MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We here at the MARS family are taking a little more time for ourselves this holiday season. We just wanted to wish all our customers and future customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We will be opening back up this year for a short time after Christmas:

December 28th Monday at 9:00 a.m. the doors will reopen for regular hours. Service along with the Parts Store will commence for 4 more days of 2009.

Our Holiday hours for New Years are as follows:

We will be closed Friday Jan. 1st, 2010 through Sunday Jan. 3rd 2010.

We will reopen for a full year of operation starting on Monday Jan. 4th, 2010.

If you need us just give us a ring at :

615.890.4334

Or stop by the MARS PARTS STORE at:

855 W. College St. Suite W

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

A Technician's Perspective on Service

There's a lot of customers out there who have had bad service...and paid for it. Sometimes it didn't even fix their problem...and they paid for it. And it's tough for technicians, like myself, who want nothing more than to offer you impeccable service at a good price. But the past experiences may leave you to stereotype service technicians as someone who comes in, flips a switch, and charges you several hundred dollars or more.

MARS is doing it's best to dispel those stereotypes and memories of bad service. Our service technicians go to Quarterly training. We have an Office, a Parts Store, and a website with an email contact, so you can ALWAYS contact us 24/7. We do our best to stock our vans with inventory that we anticipate you may need. We are a Better Business Bureau member, and have been for quite some time with an A+ rating and zero complaints.

MARS works on just about every brand of appliance. Can you imagine how difficult it is to know about every brand? And I can see the customers saying, "Well, that's what you do." Yes it is. But, some companies wont work on LG, Samsung, Bosch.....but, we do. It would be like taking a Lamborghini to your local Auto Service station. There are certain limitations regarding what types of Services each company offers. We try to service all appliances of all brands.

MARS warranties all repairs. I had a customer ask me yesterday, "What if this doesn't work next week?" We offer a 90 day Labor and a 1 year Parts Warranty. All you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call. We'll make a return appointment at no charge to you. That's part of our service. Before we repair your appliance, we quote you a price for repair. When we repair your appliance, we only use New Manufacturer Authorized parts. After the repair, we answer any and all questions you may have and leave you our contact information in the event you need us in the future.

This is what we offer. This is what you pay for. This is Service Beyond.

Ruthie's Awards Finalist!!!

We were voted by many as the best Appliance Repair Center in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. But we came in a close match and ended as a finalist winner. As a bigger company we realize that the price may not be as good as a single handed one man company because of our large overhead costs. But we can always promise a 1 year warranty on all parts replaced and 90 days on labor. We can also promise a correct (non-jerry rigged) repair and if the repair is not done or doesn't fix the problem all you pay is the service call. And if any problems arise you can always contact us or come by and see us. We don't hide out like other companies have been known to do when repairs go wrong. We work on all major brands, unlike some of our competitors who only work on a select amount of brands. We are up to date on training every year unlike many of our competitors who haven't been to a training in years. Also we are the only company out of all the finalists and the winner to be a BBB.org member. We are also the highest rated company on Angie's List. We did realize that the Daily News Journal did list us as Murfreesboro Appliance Repair instead of MARS. MARS is what we go by and is the name most know us by, we feel that maybe if the proper name was established we would have ran away with being the winner. But we can't complain, we are a finalist in the counties and we will continue to strive to be the best their ever is. We look forward to next year to being the outright winner of the Ruthie's. Check us out at the only company with a website among all appliance repair centers at www.marsboro.com. Also check us out on BBB.org or Angie's List.com. As for one more tidbit we are the appliance repair center that was chosen by MTSU to help maintain all their appliances on the college campus. This I hope shows you that you can trust us with your repairs needed.

Or you can just give us a ring at 615-890-4334 or 615-459-2747

IF YOU NEED PARTS, We sell to the public unlike any of our other competitors.

You can stop by the repair center at:

855 W. College St. Suite W

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Got a Front-Load Washer? Have you checked your pump filter lately?

