Repair, or Replace?
When it comes to household appliances, we often take them for granted until they break down. Whether it’s your trusty refrigerator, washing machine, or dishwasher, these white goods play a crucial role in our daily lives.
But have you ever wondered about the average lifespans of these appliances and when it makes more sense to repair them rather than replace them?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the lifespans of common household appliances, signs of wear and tear to watch out for, and when it’s more cost-effective to repair or replace them.
1. Refrigerators
The workhorse of the kitchen, refrigerators ceaselessly maintain the cool and freshness of our food.
On average, a well-maintained refrigerator can last approximately 12 years. However, the lifespan can vary based on factors such as brand, usage, and maintenance.
Signs of wear and tear include inconsistent cooling, excessive condensation, or unusual noises.
If your fridge is approaching the 12 year mark and experiencing issues, it might be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, energy-efficient model to save on electricity bills in the long run.
2. Washing Machines
Washing machines make laundry day a breeze, but are also subject to wear and tear.
On average, a washing machine can last between 7 and 12 years.
Signs of wear and tear include leaks, excessive vibrations, or failure to complete cycles.
It might be worthwhile to spend money on a new washing machine if your existing one is old and frequently needs repairs, especially if you can find an energy-efficient one that will cost you less money over time.
3. Dishwashers
Dishwashers are another kitchen essential, but they tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan.
signs of deterioration include poor cleaning performance, water leakage, or strange odours.
If your dishwasher is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs frequent repairs, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model to reduce water and energy consumption.
4. Oven and Stove
Ovens and stoves are built to last for an average of up to 15 years.
Signs of wear and tear can include inconsistent heating, faulty burners, or problems with the oven’s thermostat.
If your oven or stove is getting up there in age and requires significant repairs, it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer model, especially if you’ve had your eye on one with modern features.
5. Microwave
The hidden heroes of the kitchen, microwaves typically last between five and ten years. Uneven heating, odd noises, or a non-responsive control panel are indications of wear and tear.
Given their low price, it is typically preferable to replace a broken microwave than to try to fix it.
When to Repair vs. Replace
Now that we’ve covered the average lifespans and signs of wear and tear for common household appliances, let’s talk about when to repair and when to replace.
Repair: Consider choosing repairs if your appliance is still within its estimated lifespan and the cost is modest (often less than half the cost of a new appliance). To ensure high-quality work, make certain you hire one of our expert engineers, book an appointment now on our website!
Replace: When the cost of repair is high and your appliance is approaching or over its typical lifespan, it can be more cost-effective to purchase a new, energy-efficient model. Newer appliances typically reduce their impact on the environment and provide long-term utility bill savings.
Finally, knowing the expected lifespans of typical household equipment and keeping an eye out for wear and tear indicators will enable you to make well-informed decisions about repairs and replacements.
Finding the correct balance allows you to get the most out of your appliances while putting the least amount of stress on the environment and your wallet.
Remember, if you are looking for speedy, reliable, and affordable appliance repair in London, then please call us on 07984 670 782. We can provide same-day or next-day services to all of our local customers and our prices start from just £99