Should You Repair Or Replace A Broken Appliance?
A broken appliance, whether it's something large like the fridge or something small like the microwave, forces you to confront an important question – is it time to replace? Fortunately, repair is often a viable and less expensive alternative to replacing your appliances. The following guide can help you determine whether repair is the best option for your situation:
Age Considerations
The age of your appliance is a major factor when deciding whether or not to repair the item. Older appliances, for example, may cost more to run or they may not work as well as some of the newer versions. Large appliances, such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators, often cost more to operate if they are old.
If the appliance is still under warranty, repair is usually the best option. This is true even if the repair isn't one covered by the warranty, since an active warranty indicates that the appliance is new enough that replacement costs will be higher than the repair.
Overall Cost
The overall cost of the repair is another thing to keep in mind. Before making a final determination to replace an appliance, schedule a visit from a repair technician. Compare the cost of the repair to the replacement cost. You will also want to ask the technician how long the appliance will last after the repair is made, and if they foresee any other necessary repairs in the near future. This will provide you with the information you need to accurately weight the cost of repair versus replacement against each other.
It is often cost effective to repair large appliances or expensive appliances with all the bells and whistles. Small, simple appliances, like a coffee maker, may not offer much savings, if any.
Environmental Concerns
Generally, repair is preferred from the ecological stand point because it keeps an item out of a landfill and it also prevents the need to manufacture a new item. On the other hand, older large appliances may be energy hogs, which also puts stress on the environment. If being green is a big concern for you, opt for a newer appliance if yours doesn't meet current Energy Star Guidelines. For example, dishwashers made before 1994 use 10 gallons of water more each time they are run, compared to newer models. Opting for a newer appliance may not just save the Earth, it can also cut your electric or water bill.
Contact a company such as Central Appliance Service with any questions or concerns you have.
