Home Inspection
Major Appliance Inspection
Your refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven, and dishwasher run every single day — and none of them will warn you before they fail. A clogged dryer vent, a failing compressor, a slow drain leak behind the dishwasher. Small problems that become expensive ones. We find them when they’re still cheap to fix.
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Dryer Vents Are the Leading Cause of Home Appliance Fires
The U.S. Fire Administration reports approximately 2,900 residential dryer fires annually — and 34% are caused by failure to clean the dryer vent. Lint buildup restricts airflow, causes the dryer to overheat, and can ignite inside the duct. If your dryer takes more than one cycle to fully dry a load, runs hot to the touch, or hasn’t had its vent inspected in over a year, this is the one check you don’t skip. Our inspection covers the full vent path, not just the lint trap.
Inspection Only — Honest Findings, No Repair Pressure
Our technicians document what they find — nothing more. If an appliance is in good shape, the report says so. If one is approaching end of life, you’ll know — with the context to make an informed decision about whether to repair, replace, or just monitor. No scare tactics, no inflated urgency, no obligation to book any follow-up work.
What’s Covered
Seven Appliances. One Comprehensive Visit.
Every major kitchen and laundry appliance — inspected for safety, efficiency, and signs of early-stage failure in a single technician visit. No need to schedule separately for each one.
Refrigerator & Freezer
The average fridge costs $1,000–$2,500 to replace and fails gradually — running warmer, cycling more, drawing more power — before it actually gives out. Early signs are catchable.
- Measure actual temperature in fridge and freezer compartments vs. set point
- Test compressor operation, cycling frequency, and condenser coil condition
- Inspect door gaskets and seals for air leaks — the #1 efficiency drain
- Check defrost system and drain line for ice buildup or blockage
- Inspect evaporator fan motor and condenser fan for correct operation
- Note age and condition for remaining lifespan estimate
Oven & Stove (Gas or Electric)
Thermostat drift, igniter failure, and gas connection issues are the most common oven problems — and none of them show up until they’re already affecting cooking performance or safety.
- Test all burners and oven heating elements for even, consistent heat output
- Check oven thermostat calibration — a 25°F variance is common and easily fixed
- Inspect gas connections and fittings for leaks using appropriate detection tools
- Test igniter function, spark intensity, and ignition timing on all burners
- Check door alignment, hinges, and oven door seal for heat retention
- Verify electrical connections and control panel function
Dishwasher
Dishwashers leak slowly and quietly — often behind or beneath the unit — before any visible puddle appears. By the time you see water, the subfloor below has usually been absorbing it for weeks.
- Run a full cycle and observe fill, wash, drain, and dry performance
- Inspect door gasket and bottom seal for cracks, compression loss, or gaps
- Check spray arm function and nozzle condition for even water distribution
- Inspect drain pump and filter for debris or partial blockage
- Test door latch strength and float switch safety function
- Inspect beneath and around unit for evidence of past or active leaks
Clothes Dryer
Dryer vent blockage is the single most dangerous appliance failure in the home — and one of the most overlooked. A partially blocked vent adds drying time, energy waste, and heat stress on the dryer before it creates a fire hazard.
- Inspect full vent duct path from dryer exhaust to exterior termination point
- Measure exhaust air temperature and airflow at termination for blockage
- Check lint trap housing and duct connection points for lint accumulation
- Test drum rotation, bearing noise, and belt condition
- Verify gas or electrical connections and heating element or burner function
- Test moisture sensor calibration — failed sensors cause over-drying and energy waste
Clothes Washer
Washing machines fail in ways you can often feel or hear before they break — excessive vibration, slow draining, inlet valve deterioration. Catching them early avoids both water damage and inconvenient breakdown.
- Inspect hot and cold inlet hoses for swelling, cracking, or corrosion at fittings
- Test water fill speed and inlet valve function on both hot and cold
- Run a spin cycle and check for excessive vibration or bearing noise
- Verify drain pump operation and hose routing for proper drainage
- Inspect drum seal (front-load) or tub balance (top-load) for wear
- Check control board and cycle selection for consistent, accurate operation
Range Hood & Kitchen Ventilation
A range hood that isn’t moving air effectively isn’t protecting your kitchen. Grease-saturated filters, blocked duct runs, and failing blower motors all reduce the hood to decoration — while grease accumulates in the duct above.