They're flashy. They're shiny. They come in all these pretty colors, with pretty buttons, and the salesman doesn't even have to say anything before you're at the register ringing it up with thoughts of freshly steamed, clean clothes emerging from your beautiful, brand-new, front-load washer.

BUT ... There is one thing you need to know about. The pump filter. NOT EVERY front-loader has one, but most of them do. Some newer front-loaders have a small access door located on the front panel near the floor. If you don't see it...it's not there. :) If it is, read your manual. It should instruct you how and when to clean your pump filter. Different brands and models have different pump filters and, as I said before, some DO NOT have them.

"Why do I need to clean it?"

Because all those little things that get left in your pockets, they wiggle out and find themselves lodged in the pump filter. "So?" All these little things obstruct the water from draining...and then MORE little things start to add up, causing a snow-ball effect. Several things may happen after this occurs.

Your washer may not complete its cycles, or it may lock the door, or it may not even come on at all. That's usually when you call us. If we show up and it turns out to be a clogged pump filter, there are two possible outcomes. The first being...just a clogged pump filter. We would clean it and check for any other foreign debris in the drain line. Usually, an inexpensive repair. However, a clogged pump filter can ruin a drain pump very quickly. Either a small item gets through the filter and wedges itself in the drain pump impeller, or the lack of water causes the pump to run dry and overheat. This repair can be expensive. It can also be avoided.

Check your pump filter once a year. Look online for information to determine if your front-load washer has a pump filter. Ask friends if they've ever had their pump filter cleaned, so they can show you. Or you can call MARS. We service all of Rutherford County and can be reached at 615.890.4334.

The Marsboro Blog Quick Index

So, I've went back through the entire year and found some of our most informative articles so you wouldn't have to click through the archive. That's Service Beyond.

6/14/2009 - "How does service save me money?"

6/7/2009 - "Why don't appliances last as long?"

6/7/2009 - We can service appliances and HVAC on the same call!

2/22/2009 - Appliance maintenance - Keep it clean!

1/28/2009 - "Can I fix it myself? Won't I save money?"

6/17/2008 - Check your washer water hoses!

5/15/2008 - "Really? Do I have to change my refrigerator filter?"

5/12/2008 - "Why can't I speak to a tech when I call MARS?"

5/5/2008 - A toothpick can cause a dishwasher to not drain!

5/4/2008 - "My dishwasher won't start!"

4/18/2008 - What kind of water line is on your Refrigerator?

4/16/2008 - Change Your Refrigerator Filter!

MARS SETS AUGUST STORE GOAL!!!!

In the month of August MARS broke its record for customer sales. So far we had more customers and sales in August of 2009 than any other month dating back to March of 2008 when we opened the MARS PARTS STORE.

At the store we all say, "We hope it's just the beginning, our goals are higher!" As for the newest addition to MARS, the MARS part store and center, the service continues to provide daily help to all those customers who need it and have been since 1989. 

We will continue to burn through the days to get to our goals and help customers achieve a cheaper alternative. 90% of the time it's cheaper to fix than to replace and it's just as cost effective. Older stuff lasts longer than the newest appliances on the market.

So if you need a part or repair come on down to MARS or call us at 615-890-4334. 

Sometimes We Wonder.......

I think in the past week we have looked at a half of a dozen or a little more. Maybe even 1 appliance a day that shouldn't be looked at in the first place. What I mean is the appliance is so old or in such bad shape that it's really in the best interest to just replace it then to repair it. I know money can be tight and a repair is less expensive, sometimes even less than what you think it could be. But what we look for here at MARS is the worth of the repair. Is it worth the money and time to invest in the product. Only time will tell.  

Think of it like this. Would you be willing to invest 100 or more dollars into the appliance to repair its current problem? If yes then maybe it's worth it to you. If no, then don't call and set up an appointment hoping to get away with a cheap, cheap repair. In most cases the older the appliance the more problems, cosmetic problems exist and mechanical problems break down from age. So if you look at your appliance in disgust because of the way it looks or have had it for 20 years then start thinking of something new. The reason is because money pits do exist today and they can happen anywhere at anytime. All we can do is tell you what we think about the appliance and what could give future problems and of course we can fix the current problem. But if something else breaks a couple of months down the road just be prepared. In most cases the appliance will not do this, but it has happened a couple of times to us over the years. We don't want anyone to feel like they should have replaced instead of repair. If you're wondering if it's going to be worth the repair then we would be happy to come out for a Service Call and check it out for you. Trust me we will tell if it's worth it. 

