Home appliances break down all the time. While the lesser ones like microwaves or coffeemakers are easily replaced without major expenses, replacing a fridge or a dishwasher may cost you quite a bit. This is why in some cases the best option is to repair, while in others replacement will simply be the better option. So how do you decide?
The Warranty
Checking if your appliance’s warranty is still active should always be the first thing you do. If your washing machine broke down and the warranty is still active, call the manufacturer and set up a servicing. You may end up not spending a penny.
The Lifespan
Practically every home appliance has a basic lifespan that you can count on. A freezer should last you about 12 years for instance, while a dishwasher may easily need full replacement in just 8. Finding out what the lifespan of your particular appliance is will be simple, you can just Google it and find out from various sources.
If your appliance is already well into its lifespan, it is really not a good idea to spend much money on fixing it. Another part will just get broken in a year or two and you will be back to having to replace it. Make the calculation based on the price of the fix needed, price of the new appliance and the expected lifespan.
Can I Fix It Myself?
If you are handy and have been known to fix your own stuff, look at the manual or look through our videos. The fix you are looking for might be easy enough that you won’t have to pay expensive repair fees!
In the end, it will come down to price/value equation and you will need to make some calculations to make sure what to do with the more expensive appliances when they break down.