- Test suction power and airflow on all speed settings
- Inspect grease filters for saturation — a fire risk when heavily loaded
- Check duct routing and termination for obstructions or improper installation
- Inspect blower motor and fan blades for grease buildup or wear
- Test lighting function and control panel
- Verify duct termination to exterior is sealed and damper opens correctly
Garbage Disposal & Dishwasher Drain
Disposals fail gradually — slower grinding, partial jams, motor humming without turning — and a disposal leak at the mounting ring or drain connection is one of the most common sources of under-sink cabinet water damage.
- Test motor operation under load — listen for strain, hesitation, or bearing wear
- Check blade assembly for jamming, corrosion, or reduced grinding effectiveness
- Inspect mounting ring connection to sink flange for leaks or looseness
- Check drain connection and dishwasher drain inlet for secure seating
- Verify reset button, switch, and wiring condition
- Inspect under-sink cabinet for evidence of past or active moisture from either appliance
Reference Guide
Appliance Lifespan & Early Warning Signs
Most appliance failures give early signals — they just don’t get acted on. Here’s what to expect from each appliance and what the early warning signs actually look like.
| Appliance | Avg. Lifespan | Early Warning Signs | Status After Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧊 Refrigerator | 13–17 years | Runs constantly, frost in fridge section, warm spots, condensation on outside of door | Rated by condition + age |
| 🔥 Oven / Range | 13–15 years | Uneven baking, burner slow to ignite, oven not reaching temp, self-clean cycle locking up | Rated by condition + age |
| 🫧 Dishwasher | 9–12 years | Dishes not drying, water pooling at bottom after cycle, visible spray arm damage, musty odor | Rated by condition + age |
| 👕 Dryer | 13 years | Takes 2+ cycles to dry, runs hotter than usual, burning smell, exterior gets very hot to touch | Vent blockage = fire risk |
| 🫙 Washer | 10–14 years | Excessive vibration, slow drain, inlet hose swelling, error codes, drum wobble during spin | Hose condition flagged |
| 🌬️ Range Hood | 14 years | Reduced suction, grease accumulation on cabinets, loud blower, smoke not clearing quickly | Filter & duct assessed |
| 🪣 Garbage Disposal | 8–12 years | Frequent jamming, humming without turning, slow drain, leaking at base or flange | Rated by condition + age |
Repair vs. Replace
The Question Every Appliance Owner Eventually Faces
The industry rule of thumb: if repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement value and the appliance is past half its expected lifespan, replacement is usually the smarter long-term decision. Our report gives you the condition and age data to make that call clearly — per appliance.
Refrigerator
Compressor replacement on a fridge over 10 years old typically costs $300–$600 — often 40–60% of a new unit. Sealed system failures on older refrigerators rarely make financial sense to repair.
→ Depends on age + repair typeOven / Range
Most oven repairs — igniter replacement, thermostat, control board — run $100–$350 and are worth it on units under 10 years old. Ranges are generally repairable well into their lifespan because parts remain available.
→ Usually repairDishwasher
Dishwashers under 7 years old with pump or motor issues are usually worth repairing. Older units with control board or tub damage often aren’t — replacement units start around $400–$600.
→ Depends on age + issueDryer
Dryers are among the most repair-friendly appliances — heating elements, belts, thermostats, and idler pulleys are inexpensive parts with labor typically under $200. Most repairs make sense unless the drum or motor is failing on an older unit.
→ Usually repairWasher
Bearing replacement on front-load washers can cost as much as a new unit when you factor in labor. Top-load machines are more affordable to repair. Inlet hose replacement and drain pump repair are almost always worth doing regardless of age.
→ Depends on repair typeGarbage Disposal
Disposals are inexpensive to replace outright ($120–$350 installed) and most repair costs approach or exceed that. If the motor is failing or the unit is leaking at the base, replacement is almost always the right call.
→ Usually replaceThe Process
What to Expect During Your Appliance Inspection
One technician. One visit. Every major appliance assessed, documented, and rated. Most inspections run 60–90 minutes for a standard home with kitchen and laundry appliances.
