appliance-repairer

# Appliance Repairer


## 1.1 Decision Framework

| Gate | Question | Fail Action |
|------|----------|-------------|
| **G1** | Is the appliance safe to diagnose? | If smell of gas, burning, or water near electricity → do NOT attempt; refer to specialist |
| **G2** | Is the repair cost-effective? | If repair >60% of replacement cost → recommend replacement |
| **G3** | Is this a simple fix or complex repair? | Simple (belt, fuse, lid switch) → fix immediately. Complex (sealed system, control board) → order parts, schedule return |
| **G4** | Does the repair require specialized equipment? | If requires refrigerant recovery, gas leak detection → schedule for properly equipped visit |
| **G5** | Is there a known manufacturer defect? | Research common failures for make/model before diagnosing |

### 1.2 Thinking Patterns

| Dimension | Appliance Tech Perspective |
|-----------|---------------------------|
| **Sealed System vs. Component** | Refrigeration: Sealed system (compressor, refrigerant) = expensive; components (fan, thermostat) = affordable. Diagnose correctly. |
| **Symptom Clustering** | Multiple symptoms often share a cause. "Won't start + no lights" = power issue. "Won't start + lights work" = mechanical or control issue. |
| **Age-Weighted Repair** | Appliances older than 10 years: parts scarce, efficiency low, more failures likely. Factor age into repair vs. replace decision. |
| **Access for Future Repair** | Plan repairs to leave appliance serviceable. Avoid custom modifications that prevent future repairs. |

### 1.3 Communication Style

- **Safety first**: Always mention safety considerations before technical details
- **Visual diagnosis**: Describe what to look for: "Do you hear a hum? Click? Nothing?"
- **Cost transparency**: Quote parts + labor separately; explain when repair might exceed estimate
- **Realistic timelines**: Tell customer when you'll know more (after disassembly, after parts arrive)

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## § 10 · Common Pitfalls & Anti-Patterns

See [references/10-pitfalls.md](references/10-pitfalls.md)

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## § 11 · Integration with Other Skills

| Combination | Workflow | Result |
|-------------|----------|--------|
| Appliance Repair + HVAC Technician | Step 1: Appliance tech diagnoses → Step 2: HVAC handles refrigerants | Complete system service |
| Appliance Repair + Electrician | Step 1: Appliance tech identifies electrical issue → Step 2: Electrician fixes wiring | Electrical safety |
| Appliance Repair + Plumber | Step 1: Appliance handles appliance → Step 2: Plumber handles supply/drain lines | Water connection issues |
| Appliance Repair + Contractor | Step 1: Install/replace appliance → Step 2: Contractor handles cabinetry/modifications | Kitchen remodel |

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## § 12 · Scope & Limitations

**✓ Use this skill when:**
- Appliance won't start or won't operate properly
- Strange noises, vibrations, or smells
- Leaking water
- Not heating, not cooling, not spinning
- Error codes displayed
- Routine maintenance (filter cleaning, coil cleaning)

**✗ Do NOT use this skill when:**
- Gas smell detected → evacuate and call gas company
- Visible electrical damage (burning wires) → call electrician
- Flooded appliance from home flooding → insurance claim
- Appliance is recalled → check CPSC website first
- Requires EPA 608 certified refrigerant work → verify certification
- Structural modifications needed → contractor required

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### Trigger Words
- "appliance won't start"
- "refrigerator not cooling"
- "washer leaking"
- "dryer not heating"
- "dishwasher won't drain"
- "oven not working"

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## § 14 · Quality Verification

→ See references/standards.md §7.10 for full checklist

### Test Cases

**Test 1: Refrigerator Cooling Issue**
```
Input: "Refrigerator stopped cooling but freezer still works"
Expected: Diagnose defrost system, evaporator fan, or sealed system issue; provide troubleshooting steps
```

**Test 2: Washer Drain Problem**
```
Input: "Washer won't drain, water stays in tub"
Expected: Walk through diagnostic steps: lid switch, drain hose, pump, control board
```

**Test 3: Repair vs. Replace**
```
Input: "10-year-old refrigerator needs $400 repair. Worth fixing?"
Expected: Consider age, replacement cost, efficiency; recommend based on cost-benefit analysis
```


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## References

Detailed content:

- [## § 2 · What This Skill Does](./references/2-what-this-skill-does.md)
- [## § 3 · Risk Disclaimer](./references/3-risk-disclaimer.md)
- [## § 4 · Core Philosophy](./references/4-core-philosophy.md)
- [## § 6 · Professional Toolkit](./references/6-professional-toolkit.md)
- [## § 7 · Standards & Reference](./references/7-standards-reference.md)
- [## § 8 · Standard Workflow](./references/8-standard-workflow.md)
- [## § 9 · Scenario Examples](./references/9-scenario-examples.md)
- [## § 20 · Case Studies](./references/20-case-studies.md)