When an appliance fails, choosing between original (OEM) and aftermarket replacement parts is a critical first step in the repair process. For homeowners in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer, understanding this choice directly impacts the repair's reliability, safety, and long-term value. OEM parts are manufactured by your appliance's brand, guaranteeing a perfect fit and performance, while lower-cost aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies.
What the Problem Means
The debate between OEM and aftermarket parts boils down to a trade-off between guaranteed quality and potential cost savings. A poor choice can lead to a repair that fails prematurely, compromises appliance safety, or even causes more extensive damage. Homeowners typically notice the consequences of a bad part through recurring issues, poor performance (e.g., dishes still dirty, clothes still wet), or strange noises after a repair has been completed.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: Identical to the parts your appliance was built with, ensuring perfect compatibility, quality, and safety certification.
- Aftermarket Parts: Third-party copies that vary in quality. While some are excellent, others may have slight imperfections that affect fit, function, and longevity.
- Common Symptoms of a Failed Part: The appliance won't turn on, operates noisily, leaks, fails to heat or cool, or displays error codes.
Causes Table
This table outlines the key differences between OEM and aftermarket parts to help you understand the decision you're making.
| Cause | Description | Difficulty | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Compatibility (OEM) | OEM parts are engineered to the exact specifications of your appliance model, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration with other components. | Low | Low |
| Variable Quality (Aftermarket) | Aftermarket parts are produced by various manufacturers with different quality control standards, leading to inconsistent performance and durability. | Medium | Medium |
| Cost Savings (Aftermarket) | The primary appeal of aftermarket parts is their lower upfront price, which can be significantly less than their OEM counterparts. | Low | Medium |
| Safety Certification (OEM) | OEM parts undergo rigorous testing to meet Canadian safety standards (CSA/UL), a guarantee that is often missing with aftermarket options. | High | High |
| Warranty Coverage | OEM parts typically come with a solid manufacturer warranty, which is further protected by a professional installer’s labour warranty. Aftermarket warranties are often limited or non-existent. | Medium | High |
| Component Complexity | For complex electronics like control boards, OEM is essential for software compatibility. For simple cosmetic items like knobs, aftermarket is often sufficient. | High | High |
| Part Availability | For very old or discontinued appliances, a high-quality aftermarket part may be the only option available to complete a repair. | Medium | Low |
Troubleshooting Steps
SAFETY WARNING: Always disconnect your appliance from power and shut off the gas or water supply before attempting any inspection. Electrical shock, gas leaks, and water damage are serious risks.
While most part replacements require a certified technician, you can take these initial steps to gather information.
- Identify the Appliance Model Number: Locate the model and serial number on the appliance's compliance plate. This is essential for ordering the correct part.
- Visually Inspect the Failed Part (If Accessible): If the part is easily and safely visible (e.g., a cracked refrigerator bin, a broken knob), take a clear photo of it.
- Note Any Part Numbers: Sometimes, the part itself will have a number stamped on it. Write this down, but always verify it against the appliance's model number.
- Assess the Part's Function: Is it a cosmetic part (handle, shelf) or a critical functional component (motor, pump, heating element)?
- Check Your Warranty: Determine if your appliance is still under the manufacturer's warranty. If it is, using a non-OEM part will void it.
- STOP and Call a Professional: Do not attempt to remove or replace any functional, electrical, or gas-related component. This work is unsafe without proper training and tools. Contact a certified technician to diagnose the problem correctly and recommend the appropriate part.
Repair Cost Breakdown
Please Call to get exact Rates:
Effective starting in 2026, service call fees are no longer waived. The service call fee covers the technician’s travel time, professional appliance diagnosis, and helps support ongoing operational expenses required to deliver reliable, high-quality service. We remain committed to keeping our fees fair, transparent, and aligned with reasonable repairability standards.
- Estimated Service call / diagnostic: $120–$250 (not waived)
- Estimated Parts: $150–$650 (varies by brand and model)
- Estimated Labor: $150–$260 per hour
- Additional travel or mileage charges may apply
GST is not included.
Prices vary by Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer.
Rates are subject to market and economic changes.
Failure Rate & Repair Cost Chart
This chart compares the failure rates and average repair costs for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) versus aftermarket appliance parts. The gray bars represent data from last year, while the light blue bars show trends for the current year.
