Economy Falls, Service Rises

The typical thing that most service companies come to understand is that repairs are always needed.  Whether the economy is booming or in a recession a service company is always needed somewhere at sometime.  When the economy booms people have more options as they should and tend to buy new instead of repairing.  But when the economy tanks and people struggle to pay the bills the last thing they want to do is fork over cash for something new when they can get it fixed for a fourth of the cost.  

At MARS not only do you get a cheaper repair then most service companies.  But a guaranteed warranty on the work done is always provided.  No one here is in the business of taking your money, but only providing well deserved service for a customer who seeks a cheaper alternative than forking out their entire budget for something new.  

Research has shown MARS to be on average $10 to $30 cheaper on just the Service Call & $25 to $50 cheaper on the Labor Rates.  Also MARS holds a one year warranty on all parts unlike other service companies that only provide anywhere from a 30 day to 90 day warranty.  MARS is truly local providing the quickest service we can and if a call back is needed we can be there for you.  

So in the current times we wake up to everyday don't hesitate on a repair and call MARS for the service you deserve.  CALL TODAY!  615-890-4334.  

MARS CLOSED FOR FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS IN 2008

Well we are closed on most holidays.  Being that MARS is a small family owned business we tend to make the most of our busy lives and enjoy the holidays.  We know this creates inconveniences for some of our customers, but we all need our time.  The following days will be taken off for the holidays.

LABOR DAY - MONDAY SEPT. 1st

THANKSGIVING - THURSDAY NOV. 27th

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY - THURSDAY DEC. 25th through SUNDAY DEC. 28th

NEW YEARS DAY 2009 - THURSDAY JAN. 1st

As always if you call during the holidays please leave a message and we will return your call.  It may not be an immediate return, but we will not forget about you.  Just leave a message and we'll usually return your call within 24 hours.

We hope everyone has a happy holiday and fall season in 2008.

 

Sometimes Waiting Pays Off

Today we're talking about your appliance problems and what to do when trying to get them repaired.  Well for one hopefully you've found your Appliance Tech or Company that you like.  If not then call MARS for we are a BBB member and have an outstanding record with our customers.  In fact we have many returning customers on a daily basis.  Our phone # is 615-890-4334 and operations will be glad to give you the spectrum of the whole operation and how we work and what it costs.

So with that out of the way we move on to the patience factor.  All companies are not the same. In fact only 5 Appliance Companies in all of Middle Tennessee are registered with the BBB. And we are the only company that advertises the BBB logo in our ADS.  Why is this important? Because by becoming a member with the BBB, the company is telling it's customers that they are trusted not only by an accredited agency but by customers all around.  The BBB will not list any companies that have violations or repeat issues with customers on its site or let that company use its logo.  Other online venues to research are Angie's List.  Another very prominent agency that recognizes good service.  By being a member of the BBB you can rest assured that your wishes will be followed when it comes to the repair of your appliance.

Now with good service comes a good following.  Busy companies with the BBB are a good sign. Say you call and want service TODAY! and the company is with the BBB or has a very good track record with your friends or co-workers.  What do you do?  You wait for service that you can trust and depend on. Watch out for the scammers of the service industry for they not only taint the industry with bad press but take your money and run.  Last thing you want is to not only be hindered by your broken appliance but to get into a thicker situation because you couldn't wait a day or even two.

Things can be done like putting ice in your refrigerator to keep the milk cold or a cooler full of ice to keep the ice cream hard.  Go to the laundromat and wash a thing of clothes or two.  Wash your dishes by hand if you can't have the automatic one working.  Eat foods that don't need to be cooked or go out to eat and grab some food if your stove is out.  

So I promise if you wait then your worries won't grow, they'll only be fixed.  

CALL MARS and get set up today for your appointment.  Ask us about our BBB membership and we'll be happy to explain to you our status compared to others.  When it comes to service there's no other appliance company on this planet that can match ours. 

Technicians Are Human Too!

Technicians in today's world are trained and put through EPA Testing along with extensive training through major companies such as Whirlpool, GE, Electrolux, etc.  With today's world market of appliances they change everyday.  Just like your cell phones or television sets or even your cars, appliances change too.  Therefore even the most experienced and professionally trained technician can sometimes get stumped by the ever changing technology.

I wish everything was robotic and people knew the problem right away, but sometimes it might take a few times to get to the root of the problem.  For example the most advanced appliances may have one to up to five computer boards built into it.  This can cause an issue when testing the appliance for the root of the problem, if a computer shorts out it can show all kinds of misleading codes and send the technician down the the wrong path.  So sometimes it may take a couple of trips before the technician solves the problem.  But when it is solved this same problem doesn't occur again because of the experience from that one job.  But like I said the experience may not ever be needed again because of the rapid change in the industry.

