Unfortunately, we don't live in the commercial world where the Maytag appliance repairman has nothing to do. Our household appliances do fail occasionally, underscoring the importance of a good appliance repair person.

More information National Appliance Service Association 9247 North Meridian Suite 216 Indianapolis, Ind. 46260 (317) 844-1602

Appliance repairers, or service technicians, are called upon to fix everything from ovens and refrigerator to power tools like saws and drills. Some specialize in smaller appliances such as microwaves and vacuum cleaners.

And, according to the National Appliance Service Association, the term appliance has grown to include items like children's toys and electronic games.

A repair job begins by getting information about the appliance's problem from the consumer. Next is a visual inspection of the item, checking for excessive vibration, funny noises or fluid leaks, depending on the item. The technician also checks internal parts for wear or corrosion and conducts tests on electrical systems using a voltmeter or wattmeter.

After diagnosing the problem, they repair or replace defective belts, motors, switches, circuit boards, etc. In some cases, a simple tightening, re-aligning or lubrication of a part is all that's needed.

When working on gas appliances a service technician checks and replaces tubing, thermostats, valves and other parts on its heating unit and ensures there are no leaks. They may also be called upon to install a gas line hook-up by laying out, cutting and threading pipe to the utility connector line.

Service technicians who work with refrigerators and window air conditioners recover and recycle chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants used in their cooling systems. This is done by venting the refrigerants into cylinders and recycling them with special filter-dryers. Because of their potential hazard to the ozone layer, The Environmental Protection Agency requires those who work with CFCs to pass a written exam for certification.

Other duties, not involving the use of tools, are answering customer questions on appliance operation, writing up cost estimates and bills, collecting payments and tracking parts and labor used.

While a high school diploma is generally the minimum requirement for employment, the increasing use of circuit boards and other electronic control systems in these appliances is forcing employers to hire technicians who have completed one-or two-year training programs in appliance repair.

Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show median earnings for home appliance repairers at $579 a week in 1996.