This glossary covers the 30 parts and components most commonly diagnosed and replaced in Denver homes. Each entry includes a plain-English definition, what the part actually does, where it is located in your appliance, the signs that it is failing, typical replacement cost including labor, and whether the job is a sensible DIY project or one to leave to a tech. If you are reading up on a part because something has stopped working, click through to the entry — and call (720) 447-8577 if you want a direct opinion on whether the repair is worth doing.
- Circulation PumpThe circulation pump is the main pump in a dishwasher that continuously circulates water through the spray arm...
- CompressorThe compressor is the sealed pump that circulates refrigerant through a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditio...
- Condenser FanThe condenser fan is the motorized fan at the bottom rear of a refrigerator that blows air across the condense...
- Control BoardA control board is a printed circuit board with a microcontroller that manages the operation of an appliance, ...
- Defrost HeaterThe defrost heater is an electric resistance element wrapped around or under the evaporator coil that melts fr...
- Defrost ThermostatThe defrost thermostat is a temperature-sensitive bimetal switch that allows current to flow to the defrost he...
- Defrost TimerThe defrost timer is a mechanical clock-driven switch found on older refrigerators that periodically interrupt...
- Diverter MotorThe diverter motor is a small electric motor in a dishwasher that rotates a disc to direct water flow between ...
- Door Boot SealThe door boot seal is the large flexible rubber gasket that creates a watertight seal between the door of a fr...
- Door GasketThe door gasket is the flexible magnetic or rubber strip around the perimeter of an appliance door that create...
- Door Lock AssemblyThe door lock assembly is the electromechanical latch that locks the door of a front-load washer or dishwasher...
- Drain PumpThe drain pump is the electric pump that removes used water from a washing machine or dishwasher and sends it ...
- Drive MotorThe drive motor is the electric motor in a washing machine that powers the agitator, drum rotation, and spin c...
- Drum BearingThe drum bearing is the sealed bearing assembly that supports the rotating drum of a washing machine or dryer,...
- Drum BeltThe drum belt is the long rubber belt that loops around the dryer drum (or top-load washer transmission) and t...
- Evaporator FanThe evaporator fan is the small motorized fan inside the freezer compartment that circulates cold air from the...
- Glow Bar IgniterA glow bar igniter is a silicon carbide rod that heats up to a bright orange glow to ignite gas in a gas oven ...
- Heating ElementA heating element is an electrical resistance coil that converts electrical energy into heat, found in electri...
- Hot Surface IgniterA hot surface igniter is a small ceramic igniter that heats to high temperatures to ignite gas burners in mode...
- Ice Maker ModuleThe ice maker module is the gearbox and control unit that drives the ejector arm in a refrigerator ice maker, ...
- Lid SwitchThe lid switch is the safety switch on a top-load washer that detects whether the lid is closed and prevents t...
- MagnetronThe magnetron is the vacuum tube in a microwave oven that generates the microwave radiation used to heat food.
- Main Control BoardThe main control board is the primary electronic board in an appliance that controls all major functions inclu...
- Safety ValveA gas safety valve is a bimetal-actuated valve in a gas oven or range that opens only when the igniter draws s...
- Spark ModuleA spark module is the electronic ignition control unit in a gas range that generates the high-voltage sparks u...
- Thermal FuseA thermal fuse is a one-time safety device that permanently breaks the electrical circuit when an appliance ov...
- User Interface BoardThe user interface board is the front-panel electronic board with buttons, display, and indicator lights that ...
- Wash MotorA wash motor is the electric motor that drives a dishwasher's wash pump, spinning an impeller to force water up through the spray arms...
- Wash PumpThe wash pump is the high-volume electric pump in a dishwasher that pressurizes water and forces it through th...
- Water Inlet ValveThe water inlet valve is the solenoid-controlled valve that allows water to flow from the home's plumbing into...
Found your part? Need it replaced? Call (720) 447-8577 for same-day service in the Denver metro area.