Appliance Technicians are just like the local doctor and sometimes even the most experienced physicians in the world have a hard time solving the root of the problem.  So with this blog we ask all the customers of the world and of course Tennessee to be patient with your appliance tech, for he will figure it out if you give him a chance.  Whether it's right away or the 3rd or even 4th trip out.  Trust me they don't do it on purpose.  The last thing a technician wants to do is to keep coming back.  What that shows is determination to get it fixed and that's what you want in a technician.  You hired them to fix the problem and the one's that are determined, do just that. 

As for MARS TECHS we are most determined.  But sometimes one trip just isn't enough.  Rest assure though that trip charges will not accrue with extra visits and they never should. If a Tech can't figure it out on the 1st trip then it's on his time to figure out on the second or third trip. And that's what we have always offered at MARS.  We are 95% on top of it when it comes to the first trip, but if we have to come back and dig deeper for the problem we are 100% sure we'll get it fixed.  That's a promise to you. 

CALL TODAY for your MARS TECH.  

BEFORE YOU CALL A TECH, DO THIS!

Check the obvious.

First start with the simple things like, is it plugged in? Is the water on? Is the switch turned on? Is the breaker or circuit kicked? Is the gas on? Is it a plumbing problem, electrical problem or an appliance problem?

Second check for things like are the doors on the appliances closed properly. This is a major set back on many appliances. When doors are left ajar they tend to not work as well causing trouble such as no power, not sealing correctly, or not cycling.

Third if it's a washer and it's leaking, is the drain hose in the drain? Are your water connections tight? Or are your faucets leaking? A refrigerator not cooling - Is the door shut properly? Is the refrigerator control inside turned on? No Ice - Is the Ice Maker Turned on? Is the water behind the refrigerator connected or turned on? Dishwasher - No power? Is the door shut or the power/breaker on?

Trust me check everything and anything before calling a technician. If not I'm sure the technician will be glad to educate you on the matter so that it doesn't happen again.

CALL MARS and we'll gladly schedule a service call to assist you in anyway, but first for your own good check the obvious.

Where in the house is the Dryer?

This is for installation or recommendations on remodeling your homes or utility rooms.  Say you want to move the laundry room to the garage and knock out the wall to the utility room to extend a room or kitchen.  

Or say you're having a new house built and you get to decide where things will be.  

As FAR AS THE DRYER'S CONCERNED it wants the closest wall available.

The closer the Dryer is to the exterior wall the better.  Generally the less dryer venting needed is a good way to measure the best position for your dryer.  The longer the vent means the longer for lint to travel causing future problems with ventilation and Dryer issues.  Say your vent goes over twenty feet under the house and turns 2 or 3 times before getting to its destination.  This is going to cause moisture and lint to build inside the vent and eventually clog the piping up.  Once the pipe is clogged it's only a matter of time before the dryer begins to fall apart. 

So if you want a new place to install your Dryer get to the exterior wall of the house.  Any exterior wall will work.  Install your Dryer and the small vent with a proper venting hood outside.  This will not only keep piece of mind in the house as far as fires are concerned, but also will keep your Dryer in good shape and dry the clothes in a timely matter.

Call MARS Today for information on Dryer Vent Installations or Dryer Vent materials check out our Parts Store in Murfreesboro, TN.

Check your washer water hoses!

Well, the title of this post is pretty straight-forward. Check your washer water hoses! Today, Snake and I were on a call repairing a Kenmore Washer. The washer required a water valve, which we replaced. However, MARS offers Service Beyond. After we repaired the washer, we did a thorough check on the water inlet system. Usually, we find nothing.

Today we found a bulging water hose. Water pressure had cracked the inner seal of the hose and was slowly building up into a liquid volcano. We showed the customer and she was grateful that we prevented a possible disaster.

Out of sight, out of mind. Most washer water hoses are tucked in behind the washer and are hardly ever seen. And I'm sure most of them are in good shape. But, what if a water hose were to break? It would be like turning the hosepipe on inside your house. In a matter of minutes, your house would be flooded. And it wouldn't stop until you turned the water off. By the looks of the water hose we found today, our customer was very close to this happening to her.

The most common washer water hose is a basic, black rubber hose which comes in a variety of lengths to fit your application. The best, in my opinion, is stainless steel. You can pick these up at any hardware or home improvement store, but if you're in Murfreesboro, TN, come on by our Parts Store located at 855 West College St., Murfreesboro, TN. For more information about MARS, visit Marsboro.com.

