The Big Decision: Fix or Replace?
Usually, the cheaper option is to repair. However, in the event of a major part failure, repair costs can become substantial and replacing the appliance should be considered. There are many factors that influence the decision: how well the appliance has been taken care of, how dependable the model is, and how much the item cost initially. One of the most significant factors to keep in mind is the expected lifespan of the appliance:
| Appliance Type | High | Low | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | 18 | 3 | 11 |
| Dryer (electric) | 15 | 8 | 12 |
| Dryer (gas) | 15 | 8 | 12 |
| Freezer | 16 | 8 | 12 |
| Garbage Disposal | 14 | 9 | 12 |
| Microwave | 12 | 7 | 10 |
| Range (electric) | 19 | 12 | 18 |
| Range (gas) | 22 | 14 | 18 |
| Refrigerator | 16 | 10 | 13 |
| Trash Compactor | 10 | 4 | 7 |
| Washing Machine | 14 | 7 | 11 |
When a new appliance makes sense:
Remember to consider the cost of delivery of your new appliance and replacement of the old one. These costs can add up to $200. Also keep in mind that almost all appliances will need repair at some point of their lifespan.
Don’t run out to buy a new appliance the moment you encounter problems. Most common appliance failures are resolved quickly and inexpensively. If your appliance has a few years left in its life, we usually recommend repair as the correct course of action.
We would be happy to help walk you through your options. Give us a call at (704) 901-8050 or e-mail us if you would like our assistance!
Choosing a new appliance:
It’s best to choose simpler models that have fewer parts. Higher-end modern appliances can be very complex, which may lead to a higher incidence of part failure and increased repair costs.
While there are many appliance brands, they’re produced by only a handful of manufacturers, the most prominent being American manufacturers Whirlpool and GE and Swedish manufacturer Electrolux. Check out the below table:
| Manufacturer | Brands / Makes |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool | Acros, Admiral, Amana, Bauknecht, Brastemp, Consul, Estate, Inglis, Jenn-Air, Kirkland, KitchenAid, Maytag, Privileg, Roper, and Whirlpool |
| Electrolux | Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, Lehel, Tappan, Westinghouse, and White-Westinghouse |
| General Electric | General Electric and Hotpoint |
Another consideration is that some brands are produced by more than one manufacturer. For instance, Whirlpool, LG, GE, and many other companies utilize the Kenmore brand.
What to purchase?
For budget-minded customers, start with Whirlpool’s basic models. Remember — more expensive models are not necessarily more reliable.
If money is less of an issue, we’ve found that Bosch, Sub Zero, and Thermador appliances tend to have a higher overall build quality, on average. These brands also feature longer warranties.
If in using this guide you’ve decided on a new appliance purchase, we hope you’ll consider us for your appliance service needs in the future!