Repair or replace? Here's what you should do if a major appliance breaks down
CTV
The saying "they just don't make them like they used to" seems especially true of some major appliances these days.
The saying "they just don't make them like they used to" seems especially true of some major appliances these days.
Some washers, fridges and stoves used to last for decades without issues because they had fewer moving parts. But now, many modern appliances are more complicated with computer chips, sensors and circuit boards and could be more prone to breaking down.
The Prieto family was relieved to have their washer last 14 years before it needed a major repair.
“I was afraid if I spent the time and money to repair it, it would be out again soon. Frankly, I’m surprised it lasted this long,” said Josiah Prieto. “With a toddler, we do at least one load of laundry a day.”
Prieto decided against going ahead with the repair and instead went to a home improvement store to buy a new one.
When trying to decide if you should repair or replace a major home appliance, consider the diagnosis and price to fix the machine, how old the appliance is, the original price when purchased and how much the appliance is being used.
“With a refrigerator, you're getting the same usage in a typical household most days. They’re on all the time,” said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports. “With a washer, if you live in a family with a lot of children at home, you're doing a ton of laundry, multiple loads a day. In some cases even if the washer is only a few years old, it might make more sense to replace it because it’s had that much wear-and-tear on it.”
