Broken Appliance? You Might Be Able to Fix it Yourself
How to Fix a Broken Appliance
Have you ever noticed that your appliances are just not working like they used to? It may be time for you to address it. It can be tempting to put off these problems because you’re nervous about having to spend a lot of money on a replacement. Knowing how to fix a broken appliance can be very useful, so you don't have to spend money on costly repairs.
Many people are surprised to learn that just because your appliance broke doesn’t mean you have to go out and replace it immediately. There are certain companies that can actually fix your appliances. These appliance repair services specialize in fixing the big machines in your house you rely on for your daily life. You might even be able to fix some smaller issues yourself with the right tools.
Why Use an Appliance Repair Service?
Using an appliance repair service can be a smart move if you are looking to get the most out of your personal appliances. Having your stoves, washing machines, and refrigerators fixed is certainly easier than trying to go out and buy a new one.
In addition to saving you from finding a new appliance and bringing it home in terms of time and effort, it is a great option to save money.
Appliances are expensive, and if you decide to replace your stove or fridge at the first sign of distress, you're going to be racking up bills quickly. While a repair is not free, it is usually much cheaper than replacing the whole thing, especially when the damage is minimal.
While not every piece of equipment in your home can be easily repaired, there are some appliances that are easier to repair than others.
Common Repairs
Before you run to the store to replace your appliance, consider whether or not you are experiencing a common problem that can be easily repaired.
Refrigerators
- Malfunctioning ice or water dispensers that won’t work properly
- Water leaking and pooling under the fridge
- Fridge or freezer isn’t staying cold enough
- Buttons on the control panel aren’t working
- Light won’t turn on when you open the door
- Faulty compressor
Washing Machines
- Mold or mildew growing in the washer
- Clothes being left with a mildew smell
- Water leaking and pooling under the machine
- Water doesn’t drain properly
- Washer being loud and not spinning effectively
- Buttons not working or responding
Dryers
- Clothes not drying properly
- The dryer is loud and not spinning normally
- Buttons are broken or not responding
Dishwashers
- Dishes and silverware are not being cleaned or dried properly
- Water not draining fully after a cycle
- Fixtures inside snapping
- Water leaking and pooling
- Buttons or control panel not working
Oven
- The range on the stove top is not turning on
- Broken buttons or knobs
- Defective screen
Most of these problems can be solved with a simple repair rather than paying for a total replacement.
Hiring vs DIY
If you are looking to save a little extra money, you may want to consider taking a do-it-yourself approach. Performing the repairs yourself can help save you some additional money.
Just remember to stay within your comfort zone. There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it and you should never feel embarrassed to ask for help when you need it.
When you only have some minor issues or it involves matters you already have some relevant experience in, then D.I.Y. may be your best route!
However, if you don’t know what you are doing or what the problem is, it is probably better for you to leave it up to professionals. D.I.Y.s gone wrong may end up being more expensive in the long run (not to mention frustrating).
If you are still dedicated to doing it yourself, there are some tutorials you can follow online.
Cost of Repairs vs Buying New
Just as you should know when a project is beyond the scope of your skill set, you need to understand when a repair just isn’t worth it anymore.
Costs of repairs can outweigh the costs of replacement in several different scenarios. Ask yourself the following questions when making your decision:
How Extensive is the Estimated Repair?
You don’t want to end up paying for the repairman to rebuild your stove or washer. If the project is expected to be huge it probably will not be worth it. Talk to an expert for their advice on what you should do. If the estimated repairs only cost $100 less than a new machine, just get the new machine.
Will it Break Again Soon?
Don’t just consider the upfront costs of a repair job. You also need to consider how much money you will have to put into the appliance, especially in the short term. If a $1,000 machine costs $300 every few months, it won’t make sense to keep putting the money in when you can get a new, sturdier machine that saves you money in the long term.
How Easy is it to Find Replacement Parts?
If you have a specialty appliance, it may be difficult for you to obtain the parts to fix the machine. This can be incredibly costly and time-consuming if you need to import something. Unless you have a particular attachment to the model, it might make sense to trade it in for something a little more convenient.
How Old is my Appliance?
Convenience is also not the only problem with some older machines. Like everything else, appliances like stoves and washers age over time. Unfortunately, a household appliance is not built to last forever, and it might be time to let go. Even if it runs effectively, it may not run efficiently. By replacing older models, you not only save yourself on future repairs, but also high energy costs of less efficient models.
