OEM Parts by Default — Because the Repair Should Last
Every repair we do uses Original Equipment Manufacturer parts unless you specifically request otherwise. The part that goes in is the same spec as the part that came out — same tolerances, same materials, same fit for the appliance it's going into.
01 — Our Parts Policy
OEM is the default — not the premium option
When a part needs replacing, the default is always OEM — the original manufacturer part or a licensed equivalent built to the same specification. This isn't a premium tier. It's just how we do repairs. An aftermarket control board that runs 10% outside the design voltage range will fail again in 6–18 months. That's a callback we don't want and a repair you don't want to pay for twice.
For high-end appliances — Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Thermador, Bosch — OEM is the only sensible choice. These brands engineer their components to tighter tolerances than standard appliances. A Sub-Zero refrigerator with an aftermarket compressor relay isn't a Sub-Zero repair. It's a generic repair in a Sub-Zero cabinet.
That said: cost is a real consideration. If you're looking at a 12-year-old dryer and the OEM heating element costs $180 versus an aftermarket part at $45, that's a conversation worth having. We source aftermarket parts on request, tell you exactly what the quality difference is for that specific component, and let you decide. We don't make the choice for you without asking.
OEM by default. Aftermarket by request only.
We stock and source OEM parts through authorized distributors for all major brands. If an OEM part is unavailable (discontinued models, long lead times), we tell you before ordering anything. Aftermarket alternatives are available on client request — we explain the trade-off for the specific part, you decide.
Our 90-day warranty on repairs covers workmanship regardless of part type. Part warranties themselves vary: OEM parts typically carry manufacturer warranties; aftermarket part warranties depend on the supplier.
02 — OEM vs Aftermarket — What Actually Differs
Where the difference matters and where it doesn't
| Factor | OEM Parts | Aftermarket Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing specs | ✓ Exact manufacturer tolerances
Same materials, voltages, thermal ratings as original | Varies by supplier
May meet spec, may not — no standardized testing requirement |
| Firmware compatibility | ✓ Guaranteed compatible
Critical for smart appliances with digital control boards | Potential compatibility issues
Control boards and sensors can fail to communicate correctly |
| Manufacturer warranty | ✓ Preserves coverage
Meets manufacturer's specification requirements | May void remaining warranty
Manufacturer can deny coverage if non-spec parts were used |
| Part lifespan | ✓ Designed for the appliance
Engineered to the same lifespan as the original component | Often shorter
Lower-grade materials common in budget aftermarket parts |
| Cost | Higher upfront
Premium over aftermarket — usually modest relative to total repair | Lower upfront
Savings can be significant for older appliances with cheap parts available |
| Our default | ✓ Yes — used unless you request otherwise | Available on request only
We explain the specific trade-off for the part in question |
03 — Why OEM by Default
The practical reasons behind the policy
No repeat failures
The most common cause of a repair failing within a year is a part that was slightly outside spec for the appliance it went into. Running a heating element at the wrong resistance, or a motor at the wrong amperage draw, shortens the component life predictably. OEM parts eliminate this variable.
Smart appliance compatibility
Modern refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines communicate between components digitally. A control board that doesn't match the exact firmware version the appliance expects can cause error codes, failed cycles, or component shutdowns — even if the board is physically identical. OEM parts carry the correct firmware.
Warranty protection
If your appliance still has manufacturer warranty coverage on parts, non-OEM repairs can void that coverage. The manufacturer's definition of a valid repair typically requires parts meeting their specifications. OEM, by definition, meets them. Aftermarket, by definition, may not.
Luxury brands demand it
Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Thermador, Gaggenau — these brands are engineered to tolerances that aftermarket parts typically don't meet. A $15,000 built-in refrigerator with a $40 aftermarket compressor relay is a false economy. For these brands especially, OEM isn't a preference, it's a requirement for the repair to hold.
Our warranty is cleaner
Our 90-day workmanship warranty is straightforward with OEM parts — we know the part performs to spec because it was built to spec. Aftermarket parts introduce a variable we don't fully control. When the repair is done right with the right part, the warranty means something.
Parts availability
We source OEM parts through authorized distributors with established supply chains. For most major brands — LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Bosch, Miele — standard OEM parts are in stock or available within 1–2 days. We don't compromise on parts because of sourcing convenience.
04 — Brand-Specific Part Considerations
Where OEM matters most — by appliance brand
Sub-Zero / Wolf
Dual-compressor systems, proprietary sealed system components, vacuum insulation panels. No acceptable aftermarket equivalent exists for most Sub-Zero sealed system parts. OEM only.
Miele
German-engineered to very tight tolerances. Control electronics are firmware-paired with specific hardware versions. Aftermarket control boards frequently cause error loops on Miele dishwashers and washing machines.
Thermador / Bosch
BSH Group products (Thermador, Bosch, Gaggenau) share component families. OEM sourcing through BSH authorized distributors is standard. Control board firmware versions are model-specific.
LG / Samsung
Large OEM parts networks with good availability. Inverter compressor technology in newer models requires exact spec matching. Smart diagnostics features may not function with non-OEM boards.
Whirlpool / GE / Maytag
Broad OEM parts availability through established US distribution networks. Aftermarket options exist for older models — worth discussing on a case-by-case basis for appliances over 10 years old.
Electrolux / Fisher & Paykel
OEM parts available through authorized channels. European-spec components require exact voltage and thermal rating matches. Aftermarket availability is limited for many models, making OEM the practical default anyway.
05 — Our Full Credentials
OEM parts alongside a complete credential stack
BHGS Registered
California #A49573 — verifiable at bhgs.dca.ca.gov
Fully Insured
GL, Workers Comp, Commercial Auto.
Background Checked
All technicians individually screened.
EPA-608 Universal
Federal refrigerant certification.
BBB Accredited A+
Publicly verifiable at bbb.org.
OEM Parts
Original manufacturer parts by default. You are here.
06 — Frequently Asked Questions
OEM parts in appliance repair — what homeowners ask
What is an OEM part?
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer — the same part the appliance was built with, made by the original manufacturer or a licensed supplier. Same materials, same tolerances, same electrical specifications. The opposite is aftermarket: third-party parts made without a licensing agreement, which may differ in ways that affect performance and lifespan.
Why does OEM vs aftermarket matter?
OEM parts fit the appliance's exact design parameters. An aftermarket part running slightly outside the designed voltage or thermal tolerance causes premature failure — sometimes within months. For smart appliances, aftermarket control electronics can also cause firmware incompatibility. OEM eliminates these variables.
Does OEM affect my appliance warranty?
Yes, if you still have manufacturer warranty coverage. Using non-OEM parts during repair can void remaining coverage — manufacturers require repairs to use parts meeting their specifications. OEM parts meet those specs by definition. If your appliance is out of warranty, it's less of an issue, though OEM still provides better reliability.
Can I request aftermarket parts to reduce the cost?
Yes. Our default is OEM, but we source aftermarket on request. We tell you the specific trade-off for the part in question — some aftermarket parts for older appliances are reasonable, others aren't. You make the call with full information.
Are OEM parts hard to get?
For most major brands, no — LG, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool, Bosch, Miele have established OEM distribution networks. Some older or discontinued models have longer lead times. For luxury brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf, OEM is not just preferred but often the only option — aftermarket alternatives simply don't exist for most sealed system components.
07 — Our Services
OEM-first appliance repair across Los Angeles
Key Service Areas
OEM Parts · BHGS Registered · BBB A+ · Fully Insured
Serving Los Angeles and Southern California. $89 diagnostic — waived with repair.