Who Is The Best? GE, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire?

They are all very good machines. Many customers like one brand or the other and have had bad luck with a different brand like we all have.

Don't look at a machine by its name, but by it's model. What model of the brand is the most important.  Every brand name appliance has had trouble, but usually it's with certain models and the years that they were manufactured. Maytag has had the most recent issues with models and the years they were built. Including the earlier model Neptune or the L shaped Refrigerator. These two units have caused a lot of trouble for the consumer, but if you bought a different model from Maytag that wasn't the early neptune design or the L shaped refrigerator you would have never noticed a problem with the Maytag Brand. Same goes with GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire. All have they're model issues, but all are good brands. All brands have their lemons as with everything else made in the world. Who has the best reputation? Well Whirlpool and GE are at the top of our list, but Frigidaire will cost you less at the store and they also are very well built machines.  

The machine that usually costs the less to fix is? Whirlpool and then Frigidaire. GE will cost you more to repair because the cost of replacement parts usually run more expensive through GE. This is not controlled by your Tech or the Service Company. The cost of replacement parts come from the manufacturer and GE is the most expensive along with other companies like in many cases Maytag (Now owned by Whirlpool). Any foreign made brand such as LG, Samsung, Bosch, or Miele will usually cost you more because of the expense of replacement parts. 

So who is the best? As we say its the model not the brand. Get on consumer reports that can track at least a 5 year trend and that will tell you the best brand and its model on the market. If you look on the new technology consumer reports that only extend a couple of months or just one year beware they haven't been out of warranty yet and aren't costing the customer a dime to fix. What you want to find out is how does the machine operate when ran over consecutive years not just one year. And how much is it costing the customer to keep the machine running.  

Is My Old Machine Worth Fixing?

Yes and No.

It depends what the problem is, but it is well worth a Service Call to check it out. An older machine consisting of nowadays eight to ten years is always worth a couple of dollars to have checked out. What if it's just a belt for your washer or dryer, that's worth fixing.  Or say a water valve for your refrigerator, that's worth fixing. Most repairs in the Appliance Industry will run at a low labor cost of $69.95 (only Labor) on up to about $269.95 (this includes expensive or many parts). Other than that the costs of transmissions, motors, compressors, and cosmetic things like tubs or doors can cost over $300 to $600.  CPU controls on more technological machines can run as low as $30 for the part on up to close to $300 for the part. It depends how much you paid for the machine usually conveys how much the electronics cost. So in most cases an older machine will not contain to much electronics and if it is an electronic problem then just pay a service call and go buy a new one. But if it's something that could have cost you a $100 to fix then that might be worth the money.  

Buying a replacement machine today can cost as low as $300, but can cost as much as $2500. Depending on the appliance and the newer technology you want on it.  So are you willing to just chuck that old appliance out the door and go spend money to buy a new one?  Or does letting a Technician come conveniently into your home, fix your appliance in the place it stays, give out a healthy warranty and an honest opinion on the machine for half the cost of a new one?  It depends, right?  You might have more than one problem or you might have a major problem that costs as much as a new one.  

But before you make that decision wouldn't it be nice to find out what the problem is with your appliance therefore giving you that piece of mind. Many customers today have trouble with machines right out of warranty if not problems within warranty.  Some appliances manufactured today aren't built with the same material that your old appliance was built out of. Many customers tell us, "I sold my old machine a couple of years ago and it was in good working condition. Now I have this new machine that had the highest consumer rating when I bought it and it's given me nothing but trouble. I bet you my old machine is still working without any trouble where ever it is." That could be true.  

So take a breathe and call a Service Tech to evaluate your machine. If your machine has never given you trouble before then give it a chance and save yourself some money. Call MARS Today.

Do I Have To Change My Filter?

FILTERS ARE IMPORTANT. 

Water filter? Simply stated, you can't be healthy without drinking lots of water everyday. And a water filter is the source that protects you from the metals in our water. Without water filtration we are allowing the toxins in our body to not be flushed properly. In fact we might be flushing out one toxin and adding another such as chlorine or mercury. I'm sure we don't want that in our bodies or our children's bodies. In fact the brain is made up of 3/4 water and our muscles are not far behind with around sixty percent. So water has a large role in our mental capacity along with our physical strength. Filtering the water will not only taste better but improve our mental capability along with strengthening our bodies.  

