How to Start an Appliance Repair Business: Training, Tools, Licenses and Customers
How to start your own appliance repair business
In this article
To start an appliance repair business, learn appliance repair (course, apprenticeship or work for a repair company), get EPA 608 certification for sealed refrigeration systems, register the business with insurance and any required license, equip a van with tools and common parts, and get customers through Google, property managers and warranty companies. Startup costs are often $5,000 to $25,000.
Step 1: Get trained
Learn electrical basics, reading wiring diagrams and fault codes, and repairing washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens and ranges. Courses, manufacturer training and working for an established repair company all help. Career path: How to become an appliance repair technician.
Step 2: Certifications and licenses
- EPA Section 608 to work on refrigerant systems
- A business license
- Some states require an appliance repair or electronics service dealer license (for example California)
- Gas appliance work may need a separate license in some areas
Step 3: Insurance
General liability (water leaks and gas lines carry real risk), commercial auto and workers' comp once you hire.
Step 4: Tools and startup costs
| Item | Rough cost |
|---|---|
| Used van with shelving | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Multimeter, hand and power tools | $500 – $2,000 |
| Appliance dolly, moving straps | $200 – $600 |
| Refrigerant gauges, vacuum pump, recovery machine | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Common parts inventory | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Scheduling and invoicing software | $30 – $200 per month |
| Website and Google profile | $500 – $3,000 |
Step 5: Set your prices
Charge a diagnostic / service call fee (often credited toward the repair), then labour plus parts. Many companies use flat-rate pricing per repair type so customers know the cost upfront.
Step 6: Parts suppliers
Open accounts with appliance parts distributors for trade pricing and quick pickup. Keep common parts (belts, igniters, pumps, door switches, control boards for popular models) on the van.
Step 7: Get customers
- Google Business Profile with reviews
- A website with online booking and brand/appliance list
- Property managers and landlords
- Home warranty companies (steady volume, lower rates)
- Appliance stores that don't offer repair
- Realtors and home inspectors
Is it worth it? Is appliance repair a good business?.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start my own appliance repair business?
Get trained and EPA 608 certified, register and insure the business, equip a van and market locally.
How much does it cost to start an appliance repair business?
Often $5,000 to $25,000, mostly for a van, tools and parts.
Do you need a license to repair appliances?
Most places need a business license; some states require an appliance repair license, and refrigerant work needs EPA 608.
How do appliance repair companies get customers?
Google, reviews, property managers, home warranty companies and referrals.
Can I start appliance repair from home?
Yes. Most repair businesses are mobile and run from home.
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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