Washers and dryers are usually bought as a pair and often wear out on a similar schedule, so it helps to call a company that works on both. The Altoona list below starts with companies whose listings mention washer or dryer work, followed by other appliance repair companies nearby.
Who Fixes Washers and Dryers Near Altoona
33 repair companies serve Altoona from within 60 miles. 4 of them are based in Altoona itself, and the rest are spread across Johnstown (3), Duncansville (2), and State College (2). Distances run up to about 57 miles. Nearest on the list: Darren's Appliance Services, around 0.3 miles out. Of those, 10 mention washer or dryer work by name. Across 32 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.3 stars. Because the nearest shops are farther out, ask each company whether Altoona is inside its regular service area.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Altoona. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your washer.
| Listing Saturday hours | 19 |
|---|---|
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 12 |
| Mention a major washer brand | 0 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 0.3, 0.6, 2.7 |
| Mention washer work | 10 |
| Repair companies inside 60 miles | 33 |
| Listed as washer & dryer repair | 8 |
First up for Altoona: Martin Appliance (5.1 miles away, 4.9 stars from 727 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (2.7 miles away, 4.2 stars from 40 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (27.0 miles away, based in Johnstown, 4.2 stars from 55 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (38.6 miles away, based in State College, 4.3 stars from 58 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Washer Problems Worth a Call
- An error code on the display
- Burning smell or a motor that hums without turning
- Musty or mildew smell from the drum or door seal
When the Dryer Is the Problem
- Burning smell when the dryer runs
- Dryer runs but clothes stay damp or cold
- Drum will not turn or the dryer will not start
Washer Repairs on the Same Visit
Dryer Repairs Done on the Same Visit
Dryer Lint and Venting Safety
Do not leave a dryer running when you leave the house or go to bed. Source: NFPA (via U.S. Department of Energy) - Clothes Dryer & Washing Machine Safety
Swap plastic or foil accordion-style dryer ducts for rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, since flexible plastic and foil trap lint and crush or kink more easily. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires
Washer troubleshooting: washer not draining or front-load vs top-load washer problems.
What Washer and Dryer Repairs Cost
Price the repair before replacing either machine in Altoona. Published ranges for common washer and dryer jobs:
- Control board (motherboard) replacement: $250–$400 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Motor replacement: $300–$500 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Heating element replacement: $150–$350 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Thermal fuse repair: $80–$130 Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
- Typical washing machine repair: $125–$450 Source: HomeAdvisor - How Much Do Washing Machine Repairs Cost?
- Appliance technician labor: $50–$150 per hour Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
Replacement tends to make more financial sense once a repair runs past half the cost of buying and installing a new washer. Source: HomeAdvisor - How Much Do Washing Machine Repairs Cost?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the washing machine repair cost guide and whether to repair or replace a washer.
Around Altoona
Most washer calls in Altoona come down to the same handful of parts: the drain pump and filter, the lid switch or door lock, the drive belt or coupler, the inlet valve and the suspension.
Pennsylvania has no statewide license for appliance repair or for most construction trades; contractors doing home improvement work must register with the Attorney General, and some municipalities license trades such as plumbing. Source: Contractor Licensing (Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry)
In Pennsylvania, you can check a license with the PA Office of Attorney General Home Improvement Contractor Registration Search or report a problem to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Questions to Ask a Altoona Washer Technician
- If a part has to be ordered, how soon can you come back to finish?
- Will you check the drain pump filter and drain hose before replacing the pump?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Washer & Dryer Repair FAQs: Altoona, PA
Do washer repair companies also fix dryers?
Is a stacked washer and dryer harder to repair?
Are you affiliated with any washer brand?
How do I get rid of a washer mildew smell?
Other Washer Repair in Altoona
Washer & Dryer Repair Near Altoona
If the dryer is slow, clean the lint screen and check that the vent hood outside opens when the dryer runs. If the washer will not drain, clean its pump filter. Then call with the model numbers ready.