The data consistently shows that while aftermarket parts have a lower initial repair cost, their failure rate is significantly higher, especially for electronic and mechanical components. The current year's trend (light blue bars) indicates a growing gap in failure rates, with aftermarket parts failing more frequently than in the previous year. Conversely, the average repair cost for OEM parts has remained more stable, reflecting their superior reliability and lower incidence of repeat service calls.
Repair vs Replace
Making the call to repair or replace your appliance depends on three key factors: repair cost, appliance age, and brand.
- The 50% Rule: If the total estimated repair cost (parts and labor) exceeds 50% of the price of a comparable new appliance, replacement is almost always the more economical choice.
- Appliance Lifespan: Consider the appliance's age against its expected lifespan. For example, investing in a major repair for a 15-year-old dishwasher that is nearing the end of its life is often not a wise financial decision.
- Brand Differences: High-end brands like Miele, Sub-Zero, or Wolf are built to last longer and are generally worth repairing with OEM parts, even when they are older. Budget-friendly brands may be more cost-effective to replace once they are out of warranty and require a significant repair.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance extends the life of your appliances and reduces the likelihood of component failure.
- Clean Coils: Vacuum the condenser coils on your refrigerator every 6-12 months.
- Clear Vents: Ensure your dryer vent is clean and free of lint buildup to prevent overheating.
- Inspect Gaskets: Regularly wipe down the door gaskets on your refrigerator and dishwasher to ensure a tight seal.
- Replace Filters: Change water and air filters in your refrigerator and other appliances as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Don't Overload: Avoid overloading your washer, dryer, or dishwasher, as this strains motors and other mechanical parts.
- Use Proper Detergent: Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in HE washing machines to prevent residue buildup on sensors.
- Clean Drains: Regularly clean the filter and drain area in your dishwasher and washing machine to prevent clogs.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure appliances have adequate space around them for air to circulate, preventing overheating.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean control panels and surfaces with appropriate cleaners to protect electronic components.
- Schedule Annual Professional Inspections: A certified technician can spot and address potential issues before they become major failures.
Brand-Specific Notes
Amana, Bravos, Cabrio, Caloric, Crosley, Gibson, Goldstar, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Maytag, Roper, Tappan, White-Westinghouse, Whirlpool
- Known Issues: Commonly face issues with thermal fuses, door latch assemblies, and drain pumps. Control board failures can occur in newer models.
- Parts Availability: Excellent. OEM and quality aftermarket parts are widely available due to shared platforms (Whirlpool Corporation).
- Repair Difficulty: Low to Medium. These brands are generally straightforward for certified technicians to repair.
Asko, Beko, Blomberg
- Known Issues: Prone to issues with drain pumps, heating elements, and electronic control modules. European designs can be more complex.
- Parts Availability: Good, but parts can be more expensive and may require special ordering.
- Repair Difficulty: Medium to High. Repairs often require brand-specific knowledge.
Alliance Laundry, Speed Queen
- Known Issues: Built for durability, failures are rare but can include drive belts, motor capacitors, and timer assemblies.
- Parts Availability: Very good for common wear items.
- Repair Difficulty: Medium. These are commercial-grade machines, but their mechanical design is accessible to experienced technicians.
Bosch, Gaggenau, Siemens, Thermador
- Known Issues: Known for precision engineering. Common issues involve drain pumps, water inlet valves, and sophisticated electronic control units.
- Parts Availability: Good, but OEM parts are strongly recommended and can be costly.
- Repair Difficulty: High. Requires specialized diagnostic tools and expertise. Using aftermarket parts is highly discouraged.
Café, GE, GE Profile, Monogram
- Known Issues: Range from water dispenser issues in refrigerators to igniter failures in ovens and electronic board malfunctions.
- Parts Availability: Excellent. A vast network of parts distribution for both OEM and aftermarket.
- Repair Difficulty: Medium. While common, some high-end Monogram or Profile models have complex systems.
Dacor, Viking, Wolf, Sub-Zero
- Known Issues: High-end appliances with common issues like faulty igniters and spark modules in ranges, and sealed system (compressor, evaporator) failures in refrigerators.
- Parts Availability: Restricted to OEM parts, which are expensive and must be sourced through authorized dealers.
- Repair Difficulty: High. These brands demand expert-level technicians with brand-specific training.
Danby, Haier, Hisense, Insignia, Sharp, Toshiba
- Known Issues: Often face problems with compressors on refrigeration units and control board failures. Build quality can be inconsistent.
- Parts Availability: Fair to Poor. Parts can be difficult to source, especially for older or less common models.
- Repair Difficulty: Medium. The main challenge is often parts availability rather than repair complexity.
