Home appliances: Repair or replace?
Major appliances and electronics are the cornerstones of modern life. Without these trusty devices, people would be reduced to washing their clothes by hand, starting fires to stay warm and maybe even reading a book once in a while.
It’s no wonder that a broken washing machine, furnace or television can amount to a pretty big problem in most households. The question of whether to repair or replace these devices can even create a lot of anxiety.
When it comes to repairing electronics and appliances, every device eventually reaches a point of diminishing returns. If it’s cheaper to fix an appliance than replace it, the smart money is usually on the fix. However, it doesn’t make sense to fix a device that is likely to break down again in the near future. Since every appliance and device is different, it’s necessary to examine them individually, and if necessary, contact a professional appliance repair company.
Washing machines
According to the National Association of Home Builders, most washing machines have a life expectancy of about 10 years, so devices that are any older than that should be replaced. If a unit simply has a broken belt, it may still be worth fixing. Other issues, such as a burnt-out motor or circuit board, usually mean that an older washing machine is done for.
TVs
The technology found in TVs has changed considerably in recent years. That means it usually isn’t worth fixing a broken set if it’s only capable of displaying standard definition resolutions. Even the biggest rear projection set is outdated if it isn’t a high-definition TV. If a set is a HDTV, then it becomes a matter of cost. The replacement cost of a burned out lamp in a Digital Light Processing television is fairly cheap, so there isn’t really any question. The control board in a plasma TV is a major expense. If the replacement part hasn’t been redesigned or updated, it may also end up failing just like the original.
Furnaces
There are general guidelines that can make it easy to decide whether to fix or replace a furnace. One metric to look at is cost. If the cost of repairs equals more than half the cost of buying a new furnace, it’s a better idea to go with the replacement. Gas furnaces typically have a lifespan of about 18 years, so a repair that cost half as much as a brand new furnace would need to last at least 9 years.
The question of whether to repair or replace an appliance isn’t always an easy decision. If you are having trouble figuring out whether you should repair or replace, considering talking with a professional appliance repair company.