Now filters not only filter our drinking water and ice but they can be a hazard at times. They do contain water that is inside our homes. And our homes are not very sustainable with water damage last time I checked. We must be safe but cautious too. Sediment filled filters can cause blockage of water lines, valve destruction, Ice Maker burn outs and worst of all large leaks.  As long as the filters are changed out every 6 months to a year depending on usage then many problems related to filters wouldn't occur. Limestone, calcium, bacteria are only the natural substances found in tap water along with mercury, lead, benzene, and other heavy metals. This is in our water supply that is filtered everyday. We can only imagine if filters were not changed for long periods what kind of build up would occur. Change that filter not only for the health of you and your family but also for your refrigerator.

Come by our MARS PARTS STORE today to pick up the correct filter for your Refrigerator before the problem occurs in your house.  We not only want you to be Safe, but Healthy.

Why can't I get technical help over the phone?

A very simple question with a very simple answer. Liability. Let's explore the history of the phone call that made history. A customer was having dryer problems. He scoured the phone books and internet for technical assistance. What he found was a Large Retailer who offered Over-The-Phone Appliance Repair Technical Assistance. The gentleman was confident in his handyman ability, but needed some expert guidance. This was the service he wanted.

While servicing the dryer, and taking the experts advice, he was fatally electrocuted. Apparently, the expert had failed to tell the handyman to unplug the dryer. Now, don't go off about how the handyman should've known!!! As an appliance technician, there are times when we test LIVE appliances. But, the handyman wanted step-by-step guidance and the expert missed a step.

We are human. And there are times when we, Trained Professionals, get shocked, zapped, cut, pricked, drenched, etc. We make mistakes. So, how can we expect to guide another safely, over the phone, through machines pulsing with electricity? I could probably instruct a group of people to do one task, and half of them would interpret my directions differently. Inside an appliance, there is little room for error. There's simply too much risk and liability.

We run a Parts Store in Murfreesboro, TN at 855 West College St, Suite W. You can reach us at 615.890.4334. If you get a hold of a tech, we may try to help you diagnose which part you need, but we will never offer advice on the removal or installation of a part. This is a universal policy, dictated by that one phone call (and lawsuit) that protects all parties - the handyman, the expert, and the business.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us through Marsboro.com. We're always here to help, but we'll never jeopardize the people who keep this company running...you.

The GE Toothpick Problem

Today we encountered a problem with a Dishwasher not draining. Water was draining, but not at a rapid enough pace to drain all the water out.  

Knowing that the dishwasher was disposing of some water tells us MARS Techs that the unit is working but not at full capacity through the drain line.  So the first thing we did was run a snake (Line) through the hose.  With the unit still not draining at full capacity we decided the unit would have to be pulled.  

Pulling a dishwasher requires disconnection of the drain line, water line, electrical, and taking out any and all mounting screws.  Along with possibly lowering the unit to edge out the corners or the top of the dishwasher.  Once the unit was completely out from under the counter we took apart the drain line and sucked out all possible particles only to find nothing in the line. So we proceeded to go into the dishwasher and sucked out all particles inside only to find nothing. Finally we pulled the pump from the dishwasher cavity and found the toothpick.  Yes, the toothpick was stopping the pump from rotating at a full speed this caused a drain problem. 

After re-installing the unit we handed the toothpick back to the customer and the GE dishwasher was up and running as usual.  Even the most unusual items can get down in between the cracks of your dishwasher.  Even a GE TOOTHPICK.  

GE & KITCHENAID - Dishwasher Will Not Start

What is the problem?

Well there can be several.  The best thing to do is to contact a MARS Rep. and schedule a service call to get it diagnosed correctly by a MARS Tech.  This will insure the correct diagnostic and also save you time and money on wasted parts that aren't broken.  

A common problem believe it or not is that the breaker shorts out or it is off.  Many people have their houses renovated every year, especially the kitchens.  So in the process subcontractors that are hired are sometimes not electricians or plumbers or appliance personnel at all.  They are just regular handy men.  So if you've had a recent renovation then contact your subcontractor or just simply check the breaker.  If the breaker is shorted or will not come on either you have a short in the Dishwasher or in the breaker.

GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, Bosch, Dacor, Fisher & Paykel, and KitchenAid products are not made the same and therefore the Dishwashers all have different reasons for not powering up.  It could be a wiring problem, or false connection - dead connection.  It could be that the unit is powering up but getting no water.  Could be a door not closing correctly or the overflow operating incorrectly.  The possibilities of control boards or timers going bad can create a power problem.  The motor shorted or wires around the motor burned can be a possibility.  Or even a push to start button that is not relaying the electrical pulse to the control.  Even a fuse link can blow and stop power to the entire system.  Sometimes all this is working and the problem is the power.  You might not have an issue with the breaker and it might be on, but not submitting the proper power of 110 volts to 120 volts.  If this is the problem you need to call a MARS Tech or your local electrician.  

