Questions to Ask Before Repairing or Replacing an Appliance

Any broken or damaged appliance in the house brings a lot of stress, as it impacts our day-to-day activities. We are highly dependent on appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, geysers, dishwashers, and furnaces. If any of these start to malfunction, we have to quickly decide whether to repair or replace it. It is not advisable to get rid of an easily-fixable appliance, but it is also inefficient to repair an old one that has been consistently costing money. 

To relieve homeowners of some decision-making stress, here we have compiled a list of questions that can aid in choosing which option is best suited for them:

What is the age of the appliance?

All major household appliances have a lifespan. Old units that are often used and not well-maintained are more likely to break down and cost more in repairs. Knowing the average life of an appliance and getting the repair estimate can help you do the math and arrive at a decision.

Is the warranty still valid?

If the initial or extended warranty on an appliance is still valid, it is better and cheaper to get it repaired, as most warranties cover the cost of parts and labor.

How much will the repair cost?

Before deciding to buy a new appliance, it is essential to get it inspected by a repair company to discover the issue and the cost to repair it. If fixing it is expensive, a replacement may be the best option. Also, with older appliances, it can be tough to find parts, so there is no choice but to replace it. Consider replacement if an appliance has reached more than half of its lifespan, and its repair costs more than half the price of buying a new one.

What is the history of repairs?

If you have paid for the repair of an appliance multiple times in recent years, it is better to replace it. Repair costs add up and eventually exceed the price of a replacement.

How energy-efficient is it?

Old and outdated appliances consume more energy and add to the utility bills. Energy-efficiency is an essential consideration while deciding to repair or replace an appliance. Replacing an inefficient device with a new energy-efficient one will cost a little more upfront, but will save money in the long run and will be beneficial for the environment.

Does the old model match the home?

If you have remodeled the house and the existing appliance does not fit in with the new décor, its breaking down can be an opportunity to replace it with a new model that matches your home's color and style.

Additional factors 

Consider other factors when deciding whether to repair or replace a broken appliance. These include whether you have the budget to buy a replacement, if you can fix it for now and postpone the decision to buy a new one, or if taking good care of the appliance and maintaining it regularly after a repair will extend its life. 

The decision to repair or replace an appliance depends on the homeowner. However, an appliance repair and installation company can advise on the best suitable option after evaluating its condition.

Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!