We built the database first.
Most home maintenance apps start with a task list and bolt on appliance data as an afterthought. We went the other direction. Prax started as a database — thousands of appliance models, cross-referenced against service manuals, retailer catalogs, and error code libraries — because we believe you can't maintain what you don't understand.
The data
Every model in the Prax database is backed by real documentation. Parts are sourced from OEM catalogs and verified across multiple retailers before they appear. Error codes are mapped to diagnostic procedures pulled from actual service manuals — not crowdsourced forum posts. When we say a part fits your model, we mean it.
Why cross-validation matters
The appliance parts industry is full of noise. Retailer databases disagree with each other. Part numbers get recycled. Compatibility lists are padded to boost search results. We built a cross-validation pipeline that only surfaces parts confirmed by two or more independent sources. It's slower to build, but it means every result you see is one you can trust.
The product
The database is the foundation. On top of it, Prax builds personalized maintenance schedules based on what's actually in your home — not generic advice for “a refrigerator” but specific guidance for your specific model. When something breaks, you get diagnostic steps and verified parts for exactly what you own.
Where we're going
We started with the appliance categories where data quality matters most: washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges. HVAC, water heaters, and other home systems are next. The goal isn't to cover everything — it's to cover everything well.
Prax is free during beta. We'd rather get the data right than get the pricing right.