When to Repair or Replace an Appliance: Tips to Help You Decide

To repair or replace an aging appliance? It’s one of the bigger decisions you’ll face as a homeowner. Appliances are a huge investment, and you’ll want to make the right choice when it comes time to upgrade.

Ongoing repairs are a nuisance and an investment in themselves, and an unreliable appliance will not only throw a monkey wrench into your plans, but it could also cast your life into chaos — if the wrong appliance breaks down at the wrong time. How would it be, for instance, if the fridge gave out on Thanksgiving weekend?

In this article, we’ll discuss some ideas to help you decide whether to repair or replace your appliance. Keep reading for more information!

Consult the Owner’s Manual

If you can’t find your appliance owner’s manual, around the house, you may be able to find it online. You should also check the manufacturing date of your appliance. Usually, parts are available for appliances for about 10 years after manufacture.

Consider the Appliance’s Age

But if your appliance is verging on ancient, finding replacement parts may not be worth the effort. Parts might not be available, or it might take considerable wherewithal to track them down.

Most appliances last only about ten to twenty years. This is especially true if they’re not well-maintained or are heavily used. If your appliance is getting on in years and wear, and is well past its warranty, it may be time to say, “Goodbye old friend.”

Consider Cost of Repair vs. Replacement

If the appliance is relatively new and the damage is relatively minor, a repair is usually your best option. However, if the repair is difficult or the damage is considerable, start shopping around. A $150 washer repair may fit within the household budget, but $500? $600? An ethical repair technician would simply advise you to purchase a new machine before repair costs soar into the stratosphere.

Consider Energy Efficiency

With energy costs on the rise, many homeowners are wondering if they should invest in newer, more energy-efficient models. This alone is enough for some homeowners to waive a repair.

New appliances often come with a hefty price tag. But they have much lower operating costs and are more reliable than older models. As a result, investing in a more energy-efficient appliance may save you money in the long run. In addition, newer appliances usually come with better warranty coverage than older models, giving you peace of mind in case something does go wrong.

Get a Quote for Appliance Installation

The first thing you need to do is get a quote for the repairs.

Shameless plug: West Coast Chief Repair offers FREE estimates and same-day service for repair.

Compare the cost of repair to the replacement price of a new unit (which we can install for you), and factor in the age of your current appliance. If the repair amounts to 50% or more of the cost of a new unit, it’s time to replace your appliance.

Newer models are often worth repairing, since they’ll end up running smoothly for many more years after the repair.

Get an Expert Opinion

West Coast Chief has been repairing appliances since 1995 and has been selling and installing appliances for nearly as long. We’re proud to be LA’s go-to repair service for homeowners, large apartment complexes, and small to medium business complexes.

Our certified technicians inspect your appliance, give an honest assessment, and repair it if a repair makes sense. And if the time has for something new, we’ll go over your options, make the best recommendation for your needs and budget, and install a new appliance for you. Some brands today come with 10 to 20-year warranties. Talk about peace of mind!