Appliance repair costs can be a big hit to any household budget. Homeowners can minimize these costs by practicing basic maintenance and following a few simple tips. If you don’t have home service repair plans in place, appliance repair can be very expensive.
Many appliances also come with fault codes that alert homeowners to problems. Detecting these early signs and scheduling a repair can save homeowners money.
1. Get a Quote
Appliances have become more complicated than ever before, making them harder to fix. This also means that repair technicians charge more to diagnose and repair them.
Taking the right steps to maintain your appliances can significantly reduce their likelihood of failure, saving you money in the long run. Regular maintenance checks, cleaning, avoiding overloading and a good professional inspection can help you avoid costly surprises when it comes to your appliances.
You should also learn how to troubleshoot common problems like a noisy refrigerator or a clogged dishwasher spray arm. This can help you save money on service call costs. Moreover, by fixing minor issues yourself, you can save on labor charges. However, if you are not comfortable working on your own appliance, always consult a repair technician.
2. Do It Yourself
Many appliances carry a hefty price tag due to various factors. Skilled technicians charge premium hourly rates, replacement parts come with high markups, and repair services incur overhead expenses like specialized tools.
If you’re comfortable working on complex electronic devices, you can save money by doing it yourself instead of calling in a pro. But be sure to use reputable online resources, such as YouTube videos or forums, and check the appliance’s warranty before attempting any repairs.
Also, avoid placing unnecessary strain on your appliances by not overloading them or cleaning them too often. Doing so can prolong their lifespans, saving you money on repair costs in the long run. However, if you notice an early sign of trouble such as standing water or a faulty switch, you should call in a professional.
3. Avoid Overloading
Every appliance has a limit, and overloading it can lead to breakdowns. It’s important to keep this in mind when using appliances, as well as preventing the need for repairs by cleaning them regularly and only filling them up to their appropriate capacity.
Homeowners should also pay attention to any unusual signs that an appliance is
struggling. For example, if there is standing water around a fridge, it could be a sign of a leak and should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage.
Lastly, homeowners should consider whether repairing or replacing an appliance is cost effective. For example, if an appliance is old and beyond its useful life it may be cheaper to replace it. In some cases, such as with built-in double ovens or refrigerators, refinishing may be a more affordable option than replacing them entirely.
4. Read the Manual
Many appliance problems can be avoided with proper maintenance. For example, appliances should be used as intended (stoves should not be used for heating), cleaned regularly (i.e. lint traps in dryers and filters in washing machines), and have regular professional tune-ups (as applicable for certain appliances like stoves and ovens).
It’s also a good idea to read an appliance’s user manual, as this can limit your legal liability for misusing the appliance. It can also save you money on costly repairs in the long run.
In some cases, it makes more sense to replace an appliance rather than repair it. An appliance that continually breaks down will eventually cost more to repair than it would to buy brand-new from the store. This is where having a home warranty or service plan can come in handy.
5. Don’t Put Off Repairs
Home appliances are big-ticket items that are a significant investment. Despite our best efforts, they will eventually wear out and require repair or replacement.
A good appliance maintenance schedule can extend the lifespan of the appliance and reduce the need for repairs. It also helps reduce energy costs by keeping the appliance clean (i.e., avoiding lint buildup that shorts out stove ignition systems and burns touch-activated controls panels).
When an appliance breaks down, the decision to repair or replace is a difficult one. However, if repairing the appliance would cost 50% of the price of buying a new one, it’s often best to go with a replacement. Moreover, replacing old appliances can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.