We don't advise or encourage cheap or jerry-rigged repairs. We always stand by our work and our word to fix it right. If it can't be fixed the way we like we will inform you about getting a new one or encourage you to invest in a new product instead of repairing.

So sometimes we wonder why we're even out on some Service Calls when we take a peak at the appliance. When it's falling apart and even scary to touch we just wonder......

Once again this is why you should choose MARS for your repairs. We will always advise you about the appliance and its current shape. And we will always let you know if it's worth the repair or not.

Call US today at 615-890-4334 for Service or Parts.

LOW ON REFRIGERANT? LESS THAN 1% CHANCE

How much refrigerant does a Refrigerator have in it?

In most cases from 4 oz. to 8.5 oz.

How much refrigerant does a Central Heating and Air Conditioning unit have in it?

In most cases from 60 oz. to 100 oz. or more.

So if your refrigerator is low on refrigerant it will have a different diagnosis to it than an Air Conditioner. So if you're a former HVAC technician or you are a current HVAC technician you might assume that your refrigerator or customer's refrigerator is low on charge because there's frost not completely covering the coils. It's low on refrigerant, right? NO! Refrigerator's and HVAC are different machines and operate in different atmosphere's. So don't assume that because your refrigerator is low on a full charge that it's an easy fix.

If it's low, it doesn't cool at all. That's how the refrigerator operates. If an HVAC system is low it still could have pounds of R-22 or R-410a inside helping to keep a relatively cool atmosphere. So next time you think to relate HVAC to your refrigerator, don't. It's a classic mistake. The sealed systems are different and diagnosis can make you think in the wrong direction if not careful.  

If any system is low that means there's a leak, which is bad. Coils most likely would have to be replaced to solve the problem for sure. In any case we always laugh out loud when someone says, "I think it's just low on charge." Our response always is, "I hope not, because that means it could get expensive to repair."  

So before you assume a leak which is usually not the case let the professionals take a look first. Out of a 100 refrigerators we look at that end up being sealed system problems only 1 will come away with a diagnosis of a leak. 

CALL MARS for your professional TECH to look over your possible leak today. We are E.P.A. certified and we guarantee every repair we make.

Service SAVES you money!

"My dryer is not heating. It's probably just a fuse. I can fix that."

MARS is all for the Do-It-Yourselfer. That's why we have a Parts Store. There are repairs that don't require a service technician. But, a misdiagnosis of the problem could lead to you buying several incorrect parts, which add up quickly. Our store does not allow customers to return electronic parts, and this policy is standard with most Appliance Parts retailers.

A dryer's heat, depending on the brand, could be influenced by SEVERAL things. The heating element could be bad. The heating element could be grounded. The thermal fuse may be blown. The thermostat may be bad. The Safety may be blown. The cycling thermostat could be causing the trouble. There could be a wad of lint clogging the exhaust INSIDE the dryer. The exhaust vent that goes into your foundation, under your crawl space, out the roof, or through the wall could be clogged or torn. Temperature switches on dryers can cause problems. POWER could be to blame. The previous blog entry POWER! POWER! POWER! will go into detail on this. DID YOU KNOW? If a fuse goes bad, it's telling you there may be something else wrong with the appliance.

This is just one small example of how our Service Call can save you time and money. I know multiple customers that have come in to the store and bought fuses, cords, elements, control boards, switches.......and then set up a Service Call. The best part is, we guarantee our service. All appliance repairs come with a 90 Days Labor and 1 year Parts warranty. As one happy customer put it, "Peace of mind is priceless." Call MARS for your next Appliance or HVAC service.

WHY DON'T APPLIANCES LAST LONGER

This question has many answers.

