Every homeowner encounters a dilemma when faced with a broken or malfunctioning appliance: Should they repair or replace it? If you’re currently facing this tough decision, you may be unsure of which option is best for your needs. In some situations, repairs make more financial sense, but in others, replacement is the better choice in the long run.
At Appliance E.M.T., we want you to have all the information you need to make the right decisions about your home appliances. Keep reading to get some tips for deciding whether to repair or replace your appliance, and remember that if you need personalized advice, Appliance E.M.T.’s Appliance Emergency Master Technicians are always here to help.
Should I Repair or Replace My Appliance?
So, you have a broken appliance. Maybe your refrigerator won’t stay cool, or maybe your washing machine is leaking. Whatever it is, you have a tough choice to make — should you repair or replace it?
As you navigate this difficult decision, here are some things to keep in mind.
The Age of the Appliance
The first thing to consider is the age of the appliance. While home appliances are built with durability in mind, they’re not indestructible. Over time, wear and tear can take their toll, affecting the appliance’s performance.
Consider the expected lifespan for your specific make and model, but bear in mind that age is only one thing to think about. Take a car, for instance. You can have a ten year old car that grandma drove around town and only got 10,000 miles put on the odometer, while another car of the same age got driven cross country and has 300,000 miles on it. Grandma’s car might have another 20 years of life left, but the second car might be on its last leg.
If your appliance is near or past its expected lifespan, it may be a better candidate for replacement. However, with proper care, many appliances can last much longer than predicted. If you’ve taken good care of your appliance throughout the years and it generally functions well, it may be worth it to keep it around longer.
Cost and Frequency of Repairs
If the repair costs more than 50 percent of the price of a new appliance, it may be more economical in the long run to opt for replacement. However, minor repairs, such as replacing a worn-out belt or sealing leaks, are almost always worth fixing. This is why it’s so important to get a professional diagnosis and take the guesswork out of cost predictions.
Furthermore, frequent breakdowns pile on costs and add stress. If the appliance has required multiple repairs recently, it may be approaching the end of its lifespan, which means it’s time for an upgrade.
Energy Efficiency and Utility Costs
Typically, newer appliances are more energy-efficient, but they aren’t really that much more energy efficient. If they are 10 or 20 percent more efficient than your last model, you might save a couple of dollars a month on power. Those savings don’t warrant a new appliance by themselves. Plus, more energy efficiency typically means more computer boards on an appliance, which really just means more potential failures later.
Don’t buy a new appliance for the energy efficiency benefits alone — you have to account for the energy used and material wasted in the appliance manufacturing and shipping processes. Plus, throwing out your old appliances contributes to landfill waste. Only upgrade when necessary, and you can look into appliance recycling programs in your area, including Bloom’s Recyclers.
Availability of Replacement Parts
As appliance technology advances, older models inevitably fall out of favor or get discontinued, making it hard to get replacement parts. Without readily available replacement parts, it can be a lot more expensive to repair your appliance; plus, you may have to wait longer for the necessary parts to be in stock. Sometimes, we can locate used appliance parts to keep your old model running. In other cases, a lack of parts makes replacement the only viable option.
Talk to an appliance repair specialist or Appliance Emergency Master Technician to learn whether the replacement parts you need are still in production and gain insight into what the repair process will look like for your particular model.
Performance and Features
Current issue aside, are you satisfied with how your appliance performs? Have you liked using it? If so, it’s probably worth it to repair it. However, if it no longer meets your needs, upgrading might be worthwhile. Newer models often come with advanced features like smart technology and improved safety to make your life easier. Some will even send you a message when the cycle is done.
If your old appliance still works, consider repairing it anyway so it can be donated or sold to someone else. There’s no reason to throw out an otherwise reliable appliance simply because you’re ready for a change.
When to Choose Repair or Replacement
It’s generally best to seek repairs when:
- The appliance is under warranty.
- The repair is minor and inexpensive.
- The appliance is relatively new and has a good track record.
- You’re trying to extend its life while budgeting for a future upgrade.
It may be better to replace the appliance when:
- The appliance is old and inefficient.
- Repair costs are high or recurring.
- You want newer features, better performance, or energy savings.
- Safety is a concern.
Need Help Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace? Trust Appliance E.M.T.
At Appliance E.M.T., we understand that the decision to either repair or replace your appliance is not something to be taken lightly. If you need help making this decision, contact us today for a professional inspection and expert advice. And if you decide to go with repairs, we’ll be there to get your appliance back to normal in no time.
Follow Us