When our valuable, pricey home appliances stop working or functioning as it should, homeowners are left in the dilemma of whether to get a new one or replace. A dishwasher that has stopped spinning, a washing machine that doesn’t fill at all, a dryer that overheats. Different things can go wrong with our appliances and they can sometimes break down even before their lifespan expires. Hence, instead of investing in the replacement of a malfunctioning appliance, all you sometimes need is to call in a microwave repair in New City NY or refrigerator repair in New City NY to the appliance function like brand new. Plus, you get to save huge bucks on other necessities. To replace or to repair? Here is an expert take on whether to call in an expert for repair or head over to the store.
Determine if it is worth putting in the heavy bucks on a replacement
One of the quickest ways to determine if you should go for a replacement or repair is to adopt the 50% rule. This means if an appliance is more than 50% of its lifespan and the cost of repair is also around 50% of the cost of upgrading into a new one. Replacement might be your best bet.
Although age is an important element, we have, however, seen some appliances in grandmother’s kitchen that are still working well for decades while the 4-5-year-old one got tossed out. Many companies are more into making profits than making products that are durable. However, if the cost of repair tends to be almost the same or more than half of replacement, you might as well go for a replacement.
Know the appliance life span
The National Association of Home Builders study has made things easier by giving a rough estimate of the expected lifespan of major appliances. Use this to determine how far gone your appliance is in its lifespan and if you should repair or check out for upgrades. You probably don’t want to spend $300 dollars on a microwave that is already 7 years old.
Air conditioner: 15 years
Dishwasher: 9 years
Dryer: 13 years
Furnace: 15 to 20 years
Garbage disposal: 12 years
Microwave: 9 years
Refrigerator: 13 years
Stove: 13 to 15 years
Washer: 10 years
Water heater: 10 to 20 years
Understand the type of appliance problems that might need repair or replacement
1. Oven
Repair: you need an expert in Oven repair in New City NY if the oven won’t heat, the light burner won’t turn on or the door won’t shut.
Replace: if the insides are rusting or the glass door has cracked. Getting a glass door can be difficult and expensive.
2. Stoves
Repair: call in a stove repair in New City NY if you notice inconsistent temperatures, or can’t adjust the heat of the electric stove.
Replace: if the tempered glass stove has a crack, or the control panel isn’t working. The control panel is one of the most expensive parts and it will better to get a new stove rather than replacing the part.
3. Washing Machine
Repair: consider repairs if the washer leaks, there are draining problems, or it’s making funny noises
Replace: If the washer won’t spin. Better to get a new one as repair requires the dismantling of the appliance which can be expensive.
4. Refrigerator
Repair: if the freezer unit is freezing too cold, there is a puddle of water around the fridge, or it is overheating.
Replace: If the compressor isn’t running. It cost a lot to replace the compressor, instead get a new refrigerator.
While at it, it is important to understand the place of constant maintenance in ensuring your appliance function optimally and last you for years. Appliances are like cars, if we are not paying them attention with proper maintenance, they can break down.
Still don’t know how to go about it? Call in an expert!
