Your appliance has broken down – is it worth while fixing or should you just bite the bullet and buy new? We take a look…
Repairing appliances can be a time-consuming and costly. It can mean going without your dryer or dishwasher while you wait for a qualified appliance repair man to come and fix it.This makes it tempting to go out and buy a new one. But is this the best use of your money both financially and environmentally?
Consumer magazine recommends you don’t spend more than 50% of the cost of a new product on repairing an old one.
For dishwashers, microwaves, fridges, stoves, washing machines and driers, unless they’re past their life expectancy, look at getting them fixed. If you’re worried about the cost you can use our free online cost estimator to get an idea or get a free quote from one of our qualified tradespeople. That way, you won’t just be saving money; you’ll save a whole lot of time.
Can you save money on your appliance repair?
When it comes down to appliance repair or replace, it often seems like an expensive guess and there’s a 50% chance that you’re going to guess wrong. However, there’s no need to throw good money after a bad product.
There are many power and water savings on many new appliances available today. That means repairing an old item isn’t always the best way to save you money in the long run.
Replacement parts for appliances are usually available for 7-10 years after manufacture.
If you’re repairing an old item, ensure that all repairs are carried out in accordance with all legal requirements.
We often hear ourselves lamenting that they don’t make appliances like they used to. According to a recent Consumer magazine survey, the repair rates of most products haven’t changed in the last few years. In fact, some products are even breaking less often.
“Laptops had a repair rate of 24 percent, down from 36 percent in 2010; LCD TV repair rate is 7 percent, down from 15 percent. So why does it seem like things don’t last as long as they used to? Because when products do break, it’s memorable: They stop working altogether (53 percent) or work poorly (32 percent),”
Who should you hire to fix your appliances?
People who used independent repair shops and technicians were more satisfied with the repairs than those who used factory service, which is consistent with previous Consumer magazine surveys. And repairs are costing less, too. This was especially true when it came to large appliances and lawn equipment.
If your appliance needs repairs and is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll need to use a factory-authorized repair shop so you don’t risk voiding the warranty. Always check that any technician is properly trained and has the correct authentic parts for your product.
No matter who does the repair, don’t spend more than 50% of the replacement cost on repairs. If an items already broken down before, replacing it is the sensible option in most cases.
If you’re looking for some independent free advice, post a job on our site and a qualified appliance repairman can give you advice on replacing or repairing before you do anything else.
