You’ve got to be kidding me!. I just replaced this thing! You can’t be serious, right? Unfortunately, appliances can be expensive, and we want to achieve the highest return on investment possible. So, if your side-by-side refrigerator is on the fritz before you call for repair or replacement, ask yourself these five questions. Read on to see if you need to call Pittsburgh Appliance Repair immediately or if it’s prudent to replace the appliance.
How much will your appliance cost to repair?
You should think about replacing your appliance if repair is not cost-effective. If the repair cost is well over 50% of the original cost of a new appliance, you should consider a replacement. However, if the expense is estimated at 50% or less of the value of a new purchase, go ahead and call for repair. However, in some instances, you have no choice but to replace your appliance because parts are no longer available or not made anymore.
When deciding to repair your appliance, also factor in the installation cost, especially for built-in appliances that may have custom fittings for pipes like dishwashers and refrigerators.
A catastrophic failure such as a compressor failure on an air conditioner can easily exceed the cost of a new appliance, so in most cases, repairing is not the best option.
Is the appliance new?
When deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance, you should also consider how old the appliance is. Applying the fifty percent rule is a good guideline. So for an appliance that’s halfway through its expected lifespan, it might make more sense to replace it if the repair is estimated at 50% or more of the cost to replace it. So, if your dishwasher is seven years old (its expected lifespan is nine years), replacing it might make more sense than repairing it.
Do you wish to buy a more energy-efficient product?
An energy-efficient appliance can be more expensive to purchase upfront, but the savings on your electric bill will make up for it over time. When you purchase an Energy Star appliance, you are assured that it complies with the standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Suppose you replace your refrigerator or washer, for example, with a new, more energy-efficient version. In that case, you will be saving up to 20% on your electric bill per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s a lot of saved energy costs over the appliance’s life.
Will better maintenance extend the life of your appliance?
Having regular maintenance performed on your appliance can make it last longer. And if you are wondering whether or not to repair or replace an appliance, the labor costs of maintenance will likely be less than half the cost to replace it. For instance, some good maintenance practices can include:
- Cleaning the condenser coils of your refrigerator at least once a year and defrosting them when necessary.
- Checking the exhaust vent of your dryer to ensure it is not blocked.
- Vacuuming your refrigerator condenser coils at least once per year.
- Check your washing machine’s inlet and discharge water valves to ensure they are not leaking.
- Running your dishwasher on the pots and pans cycle once a month to clean the spray arm and filters.
If you are diligent about performing regular maintenance on your appliances, it might make more sense to repair them than replace them.
Style preference
If you have updated the look of your kitchen and you are now living in a more modern home, it might be time to replace that old side-by-side refrigerator with a new stainless steel model. Appliance styles go in and out of fashion, so if your appliance looks a little outdated, it might be time to update. On the other hand, you have attached some fond memories to your existing appliance, so you might want to keep it until it completely dies. It’s like that feeling about your first car! Even if it’s an outdated model, you still have that sentimental connection.
One of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner is repairing or replacing your appliances. Knowing when it’s time to update can save you money and keep your home running smoothly. If you are having trouble deciding, use these simple guidelines. If the expense is estimated at 50% or less of the value of a new purchase, go ahead and call for repair. However, in some instances, you have no choice but to replace your appliance because parts are no longer available or not made anymore.