I have written about how to know whether to repair or replace your appliance, but I think it’s a topic that bears repeating, especially in these trying economic times.
Sadly, it really does seem they don’t make ‘em like they use to, at least according to data from Consumer Reports. The New York Times Article says, “According to data from Consumer Reports, at least a fifth of gas ranges, dishwashers and washing machines sold between 2003 and 2006 broke within three years. And pity the purchasers of side-by-side refrigerators with ice machines and dispensers: after three years, 37 percent of them needed service.” Yikes.
A good rule of thumb that was recently used in a New York Times Article, quotes the famous “50 percent rule” meaning that “if a repair would cost half or more of what it costs to buy a new product, the product should be replaced.”
However, keep in mind, purchasing a new appliance might come with hidden “extras.” Though many stores might offer free delivery and the removal of your old appliance, don’t assume all offer this option. Also, ask if your new appliance needs any extra installation materials as well.
Some people might need to take time off from their jobs in order to be home during the day to “receive” their new appliances. Keep all these things in mind when thinking about buying a new appliance.
One of the challenges of repairing your old appliance is the prohibitive cost and times it takes to schedule a repair appointment and await for the repair person to arrive. Often times, the article goes on, the repair person does not have the correct part to make the repair, so another service call needs to be made and more time is needed
Consumers can save a lot of money and keep their old appliances, by buying the parts online and doing the repair themselves as well. Researching the correct part your appliance needs is not difficult, just use the model number of your appliance and you can find the correct part you need. The appliances parts will be shipped right to your door and often take one or two business days.
Free online sources of repair help are also available. Try an appliance repair message board where you can ask repair questions for free and experienced repair people will answer your questions. Also, many websites offer extensive appliance repair information online. These resources will help you figure out where to start when troubleshooting an appliance problem.
Knowing the part your appliance needs also comes with the additional benefit of pricing how much a repair might cost you. Although the Time article says some parts cost about half as much as a new appliance, it is not necessarily true for every part in your appliance. A little time and research might mean the difference between spending $100 for a part and repair that you do yourself, verses spending several hundred dollars on a new appliance.
The NY Times Article also offers this good advice, “Buy the simplest possible appliance.” According to Mark Kotkin of Consumer Reports National Research Center, “The more doo-dads, the more stuff you add to an appliance, the more likely it’s going to need a repair,”