*We do not recommend that you pursue to diagnose a problem if dealing with live electrical components.  This can be a deadly action if improperly handled.   

The listed problems that can occur are the most common.  Sometimes a rare or odd problem can occur with two or more components.  With that said all Dishwashers once again operate differently and are built differently.  There might be sub-brands and the same manufacturers, but even in sub-brands there are small differences that can make a Dishwasher stop.  And last but not least, today's dishwashers do not operate like your old ones from ten years ago.  With the balance of technology happening the appliances that we purchase and repair today are much more electrical than any before.

If you can't figure out why your GE or KitchenAid Dishwasher is not getting power and you really don't want to waste 12 hours fixing it and over a $100 in parts hoping to fix it call MARS and we'll not only repair it, but warranty any parts for a year and the labor for 90 days.  Trust me it's worth the call.

Maytag, GE, Whirlpool Washer Door Adjustments

Most washers in todays markets are simple and top loading.  You lift the lid and load the unit and wash away.  But also in todays markets are front loading washers and of course all dryers are front loading machines.  The question of the day is, Can you switch the doors on the units so that they open and shut on opposite sides to make it more convenient?  I know this is not the answer anyone is looking for but the answer is both yes and no.

First thing to do is check out the machine and see if looks like it can be switched.  Simply put - Does the design allow the door to open in the other direction?  Some models like the older style Maytag front loaders allow you to change the door settings, others like some of the new front loaders don't allow this.  If you can't figure out if the doors can be switched then the best thing to do before breaking into the unit is to do some research.  The Company whether it's a Maytag product or GE product, etc. should be able to let you know.  

Here's a small piece of advice for all you new home buyers or new appliance purchasers.  If you want your doors opening a certain way at your home then check to see if they can be switched. If you buy the product that doesn't allow for the door to be changed then there is no way but to open the unit the way it was designed.  If you want the option at your home to open the door either way check out the sales man at your appliance store and ask them if the doors can be switched around to your needs.  This may decide what you ultimately buy. Convenience is why we have all our appliances in the first place, so why not capitalize on everything we can when buying new appliances.

MARS learns more - WP Cabrio, KM Oasis, MT Bravo, and GE Profile washer

My name is James. I'm a tech in training with MARS. Today I was sent to school, but I wasn't alone. Jake also attended. Jake is a Service Tech with almost 3 years experience. Here at MARS, we believe all our techs should keep up with the new technology, and there's always something new to be learned, no matter how many years you have under your belt. David, the owner with 20+ years of experience, recently attended a few seminars.

Appliances change every year. There's a new feature, new setting, new design, etc. Today, we were trained on the Whirlpool Cabrio, Maytag Bravo, and Kenmore Elite Oasis washers. We also broke down a $5,000 Dacor Wall Oven. Tomorrow, we'll be breaking down a GE Profile washer.

"I don't want someone coming to my house fresh out of school. I want an experienced appliance tech!" MARS technicians are trained and we've worked on these machines before. Even I, the Tech In Training, have worked on these machines. But, you can never learn enough.

This is why we say we offer you Service Beyond. It's our slogan, our standard, and, in a nutshell, our Mission Statement. We go above and beyond to offer you Service Beyond.

Can you overload your washer?

Well the answer is yes and no.  The complication is what machine do you have.  Some machines today are equipped to handle 18 pairs of jeans when others can only handle a hand full.  Machines that have transmissions in them like your old style agitator washers most likely can't handle as much as today's commercial and front loading machines.   Transmissions end up wearing down quickly with large loads and can cause parts of the machine to malfunction.  On the other hand a front loading machine or top load machine that provides the new style motors and assemblies don't have transmissions and therefore wear and tear doesn't happen as often.  

Many companies and Technicians might tell you that you're overloading the machine, when in reality you've loaded it like that for years.  Now all of sudden you can't load it like that anymore? That's not the case at all, many things in our lives like our cars or houses have wear and tear from natural sources of use.  As one of our friends calls it an Environmental problem. Nothing is made to last forever.  So next time a technician or anyone tells you that the problem that occurs was because you overloaded when you've packed in your clothes like this for years he's only trying to give you an excuse.   Materials fall apart and every appliance, car, electrical outlet, plumbing line, or HVAC unit will have to be fixed at sometime in its life and it's not because it was overloaded.

