Repair or replace? Here's what you should do if a major appliance breaks down
The saying "they just don't make them like they used to" seems especially true of some major appliances these days.
Some washers, fridges and stoves used to last for decades without issues because they had fewer moving parts. But now, many modern appliances are more complicated with computer chips, sensors and circuit boards and could be more prone to breaking down.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The Prieto family was relieved to have their washer last 14 years before it needed a major repair.
“I was afraid if I spent the time and money to repair it, it would be out again soon. Frankly, I’m surprised it lasted this long,” said Josiah Prieto. “With a toddler, we do at least one load of laundry a day.”
Prieto decided against going ahead with the repair and instead went to a home improvement store to buy a new one.
When trying to decide if you should repair or replace a major home appliance, consider the diagnosis and price to fix the machine, how old the appliance is, the original price when purchased and how much the appliance is being used.
“With a refrigerator, you're getting the same usage in a typical household most days. They’re on all the time,” said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports. “With a washer, if you live in a family with a lot of children at home, you're doing a ton of laundry, multiple loads a day. In some cases even if the washer is only a few years old, it might make more sense to replace it because it’s had that much wear-and-tear on it.”
According to Consumer Reports, if you paid $1,000 for your washer three years ago and only do a few loads a week, a repair might be the better financial choice.
Before calling a repair service, go online to see if there are any recalls on your machine or if there are any simple fixes like a clogged filter or kinked hose and check if the appliance is still under warranty.
A front-loading washing machine is seen in this file image. (Pexels)
If you decide to search for a repair company, don't take the first one that pops up in a Google search as they may not be your best choice.
Consumer Reports recommends going directly to the manufacturer's website where you'll find authorized repair services in your area.
“If you go with an authorized dealer you have a little bit of a backup, because they back up their work and they are more likely to get the parts first," said Keith Flamer, an appliance expert with Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports also has a formula that can help you decide if you should repair or replace an appliance: If the repair will cost more than half the price of a new appliance, then it's probably time to replace it.
For most appliances, the average lifespan is between eight and 15 years but you might be able to make them last longer by keeping them clean, not overloading them and checking the owner's manual to see if they need new filters or other maintenance.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The world is too messy for bureaucratic hurdles': Canada still bars Afghanistan aid
Ottawa has plans to finally stop blocking Canadian development aid to Afghanistan this year.
Student anti-war protesters dig in as faculties condemn university leadership over calling police
Students protesting the Israel-Hamas war at at universities across U.S., some of whom have clashed with police in riot gear, dug in Saturday and vowed to keep their demonstrations going, while several school faculties condemned university presidents who have called in law enforcement to remove protesters.
Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality
A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
Cisco reveals security breach, warns of state-sponsored spy campaign
State-sponsored actors targeted security devices used by governments around the world, according to technology firm Cisco Systems, which said the network devices are coveted intrusion points by spies.
I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'oesn't get' the global phenomenom.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say
A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.
OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.