Is Your Washing Machine Worth Fixing?
You don’t realize how essential your washing machine is until something goes wrong. Then, you may be tempted simply to replace it immediately to avoid the inconvenience of dirty washing accumulating or trips to the launderette. However, it may be worth considering whether repair is the better option. In this post, we’ll explore the factors you should think about to decide whether your washing machine is worth Fixing
How Old Is It?
All home appliances wear out eventually, and for washing machines, the expected lifespan is about 10 years. So if you’ve had your machine for 10 years or more, replacement is probably the best choice, unless it’s a very simple problem to repair. The other consideration here is how much use your washing machine gets. If you do washing every day, then the 10 years of service may well be reduced. The general rule here is to replace the appliance if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new machine. The other factor in favor of replacement is the warranty that accompanies a new washing machine. With an older model, you bear the costs of all the repairs, and the older it gets, the more frequently those repairs are likely to occur. Of course, you can only make this decision if you know how much the repair is going to cost. The experts at Dave’s Appliance can help with that.
How Much Will It Cost To Repair?
Even a relatively new washing machine can develop problems. If it’s within the warranty period (which differs by make/model and part), it may not cost you anything to repair. If it’s older than one year, you should ask one of the professionals at Dave’s Appliance to diagnose the problem. We’ll be able to tell you how much the replacement parts and labor would be too. Knowing the cost of the repair is really essential information for you to decide if you should fix your washing machine or not.
Can You Fix It Yourself?
There are some washing machine repairs that you can do yourself. Especially if there are videos showing how to make simple repairs to your particular make and model of machine, you might try to do it yourself. Some parts, such as pulleys, pumps and seals, are inexpensive. You can get these replacement parts from Dave’s Appliance and install them yourself. Just make sure that you’re repairing the actual problem; again, having the experts at Dave’s Appliance diagnose the issue is essential.
Is Your Washing Machine Using Too Much Energy?
Even if your washing machine isn’t 10 years old, chances are that it is not particularly efficient if it is over 5 years old, unless it has been getting regular maintenance. If you’re using an older model, your water, energy and detergent consumption may be higher than with a newer model. If you have a front-loading machine, it is more efficient than a top-loading one. A washing machine with an Energy Star rating will use as much as 33% less water than a non-rated model. Regular maintenance makes a big difference here; ask about the service agreements that Dave’s Appliance offers.
What Is Washing Machine Maintenance?
Washing machine maintenance includes regular cleaning and servicing twice a year. Cleaning your washing machine often can improve its performance and extend its lifespan. Simply wipe down the interior of the drum, clean the seals with warm soapy water, and apply a thin layer of vaseline if the seals need it. When the experts at Dave’s Appliance do a service on your washing machine, all the parts that need cleaning (that you can’t get to) will be cleaned; all those needing lubrication will get that. The drum will be balanced and the motor checked.
The answer to whether or not your washing machine is worth fixing isn’t as straightforward as you might think. These are some of the factors you should consider. Contact Dave’s Appliance to get the best advice about your particular situation.
