As home appliances break down and show signs of wear and tear, it’s natural to wonder whether you should repair or replace them. The decision can be a difficult one, especially for those on a budget. If you’re considering fixing an appliance, especially a refrigerator, it can be helpful to have some knowledge about when to repair or replace it.
If you’re dealing with an appliance that needs repair, take into account the item’s age. If your appliance is relatively new and under warranty, repairs will likely make more sense than replacing it outright. However, if the appliance is over 10 years old and frequently needs repairs, replacement might end up being the more cost-effective option in the long run.
The average lifespans of the most common appliances are:
- Gas stoves – 14-16 years
- Fridges – 12-14 years
- Electric ovens – 12-14 years
- Dishwashers – 8-10 years
- Microwaves – 8-10 years
- Dryers – 12-14 years
When it comes to refrigerator repair or replacement decisions specifically, there are some guidelines you can follow. Refrigerators typically last anywhere between 8-15 years depending on how well they were maintained over that time period. If yours is at least 8 years old yet still functioning well overall, repairs may suffice.
Repair or replace? The fridge issues we see most frequently
Common refrigerator issues that require professional repairs include a leaking water supply line, faulty condenser fan motor, a malfunctioning thermostat or temperature control, clogged drain tubes or lines, and evaporator coils that have gone bad. Leaks in the water supply line can cause damage to the flooring underneath and should be addressed immediately.
A broken condenser fan motor often leads to improper cooling and needs to be replaced in order for your refrigerator to work properly again. If you notice temperatures fluctuating inside the fridge or freezer compartments, this may indicate an issue with the thermostat or temperature controls. It is important to get this fixed as soon as possible because warm temperatures can lead to food spoilage.
Additionally, clogs in the drain lines and tubes can cause water buildup inside the refrigerator and should be rectified right away in order to prevent any further damage from occurring. Lastly, evaporator coils which have gone bad will cause a lack of proper cooling and therefore must be repaired quickly as well in order to keep your food fresh. Most of these issues can be fixed rather than requiring a whole new unit, but our technicians can advise you on the best course of action. We’re committed to transparency, and we will always let you know when it’s better to buy a whole new fridge instead of opting to fix it.
Dishwasher issues: Replacement vs. repair
Like fridges, quality dishwashers can last a long time without requiring repair. But they do still break down. One of the most common issues that require dishwasher repairs is a malfunctioning motor. The motor, which powers the water pump, drains the water and circulates it throughout the dishwasher, can become defective if it has been used for a long period of time.
Other common problems include clogged filters, which can prevent water from entering the appliance altogether, leaking hoses, which can cause flooding, and dirty pumps that can lead to an unpleasant smell coming from the machine. Furthermore, a broken door latch or seal may cause water to leak inside and create rust on interior components.
Additionally, part failure due to wear and tear over time can lead to decreased performance from your dishwasher and require repairs. Lastly, electrical faults such as faulty wiring or poor connection between parts or terminals may also need replacing. All these common issues can be resolved through repairs with professional help from a qualified technician experienced in dishwasher repair.
You should always consider the severity of the issue when deciding whether to repair or replace appliances, and our team at National Appliance Repairs can help by providing honest and transparent advice. Minor repairs are usually not worth replacing an entire item for, but if you’re dealing with major issues such as refrigerant leaks from an air conditioner, replacement may be necessary.
Additionally, certain electronic components such as printed circuit boards can be difficult to fix and may require professional help if they malfunction – in which case replacement would likely be the better option.
Overall, when deciding whether to fix home appliances or buy new ones, there are many factors to consider such as age of the product and severity of any damages/issues it has. Additionally, for refrigerators specifically, expected lifespan should also come into play so that costly repairs don’t end up outweighing what a replacement unit would cost upfront in terms of both money and time spent on maintenance over its lifetime.
Ultimately, weighing all these factors against each other will help guide you towards making an informed decision regarding whether repairing or replacing your appliances makes more sense for your situation financially and practically speaking.
Need urgent fridge repairs? Get in touch
National Appliance Repairs specialise in urgent commercial fridge repairs. We can get your fridge back up and running fast, saving you time and money. Book a free callback today.
