When it comes to troublesome home appliances, it can be difficult to decide when an item needs to be repaired or when it should be replaced altogether. There are a variety of factors to consider like the cost of repairs, how much a replacement will be, and how old an appliance is. Here is a guide to help you decide whether to repair or replace an appliance.

When Should You Repair an Appliance?

Appliance repairs are often a good choice if a problem affects the efficiency of an appliance, but doesn’t cause it not to work at all. For example, if a washing machine or dishwasher fills slowly, the problem could be a restricted water intake valve, which can be easily fixed. Additionally, if your fridge isn't keeping your food cold, you may have a damaged door gasket, which is also an inexpensive repair. Before you buy a new appliance, hire an appliance repair professional to inspect it and determine if it can be easily fixed.

When Should You Replace an Appliance?

Typically, if an estimated repair bill will come out to more than half the cost of a new appliance, you should replace the item. For example, if your refrigerator compressor or dryer motor is broken, these are expensive repairs, and you will be better off replacing the item. You should also replace an item if it’s old. Refrigerators and dryers typically last 13 to 15 years, while dishwashers tend to last around nine years. If these appliances are older than the years they typically last, you’re better off replacing them.

Do you have a home appliance that needs to be repaired? Contact Appliance Service Company in Fairbanks, AK, to repair your items before you buy a new and expensive model. They're a family-owned business that has been serving the area for nearly five decades. Whether you need a kitchen appliance, washer, or dryer repaired, their appliance experts will get the job done. Call them at (907) 452-1000 to speak with a member of their team, or visit their website to learn more about their services.