Should You Repair or Replace Your Appliances?

Should You Repair or Replace Your Appliances?

We often fail to appreciate our appliances and how well they’re working until something goes wrong. Most people don’t have a regular maintenance schedule for household appliances which can lead to excessive wear and tear and a shorter shelf life.

Once you have reached the point where you’re unsure if your appliance needs to be repaired, it’s often too late. So, it’s essential to understand when these items need to be repaired and when it’s time to replace them. This will help you plan the regular maintenance of household equipment and ensure you are not throwing something away that still has use.

Whether it’s a dishwasher or a toaster, this article walks you through the best practices when it comes to getting the most out of your appliances.

What’s the condition of the appliance?

While most of us will find it hard to identify a significant tech problem with an item, you can do a cursory scan to determine its working condition. Deciding when you need to replace an appliance depends on how good it looks and how well it works. Ask yourself the following questions to work out if the object needs to be replaced:

• Are the vents, outlets and filters of a device clogged? The build-up of hair, fine dust and small particles can slow down the performance of a machine or even stop it from working. This is particularly relevant for laptops, air conditioners and hair dryers.
• Is the device sparking or not switching on? Be sure you’ve plugged your unit in to make sure.
• Is the machine on an even surface? This is particularly relevant for large appliances like a dishwasher or washing machine. Unsteady surfaces can hamper operating conditions.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, there is likely to be a defect or issue with your appliance. Further examination may then prove that it can be repaired or that it’s time for a replacement.

Is the product under warranty?

If you’ve decided that your appliance can’t be repaired, be sure to check the warranty. Get out your user manual to see if it’s still under contract – most devices bought between seven months to two years ago will be covered. This will allow you to repair the appliance at minimal cost, so it’s worth checking out.

Life Expectancy of Common Household Appliances

Let us now look at the most common household appliances and how long they’re expected to last. Even the most high-end, well-designed models don’t last forever, especially with the wear and tear of regular use.

Washing Machines

You can expect a washing machine to last anywhere between ten to fourteen years. Many of the common problems with washers, such as slow filling machines or excessive noise and vibration levels, are easily fixed by replacing individual parts. For more serious repairs, the cost can total up to $300.

Dryers

Dryers have the same life expectancy as washing machines. If the clothes are taking too long to dry or the dryer is making more noise than usual, it could be time to replace certain elements. The cost of repairing a dryer can run up to $400.

Dishwashers

It might be cheaper to repair your dishwasher when it breaks down rather than pay for its replacement. Repairs can set you back anywhere between $100 and $350, while a new dishwasher costs up to $800. Some issues, like water leakages, stoppages and wet dishes are easily repaired through the services of a technician or a DIY project.

Stoves

Stoves can last a long time if well cared for. You may have to do minor fixes in between, but you probably won’t have to repair your stove for the first 15 years. Most stoves have a life expectancy of 25 years. The cost of repairing a stove is anywhere from $80-$300. Sometimes, easy fixes such as replacing a gasket or countertop can prolong its life expectancy.

Should I DIY repair my appliance?

Many homeowners think that a YouTube video or user manual can help them to restore their device. While this is true for minor fixes, especially if you are experienced in repairs, it’s usually best to leave repairs to the professionals. The main issue with attempting to make fixes without the correct technical skills and know-how is that you may leave your device in a worse condition than when you started. This can set you back in time, money and effort, so it’s better to consult with a technician when possible.

Getting a New Appliance

So you’ve decided it’s time to get a new appliance that works better for your needs. However, there are some factors you need to consider. The cost of a new device can render it out of reach for many, especially if you haven’t planned for it. In addition, you will need to figure out sizing, as many newer models are designed bigger and may not fit into a small kitchen or utility area. In addition, consider how you’ll be getting rid of your old appliance. For larger devices such as a washing machine or dryer, you may need to rent a dumpster rental for safe disposal. Also, consider power outlets, and check if your home is set up with gas connectors or piping in the right place for your new device.

Deciding when it’s time to let go of your much-loved appliance can be challenging. However, keeping items when they aren’t working at their full potential doesn’t make sense.

Luckily, we’re here to help when it comes time to dispose of your old items. For the best junk removal services, check out Gorilla Bins. Our options for dumpster rentals offer you the easiest and most hassle-free way to get rid of your old appliances. This is the perfect chance to start afresh.

To learn more about dumpster rental, call Gorilla Bins today at 905-230-1300 or contact us here.