What should you do if you are having issues with an appliance? When the fridge is running a little warm or the dryer stops producing heat, the entire flow of your everyday life can get thrown out of whack.
Many will throw their appliance away and go out and buy a brand new one without even considering if the it could be fixed. In this post, we’ll answer the question of “Repair or Replace?” for the most common household appliances.
Things to Consider
What is the Appliance’s Life Expectancy?
Knowing if your appliance is still in the prime of its life or if it is nearing its last days is crucial when deciding whether to toss it or fix it. The National Association of Home Builders has estimates for the most common appliances:
- Fridge: 13 years
- Freezer: 11 years
- Dryer: 13 years
- Stove/Oven: 15 years
These estimates will vary so be sure to look up the information for your specific appliance.
The Rule of Thumb
If your appliance is over six years old and the cost to repair it is more than half the price of a new one, you should consider buying a new one.
“Fix or Replace?” for Common Appliances
Oven/Stove
Common issues:
- Gas range not lighting
- Oven running too cold or hot
- Electric range overheating
Because ranges and ovens contain many sensitive components, experts recommend you hire a professional if your oven is out of whack. Minor things such as the oven temperature not running as expected may be fixable with a simple recalibration of the thermostat.
Fridge
Common issues include:
- Running warm
- Ice maker operating inconsistently
- Water dispenser not working
Small fixes that you can do yourself include adjusting the thermostat, cleaning the door gasket or changing the water filter. Beyond that, you should hire an expert if the problem hasn’t corrected itself.
Another thing to keep in mind is how old the fridge is. If it’s from before 1997 at the advent of Energy Star, you could benefit in energy costs by switching to a newer model.
Washer
Common issues:
- Musty smells
- Washer won’t spin
- Failure to drain
Washers are highly specialized equipment that require the work of a professional for any repairs. The most common DIY fix that you can do at home includes cleaning the inside of the unit and absorbing any moisture inside.
Dishwasher
Common complaints include:
- Water spots left on dishes
- Not draining properly
- Spray arm won’t spin
If you suddenly see the appearance of water spots on your dishes, you can try using a rinse-aid during the cycle which will help rinse the dishes. You can also replace the internal filter as it may have become clogged. Beyond those simple fixes, many of the other issues you might find in a dishwasher should be handled by a professional.
Hopefully, you have found this guide useful. If you are in need of repairs or a replacement, contact us, and we’ll see what we can do for you!