For one they're not made the way they used to be.

Back in the 60's and 70's the machine parts were made here and assembled here. The product material was heavier and was able to withstand friction better. Everything was mechanical, from the timers to the ice makers to the motors. Second, there was less items to pick from making things less complicated. The quality was just higher in those days. Only a handful of washers, dryer, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.  

Then the free trade market and technology lifted off. Parts were no longer made here anymore, they are made in other countries and then shipped here. They are still somewhat assembled here, but most parts are foreign made. The product material is plastic or thin metals which in return doesn't hold up to friction and rotation over long terms. Everything has lost the mechanical way, it turns on computer generated technology now. Sensors are now built into everything from how hot the water is to how often your refrigerator needs to defrost according to temperatures inside. Your dryer senses how long it needs to dry the clothes and your dishwasher senses how hard the water is. And last but not least there are so many brands and models of appliances that they are forever changing. This causes a problem, the quality of the product disappears behind the shade of so many appliances.

With these two differences there are some pros and cons. The cons, well the product doesn't last as long as the conventional mechanical machines. The pros, they are more efficient. The cons, they still cost just as much or much more than the conventional days. The pros, you end up getting your money back in the long run on utility costs. 

But there is one bigger problem. The reason stuff doesn't last as long is because we don't take care of our products anymore. We hope they clean themselves. This is what we have forgotten. If we just treated our machines with lightness and cleanliness we just might get those wonder years out of them along with higher efficiency. That's 2 PROS and no CONS.  

Why don't appliances last longer? I'd say maybe we should start by taking better care of them and that question just might be less asked.  

CALL MARS for your SERVICE to clean out all the mess so that your appliance can last longer.

(615) 890-4334

POWER! POWER! POWER!

The least checked problem on dryers is the power. Check your power. A dryer can run and not heat with half the power. It needs the other half to heat. So before you call MARS to come out and repair your dryer make sure it's not the electrical outlet or a breaker.  

If you still want MARS service we would be glad to replace a breaker or the outlet. But you may be able to do this yourself. So before you rip your own dryer apart looking for the problem check your power.

At worst go buy a small voltage meter and check it. You can always put the meter to good use in the future on something else.

Oh and by the way the voltage you're looking for is 220 to 240 volts.

GET YOUR A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICED ON 1 CALL

MARS, with it's everyday growth and reputation from being an A listed company on Angie's List and a notable BBB member we can't help but grow into other fields.  We are now not only offering expansive repair for in home appliance repairs, but also A/C repair.  We always suggest you use a company you are comfortable with, but if you haven't found a home repair company for your A/C call and give us a try.  We not only beat all Service Call Charges, but we apply them to the repair just like in the appliance services.  The Service Charge is waved if a repair is done.

Installing Haier Split systems and York Package systems along with York Split systems can also be performed by our company if you're looking for a new system.  We always inform the customer to call other companies to get a set price.  We do vow to match and always beat the price of our competitors.  So if we quote you a price, it is in most cases not a set price.  Just call around and let us know what others can do for you.  We'll be happy to meet your demand.

MARS not only supplies the service and knowledge, but we can also offer the parts for the do-it-yourself guy or gal.  The only company that can give you all this without going through the dreaded corporations is MARS.

FOR PARTS:

MARS PARTS STORE

855 West College St. Suite W

(615) 890-4334

FOR SERVICE:

(615) 890-4334

(615) 459-2747  

Maintain your appliance!

Your car needs an oil change every 3000 miles or so. Your computer needs to be defragmented once in a while. You should check your credit report annually. All these things have one thing in common. Maintenance. Your appliances should be maintained as well. But, most of my customers have no clue of what to do. You're rarely told by the salesman, and the owners manual is usually vague at best. So, that's what this post is about.

Dishwashers - Not cleaning well? Leaving white film on dishes? It might be a bigger problem, but have you cleaned it recently? Occasionally? Ever? Use Dishwasher Magic. You can pick it up at our Parts Store. Do not use with dishes in dishwasher. Take the cap off. Find a place on the bottom rack, usually in your silverware rack, to place the bottle upside down. Start `er up. It’s that simple. Please read the directions on the bottle before using this product.

