Pricing explained
How appliance repair is priced in Ottawa
What the diagnostic covers, what decides the repair price, and how to tell whether a repair is worth it. No surprise numbers: everything is in writing before any work.
- Proudly CanadianOttawa-based team
- BBB accreditedRepairWell, our operator
- 15+ yearsof technician experience
- Insured technicianslicensed for gas work
- Satisfaction guaranteed90-day warranty on replaced parts
- Free diagnosticwhen you go ahead with the repair
Step one: the diagnostic
| Home electric appliance | $89 + tax |
|---|---|
| Gas appliance | $149 + tax |
| Commercial equipment (per unit) | $149 + tax |
| Go ahead with the repair | Diagnostic is free |
The diagnostic pays for the visit, the testing and a written finding: cause, part, labour, total, and whether it's worth doing.
Step two: what decides the repair price
- The part. A thermal fuse, door switch or inlet valve is inexpensive; a compressor, inverter board or tub bearing assembly is not. Brand matters: premium-brand parts cost more.
- The labour. A dryer belt is a half-hour job; a front-load bearing means taking the drum out.
- Parts availability. Discontinued parts sometimes mean a used or substitute part, or a replace recommendation.
- Extras on the same visit. A second appliance diagnosed on the same visit is $45 + tax.
Three worked examples
Dryer, no heat
Diagnosis: blown thermal fuse, vent restricted. The fuse and a vent clean are quoted. You approve: the $89 diagnostic comes off and you pay the quoted repair plus tax.
Fridge, not cooling
Diagnosis: sealed-system leak on a 14-year-old fridge. The finding prices the repair, says plainly it's not worth it, and you pay $89 + tax for the visit and a clear answer.
Restaurant walk-in, warm
Diagnosis: failed evaporator fan motor, condenser clogged. Quoted per unit to the approver you named. Approved: the $149 diagnostic is free and you pay the repair.
Questions about cost
How much does an appliance repair visit cost in Ottawa?
At Northway the diagnostic is $89 + tax for a home electric appliance and $149 + tax for a gas appliance or commercial equipment, and it's free when you go ahead with the repair. The repair itself is quoted in writing after the diagnosis.
Why don't you list repair prices?
Because the same symptom can be a $0 fix (a coin in the filter) or a major one (a compressor), and a number on a website would be a guess. The written finding gives you the real price for your machine before any work.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace?
Usually repair, when the part is a fan, pump, element, valve, lock or belt and the appliance is under about ten years old. Usually replace when a sealed system, a tub bearing or a control board on an old budget machine costs more than half of a new one. The finding gives a plain recommendation either way.
Do you charge for travel?
Not within about 35 km of downtown Ottawa, including Gatineau. Beyond that, any travel charge is quoted before you book.
Is there a charge if no one is home?
Yes: a confirmed visit with no one there is charged at the diagnostic rate.
What does the warranty cover?
Any part we replace is covered for 90 days. If something isn't right with our work, we come back to make it right.