In this age of do-it-yourself fans, the home appliance parts manufacturer often no longer sells only to appliance repair technicians. Several will also sell to the general public. Websites that sell appliance parts are also treasure troves of information on how to diagnose what's wrong with your appliance or how to find the right part, and they sometimes give maintenance tips to help keep appliances running.

You can classify appliance parts by the appliance for which manufacturers make the parts. You can also find home appliance parts types and styles categorized by function.

1. Valves, switches, fuses, and thermostats are devices that control the flow of water, gas, or electricity.

2. Hoses, wires, and belts are home appliance parts that can be replaced with ease.

3. Pumps and motors often turn important parts of the appliance.

4. Heating or cooling elements are the parts that actually heat or cool the appliance.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to replace a dryer part or a washer part

One commonly needed dryer replacement part is a belt. The belt causes the dryer's drum to turn, connecting the motor to the drum. A common washing machine part is a pump, and hoses are another common part for washers.

I recommend: Find information on various categories of parts for a clothes dryer at Point and Click Appliance Repair. Find out how a washing machine works and learn more about hoses and pumps at AppliancePartsOnline.com.

Find out about kitchen appliance parts for your refrigerator or dishwasher

Aside from a lightbulb, common refrigerator parts are a water filter and ice maker. The switch that turns on the light when the door is open is another common part. Parts in a dishwasher include the float assembly, float switch, drain valve, and solenoid.

I recommend: Choose from a list of parts for dishwashers and dryers at PartsStore.com. Click on your choice of part and read an article on it. Read an article on how to identify an appliance part at Appliance 411. Click on a list of types of refrigerator parts to narrow down the list of parts at Appliance Parts Pros.com or sort the list by popularity, part name, part number, or price.

Get information on an oven replacement part

Ranges, ovens, and stoves can run on gas or electricity, and each type works differently. Gas stoves and ovens have igniters that allow the flame to start, both for the oven and for the stove burners. Switches and heating elements in electric ovens, stoves, and ranges are also common parts.

I recommend: Get help researching parts for cooking appliances at Appliance Parts Depot. Click on one of several brands of range parts to get a list of parts for sale at A-1 Appliance Parts, an appliance parts warehouse.

Contrary to their name, home appliances and home appliance parts play a big role in small businesses. When these appliances break down, it can cost you time and money. So whether you run a catering company and need an oven replacement part or a bed and breakfast and need a new dryer part, chances are you need your part quickly.

To minimize your time searching for the right home appliance parts, start by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Do I know exactly what part I need?

2. Do I want to save money on home appliance parts?

3. Can I make the repair myself, or do I need to call for professional help?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy new home appliance parts

The best way to get exactly what you need is to buy new home appliance parts straight from a home appliance parts manufacturer or from an appliance parts warehouse. Whether it's a washer part, refrigerator part or a stove part, these super stores stock thousands of parts and can get you the right part in a short amount of time.

I recommend: RepairClinic.com stocks a wide selection of appliance parts and even offers free repair help. Service reps are available from 8:00 am to midnight, seven days a week, to answer any questions you might have. AppliancePartsPros.com stocks more than 1 million home appliance spare parts, including kitchen appliance parts. The company guarantees same-day shipping on most orders and lets you browse its catalog by appliance type, in case you don't have a model number.

Purchase used home appliance parts

If you have some time to hunt around for the correct part, you can save money by purchasing used home appliance parts. Used parts are available through a number of appliance parts specialists, and many come with a guarantee.

I recommend: Affordable Appliance Service stocks used parts for all major brands, makes and models of home appliances. The company even has home appliance accessories for sale. Just call its toll-free number for help finding the right part. Appliance Part Outlet Used Cheap Appliance Parts lives up to its lengthy name. The company offers great deals on dishwasher parts, dryer parts, microwave parts and other used home appliance parts.

Call in an expert on home appliance parts and repairs

If you're not sure exactly what part you need or you're not sure exactly how to replace it, it is best to call for professional help. Repair people are appliance parts specialists, and they'll make sure to order the right part and make the proper repair.

I recommend: Give a call to Mr. Appliance, one of the largest full-service appliance repair companies in the world. The company's team of experts promises to identify exactly the part you need and either ship it to you or have a tech come out and install it. Home Appliance Repair services all major home appliances in the Washington, D.C., area. The company charges flat-rate pricing so you know in advance exactly how much you will pay.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before ordering any home appliance parts, check the return policy in case you don't get exactly what you need.