Appliances – How do I know when to repair or replace my appliance?
To repair or not to repair your major appliance… That is the question!
Not quite the old Shakespearean question, but close enough in today’s modern age of expensive appliances. What do you do when your fridge is running, but NOT as cold as a cucumber? Or the heating capacity of your oven is pretty close to the baking power of your daughter’s Easy-Bake-Oven. Have you ever heard of wet ice? It’s a funky name for water, which means your ice maker is broken. If the dishes look worse than when they went in the dishwasher, you have a problem and it doesn’t take an expert to solve it. Obviously, there’s a lot of stress involved with online research for your specific appliance, advice from friends and family, stonewalling manufacturers, and conflicting product reviews. Like it or not, it’s a major household decision when it comes to repairing or replacing your kitchen or laundry appliance. Here are some tips to consider when it becomes a crucial moment to make your final, heartbreaking decision.
1) How old is your kitchen or laundry appliance?
If it’s beyond the kitchen or laundry Device life expectancy, then it’s probably time to put the appliance to pasture. The only exceptions are when it comes to older or expensive top-of-the-line appliances that are worth more than just your standard residential appliance.
National averages for the life expectancy of your appliance:
- Refrigerators: 14 years
- Freezers: 16 years
- Gas Stoves or Ovens: 19 years
- Stoves or Electric Ovens: 16 years
- Range Hoods or Extractor Hoods: 14 years
- Microwave (not countertop models): 8 years
- Dishwasher: 12 years
- Washing machines: 12 years
- Gas clothes dryers: 13 years
- Electric clothes dryers: 14 years
- Garbage Disposers and Trash Compactors: 13 years
2) Cost to fix a broken appliance VS the purchase price of a new appliance
Sorry, sentimental value does not take this cost into account. If he Repair cost is greater than Half the value (50%) of the Price to buy a new appliance, it is probably a wise choice to invest in a new appliance. Plus, the cost of running a newer appliance is also much lower and greener than your older laundry or kitchen appliance in most cases. In some circumstances, the Energy Savings per Year may actually pay for the full cost of the newer appliance. Thesis energy saving appliances they are labeled with a large yellow Energy Guide label that can be found on some new appliance in local stores or online. The government even offers a tax credit on some refrigerators, dryers, washing machines, and more with this label. Once again, high-end, expensive, commercial, or vintage appliances are an exception to the rule.
National Averages for the Cost of a Residential Appliance NEW
- Refrigerator: $800-$2700
- Stove/Oven: $400-$1300
- Microwave without counter: $300-$600
- Dishwasher: $400-$1300
- Washer: $600-$1100
- Dryer: $500-$1200
3) Check the manufacturer’s warranty before calling a appliance repair company
You should always check with the manufacturer first or consult the user manual for the appliance. You can see if the appliance is under warranty or if there was a missed recall. Most manufacturers even keep spare parts for at least 10 years beyond the date the laundry or kitchen appliance was made. This will give you a relative idea of how readily available parts are to repair your appliance in the future.
So I hope this helped with your “Repair VS Replace my appliance” decision. Just remember to ask yourself these 3 simple questions above and I’m sure you’ll come to an easy, stress-free and affordable conclusion. Also, keep in mind that a reputable and reputable appliance repair company may be able to provide more detailed information about your specific home needs. Thanks for reading and taking care!