Household appliances are usually pricey investments that homeowners like to protect at all costs.

 

Most of us would like them to work without breaking down for a long time. Sadly, that’s not the reality, as you’ll definitely need to repair or replace the appliances at one point.

 

Like any other person, you want to get the most out of your appliances. To make this possible, you may want to focus on their regular maintenance to reduce instances of them breaking down. This may include getting minor repairs to lengthen the lifespan of your appliances.

 

Having said that, there might come a time when your device is broken beyond repair. And getting it checked by professionals may turn out to be quite costly. That’s why we’re here to tell you if it’s really worth it to fix an appliance that might be acting up.

 

So, without further ado, let’s begin.

 

AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF HOME APPLIANCES 

 

One of the first things you need to realize is that all household appliances come with an average lifespan. However, the actual longevity of a device depends on several aspects like frequency of usage, maintenance, problems with electricity, quality of water etc.

 

Many people forget to consider the age of an appliance when they need to repair it. That’s why they may end up giving a hefty price to fix the appliance. In such instances where appliances are halfway down their lifespan, it might be better to get a replacement.

 

Here are some of the average lifespans of common appliances:

 

• Dishwasher – 9 years
• Refrigerator – 13 years
• Freezer – 11 years
• Microwave – 9 years
• Washer – 10 years
• Dryer – 13 years
• Range hood – 14 years
• Garbage disposal – 12 years
• Air conditioner – 15 years
• Stove – 13-15 years
• Water heaters – 10-20 years

 

It’s also advised to get your appliances checked yearly to ensure they are in good health. These days, most brands have helpful customer support to keep up with the maintenance. Plus, you can even contact a local electrical contractor to detect any faults in your appliances.

 

If your appliance is still under warranty, you may not even need to spend much on its repair. However, when a device has passed the warranty period and starts demanding frequent repairs in a year, you might be better off getting a replacement.

 

TAKE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INTO CONSIDERATION 

 

Most of us tend to stick with our appliances for a long time and get them repaired year after year. That’s because we have grown comfortable with them, and buying a new one may seem like a big investment for the moment. However, little do we know that the old appliances might be behind the rising electricity bills.

 

Old appliances can even take a toll on the electrical systems of homes and may lead to accidents like short circuits. On top of that, many appliances that are more than a decade old may consume more electricity than newer models. Hence, if you have such appliances in your home, it might be better to get them changed the next time there is a breakdown.

 

While making the switch, try to get an appliance with proper energy efficiency ratings. Having energy-efficient appliances brings down power costs drastically and keeps the electrical system of your home healthy. Besides, some professionals suggest changing the major home appliances every ten to fifteen years to be on the safer side.

 

HOW TO KNOW IF IT IS WORTH IT TO FIX AN APPLIANCE? 

 

At times, you might be confused if your home appliance just needs a repair or whether a replacement would be better. In some cases, there are telltale signs like rust buildup in ovens or a broken compressor in refrigerators which might be too expensive to fix.

 

An ingenious method followed by some people is the 50% rule, which we’ve already mentioned once above. They believe that when an appliance has crossed 50%of its lifespan, you might be better off getting a replacement if the repair is too costly. Another point is if the repair estimate crosses 50% of getting a new appliance, you should opt for a replacement.

 

First, you should always check the warranty of the product. Even though most brands provide a one-year warranty, some appliances like refrigerators come with an additional warranty for specific parts. You should contact the brand to get the appliance inspected in such instances. The good thing is that most brands today offer on-site repair and maintenance services.

 

In case your appliance doesn’t come under a warranty, you can still contact a local electrical contractor for a thorough inspection. They can check for any faults and give you a quote for any parts that may require replacement. Then it’s on you to decide whether to repair or replace the appliance.

 

When choosing any electrical service personnel, make sure that they have the right licensing and insurance. It’s also advisable to ask if they have certifications and experience repairing appliances from specific brands. Reputable contractors or companies may even help you choose and install new appliances at better prices instead of spending on repairing old ones.

 

FINAL WORDS 

 

That’s everything we had to tell you about whether it’s worth fixing an appliance. We hope that the information will help you make the right decision about the appliances present in your home.

 

We want to add that in some cases, getting a replacement becomes inevitable. Some people try to DIY quick fixes or ignore glaring signs like burning smells or burn marks.

 

As it might turn out to be a risky affair, always take help from professionals when you feel there’s something wrong with an appliance. Furthermore, try to use every device as per the instructions mentioned in the manuals to keep them in good health.

 

If you have decided to get your appliance fixed, don’t forget to take a quote to compare it with the current market rates. With that, we have come to the end of this informative guide.

 

Until next time, goodbye, and take care!