Appliance Repair or Replace
If you have made your way to this page, then that can only mean two things... either you're looking to fix your broken appliance or you're wondering whether you should replace it. Unless of course you're doing this for a friend... or you're bored and just wanted to know... OK, OK, maybe there are more than two reasons; either way, take notes on what you're about to read, if you follow directions, it will lead to a more pleasurable outcome for you. So, should you repair or replace? Well there are several things to consider: - Age of the appliance - It's past performance - Cost of operating the appliance - Cost of repairs - Cost of replacement - How often the appliance is used Age The life expectancy for a dishwasher is 9-11 years, so if you've had yours for 7 and it starts to act up, it might be a good time to replace it. On the other hand, a freezer's life expectancy is 20 years, so if yours begins to act up after 5, then you either have a defective freezer, or you have a problem that's repairable and should last a good while longer after the appliance repair. Past Performance
Cost of Operation Cost of operation is one of the biggies to deciding on whether to fix or replace an old appliance. Check the yellow energy guide sticker on the appliance and see how it measures up. Then research a new appliance at Best Buy Appliance Usage One last factor to consider is how much the appliance is used. Do you only use your furnace or your A/C a few times a year? Well, if so, it might just be cheaper to get a space heater which costs drastically less than a new furnace; and more than likely it will be less than the appliance repair! It will also cost a lot less to operate; as with the A/C unit. You can replace the entire unit with window fans or an attic fan. Again, much less than a whole unit and costs a lot less to operate. Bottom Line There is a lot of extra info out there on the Life Expectancy of an appliance, and you can take the time researching appliance repair cost on particular items, but make sure whatever decision you choose, it's one you'll be confident and satisfied with. I will post the Life Expectancy Chart for appliances below, but let me tell you a brief story of an old lady who came into one of the stores I used to work in. She came to buy a new refrigerator because her old one was out of style and she wanted it moved to the basement. Now this little old lady was so tenacious about telling me the age of her old refrigerator, so I asked; "Ma'am, when did you get this refrigerator?"... "1940!" she immediately replied. Now I definitely did not expect that answer, but that fridge is about 66 years old! 15 year life expectancy my foot! And it still cools like the day she bought it. This isn't the only case I've heard of these things occurring. My very first refrigerator still runs strong and it's 20 years old. Anyways, I said that to say, if you have a good efficient appliance and it has done you no harm AND you'd like to keep it, repair it and keep it! Don't let these figures scare you away. Life Expectancy Chart: - Freezer.........................20 - Refrigerator...................15 - Dishwasher.................9-11 - Washer.....................11-13 - Clothes Dryer, Gas..........13 - Clothes Dryer, Electric.....14 - Television, B&W.............11 - Television, Color.............12 - Room Air Conditioner........7 - Heater, Gas & Electric.....10 Where To Get Appliance Repair Services Best Buy doesn't just offer appliance installation, but they offer appliance repair too! Dealing with a large company often times is best because they will likely be around longer than a small company to warrant any issues you may have. Visit the Appliance Resource Center at Best Buy where you'll find the info you need for a top-quality shopping experience.
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