Broken appliances can be a major inconvenience. One of the toughest questions as a consumer is – should you spend the money and replace your appliance or will a repair get you some more years out of it? Most of the time, calling an experienced technician will give you the answer that you’re looking for. If the problem is repairable, it will most likely cost you 20 to 30% of what it would cost to replace it.
Know Your Appliance’s Age
In order to know whether you should replace your appliance when it’s broken, you should know its general lifespan. Here is the average life of the most common household appliances.
- Refrigerator – A well-maintained refrigerator can last anywhere from 12-15 years.
- Dishwasher – Dishwashers tend to get a lot of regular use but can last up to ten years.
- Oven – Ovens are made to last and when taken care of, can last up to 15 years.
- Washer – A quality washing machine will last around ten years.
- Dryer – Dryers are a little more durable than their laundry counterpart and can last up to 15 years.
If your appliance is broken but still has plenty of life left according to the above list, it is probably a better bet to get it repaired rather than replaced. Of course, there are issues that can cause it to age quicker, so be sure to take care of your appliances regularly to get the most out of them. Ask a qualified technician if you’re unsure.
Under Warranty
If your appliance is under warranty, it would be more cost effective to repair it rather than replace. Always save all the paperwork that came with your appliance as well as any warranty information. Also, save all the invoices from any repairs done. Many repair companies have warranties on their work.
When in doubt, call Express Appliance. They will be able to assess your broken appliance and give you an honest assessment of whether a repair or replacement would be more appropriate.