Now we switch to the other answer, yes you are overloading it.  Sometimes laundry invades our lives and it gets a little overwhelming.  So we throw everything in the washer at once and hope to do one cycle.  Now if this is not your normal operation and it messes up well you might have overloaded it.  Take some clothes out and start over.  If you have a high end appliance that measures the weight of the machine and the torque of the motor and it states that you are overloading it, well then you're overloading it.  Take out some clothes and start over.  If you just bought a brand new machine and you're loading it full of all the laundry that's been laying around for days and the machine stops and flashes a code it might be overloaded.  

So simply put if you've had a washer for years and you've loaded it the same for years then it's not gonna change even after a repair.  But if you just got an urge to throw everything in at the same time or you have a new machine with electronic controls then overloading is very possible.  

Moving Your Refrigerator Is A Hazard?

Last call of the day.  It's been a long, long day and our most experienced Tech Dave goes in to check out a Roper Refrigerator.  Roper is a small brand name made by Whirlpool and doesn't cost much to repair or even buy a new one.  So here's the situation.

The Frig was initially checked only to find it completely gone.  No cooling at all. 

Dave pulls the refrigerator out and goes to the back to check the heart (compressor) of the Roper. Bad news, compressor is shot.  It's gonna be expensive to fix because a whole new compressor would have to be installed.  With the customer an option of fixing an out of date Refrigerator or just replacing it with a new one he decides to replace.

Dave urges this for MARS doesn't like fixing anything if the customer isn't comfortable with it. And under this situation with a compressor failure the decision is, get a new one.  

So just push the Roper refrigerator back and write up a Service Call, right?  Not so fast.

Upon pushing the refrigerator back the water line that is not a plumber's line (Found at the MARS Parts Store) or a stainless steel water line (Also found at the MARS Parts Store) busts and water begins to immediately spray out of the line.  Dave responds grabbing the line and kinking it to stop the water, why?  Because no water shut off was behind the refrigerator. A water shut off is a faucet type or turn knob assembly that cuts and turns the water off from the wall.  This was not behind the refrigerator.  Instead the line traveled under the house which is also a plumber's hazard because if the line leaks under the house no one will ever know until someone goes under the house to see water everywhere.  This is why it is a plumber's hazard. Most refrigerators equipped with Ice Makers or Water have a line hooked up in the back and a shut off just in case something like Dave's situation occurs.  This allows the customer to simply pull the appliance out and shut off the water from the wall.  So anyone without a shutoff get a MARS Tech to come out and install at least a push-in water cut off.  This will be to your advantage.  So back to the hazard, Dave went outside and turned off the water to the house to stop the water leak.  

So simply moving the refrigerator wasn't simple at all.  It became a hazard quickly.  So if you don't have a water cut off behind the refrigerator get one installed.  Better safe then a flooded house.  And beware of moving your refrigerator.  Make sure you have the correct water line installed along with a good water cut off.  Then you can do all the spring cleaning you want without water getting in the way.  

Call MARS and we'll get you hooked up with all the water lines and cut offs you need today!

A MONSTER IN THE MAKING

Today we encountered a dinosaur of a dryer/washer combo machine.  The machine was an electrolux machine at an age between 10 to 15 years old.  The dryer was making a loud noise when turned on.  This was a problem not only for the customer but also the landlord.  We quickly responded and learned of the problem only to find out that not only did this current problem exist but the machine had been taken apart before by either a handyman or non-professional.  Screws were all in the wrong place, the frame was bent in every direction and the balance was completely off.

So what did we do?

Well here at MARS we do offer SERVICE BEYOND!

We not only fixed the noise issue, but we took the time to tear down this monster that not only physically beat us up but also took some of our time thinking about how it was supposed to be put together.  We not only put the machine back together, but we corrected all the other problems that were created by the past visitors.  Carefully arranging the sheet metal we took on the Monster of the day and put a hammer to the frame and some muscle into the tools.  This I have to say is what makes MARS the difference in its competitors.  We don't leave until we feel the job is right.  If it isn't then we are going to let you know and fix it whether we have to order a part or come back with help. 

After everything was done we adjusted, adjusted, and adjusted to make the Monster of a Dryer work at its top performance.  Today we provided service beyond expectations of our customer and made his noisy day a little quieter.  GOT A NOISY MONSTER?  Call MARS. 

Change your filter!

