Frequently Asked
Questions

Yes. If our technician diagnoses the problem and you choose not to proceed, the estimate-only fee of $89 per appliance applies ($129 on military bases). Discounts do not apply. If you proceed with the repair, this fee is not charged separately.

Always. Our technician diagnoses the issue, explains what’s wrong in plain language, and gives you a full written estimate including parts and labor before touching anything. You approve before we begin. No surprises, ever.

Parts are additional and itemized separately in your estimate. We source quality parts — not cheap knock-offs — which is part of how we back every repair with a 90-day warranty. You’ll know the full cost before we order or install anything.

General rule: if the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is under 10–12 years old, repair almost always makes more financial sense. We’ll give you an honest assessment — if repair doesn’t make sense, we’ll say so. We’re not here to take your money on a bad fix.

Standard repair rates apply to rental properties. Our standard 90-day parts & labor warranty does apply to rental properties. The military discount and the lifetime parts warranty do not.

The 90-day warranty covers the parts installed and the labor performed on your specific repair. If the same problem recurs within 90 days due to the repair or parts, we return at no charge. It does not cover unrelated issues or problems caused by misuse.

The lifetime warranty on parts is an optional upgrade available for an additional charge. It covers the specific parts installed in your repair for as long as you own the appliance. Ask us about this when we provide your estimate — it’s a great choice for appliances you plan to keep long term.

Yes, for our standard 90-day parts & labor warranty — it applies to repairs on rental properties just like any other repair. The optional lifetime warranty on parts is not offered on rental properties.

Call or text us at (719) 494-1588 or email nikki@servicefirstappliance.com. Let us know about the issue and that you’re within the 90-day period. Nikki will get a technician back out at no charge.

We strive to schedule service as quickly as possible — often same-day or next-day depending on availability. A broken refrigerator or non-working range is an emergency, and we treat it that way. Call Nikki at (719) 494-1588 and she’ll do everything she can to get a technician out fast.

Nikki is our dedicated scheduling coordinator. She joined Service First in 2017 and handles all appointments, customer communication, and follow-ups. When you call, text, or email, you’re talking to Nikki. She’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect before any technician arrives.

Yes — an adult (18+) should be present during the appointment. Our technician will need access to the appliance, may ask questions about the problem, and will walk you through the diagnosis and estimate before any work begins.

If a special-order part is needed, we’ll order it promptly and contact you as soon as it arrives to schedule the follow-up. We’ll give you an honest timeline estimate at diagnosis. Many common parts are stocked and repairs can be completed on the first visit.

We always come to you. All repairs are performed in your home. No need to disconnect, haul, or transport any appliance. Our certified technicians arrive with the tools and parts needed to diagnose and repair on-site.

Yes. Please note that pricing on military bases is slightly different — the minimum repair charge is $199 (vs. $159 standard) and the estimate-only charge is $129 (vs. $89 standard). The 10% military discount applies to labor on personal residences, but not rental properties.

We work on virtually all major brands including Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Bosch, Amana, Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador, Electrolux, Speed Queen, Fisher & Paykel, Dacor, and many more. Don’t see your brand? Give us a call.

Yes. Our certified technicians are experienced with both gas and electric appliances — including gas ranges, ovens, and dryers. If you smell gas from any appliance, stop using it immediately, ventilate the area, and call us right away. Gas leaks are urgent.

Many repairs are completed in a single visit of 1–2 hours. More complex repairs or those requiring special-order parts may require a return visit. We’ll always be upfront about timing during the diagnosis so you know what to expect.

Yes. We work on built-in refrigerators, panel-ready dishwashers, counter-depth units, and high-end brands like Sub-Zero, Viking, and Thermador. Phil’s 40+ years of experience covers a wide range of configurations and brands.

Error codes flag a specific failure. They can point to a wide range of issues — from a sensor fault to a control board problem. We interpret the code as a starting point, then diagnose the actual root cause before recommending any repair. We won’t just clear the code and leave.

Payment is due at the time of service — once the repair is complete. For estimate-only visits where you choose not to proceed, the estimate fee is also due at the time of the visit.

Yes. You can make a secure payment online through our Clover payment portal at any time by clicking “Make A Payment” in our navigation menu. We accept all major credit cards online.

The discount applies to active-duty and retired military personnel. Simply mention your military status when scheduling or when the technician arrives. We may ask for a military ID or retirement card.

No. The military discount does not apply to repairs on rental properties regardless of whether the owner is a military member. The discount is for your primary personal residence.

No. The discount applies to labor charges on completed repairs only. The estimate-only fee ($89 standard / $129 on military bases) does not qualify for the discount.

Yes. Service First Appliance Repair has maintained a BBB A+ accreditation continuously since 2011 — just one year after opening. You can verify our rating at bbb.org.

Yes. All technicians are certified and experienced. Owner Phil Steiber brings 40+ years of field expertise. Mark (joined 2017) and Mitch (joined 2020) are both certified appliance repair technicians. Every technician we send to your home has been personally vetted by Phil.

Nikki joined Service First in 2017 as our scheduling coordinator and main customer contact. When you call, text, or email us, you’re talking to Nikki. She handles all appointments, communicates ETAs, and ensures you know what to expect. Reach her at nikki@servicefirstappliance.com or (719) 494-1588.

What our customers tell us most:

• Honesty — if a repair doesn’t make sense, we’ll tell you
• Experience — 40+ years means we’ve seen virtually every failure on every major brand
• Real warranty — 90-day parts & labor on every repair, not just promises
• BBB A+ since 2011 — a verifiable track record you can look up yourself
• Local — Colorado Springs business, not a franchise. We know this community.