Washers - Washer Magic is a liquid you can use for top loaders to help disinfect and clean your washer. For Front Loaders, Affresh is the best out there. It’s like an Alka-Seltzer tablet that’ll disintegrate during the wash. As I said before, please read all instructions before using this product.

Dryers - Clean the lint trap. Period. Every time. If the lint trap is cracked or broken, get a new one at our Parts Store. Check the vent on the back of the dryer. Is it crushed, cracked, or even connected? Check the velocity of the air coming from the exhaust vent on the outside of your house. Is it weak, not hot (even thought the dryer heats), or not even coming out? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it might be time to give us a call.

Refrigerators - Change your filter! This can be a "flood" of a lesson if you wait too long. Sediment builds up inside the filter over time and the water pressure may cause the filter o-ring to rupture. The fins on your coils may also need to be cleaned. They're located differently on different models. Due to electrical, freon, and water lines, we suggest allowing a professional to clean your coils.

Stoves - Keep it clean. Use CeramaBryte for ceramic cooktops. There are many products available to clean the oven's interior.

Garbage Disposals - You can use Plink. Little caplets that you drop down into the disposal and grind up to disinfect and clean the interior.

There are many cleaners out there. These are the ones we recommend. Some cleaners may work better in different scenarios. Read the instructions before using any product. All of the products listed, along with several others not mentioned, can be purchased at our Parts Store. Thank you for your time and I hope this has been helpful.

Fix It Yourself - Continued...

Ok, so I don't blame anyone who tries to fix it themselves. But, does it save you money in the long run? The odds aren't in your favor.

A week after writing the previous article, we had a customer who had an appliance problem. He bought several parts from our store that added up to be over $130. The parts did not fix the problem. Since the parts were electrical, they were also non-returnable. Although he knew this prior to purchasing the parts, he was trying to save himself some money. Finally, he decided to pay the Service Call and have our techs diagnose his problem.

Within minutes, the tech had found the problem, and it had nothing to do with the appliance. The customer had a small electrical problem within the plug in the wall. Now that the customer had to pay a Service Call, he was close to $200. This is just a classic case of how a Service Call can save you money. He chose to repair the problem himself, and the cost of the Service Call with his repair was about $75. A lot better than $200, huh?

Our technicians are trained and professional. Put the liability on us. We guarantee our work and our parts. If you'd like to fix it yourself, you can visit our Parts Store in Murfreesboro, TN. We're located at 855 W College St, Suite W. We're in the Maple Leaf Village complex across from the skating rink. If you're in need of directions, please visit our website, www.marsboro.com.

Can I fix it myself? Won't I save money?

Yes. We are people, just like you. So, it is possible for you to fix it. And, if done correctly and safely, you and your appliance may live to see another day. However, we are professionals. The flip side to that question is --- No.

A lot of the time I go out on a Service Call and meet people who have attempted to fix what they thought was wrong. So, they've spent a couple of hours or more diagnosing and disassembling the appliance, then they've paid for the part (which is most likely Non-Returnable), and then installed the part and reassembled the machine to find out it's not the problem. I've seen this scenario many times.

"Well, if my dryer isn't drying, isn't it the element?" Maybe, but there are SEVERAL other components less expensive than the element that might be the cause.

"My washer makes a noise. I think it's the belt." Could be, but most of the time, it's not.

The point is: We can save you money. By letting us repair your appliance, we are liable for your appliance. Our parts come with a one year warranty. Our technicians are trained to repair other possible problems that you might overlook. We don't just fix the problem, we repair your appliance and, most of the time, can perform preventative maintenance at no extra cost.

The next time you have an appliance problem, let us offer you Service Beyond. Going back to the original question; We can order almost any part for any residential appliance. So, if you can fix it yourself, bring your model number, part number, or even the part down to our Parts Store and we'll be able to find the part you need. Our Parts House is located at 855 W. College St, Suite W, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129 in the Maple Leaf Village complex.