When your home appliances start to show signs of wear and tear, and it’s working less efficiently than usual, you have two options – fix it or throw it.
Many homeowners find it easier to buy a brand-new appliance when their existing device breaks but this isn’t always necessary.
Sometimes, professional appliance repair is a cheaper and easier option than getting a replacement. However, in some cases, a replacement is preferred to keep your kitchen looking new.
Signs That Your Kitchen Appliance Isn’t Working Properly
There are many reasons why an appliance can stop working but it’s usually because of a fault in the mechanics or electrics of the device. Looking out for the key signs of wear and tear will help you to identify when a repair or replacement is needed.
The most common signs of breakage or wear and tear include:
- Overheating
- Over cooling
- Food spoilage in your fridge
- Sparks or trips when you plug the device into an outlet
- Increased noise coming from the device
Repair or Replace?
Here are some important questions to ask yourself when you spot some of the signs of wear and tear in your kitchen appliances. Answering these questions will make it easier for you to decide whether to repair the device or replace it.
How much would a repair or replacement cost?
The cost of repairs for a kitchen appliance depends on what is wrong with it.
If it’s a minor issue that can be easily fixed, it may not cost very much to sort out. If there is a major problem with the device, the cost of repairs might exceed the cost of full replacement.
You can also use the 50% rule. If the device is over 50% of its lifespan and the repairs cost more than 50% of the total purchase value, it’s probably worth replacing it. You will need to know the exact age of the appliance to figure out its current value.
Is the appliance actually broken?
Most of us don’t take the time to properly check over a device before we label it as being broken but there are many reasons why a kitchen appliance might not work.
One of the most obvious things to check is whether your device is plugged in and whether the outlet is working. The circuit breakers might have tripped, causing the outlet to stop working temporarily.
Another thing to check is the fan or ventilator in your device. If this has become clogged, it can cause the appliance to stop working.
Does the appliance still have a warranty?
If your kitchen appliance still has a valid warranty, the cost of repairs might be much cheaper than you expect. In this case, repairing the device might be easier than getting a replacement.
Most appliances come with a two-to-five-year warranty when bought brand-new. Be sure to check your warranty plan to see whether your device is still covered.