Filters are great. They filter stuff. But, all that "stuff" doesn't just disappear. And a filter is only good for an uncertain amount of time. It just depends on how much "stuff" it filters. Imagine making coffee every morning for the next six months with the same filter. Filters have to be changed. I cannot stress this enough.

Today, I walked into a home that was in the middle of restoration. There was a new plywood floor where a beautiful hardwood floor used to be. On top of it, the new hardwood was being nailed in. In the kitchen, all that stood was a refrigerator. No cabinets. No stove. Not even the kitchen sink. The entire kitchen and downstairs floor had to be stripped. Beds, couches, tables, dressers, desks....anything on the bottom floor had to be moved out. All because of a refrigerator filter. And when I opened the refrigerator door, the filter indicator light was RED.

Over a period of time, "stuff" will build up within the filter. The water coming in doesn't flow through the filter as easily, causing the pressure to build. The water pressure starts to eat away at the rubber gaskets, which will eventually cause an eruption. The aftermath will look like something I described in the second paragraph.

Water is very dangerous. It can silently drip and puddle and move through a house like liquid termites. First you hear the floor creaking, then you fall through it. This might be a little extreme, but it's very real. If you constantly use the water through the door, or use a lot of ice, I would recommend changing the filter on your refrigerator every six months.

If you need a filter, you can come on down to MARS Parts Store. We keep most brands' filters in stock. We're located at 855 W College St., Suite W, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129. There are other places that have filters, but do any of those places have a Blog? I thought so :)

Can I lay my fridge down?

This is in relation to my last post, and will be a quick tip. Do not lay your fridge down on its back or side. Laying a fridge down doesn't necessarily damage the fridge. Most fridge's will do just fine AFTER being upright and OFF for 24-48 hours after being laid down. However, this could potentially shorten the life of your fridge. It's just best not to lay down your fridge.

Inside the coils of your fridge is freon and oil. The oil is there to lubricate the compressor. If your fridge is laid down, the oil runs out of the compressor and into the maze of coils of the fridge. Imagine draining all your oil from your car's engine, and starting it up.

And that's our Quick Tip.

Frigidaire Compressor

We are one of the few appliance companies in our area that deal with Sealed Systems. What's a Sealed System? The actual term is "Hermetically Sealed." (A.K.A - Airtight) The tin can of corn in your pantry is hermetically sealed. Ok, back to the fridge. The compressor, that black tank-looking thing at the bottom of your fridge, is your fridge's heart. This is what pushes the freon through the veins (coils) of the fridge, and there are many different scenarios that could cause a compressor to go bad.

If any air or moisture enters the Sealed System, you'll be buying a new compressor or refrigerator in no time. That's crazy, huh? It's true. The manual I was reading today stated it takes less than 10 minutes of exposure to the "outside world" to damage a Sealed System.

To work on sealed systems, you must be EPA Certified. Jake is a MARS Service Technician that is EPA Certified and who has successfully repaired several sealed systems, as well as removed and installed compressors. Recently, Jake and I have repaired five Frigidaire compressors. This is not stating that Frigidaire makes a substandard product. We work on other brands more than Frigidaire, we're simply stating a statistic of our business.

To check us out, please go to www.marsboro.com.

My fridge smells!

It sounds crazy, and there's a large population that already know this trick, but you can get the smell out of your fridge by using newspaper. Just wad up a sheet of newspaper and stuff it in there. You'll usually need it if your fridge has been turned off for a while.

Newspaper, in some cases, is almost better than baking soda. Make sure to properly position the newspaper inside the fridge. You don't want the paper leaning against the side. You might come back and peel it off to find an ink stain of the comic section on the inside wall.

Another newspaper tip --- it can ripen tomatoes! Wrap up a tomato in your favorite section, and watch it ripen. And if you can't find anything else to do with it, you can always read it.

MARS In Motion

Our business is moving along. Now, we'll be headed to your home in our new Ford E150's. We purchased these vans because it allows us to transport more parts. This means a quicker repair for our customers. The MARS-Vans are coming!

We hope that our prices and service will continue to attract customers and, more importantly, keep the customers we have calling us back. Speaking of customers calling us, we had a customer call and indirectly ask us to condemn their appliance. When I asked for more info, I was told their appliance had been blown out of the back of their vehicle on the way home from the store.

They were told their insurance would cover it, but this customer made it clear they didn't want it fixed. I was told that we were recommended, and our assistance would be appreciated. I explained we could send a Tech out to diagnose the problem and give an estimate of repair. I was given a list of other Service Call Costs from this customer, to which I replied we were the cheapest of the companies. This did not appease the customer, and after one last try - this one being a little more direct - I was hung up on.

