When you have an appliance that’s malfunctioning, you must decide whether you should repair it, or replace it entirely. While the answer to that question depends largely on your individual situation, you can get a better idea of what to do by asking yourself a few questions.
Is my appliance still under warranty? Most appliances offer a factory warranty that range in coverage. If your appliance is under warranty, you’ll have the opportunity to get your appliance repaired by an authorized repair shop. Depending on your problem, and what’s included in your warranty, this repair may be free, or have a cost associated with it; for example, some parts may not be covered under the warranty.
Should I purchase an extended warranty? If your appliance’s warranty has expired, you may be given the option to purchase an extended warranty. While purchasing extended warranties can be risky, if you understand what is included in your warranty, as well as any limitations, you may be able to save money on the repair. Especially if the cost of an extended warranty equals the costs of a repair, it may be prudent to consider buying the extra warranty coverage, particularly if the coverage is less than 20 percent of the cost of the item.”
Should I call a repairman? When your appliance’s warranty has run out, the other option for salvaging the appliance is calling an independent repairman. Calling a repairman to fix your appliance makes sense when:
- The cost to repair is significantly less than the cost to replace
- You are not in a financial position to purchase a replacement
- Your appliance is in good condition aside from the present issue
When it comes to repairing your appliances, a general rule of thumb from Consumer Reports is that that “unless you’ve bought a pricey, high-end model, it might not pay to professionally repair many out-of-warranty products that are more than three years old.”
Should I just replace it? Dealing with repairs can be a hassle. The hassle may simply not be worth it when the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new appliance and the item is more than half-way through its useful lifetime.
Finally, here is a list that offers additional helpful questions you can ask when deciding whether to repair or replace your appliance:
- Is it really broken? The trouble may be a short in the plug, a tripped circuit breaker, or a bad surge-protector outlet. Check the troubleshooting section of the unit’s instruction manual for the most common problems and solutions.
- Have you had trouble with the unit before? If it’s performed well, it might be worth fixing instead of replacing with something unproven.
- What would a similar appliance cost?
- Are there any hidden costs to purchase (removal, installation, disposal, tax, etc.)?
- How difficult is it to replace the appliance (Is it a built-in)?
- What additional features will I get with the new appliance?
- What energy savings will I get with the new appliance? Will they offset the cost of a new appliance vs. repair?
- What tax credits are available for purchasing an energy efficient unit? Will they offset the cost of a new appliance vs. repair?
Don’t forget:
✓ If you purchase a new appliance, then recycle your old appliance. EnergyStar tells you how here!!
✓ Always be careful when moving appliances. Never try to lift an appliance alone. Instead, call a moving helper to assist in moving your appliance for repair, or for recycling.
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