Appliance Repair: Should You Do It?
If you use them properly, appliances can last for years. But things do happen, and appliances can and do get broken. When this happens, actually are two things you can do, one is to throw them away, and the other is to repair them. The question is when should you choose the correct option? Consider the following points:
Warranty
If your appliance is still covered by warranty, it may cost you nothing at all, in which case a repair would be a wise decision. An appliance warranty typically lasts one year from the date of purchase. From washing machines, refrigerators, oven toasters, microwave ovens, TV sets, vacuum cleaners, all these always have a warranty period. Washing machines typically have a long warranty period of up to five years.
Cost of repair
If your appliance is not anymore covered by warranty, then it is time to do a cost-benefit analysis. Basically, what you do is to stack up the total repair cost against the cost of buying something brand new. In general, if the cost of repair is 50% off the cost of buying brand new, then go for repair. Otherwise, it will make so much more sense to buy a newer model.
Life cycle and condition of the appliance
Appliances really have a life of their own. And there are only a certain number of years after production that an appliance is in optimal performance, typically five to ten years depending on the manufacturer. This optimal performance period can be lengthened or shortened depending on how you use it. After this, your appliance will be in decline, although you can put it on life support by making frequent trips to a repair shop after the initial repair.
It’s always wise to assess the condition of your appliance before deciding on what to do with it. Will your appliance get an extended lease in life if you repair it, or will you just be putting it on life support?
The cost and availability of spare parts
Some appliances can present you with spare parts problems. Using substitute parts generally create more problems than solutions. If finding spare parts is causing you a problem, treat yourself to a new one. The good thing about new appliances is that they are energy-efficient and will translate to saving in electricity costs.
How much does it cost to get an appliance repaired? Appliance repair men usually bill on an hourly basis. The first half hour is usually the most expensive. Hourly repair rates usually cost from $50 to $70 with the successive time blocks costing from $10 to $20. In some cases, the cost could be on a per job basis. It will definitely cost you less if you take the appliance to the manufacturer’s service center.
Repairs done after business hours, weekends or on holidays will definitely cost you more. Charges could be up to 25% more than the regular rates. That said, never have your appliance repaired beyond business hours, unless if it is an emergency.