Understanding The Nitty-Gritty Of Appliance Repair

Appliances are great for everyday needs. They make life easier for people, regardless of the activity. Electronic gadgets, like dishwashers, washing machines, blenders, cookers, air conditioners, and many more, enables homeowners to get about their daily lives with little or no stress. In their premium states, these devices operate optimally and efficiently, delivering the job in no time and to one’s best expectation.

However, when they have outlived their shelf lives and no longer work properly, there may be a dire need for a replacement. It is time to put that good old machine to rest – gone but not forgotten. Until then, the best bet would be to fix them, especially when the cost of repair is not up to half of the appliance’s price. There is so much to discover in this guide, as regards appliance repair. It is time to uncover more.

If there is a tight budget, the ideal step is to repair the faulty component. Otherwise, buying a newer model is not bad, especially when it offers more value for money. It is essential to look for one that is more energy-efficient than the current device. But that is a discussion for another day. This guide focuses on repairing faulty appliances. First, it is essential to check if the gadget is rightly connected to the power source to prevent wrong assumptions.

In some cases, uneven flooring can hinder the device from functioning. For air conditioners and other related gadgets, kindly check if the vents are free. There may also be a need to look into the circuit breakers.

Does the Appliance Meet Specific Conditions?

What makes an appliance worth repairing or discarding? This question can save a homeowner hundreds of dollars. There are specific conditions to analyze before deciding to fix that faulty gadget. The first area to look into is its warranty. For this reason, purchasing a new, quality device provides customers with value for their money. The manufacturer covers the product’s components and repair labour for a duration of time, ranging from one to two years, or even more in some cases. For such electronic devices, it is essential to get in touch with the company’s representative.

Another area worth considering is the product’s lifespan, as highlighted before. Each appliance has its shelf life, as shown below:

• Dryer – 10 years to 13 years
• Microwave – 7 years to 10 years
• Exhaust fan – 9 years to 12 years
• Washer – 10 years
• Refrigerator – 10 years to 18 years
• Freezer – 12 years to 20 years
• Garbage disposal – 10 years
• Electric cooker – 13 years
• Gas cooker – 15 years
• Oven – 16 years top

Understanding an appliance’s lifespan will help a homeowner know when to repair the product or discard it.

Applying the 50% Rule

What happens when an appliance has not lived up to its shelf life and still develops fault along the way? In that case, the 50% rule comes into play? Perchance, some individuals may have come across this tip; and others, not likely. What does this rule mean?

According to the 50% rule, if an appliance exceeds 50% of its lifespan and its repair cost is more than 50% of its purchasing price, a replacement will be ideal. By doing so, the homeowner will save more money and also get a high-performing gadget.

DIY Works in Some Cases

If the faulty component is small, straightforward, and less-expensive, the best bet will be to repair it. Appliances come with user guides that put owners through on how to get specific things done. These manuals save them from spending bogus fees on repairs. However, kindly note that some parts are customized and can only be found at the brand’s dealership. If they are mistakenly damaged, the individual may have to fork out more money to complete the job or even hire a trusted repair company.

Appliance owners also have to factor in the risk of sustaining an injury, especially when dealing with heavy gadgets or electrical components. Hence, safety comes first. If the individual is not safety-inclined or knowledgeable in fixing faulty parts, hiring a service company will be ideal. It is also worth noting that tampering with some of the gadget components can nullify the manufacturer’s warranty.

Benefits of Hiring an Appliance Repair Expert

Some appliances are not simple to repair due to their intricate component design, size, availability of components, and many more. Consequently, the individual has to seek the expertise of a repair professional. Some of the merits that come with taking this line of action include:

Available Tools and Parts:

Appliance repair professionals have the right tools required for the job. A homeowner may have a basic toolkit, which may be insufficient to execute a specific task when fixing a faulty gadget. However, it is a different situation entirely for a repair expert. Such an individual has everything needed to get the appliance up and running in no time. Additionally, there is no problem sourcing for the replacement component, as most of them work directly with the manufacturer or dealership.

Time Efficiency:

What may take an average customer six gruelling hours to fix may only take a repair expert 30 minutes, thereby saving time. Such persons are highly trained to repair all types of faulty components in a particular appliance. They know what to do without brainstorming on the challenge. Besides, these professionals have worked on similar products in the past and will not have difficulty restoring the gadget to its optimal shape and performance.

Warranty Coverage:

As discussed before, a warranty saves an appliance owner tons of money. However, this has to be done by the manufacturer’s team or a certified third-party in some cases. The repair experts will fix the item without incurring further damage. And even if there is a slight problem after, they will handle it effectively at no charge.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Appliance?

There is no one-size-fits-all cost when it comes to fixing home and office appliances. On the other hand, several factors determine the cost of repair, including:

• Appliance type
• Availability of parts
• Severity of fault
• Product brand
• The proximity of the repair team
• Appliance operation mode – gas or electric

The national average cost of fixing an appliance can range from $100 to $350. As stated before, if the repair fee exceeds half of the product’s purchase price and the item has outlived more than half of its shelf life, it is time to consider a replacement.