Today our homes are filled with many more appliances than in the past. From televisions, DVD players and Blu-ray players to washers, dryers, microwaves and dishwashers, everywhere we turn it seems there’s another appliance. More appliances mean more repairs. How do you know when to repair an appliance and when it’s time to replace it? Here is some helpful information.
Why Appliances Break Down
When an appliance breaks down, we often tend to look for someone or something to break. It’s human nature. One of the first things often said is that appliances just aren’t made as good as they used to be. However, Consumer Reports states that this is just not the case, according to an article on home appliances that was in the Chicago Tribune in January 2014. The article indicated that appliances are actually more reliable than in the past.
So, if appliances are more reliable, why does it seem that they’re breaking down more often? Consumer Reports says it’s not that they’re breaking down more often but that when they do break down, they’re usually big breakdowns where the appliance quits working altogether and typically needs replacing.
Regardless of how good appliances are made today, eventually they’re going to get old and break down, especially if they’re used often. Here are some reasons why appliances break down.
• Cheap products – Consumers buy inferior cheap products not designed for long-term use.
• Poor maintenance – Lack of maintenance is usually sites as the number one reason for appliances breaking down.
• Misuse – Failure to use appliances according to manufacturer’s instructions can cause an appliance to stop working.
DIY Repairs – Helpful or Harmful?
This is a DIY world we live in today. More people than ever before are attempting DIY projects, including repairing appliances. Between Google, YouTube videos and helpful sites like repairclinic.com, repairing appliances yourself is easier than you’d think if you know what you’re doing.
Individuals who are mechanically inclined can save hundreds of dollars in repair costs by repairing their own appliances. However, those who attempt to repair their own appliances when they really don’t know what they’re doing can cause more damage to the appliance.
Repair or Time to Replace?
So, as much as you enjoy that wonderful washing machine that’s given you so many good years of service, is it really worth repairing or should it be replaced? That’s always a big dilemma when any appliance breaks down. There are a few simple steps you can take when your appliance breaks down. Get out the owner’s manual and do a little reading. Sometimes, the fix is very simple and something you can do yourself.
If you get absolutely no help out of the owner’s manual, you may want to consider contacting the manufacturer or the place where you purchased the appliance. In an attempt to promote good customer service and keep you using their product, they may offer parts and/or service free or at a discounted price. If the owner’s manual and the phone call fail you, it’s time to consider your financial options and make a decision based on facts.
According to My1877appliance.com, if the product is out of warranty, do some research and price checking with various repair companies. They said, “If you do decide on a repair service, it’s usually beneficial to go with an independent service because they’re typically cheaper than factory service. After contacting some repair companies, use the fifty percent rule.”
What this means is that if the cost of the repairs s fifty percent or more of the cost of a new appliance, you may want to go new. If the appliance has broken down in the past and cost you money, the decision to replace should be even easier. Whether you repair or replace, it’s important to keep up with maintenance and continue to follow the appliance’s instructions. It’s the best way to ensure your appliances last as long as possible.
