Immediate Appliance’s Rob Gerrity on Same-Day Repairs, Smarter Maintenance & Why “Fix Beats Replace” | SJS Podcast E6

In Episode 6 of the Shop Jersey Shore Podcast, host Lisa Mazzuca sat down with Rob Gerrity, owner of Immediate Appliance Repair Service – a Freehold-based team that’s been keeping homes running for nearly 38 years. From same-day emergency repairs to no-nonsense advice on when to fix (and when to replace), Rob shared what homeowners across Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset, and parts of Union County should know about their appliances in 2025.

If your fridge just quit, your washer smells…weird, or you’re debating a new oven versus a repair, this episode is packed with practical, money-saving tips.

Who They Are & Where They Work

Immediate Appliance Service handles:

• Appliance repair: refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges/cooktops/ovens (built-in microwaves too)
• HVAC service & maintenance
• Emergency & same-day appointments

Coverage: Central Jersey with deep coverage at the Jersey Shore – Tom’s River, Brick, Lanoka Harbor, Seaside, and more. The company runs 10+ fully stocked service vans, so technicians can leave from their homes and often arrive with what they need the same day.

Same-Day Repairs (How They Actually Pull It Off)

Rob’s team solves ~85–90% of jobs same day because they’ve built the operation for speed:

• A 6,000 sq. ft. Freehold warehouse with tall racking for parts on hand
• Vans stocked with the most-needed components (igniters, pumps, sensors, etc.)
• Relationships with major parts depots up and down the East Coast for rapid sourcing
• Technicians who share a living knowledge base (and are rolling an internal AI tool) to troubleshoot today’s complex, multi-board machines faster

“It’s best for you—and for us—if we fix it on the first visit.”

Repair vs. Replace: Rob’s Take (And Why It Matters)

Rob is candid: older, analog appliances were built to last. Today’s models can be excellent—but also more complex (and sometimes less durable). His philosophy:

• Start with repair. It’s often cheaper, greener, and keeps machines out of the landfill.
• Be honest about limits. If your unit is truly too far gone (think major leaks, failing sealed systems), he’ll recommend a replacement—and point you to reputable sellers and models he sees fail the least.
• Refurb when it makes sense. During the supply crunch, Immediate Appliance rebuilt high-quality older machines and still stands behind refurb work with strong warranties.

Quick Home Maintenance Wins (Do These & Save Yourself $$$)

Rob shared easy, high-impact tasks to extend lifespan and prevent breakdowns:

1) Refrigerator

• Vacuum the condenser coils (front grille or back) to keep the compressor cool.
• Check/clean the evaporator drip tray—gunk here can turn gross fast.

2) Dryer

• Clean the lint filter every load.
• Clear the vent line annually so the dryer can breathe (and dry faster).

3) Dishwasher

• Remove & scrub the filter regularly—food particles love to hide here.
• Check your drain hose “high loop” (it should rise to the underside of the countertop before dropping to the drain) to prevent wastewater from flowing back into the tub.

4) Front-Load Washer

• Wipe the door boot (gasket) and check the little drain holes—use a small brush/pipe cleaner to keep them clear.
• Leave the door open between cycles to let the tub dry out and prevent mold.
• Go easy on fabric softener; it can build up like glue inside the outer tub.

5) Smart Loads

• Resist “stuffing the machine.” If you’d normally jam in 10 towels, wash 8. The motor, bearings, and belts will thank you.

Prefer help? Immediate Appliance is rolling out a whole-home maintenance program (appliances + HVAC) with discounted repairs for members.

Training for Today’s Machines

Yes, appliances have more boards, sensors, and software than ever. Rob’s team trains hands-on at night, brings in damaged-in-transit units to dissect, and taps manufacturer bulletins so techs are fluent in both the old-school mechanicals and the newest electronics.

The Immediate Appliance Story (and Spirit)

Rob started in service young—eventually launching Immediate Appliance from his mom’s dining room. Decades later, after weathering COVID (and rebuilding after losing a huge chunk of the business overnight), the company now fields 14 – 15 team members and holds hundreds of 5-star Google reviews. Rob still answers reviews himself and still loves the instant gratification of fixing something that truly matters in your day.

Need Service?

Immediate Appliance Service
Phone: 732-431-2004
Web: https://immediateappliance.com/ (as shared on the show)
HQ: Freehold, NJ — servicing Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset & parts of Union

Tip: If you’re staring at an error code, call. Those codes can be “symptoms,” not diagnoses; a tech will trace the real cause.

Watch the Episode

Hit play on Episode 6 to hear Rob’s stories, see what a same-day setup looks like, and pick up more of those maintenance nuggets that add years to your gear.

Giveaway

We’re giving away a $20 gift card to Spire Coffee House (Tom’s River).
How to enter: Email your answer to this episode’s question to lisa@shopjerseyshore.com with “Immediate Appliance” in the subject line.

A winner will be drawn before the next episode airs.

Support Local – Shop Jersey Shore

If this episode helped you, subscribe to the Shop Jersey Shore Podcast on your favorite platform, share it with a neighbor, and remember: choosing local pros like Immediate Appliance keeps our community strong.