What to expect at a glance
- Service call (diagnosis): published BC fees run from about $89 to $180. One locally owned Prince George repair business lists $125, including the first half hour of labour.
- Typical repair: most Canadian homeowners pay $135–$300 in total, with an average of about $220.
- Big-ticket repairs: washers can reach $600, fridges $520 and dryers $500.
- Taxes: GST (5%) is added. PST (7%) applies to most freestanding appliances (see the tax section below).
- When to replace: usually when the repair costs half or more of a new unit’s price.
Typical repair cost by appliance
| Appliance | Typical repair range |
|---|---|
| Washing machine | $155–$600 |
| Dryer | $130–$500 |
| Refrigerator / freezer | $260–$520 |
| Dishwasher | $150–$350 |
| Oven / stove | $130–$350 |
| Microwave | $100–$250 |
These are Canadian benchmark ranges from homeowner-reported costs, not quotes. Your exact price depends on the fault, the part and the model
What is a service call fee?
A service call fee covers the technician’s travel and the time spent finding the fault. It is billed before any repair work starts.
Policies differ between companies:
- One BC company charges $89 plus tax for the diagnostic visit and waives it if you go ahead with the repair.
- Another BC company lists diagnostic or service call fees of $140–$180.
- Many technicians charge to inspect the appliance, and the fee may be separate or applied toward the repair cost.
Always ask whether the fee is credited if you approve the repair.
What’s on your repair bill
Most invoices have four parts:
- Service call or diagnostic fee.
- Labour. Canadian hourly rates run roughly $130–$260, and a repair under an hour can still be billed as a full hour. One local Prince George listing charges $50 per half hour.
- Parts. A dryer heating element can cost anywhere from $40 to $260, and replacing a dryer belt averages about $260.
- Taxes.
What affects the price
- The appliance and the fault. A drain pump costs far less than a control board or a sealed-system repair.
- Gas or electric. Gas dryers have ignition coils that will need replacing over the unit’s life, and electric appliances are typically easier to fix.
- Access. The easier the appliance is to reach, the less the repair usually costs.
- Parts availability. Hard-to-find parts can cost a lot to track down. If a part has to be ordered, the repair takes longer.
- Brand and model. Some brands need specific training or replacement parts, so confirm your technician knows your model.
- Timing. After-hours and emergency calls are generally priced above standard visits. Ask before you book.
Taxes on appliance repairs in BC
GST of 5% applies to repair invoices. For PST, the rules differ by appliance:
- PST applies to taxable services, which include repairing tangible personal property, so repairs to a freestanding washer, dryer, fridge or dishwasher are generally PST-taxable.
- The BC government says on-site repairs to water heaters and built-in appliances are services to real property and are not subject to PST.
Check how your invoice itemises tax. For anything unclear, contact the BC Consumer Taxation Branch.
Repair or replace?
The usual guide is the 50% rule: if the repair costs 50% or more of a replacement appliance, replace it. Age matters too. A National Association of Home Builders study puts typical lifespans at about 9 years for a dishwasher, 10 for a washer, 13 for a dryer or fridge, 13–15 for a stove and 10–20 for a water heater.
Example: a $350 repair on a washer that costs $650 new is about 54% of the replacement price. If the washer is also near 10 years old, replacing makes more sense. The same $350 on a 4-year-old washer is usually worth paying.
Gas appliances need a licensed technician
In BC, only properly trained and licensed experts are recommended to work on gas systems. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility or emergency services before booking any repair.
How to avoid overpaying
Ask these before the visit:
- What is the service call fee, and is it credited toward the repair?
- Does it include any labour time?
- Will you give me a written quote before starting work?
- Do you stock common parts, or will they need to be ordered?
- What warranty covers parts and labour?
- Are there extra charges for after-hours visits or distance?
Our pricing in Prince George
Appliance Repair Prince George pricing
Our service call is $126. It covers the technician’s visit and the diagnosis of the problem. The repair itself is priced on what we find and the parts it needs.
Once we’ve diagnosed the issue, we give you an upfront estimate before starting any work. You know the cost first, and nothing is done until you approve it. We use genuine parts, back our repairs with a warranty, and offer same-day or next-day appointments.
We serve College Heights, Blackburn, Downtown PG, The Hart, Cranbrook Hill and South Fort George.
You can see our services at Dishwasher Repair, Washing Machine Repair, Refrigerator Repair, Dryer Repair, Oven Repair and Stove Repair, or book an appointment
FAQs
How much does it cost to have an appliance repaired in Prince George?
Most repairs in Canada total $135–$300. The service call is typically around $125 locally, with labour and parts on top.
Is the service call fee credited toward the repair?
It depends on the company. Some waive or credit it when you proceed, and others charge it separately. Ask before booking.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old appliance?
Use the 50% rule and compare the appliance’s age to its typical lifespan. A 10-year-old dishwasher or washer is near the end of its expected life. A 10-year-old fridge or stove is usually still worth repairing.
Do I pay PST on appliance repairs in BC?
Generally yes for freestanding appliances. On-site repairs to water heaters and built-in appliances are not subject to PST.
Can I repair a gas appliance myself?
No. Gas work in BC should be done by a licensed technician.