Most appliance manuals and guides state how long it should last for. In most cases, however, the life of your appliances comes in a range. How then, do you know when it is time to replace your appliances? When you have a problem with your refrigerator, should you call a refrigerator repairs company or should you head to the local home store to purchase a new one? Before deciding to spend thousands of dollars on a new refrigerator, consider the following factors about the shape of your appliances.
Age of appliance
How old is your appliance? Did you purchase it or was it a part of the home sale? Did you purchase it used and really have no idea on the age of it? As a general rule of thumb, your refrigerator should last 13 years before you have to think about replacing it. If your fridge is nowhere near this timeline, consider having it repaired instead. However, if you believe that you are somewhere along that deadline, a new purchase may be warranted.
The usage of the appliance
Perhaps more important than the age of the appliance is how often it was used. Did your fridge sit abandoned in the basement for many years? With minor repairs and maintenance, it should last for a few more years. However, if your fridge gets its usage with multiple family member opening and closing it every day, for many years, it may be time to replace it.
The same idea goes for your other appliances. Your dishwasher should last 9 years before you think about replacing it. Newer models may benefit more from a professional dishwasher repair service. However, the amount of usage is a more important unit of measurement. If you are unsure, consider calling a professional appliance repair company out for a consultation. In many cases, they may be willing to give you a free consultation as long as you are doing either service through their business.
Maintenance schedule
It may seem like some appliances in your home require more maintenance than others. If your fridge is constantly breaking down and requiring expensive repairs, it may be time to replace it. Dishwashers, for example, tend to break quicker. Approximately 25% of front loading washing machines break within three to four years. If you are constantly replacing the door handle or having a repair technician do repair work on it, you may want to purchase a newer and more efficient model.
Washing machines and dryers tend to get a lot of usage. They also tend to have many problems, depending on their size and brand. If you have to have a dryer repair completed one to two times per year, it may be time to shop for a new set. Washing machine repairs may also be trickier, because they are hooked up to your house?s water system and additional plumbing repairs may be needed. Services on things like the washing machine and the dishwasher require a professional who is familiar with these types of repairs.
Cost
The cost of both the repairs and the appliance should also be factored into your decision. If you purchased your fridge for a discounted price many years ago, because it was your first house, it may be better to replace it. If you find that you are spending thousands of dollars in repairs on one appliance, it may be a better decision to replace it. Keep track of how much you spend on appliances and their upkeep for a better understanding of your appliance spending.
Appliances are a necessary part of your house. They make cleaning and cooking tasks easier. However, they can also be very expensive and it can be frustrating to pay for constant repairs or to have to replace an appliance too soon. Consider the age, price you paid, amount of repairs needed, usage, and brand of your appliance when choosing between maintenance and a new set of appliances.
