Should I Fix or Replace the Broken Equipment In My Home?

Dejan Josipovic

Choosing between spending a fortune to bring your broken appliance up to date or simply replacing it with a new one can be arduous. Appliances are already expensive as it is, and when they break down, it helps to know if you need repairs or a replacement. Before shopping for a replacement in an Appliance Online Store, we recommend talking to a qualified technician. 

Are you conflicted about whether to fix or replace your broken home appliance? Here's everything you need to know.

When Should You Repair or Fix an Appliance?

Below are things to consider before deciding whether or not to repair or replace.

  • Age. If the appliance is still under warranty and well-maintained, repair it. However, replace the appliance if it is older and no longer under warranty.
  • Warranty. If you have a good warranty on your appliances, repair them instead of replacing them. For example, if your refrigerator has broken down after one year of use and has a three-year warranty on all parts, it's better to replace it.
  •  Importance. If you're not using the appliance often or can't afford to replace it immediately, fix it. But buying may be better if you need a working refrigerator, washing machine, or dishwasher.
  • Cost. If repairing the equipment is less than 50% of its original price, fix it. However, if it costs more than 50%, it's probably time to replace it.
  • Safety issues. If your washing machine floods the basement after being repaired or an appliance catches fire after being fixed, then don't risk using it again.
  • The extent of the damage: For example, with some refrigerators and washing machines, there may be parts that can only be replaced by having the entire unit taken apart and put back together again. It can cause problems with other parts of the machine so much that they cannot be fixed.
  • Energy efficiency: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your old refrigerator of 15+ years with a new Energy Star-qualified model will save you $80 per year in utility costs. If you're trying to fix or replace a broken appliance, consider how much power it uses and whether you can get an energy-efficient model for less than a repair would cost.
How to Maintain Appliances?

The appliances in your home are one of the most important things you have. Without them, you would be unable to cook, clean, or heat your home. It's important to keep your appliances in good working order and ensure they last as long as possible. Here are tips for taking care of your appliances:

Clean Them

Cleaning the appliance is an important part of maintaining it. It keeps the appliance looking newer and reduces the risk of damage to the appliance and its parts. While cleaning appliances:

  • Unplug. It will prevent any damage if water gets into the appliance while washing it.
  • Use warm soapy water to clean your appliances. It helps break down any grime on them, so they will look new again much quicker than if you used cold water.
  • Do not use chemical cleaners on your appliances! These can cause corrosion, leading to expensive repairs later on down the line if left unchecked for too long or too often!
  • Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge with mild soap and water to gently scrub off any built-up dirt from around your appliances' handles or knobs. Use a soft cloth to dry off after each use so that you don't damage anything with static electricity from rubbing together two surfaces with different moisture levels (like metal against plastic).
Check the Seals

The seals keep the heat inside the appliance and prevent dirt from entering it. The seal may become worn over time. Check them regularly before they break down completely, and allow dust or other particles into your oven or refrigerator. 

Suppose you notice any cracks in the seal. Replace it immediately because once it breaks down, it will be too late for repairs, and you will have to buy a new one instead of fixing it. 

Check for Rust

Rust is one of the main enemies of metal objects, including your appliances. To prevent it from forming on them, you need to check for rust every few months and treat it right away before it becomes too severe. If there is rust:

  • Use vinegar with a brush or a towel to clean the appliance. 
  • Use oxalic acid. Although many acids are helpful against rust, this one is especially potent because it chemically transforms rust into a soluble form.
  • Make a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to a rusted area, and scrub it with a cloth or stiff plastic brush.
  • Use sandpaper or steel wool to remove the rust from your devices' exteriors.
Check Plugs and Cords

Look for any fraying on the cord or cracks in the plug ends. Replace any cords or plugs that look worn or damaged. Also, check for loose connections where they plug into the wall outlets — if you can wiggle them around, this could mean trouble too.

Check Ventilation

Ensure your appliances have proper ventilation and enough room for air to circulate them when they're in use — especially if there's food preparation in the kitchen or surrounding areas where fumes might build up (such as near an oven).

Don't Overload Them

Overloading your appliances can cause them to break. When you overload a machine, it will start to overheat and eventually burn out. You should also ensure that you do not put too much pressure on any one part of the machine because this can cause it to break down faster than if it were not being used all the time.

Ultimately, you must weigh the cost of getting a professional repairer to fix the problem versus just heading to the nearest home improvement store and replacing the equipment. If a professional repair is uneconomical or the time involved is extremely short, replacing it with a new one makes sense. Alternatively, if longevity or saving money are your primary concerns, getting the repairs done makes more sense because they will allow you to use the equipment for longer. Are you looking for a home appliance replacement? Visit https://www.theapplianceguys.com.au/ 

Name, Address, and Phone

The Appliance Guys, 

70 Peter Brock Drive Eastern Creek New South Wales 2766, 

+61296215440

 

Social Account URLs

https://www.facebook.com/theapplianceguys.com.au/

https://au.linkedin.com/company/stove-doctor-australia

https://www.youtube.com/c/theapplianceguysbystovedoctor

https://www.instagram.com/theapplianceguys.com.au/

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.