Appliance Repair vs. Replace: Evaluating the Differences

When your appliance breaks down, it is never at a good time. More often than not, it is in the middle of when you are using it. It could be you’re left with a pile of wet clothes in your dryer or in the middle of cooking dinner. It could be your ice machine stops working in the middle of entertaining guests, or a dishwasher that stops mid-cycle. A broken appliance immediately makes you realize just how much you’ve come to rely on the convenience of these inventions.

So, what happens when they break? Do you buy new or try to repair it? Below we offer some general tips to consider regarding replacement and repairs when your appliance breaks down.

The 50/50 rule: Generally, when something breaks, you need to consider the cost. If the appliance is halfway through its suggested lifespan and repairs are over half of the cost of a new appliance, then your best bet is to replace the machine. A quick bit of research compared with the cost of repairs from a trained technician can make the decision easy. In most cases, the cost of repairs will be the best route.

What is covered under the warranty: If you’re lucky, your appliance is still covered by the warranty. Take a look at what is covered and schedule a repair as quickly as you can. When you are outside of the warranty, revert to the 50/50 rule to determine whether you should replace or repair the appliance.

Beware of hidden costs: When evaluating the price of a new appliance, take into consideration installation and labor costs that may be hidden or not included. A good appliance repair service has up-front pricing and no hidden fees. Large box stores may hide these costs or add them on later. Be aware of where your money is going.

Upgrades, modifications, and newer models: If you think you would be better off replacing your broken appliance, shop smart. Some newer machines may not fit in the space designated for them which would require additional costs to modify the area.

In many cases, repairing your appliance will be the route for the most savings. At CS Appliance Service, we value our commitment to provide our customers with high-quality work and are your trusted advisors when it comes to appliance repairs. We offer estimates with no hidden fees so you can decide if you need to replace your machine or simply repair it.

Call us to schedule your repair appointment at 781-953-9600. We serve commercial and residential customers in the Greater Boston and North Shore area and we look forward to helping you save time and money with our quality service.