The holidays are all about family, food, and traditions—but when your oven breaks on Christmas Eve, panic sets in fast. That’s exactly what happened to the Thompson family last December, and we were honored to step in and save their holiday feast.
Here’s how our Iron Crest team turned a kitchen disaster into a Christmas miracle.
The Call That Started It All
At 9:30 AM on December 24th, our phone rang. On the other end was Sarah Thompson, her voice tense but hopeful.
“I don’t know if you can help, but our oven just died. We’ve got a turkey in the fridge, pies to bake, and family arriving in hours. Is there any way you could look at it today?”
Normally, holiday bookings are full weeks in advance—but we couldn’t let the Thompsons spend Christmas eating takeout. Our dispatcher, Lisa, assured Sarah we’d send someone ASAP.
The Problem: A Dead Oven on the Busiest Day of the Year
By 11:00 AM, our lead technician, Mike, was at the Thompsons’ home in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood. The issue?
- The oven wouldn’t heat at all (though the stove burners worked).
- Error code “F10” flashed on the display—a sign of a faulty control board or temperature sensor.
Mike got to work, testing components with his multimeter. Within 20 minutes, he confirmed: the bake element had burned out, and the temperature sensor was giving false readings.
The good news? We had both parts in our van.
The Fix: Fast, Professional, and Just in Time
While Sarah’s kids decorated cookies in the next room, Mike:
- Replaced the bake element (the coiled heating part at the bottom of the oven).
- Swapped the faulty temperature sensor.
- Ran a test cycle to ensure even heating.
By 12:15 PM—less than 3 hours after Sarah’s first call—the oven was baking perfectly at 350°F.
“You’re a lifesaver,” Sarah said, handing Mike a plate of fresh cookies. “Now I just have to explain to my mother-in-law why dinner isn’t ‘homemade enough.’”
Why This Repair Mattered
For us, this wasn’t just another service call. It was about:
✅ Being there when it counts – Holidays are stressful enough without appliance failures.
✅ Same-day service – Many companies close early on Christmas Eve. We stayed open.
✅ Local expertise – As Pittsburgh’s trusted appliance repair team, we know how much holiday traditions mean to families here.
A Happy Ending (and a Full Table)
That night, Sarah sent us a photo: a golden-brown turkey, steaming mashed potatoes, and a table full of smiling faces. Her text said:
“Thanks to you, Christmas dinner was saved! We’re so grateful for your quick help. You’ve got customers for life.”
Need Emergency Appliance Help? We’re Here.
At Iron Crest Appliance Repair, we know breakdowns don’t wait for convenient times. Whether it’s a holiday, weekend, or just an ordinary Tuesday, our Pittsburgh team provides:
- Same-day/emergency service
- Honest, upfront pricing
- Expert repairs on all major brands
Next time your appliance acts up, don’t panic – just give us a call.