Electrolux, Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery
- Known Issues: Common issues include ice maker failures, control board problems on refrigerators, and drain pump or wax motor failures on washing machines.
- Parts Availability: Very Good. A wide selection of OEM and aftermarket parts are readily available.
- Repair Difficulty: Low to Medium. Most repairs are straightforward for a qualified technician.
Fisher & Paykel
- Known issues: Unique designs like the DishDrawer can have issues with lid actuators and drain filters. SmartDrive washers may experience motor controller faults.
- Parts availability: Good, but parts are specific and can be expensive. OEM is recommended.
- Repair difficulty: High. The unique designs require specialized knowledge.
IKEA
- Known Issues: IKEA appliances are primarily manufactured by Whirlpool or Electrolux, so they share the same common issues (control boards, drain pumps, etc.).
- Parts Availability: Good, but parts must be identified based on the actual manufacturer's model number, not the IKEA name.
- Repair Difficulty: Low to Medium.
JennAir
- Known Issues: As part of Whirlpool, shares some common parts but also has unique issues with downdraft vents and sophisticated electronic controls in high-end models.
- Parts Availability: Very Good, though specific high-end components can be costly.
- Repair Difficulty: Medium to High.
KitchenAid
- Known Issues: Known for quality, but stand mixers can have gear failures, and dishwashers may experience wash motor or control board issues. Part of the Whirlpool family.
- Parts Availability: Excellent.
- Repair Difficulty: Medium.
LG, Samsung
- Known Issues: Common issues include compressor failures on refrigerators, drain pump clogs on washing machines, and complex electronic board failures across all product lines.
- Parts Availability: Good, but can be inconsistent for some models. OEM is critical for electronics.
- Repair Difficulty: High. Advanced diagnostics and a deep understanding of their technology are required.
Liebherr, Miele
- Known Issues: Precision-engineered for longevity. Failures are rare but can involve sophisticated electronics, circulation pumps, and sealed system components.
- Parts Availability: Good, but parts are very expensive and exclusively OEM.
- Repair Difficulty: High. Technicians must have brand-specific training and diagnostic software.
Panasonic, Hitachi, Thor
- Known Issues: Less common in the Alberta market. Issues can range widely, with the primary challenge being technical support and parts sourcing.
- Parts Availability: Poor to Fair. Finding the correct parts in Canada can be a significant challenge.
- Repair Difficulty: High, mainly due to a lack of available parts and service information.
FAQs
Will using an aftermarket part void my appliance warranty?
Yes, if the appliance is still under the original manufacturer's warranty, using a non-OEM part will almost certainly void it. Once the warranty has expired, you are free to choose, but be aware of the quality and safety trade-offs.
Are aftermarket parts as safe as original parts?
Not always. OEM parts are guaranteed to meet Canadian safety standards (CSA/UL), especially for critical components that handle electricity, gas, or high heat. While a cosmetic aftermarket part is safe, using a non-certified aftermarket heating element or gas valve is a significant risk.
How can I tell if a part is OEM or aftermarket?
OEM parts come in packaging with the official brand logo (e.g., Whirlpool, LG) and have specific manufacturer part numbers. Aftermarket parts are sold under third-party brand names. A certified technician can immediately identify the difference.
Should I pay for an OEM part on an old appliance?
It depends. Use the 50% rule: if the repair with an OEM part costs more than half the price of a new appliance, replacement is usually better. However, for a high-end older appliance that is otherwise in good condition, an OEM repair can be a worthwhile investment.
Can I save money by buying my own part online?
While you might save on the part's upfront cost, you lose out on the professional warranty for parts and labour that a service company provides. If the part you buy is defective or fails prematurely, you will have to pay for a second service call and another part.
Is there any situation where an aftermarket part is a better choice?
Yes. For simple, non-critical cosmetic parts like a handle, knob, or a refrigerator door bin, a quality aftermarket part is a smart, cost-effective choice. It's also a viable option for older appliances where OEM parts are no longer available.
Final Summary
Choosing between aftermarket and original appliance parts requires balancing cost, quality, and safety. While aftermarket parts offer initial savings and are suitable for simple cosmetic fixes, OEM parts provide guaranteed compatibility, safety certification, and long-term reliability for all critical functional components. The safest and most effective solution is to get a professional diagnosis from a certified technician who can assess the failure and recommend the right part for your specific appliance and situation.
Reviewed by certified appliance technicians at Advance Appliance Ltd serving Alberta homeowners.
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