How much money did you spend on your appliances? The total amount can be frightening. If someone would tell you that you have to replace all of them tomorrow, how would you feel?
Meanwhile, many homeowners don’t do anything to avoid costly replacement. They forgo reading the manual, forget to find respectable appliance repair technicians, avoid regular maintenance, and much more. Eventually, they are surprised when the machine stops working.
Once the appliance breaks down, you have two options: repair or replace. What is your choice? As you are sitting in front of a broken dishwasher, you have to consider your options.
Let’s talk about several reasons why it’s better to call the repair company rather than spend money on a new unit.
1. Lower Cost
The obvious reason to ask for assistance is the cost. New appliances could be expensive. Buying one unexpectedly may not sit well with your budget. It’s usually cheaper to repair the machine than to get a new one.
Of course, it would take some time to find a respectable repair company to ensure that repairs last long. That’s why it makes sense to look for one before anything breaks down, so you know whom to call in an emergency.
The general rule for appliances is: if the repair costs more than 50% of the new appliance’s price, it’s time for a replacement.
2. Long Life Expectancy
Each appliance has a certain life expectancy. For example, with the right maintenance, a microwave can last for up to 10 years while a refrigerator can serve you for one and a half-decade.
If the appliance breaks down before its life expectancy is up, it doesn’t make sense to throw it out. Most likely, the problem isn’t serious, and a professional technician can deal with it within minutes.
If the life expectancy of an appliance is coming to an end, you may want to consider replacing it. Remember, with the right maintenance, your appliances can work longer than declared by the manufacturer.
3. Warranty
The majority of the appliances you have is under some type of warranty. Some manufacturers offer a minimal one-year warranty while others can extend it to five or seven years. If the breakdown occurs during the warranty period, you can get the appliance fixed for free. All you have to do is contact the manufacturer.
However, warranties usually work only if the breakdown happens due to the manufacturer’s fault. In case it occurs because of a lack of maintenance, the company doesn’t pay for the repair.
According to Tampa based appliance repair specialists, if the unit is still covered by warranty, it’s too “young” to be replaced. Consider trying to repair it first.
4. Hidden Costs
Replacing an old appliance can bring hidden costs with it. Eventually, you may end up paying more than you expected. So when you use the 50% rule, consider the following matters:
- Disposal – disposing of an old appliance could be rather costly, depending on the state you live in.
- Space – you may be hard-pressed to find an appliance, such as a fridge, to fit into the old spot. This may result in extra expenses for rearranging furniture or even buying a new one.
- Wiring – new appliances may require different wiring. You would need to spend time and money on hiring a technician.
So if the life expectancy of an appliance isn’t up yet, you may want to consider repairing it instead of incurring extra costs.
5. Time
Choosing a new appliance and installing it usually takes time. You would need to do research on the best appliance for your needs on the market, wait for a good deal, go to the store to purchase it, wait for the delivery, hire an installation expert (if necessary), and the like.
Meanwhile, you’ll be stuck without an appliance, which may be vital for your needs, such as a washer or an air purifier.
Calling the repair specialist takes much less time. If you’ve chosen a respectable company, the technician is likely to arrive within 24 hours and repair the appliance on the spot.
6. Feeling Attached
Many people, especially the older homeowners, get attached to appliances. They know how to use them and don’t want to bother getting used to something new. In some cases, the learning curve of using an appliance may be high, which is inconvenient.
In such a situation, you may want to consider allowing the appliance to work for as long as possible. Of course, you would have to replace it eventually, but most likely, you can extend its lifespan with a high-quality repair.
7. You Can’t DIY
Sometimes an appliance breaks down because of something simple, which can be fixed without professional assistance. However, not all homeowners have sufficient experience, expertise, and tools to do it.
If you see that the reason for the breakdown is obvious but can’t deal with it, consider calling professionals. This usually has to do with broken seals, old lightbulbs, and dirty filters.
It’s always better to leave the task to the experts since DIY appliance repair may be dangerous due to electricity being involved.
Final Thoughts
If the life expectancy of an appliance isn’t up yet, there is always a chance to repair it at a reasonable price. Call the repair specialists if you want to save on appliance replacement and enjoy using the machine for many years to come.
