When you have a broken appliance, the first thing homeowners consider is, “Is it better to repair or replace it?” Repairs can sometimes save you money in the short term, but constantly fixing an old appliance can be a hassle and may not be worth it in the long run. On the other hand, replacing an appliance can be a significant financial investment. Before you make a decision, it’s important to consider the factors. Here’s how to weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing an appliance so that you can make the best decision for your home and budget.
Which Is Better: Replace or Repair Appliances, and Why?
Deciding whether to repair or replace a broken appliance is a big decision. Not only is it about making the right choice financially, but you want to be able to keep your home running smoothly and avoid issues again in the future!
There are a ton of factors to consider, like the severity of the issue, the cost of the repair, the cost of a replacement, and especially the age of the appliance. Knowing the lifespan of your refrigerator or dishwasher can help make the decision a lot easier!
How Long Do Major Appliances Last?
Kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, often last 13-15 years with proper care and maintenance. Laundry appliances don’t last as long as kitchen appliances. They usually last 10-13 years. However, certain brands have longer-lasting appliances, and how often an appliance is used and how well it’s been cared for can also determine its lifespan.
Refrigerators: 10-20 Years, depending on the brand
Dishwashers: 9-12 Years
Ovens/Ranges: 14 Years
Washing Machines: 10 Years
Dryers: 13 Years
Keep in mind that even if your appliance is reaching its expected lifespan or has already exceeded it, it still may be more cost-efficient to repair it than replace it.
Repair or Replace: Factors to Consider
- Age of the appliance
- Severity of the issue
- Cost to repair
- Cost to replace
- Energy efficiency
- Availability of parts
When the choice is not immediately clear, consider the 50% rule.
The 50% Rule
Trying to decide whether to repair or replace an appliance can be tough, especially when figuring out what will save you the most money. That’s where the 50% rule comes in! It’s a handy way to help you decide the best option.
If an appliance is more than 50% through its lifespan and the cost of one repair is more than 50% of the cost of buying a new one, it’s often better to replace rather than repair. Of course, there may be other factors to consider, such as the availability of parts and the overall condition of the appliance.
Should I Fix or Replace My Refrigerator?
Most appliance repairs are fairly affordable and can save a ton of dough compared to replacing the whole appliance. But some repairs can get a little pricey, like fixing the condenser in a fridge. In those cases, it might make more sense just to buy a new appliance.
Appliance repair professionals, like Solar Refrigeration and Appliance Service, can give you a professional opinion and help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing or replacing your appliance. That way, you can make an informed decision and either fix the appliance or upgrade to a new one.
