All appliances have an expiration date and in the end, you will have to decide whether to repair or replace yours.

Take into consideration the date of purchase and how often do you use the appliance, and you will see that it may be time to say goodbye. Of course, it all depends on your budget and that can sometimes be a determining factor for buying a new appliance or fixing an old one.

Check if the appliance is broken

If your appliance suddenly stops working, this may be something as simple as not being plugged into the socket. If it is and it’s still not working, check the circuit breakers and plug another appliance into the same socket. Don’t stick your fingers in the socket or open the appliance to check it’s inner workings since that can electrify you and cause injury. In the end, it’s best to take the appliance for the repair if you don’t have it too long, or if it’s cheaper, buy a new and improved model. If you are handy and know to do simple repairs, then this will certainly decrease your expenses, but don’t do it if the appliance is still under warranty.

Check the warranty

Some appliances have warranties that last for two and more years, so when you buy something, make sure that you know this information. Additionally, pay attention to the fine print in warranties stating when it will apply and what it includes. If the malfunction is too severe, the official service company has to replace the appliance with a new one or corresponding model in case of an older item. You can also get an extended warranty for your appliance just after you buy it, so check the conditions for that. Usually, it included regular maintenance for a slightly higher price every year, but it may just be what your appliance needs to last longer.

Consider your appliances’ age

If you know the age of your appliance you will be able to predict when the next big buy will happen. Dryers last on average for 13 years, as do refrigerators, while washing machines have the lifespan of 10 years. Microwaves and dishwashers last for 9, freezers for 11 and garbage disposals for 12.

Of course, an appliance can die before this time has passed and even last longer. In the end, it all comes to the quality of manufacture and the way you handled them. More expensive brands are usually better since they use high-quality parts and the newest technologies, although those have a lifespan as well. Another benefit of replaying your appliance is that you can buy an energy efficient one and thus protect the environment and reduce your electricity bill.

React immediately

The moment you notice that your appliance is not working properly, don’t wait to see if it is a fluke. Call the repairmen to assess the malfunction and fix it if possible. Some appliances need immediate response since they may get more damage if left unattended. That is why performing the simplest oven repair, cleaning of the water heater or replenishing a gas in the refrigerator are best done immediately to protect the appliances. Otherwise, you will have to spend a hefty sum of money to buy new ones or pay much more for the replacement parts.

The 50% rule

Another thing that can help you decide to repair or replace is the 50% rule. The rule says, that if the cost of repair is more than 50% of the price for new appliance then you should replace it. Consider into this the age of your appliances and if it exceeds 50% of its lifespan, then you should definitely buy a new one.

This rule is useful when you can’t decide what to do and are faced with a big expense for repairs. Usually, people decide to give up on the old appliance, especially since there are many discounts out there to buy a new one. However, think it through and make calculations that will fit your budget and your plans.

In the end

Weighing on options is always better than coming to rash decisions. Deciding to repair or replace your appliances may seem like a minor decision, but it can certainly save you money and inconvenience.