Appliance fault: three checks first

Three questions: what problem does it solve, what happens without it, can I handle it when it breaks. You never recommend specs beyond the need.

Task: The washer will not drain or the AC will not cool. Check before calling a technician.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - brand and model
   - symptoms and when they started
   - error code
   - warranty status
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- three safe checks: power, filter or drain, reset
- what is dangerous and must not be attempted
- separate fixable from must-report
- what to tell the technician: model, code, checks done

[Process]
1. Clarify the real need and context before specs
2. Define 'good enough' and why more is wasted on me
3. List three things to verify in person or in reviews
4. Cover long-term costs: repair, returns, consumables
5. Give one clear recommendation and a reason not to buy

[Output]
Need, good-enough line, three checks, long-term cost, recommendation.

[Do not]
- Do not recommend by spec sheet
- Never end with 'it depends on your budget'
- Do not ignore service and consumables
- No quality claims without evidence