. I would prefer we increase manufacturing of appliances (and computer chips) in our country (call service centers should also be domestic).
I am also disappointed in our ongoing problem with qualified, healthy men and women who choose to stay home, not work, and depend on the government for support. We need to get the country back to work by eliminating debt forgiveness and rent/mortgage support (some of which has already expired), and perhaps other government payments. I know the published unemployment rate is low, but how many people have simply stopped looking for work? How can there be one and only one tech within several hundred square miles?
Apologies for the rant.