Back to BlogsIt is a hassle whenever a home appliance breaks down or does not function properly, e.g. the washing machine makes lot of noise, or the refrigerator no longer keeps the food cold. You have to either get it repaired or buy a new one.
Getting an appliance repaired takes time, money and effort. You may be tempted to just buy a new one. Deciding whether to get it repaired or buy a new one can be tricky. When should you go for repair and when a replacement?
There are a lot of factors to consider, like age of appliance, repair cost, etc. We bring you some pointers to help you decide whether to repair or replace an appliance.
Things to consider when deciding to repair or replace
Before you decide whether to repair or replace your problematic appliance, ask yourself the following questions:
How do the costs compare?
Sometimes even an expensive repair is worth doing. For instance, you cannot buy a new car considering how costly cars are, every time it is in need of repair. In contrast, a broken smartphone may be so expensive to repair that it may be better to buy a new one.
When balancing the costs of repairing or replacing an item, the “50% Rule” is often used. If repairing costs at least half as much as buying a new one, it may be advisable to replace it. If your gadget has already been repaired once, even a lesser repair cost may be too much to spend on fixing it again. When the same item has broken down before, it’s a sign that it is not reliable.
Is your appliance under warranty?
If the item is still under warranty, the repairs do not cost you money. Similarly, if you have taken an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for your appliance, many repairs may be covered under it. In such cases, it is best to follow up with the company’s service centre to get the appliance repaired.
What is the extent of the problem?
If it is a minor problem your appliance may work well and for long after repair.
How hard is it to repair?
Some appliances have special parts that are expensive to replace and hard to find. Or the parts for an old model may not be available. Also, you may have to wait for the repair person to come. The technician may not be able to resolve the problem satisfactorily. Following up with the customer service department of the company can be tedious and require time and patience. And you do not know whether an unauthorized repair centre will do a good job.
How old is the appliance?
If you have used the appliance for many years, almost near to its expected life, it may be advisable to replace it and get advantage of a more technologically advanced and energy efficient appliance rather than spending money on repairs.
Have you had trouble before?
If your appliance has always worked well, it might be worth getting it repaired. However, if it has broken down repeatedly, creating several repair bills over the last few years, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Do you need a more energy-efficient appliance?
Old appliances often cost more to run than new ones because they are not as energy efficient. If this is the case, go for a replacement and buy a new model with a high energy-efficiency rating. You can check the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) star ratings.
Could better maintenance extend the life of your appliance?
After a repair, if you follow maintenance tips you can prolong the life of the item. For instance, if you start periodically cleaning your refrigerator condenser coils to remove dust and other debris it will improve performance and make your refrigerator last longer. Similarly, not overloading your washing machine will extend its life.
How much do style trends matter to you?
Style preference is a totally personal aspect while determining when to replace appliances. For instance, if you want a uniform look in your kitchen, you may replace an appliance that has broken down to match the rest of the décor.
Would a new appliance have additional features?
If this is the case it may be worth buying a new appliance.
Nearly everything breaks down sooner or later, so it is best to buy a product that is easy to get repaired. When you buy an appliance, check the warranty period, its coverage and make sure that a local service centre is available.