We don’t often think twice about our household appliances until they are on the fritz, or until they have completely stopped working and it’s too late to do anything about it.
While it might seem like you’re saving money by continually repairing an appliance, it might actually cost you more in the long run. In addition to appliance-specific factors, a good rule of thumb is to replace the appliance if the repairs costs are over half the cost of a replacement. Additionally, many appliances have a ripple effect on other costs, like your gas or electric bills, so a new unit could save you money each month, too.
In most cases, our household appliances are seeing a high volume of usage on a regular basis, so even if you have top-of-the-line models, they won’t last forever. We’ll break down common issues each appliance has and whether it’s worth repairing or time to replace it.
When to Replace Your Washer
A washer is a key player in your lineup of household appliances, but luckily, it isn’t the most expensive investment if you need a new one. Depending on what is wrong with your machine, sometimes buying a brand new one makes more sense than spending money on the repairs – especially if the fix isn’t covered under your warranty. Some common repairable problems washers see include:
Loud vibrations or noises, which can be resolved by replacing your washer’s spin basket.
Slow-filling washers caused by limescale build-up, which can be fixed by cleaning or replacing your washer hose.
Washer doors getting stuck or not locking, which can easily be fixed by replacing your door lock assembly.
When to Replace Your Dryer
If you are contemplating repairing or replacing your dryer, buying a brand-new one won’t break the bank if the repairs aren’t covered under your warranty. Many people like to replace both their washer and dryer at the same time to get a better deal at the store. Keeping up with routine maintenance is a good way to extend the lifespan of your dryer. Make sure you are regularly clearing out the lint trap and checking the hoses and exhaust ducts.
When to Replace Your Stove
Moving on to the kitchen – your stove can encounter many minor setbacks that are easy to fix, but if your repairs seem to keep adding up, it might be time to replace. If the inside of your oven appears to be rusting, you should definitely replace your appliance. Repairs you can handle without taking the leap of buying a new range include:
Things cooking too slowly or too quickly, which could mean you’ll need to check the heating element or replace the gasket.
Cracks in your ceramic top or glass door, which can be remedied by swapping them out for new ones.
When to Replace Your Refrigerator
Since your refrigerator is always running, this appliance may have a slightly shorter lifespan than the rest. If your refrigerator is more than 8 years old, replacing it might end up saving you money in the long run, due to lower energy bills and less spoiled food. If your refrigerator temperature is higher than 40 degrees, you have a problem. Refrigerator repairs that are worth the investment include:
Installing a new light bulb inside the refrigerator when it burns out.
Replacing the door seal if your door won’t close correctly.
Changing the water filter if your ice maker is on the fritz. If that doesn’t work, the issue may be with the water flow, which needs expert help.
What to Do With Your Old Appliances
If you have decided it’s time to replace your appliance, getting rid of the old one might seem complicated because they are so bulky. Luckily, we’re here to help you toss out the old and start fresh with the new.
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