Should you Repair or Replace Broken Appliances?

Apart from causing major inconvenience, a broken appliance brings up the question of whether it should be repaired or replaced. Some appliances may still have a little life left in them, so replacement may not be the best choice. Others, though, might just cost you money if you keep fixing them instead of chucking them out. So what should you do? 

From repair to replacement, we have listed a few suggestions that you can keep in mind while dealing with a broken appliance. 

Broken or Not

When your washer or television suddenly stops working, it can be annoying. However, you should note that external factorsmay cause your appliances to take a "short rest" at times and it does not mean the end for your appliance.

Everything from power usage to temperature can cause a sudden shortfall with appliances, so make sure it's genuinely damaged before going into repair or replacement mode. Allow the appliance to rest (unplugged) before attempting to reset it by plugging it in or turning it on.

Warranty Options

If you bought your appliance recently, there's a chance the manufacturer's warranty might still cover it. Some appliances have a lifetime warranty, so see if you can get the item replaced without paying for it out of pocket.

Another option you can consider to avoid out-of-pocket expenses is by opting for a home warranty. These contracts offer repair and replacement services for your home's major appliances and systems at a monthly or annual charge.

DIY Fix

In some situations, it could be a DIY Repair task, which is ideal if you're trying to save money. If the issue appears to be minor, such as a burned-out bulb, a frayed chord, or a simple cleaning, you can try fixing it yourself.

However, if the repair requires extensive technical knowledge, it's best to leave it to a reputable specialist. Even if you fix the problem in the short term, you may be placing your home at risk of an electrical fire or a gas leak.

Repair Cost of Broken Appliances

If your appliance is broken and no longer covered by your warranty, it may be time to consider a repair. You may use sites like Angie's List to compare prices and services and see if anyone in your area specializes in this type of repair.

You might want to look up the average cost of fixing the item online to see if it's worth the amount.

Time for Replacement

If your broken appliance is past its prime and it looks as if you are likely to incur more money in maintaining and repairing it, then it's time to start looking around for replacements. 

Another consideration you can make to decide is if an appliance is more than halfway through its lifespan and a single repair costs more than half as much as buying new, you should replace it rather than repair it.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you've decided to replace your appliance, you should do a few things to lessen the likelihood of a future malfunction. An energy-efficient appliance is a great option that you should consider.

These appliances not only utilize a restricted amount of energy (cutting the risk of a shortage), but they can also help you save money on your monthly utility bills. Selecting energy-saving appliances may even qualify you for a tax break in some jurisdictions, making it a win-win situation.

Closing Thoughts

It can be hard to figure out what you should be doing with a broken appliance. If you decide on replacing it, remember to recycle the item. If you insist on fixing it, ensure that the item still has a considerable lifespan before investing money into repairs.