When something breaks down at home, it can interrupt your entire routine and cause a lot of stress. Most homeowners do not anticipate malfunctions, and immediately begin comparing the costs between repairing and replacing. Either option is a significant expense, so take a minute to ask yourself these questions before making the right decision.
In the end, if you decide you want to repair your appliances, we strongly advise against doing home repairs yourself. Hire a professional for large machines like heavy-duty refrigerator repair or anything electrical. Prioritize your safety first, and use this guide to save you money instead.
Did the Warranty Expire?
Once you are sure that the machine is acting up, check to see if it is still within the warranty. Home appliances are a big expense, so you should store your receipt for up to 10 years. To use your warranty, the technician needs to verify your purchase.
When you buy an appliance, check the company for a registration program. Some companies offer to register your purchase in their database. That way, you won’t need your receipt for the verification process.
How Old Is the Appliance?
The older the appliance, the more likely it is going to break down on you and cost you repairs. Before you call a maintenance specialist, check your appliance’s expected lifespan. According to This Old House, most home devices are not meant to last over ten years, and at most, 15 years for appliances like a gas range.
If the appliance is outdated and it needs parts to be replaced, it’s possible that the parts are no longer being produced. You would have no choice but to replace it.
How Often Has it Been Repaired?
If you haven’t bought the appliance yourself, there may have been a history of repairs before you acquired it. Check for signs of previous repairs or ask the original owners if any work was done to it.
If it broke down once, the chances are high that it will keep breaking down until it gets replaced for good. Be wary of appliances that are built-in, like stoves or dishwashers. Replacing built-in machines come with additional installation fees.
Is it Cheaper to Repair it or Replace It?
The rule of thumb is to replace an application if repairing it is more than 50% the cost of buying a new one. You also need to factor in the price of installation fees for built-in appliances.
However, we mentioned earlier that home appliances have a lifespan of more or less ten years. If the repair is less than half of the cost of replacement, but it’s more than a decade old, you’re better off replacing it. The cost of maintenance and repairs will add up, making it less cost-efficient than purchasing a new one.
Could You Benefit from Getting a New Appliance?
Switching your outdated, broken appliance for a new one has more benefits than you imagine. When you factor in the money you save in changing to a more energy-efficient machine, you may be saving money in the long haul. Saving energy and money also means protecting the environment, as these appliances are more eco-friendly.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances that are approved by the Energy Star meet international energy-efficient standards. Energy Star-approved appliances can save more than $100 per year compared to non-certified models, not including additional savings such as tax credits and tax-free events.
Should You Be Taking Better Care of Your Appliance?
Your home appliances may be breaking down due to poor maintenance practices. The good news is that simple maintenance or repair should suffice. You can develop good habits and put off future repairs or replacements.
Keep your appliances clean and avoid overloading machines like the dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended usage tips to extend your appliance’s life expectancy.
Do You Care About Style and Color Coordination?
Home appliance designs and colors change, so replacing them one at a time will make your kitchen less uniform. If you value style and coordination in your kitchen interior, it is best to replace everything at once. If there are more appliances of the same age, they may break down as well.
Repairing Versus Replacing
In summary, weigh the pros and cons of repairing your appliances or replacing it. If your warranty expired, but the machine is still relatively new, schedule an appointment with a reputable repairer.
If one or more appliances are outdated or malfunctioning, use it to your advantage. Cut yourself a deal by starting fresh and redesigning your kitchen.
Whether you are extending your appliance’s life expectancy or looking for an upgrade, look into creating an emergency fund for the future. You never know what the next big expense will be.
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