We're a small company, and our reputation is everything. We are not in business to be deceitful or unethical. We are in business to provide a service at competitive prices. We are in the business of appliance repair. Repair being the key word. There are some appliances we haven't been able to fix. But, I'd say we repair about 99% of the appliances we service. The last resort is to condemn an appliance. Unfortunately, this customer wanted it to be our first resort.

MARS is in motion, and currently services Rutherford County, Tennessee and surrounding areas.

What's the problem?

"Well, what was the problem?" Let's be frank. We protect our company by not offering information on our repairs. We will never tell you how we tested and diagnosed an appliance. I think I gave a little too much info on the Frigidaire Not Frigid post. We do this, not only to protect our business, but also to protect our customers. We do not want someone trying to perform a repair based on our instructions and injure themselves.

We are trained, certified, and professional. We take pride in our service. We diagnose the whole problem, not just what broke. We stand by our work and warranty the parts for one year. We work on many different appliances everyday. We continue our education in appliance repair by attending seminars on new technology and techniques. When we come to the door, 99% of the time we already know the inside and out of your appliance and have the knowledge or part to fix it.

Let the burden be on us. Let us offer you Service Beyond.

In The Clutch

- Repaired Maytag Neptune TL Washer - Clutch
- Repaired Maytag Washer - Stem seal

"You only did 2 jobs today?" No. I only list a couple of the highlights of the day. We are a small business consisting of three technicians, and one is in training. If we repair an icemaker or put in a thermostat, that's just a common fix.

But, today, I learned how to properly diagnose, remove, clean, and replace a Washer Stem Seal Boot and Gasket. By far, this is the hardest job I've encountered so far. As you may have guessed, yes, I am the tech in training.

We overnighted a clutch for a customer after diagnosing it yesterday. We didn't have one at the store, but California had 100! However, as good as we are, there were several signs that something else may be wrong with the Neptune. If we order the part, which isn't cheap, and it doesn't work, we're stuck with part and the customer is upset. Not to mention we'd be liable for the Overnight Shipping charge of $40!

This morning, we expected our part to arrive by 10am. No part. 11am. No Part. The repair appointment is set for 2pm. We call the carrier and they apologize, but say it should be there by 3pm. The tension mounts between the office manager, the carrier, and the techs. Just as we are about to bite the bullet and notify the customer, the carrier arrives at 12:30pm. Home free, right? No. Before we arrive, the customer calls and says he's having a dinner party, so our repair time is restricted to an hour or less.

What if our diagnosis wasn't entirely correct? What if the new part doesn't work? The customer will be without a washer for another week or two. What if we can't figure out the problem? We had some doubt, but were pretty sure we tested everything. We pickup the part and call the customer, who has to leave work. We arrive and remove the clutch. We install the new clutch...and...whew...it works. That was a "clutch" repair. Ha ha...

What is Marsboro?

Marsboro refers to our website http://www.marsboro.com. The name is a combination of our hometown, Murfreesboro, TN and our company name MARS, which stands for Murfreesboro Appliance Repair Service.

Frigidaire Fridge not frigid

- Installed and Disposed of Dishwasher
- Repaired Off-Balance Whirlpool Roper Washer
- Repaired Kenmore Dryer not heating
- Diagnosed and Condemned a Frigidaire Fridge

Today we had two jobs on rental properties. The first was a dishwasher install and disposal. If you purchase your dishwasher from Lowe's or HH Gregg, we can pick it up, bring it to your home, install it, and haul your old one away. We make it as easy as possible.

The second was a Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling. On a previous service call, we found the compressor was shot. Any work done on refrigerator's sealed system lines (the silver and copper coils that freon run through) has to be done by an EPA Certified technician.

We returned today with the proper tools and tapped into the line, and to our surprise, there was no freon in the unit. We purged the lines and found that the evaporator coil had a leak. This meant a new coil and compressor would be required. We told the Rental Company that we could repair the unit, but it would in their best interest to replace the fridge.

We'll add more to our blogs once we get going. Until then, visit the MARS Parts Store at 855 W College St., Suite W, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129. Also, come and visit marsboro.com.

Welcome

The MARS Men of Murfreesboro, Tennessee are growing, and may be coming to your door soon. So, we wanted to introduce ourselves to the online community and let you know, daily, what we've repaired. This will be an online memo about daily experiences.

We may inform you about a recall or even some common fixes. If you're having some appliance trouble and happen to see that we've repaired an appliance like yours, give us a call at 615.890.4334.