How to Learn Appliance Repair: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started in the Trade
Want to learn how to fix appliances and build a career in appliance repair, and what it takes to be an appliance tech? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start learning appliance repair—from tools and training to hands-on practice and certification.
Why Learn Appliance Repair?
Appliance repair is one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the U.S. With more households relying on high-tech appliances, there’s never been a better time to learn how to diagnose and fix washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and more.
Some key benefits:
- Great pay, even for entry-level techs
- Quick path to self-employment
- Steady work and job security
- Minimal licensing in most areas
- Knowledge from this field is cross applicable to other fields, like HVAC.
What Does It Take To Be An Appliance Repair Technician?
To succeed as an appliance repair technician, the most important qualities are a mechanical mindset and a strong desire to learn. Being comfortable working with tools and understanding how machines function is key, but just as crucial is the ability to adapt and expand your knowledge as new technology and appliances emerge.
Beyond technical skills, customer service is a vital component of the job. As an appliance tech, you’ll spend just as much time interacting with customers as you do repairing machines. Strong communication skills, patience, and a positive attitude will help you build rapport, ensure customer satisfaction, and foster repeat business. A great technician not only fixes appliances—they also make the customer feel confident and valued.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of How Appliances Work
Before you dive into repairs, it’s important to learn how appliances work at a fundamental level.
We recommend starting with:
- Electricity basics (voltage, current, resistance)
- Common components: motors, pumps, thermostats, control boards
- Wiring diagrams: Learn how to read them to understand circuits
While YouTube offers a wealth of appliance repair videos, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or misled without a structured learning path. Without a solid foundation, self-teaching can lead to confusion, costly mistakes, and wasted time. A professional appliance repair training program provides step-by-step instruction, proven techniques, and expert support—ensuring you build the right skills from the ground up
Step 2: Get the Right Tools
Learning appliance repair doesn’t require a huge investment in tools—but there are a few essentials:
Starter Tools:
- Multimeter (for testing voltage, continuity, and resistance)
- Nut drivers and screwdrivers.
- Pliers and wire strippers
- Appliance parts access (e.g., RepairClinic, Marcone)
Access the list of major parts distributors here: Parts Distributors
🔍 Step 4: Practice on Real Machines
The best way to build confidence and sharpen your diagnostic skills is by getting hands-on with real appliances. Start with older machines—whether it’s your own, a friend’s, or ones you can pick up cheap (or free!) through local classifieds. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and neighborhood apps are goldmines for finding broken or outdated units people are giving away. Even working machines can be valuable learning tools—take the time to inspect them, take them apart, and observe how the components function. The more time you spend physically interacting with appliances, the faster you’ll bridge the gap between theory and real-world repair.
Step 5: Build Your Resume or Start Your Business
Breaking into the appliance repair industry is more accessible than you might think. Many companies are actively looking for motivated individuals who are eager to learn and ready to work—and they’re often more interested in your attitude and hands-on skills than a traditional resume.
By completing a structured online training course, such as those offered by Appliance Tech Academy, you’re not only building real-world knowledge, but also proving your commitment to the trade. Showing that you’ve taken initiative to train on your own time tells employers that you’re serious about a career in appliance repair. Whether you’re applying for a technician position or starting your own service business, your training becomes a powerful tool to set you apart from the competition.