Walkthrough & Symptom Brief
Your technician starts with a quick walkthrough of all appliances and any symptoms you’ve noticed — unusual sounds, performance changes, or recent events. This context helps prioritize the inspection and flag what to look for on each unit.
Functional Testing of Each Appliance
Each appliance is run through its operating cycles — not just visually checked. The dryer actually runs. The dishwasher completes a cycle. The oven reaches temperature. Real-world testing catches issues a static check misses.
Connections, Seals & Safety Check
Gas connections, inlet hoses, dryer vent path, door seals, and electrical hookups are all checked independently of function — because a connection can be safe-looking while still being a slow developing problem.
24-Hour Digital Report
Your report is delivered within 24 hours — every appliance rated by condition (Good / Monitor / Service Soon / Urgent), with photos of any flagged items, estimated remaining lifespan, and repair cost context. All stored in your customer portal.
What Does a Major Appliance Inspection Cost?
Pricing scales with the number of appliances inspected. Get your exact quote in minutes — no obligation to proceed with any repairs.
Before Your Visit
How to Prepare for Your Appliance Inspection
A few minutes of prep means your technician can access and test every appliance without delays — and deliver a more accurate assessment.
Prep Checklist
- Make sure all appliances are plugged in and connected — the inspection includes functional testing, so appliances need to be operational and ready to run
- Clear space around and behind appliances — your technician needs to access the back of the fridge, sides of the washer and dryer, and underneath the dishwasher. Move stored items before the visit
- Clear the dryer vent exterior termination — if your dryer exhausts through a wall or roof, make sure the exterior vent cap is accessible and not blocked by landscaping or stored items
- Empty the dishwasher — the technician will run a full cycle and needs the unit empty to observe spray arm coverage and drain performance
- Note any specific symptoms — write down anything you’ve noticed: smells, sounds, performance changes, error codes, or recent events like a dryer that tripped the breaker or a washer that stopped mid-cycle
- Locate your appliance manuals or model numbers — if available, model numbers help the technician quickly reference expected specifications and known issues for your specific units
Related Services
Appliance Services & Related Inspections
From inspection findings to full service — NorTech handles both sides.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about what’s covered, how the report is used, and what the inspection does and doesn’t include.
You choose. You can book the full home inspection covering all major appliances, or select a subset — for example, just kitchen appliances, or just laundry. When you request a quote, specify which appliances you want covered and pricing will reflect that. If you’re unsure, the full inspection is typically more cost-effective per appliance and gives you the most complete picture.
Yes — particularly for the dryer vent, refrigerator door seals, and washer inlet hoses, which are common early-failure items that don’t produce obvious symptoms until they’ve already caused a problem. A dryer that seems to work fine can have a 60% restricted vent. A fridge seal that looks intact can be losing cold air steadily. The inspection catches these before they turn into a fire, a water damage event, or a failed compressor on a weekend.
No — this is a diagnostic inspection only. The technician will note and document any filters, vents, or components that need cleaning or replacement, but the cleaning and replacement work itself is a separate service. If you’d like to combine the inspection with a dryer vent cleaning or appliance cleaning service, that can be quoted and scheduled as an add-on when you book.
Yes — documented findings with photos, dates, and condition ratings provide the paper trail most extended warranty and home warranty providers require before authorizing repair coverage. If you have an active warranty on any appliance and are experiencing symptoms, booking an inspection before the warranty window closes gives you documented grounds for a claim.
If an appliance is completely non-functional, the inspection can still assess external condition, connections, visible components, and document the failure mode — but functional testing won’t be possible. Note any non-working appliances when you book so the technician can plan accordingly and bring the right tools for a deeper diagnostic if possible.
For most homes: every 2–3 years for newer appliances, annually once appliances are past 8 years old. The dryer vent is an exception — that should be inspected (and cleaned if needed) annually regardless of appliance age, particularly if you do more than 5 loads of laundry per week. If you moved into a home with appliances of unknown age or history, an immediate baseline inspection is worth it.
Yes — same-day availability in 100+ cities. If you have a specific concern like a dryer that smells like burning or a dishwasher actively leaking, flag the urgency when booking. For an active water leak from any appliance, shut off the supply valve to that appliance first, then book the inspection.
