At a Glance:
How to Know If You Should Repair or Replace Appliances
Considering Your Appliance’s Remaining Value
If you have owned an appliance for some time, chances are you have experienced the moment when it stops operating the way it should. Possibly, the appliance has broken down altogether. Whatever the case may be, our first thought in finding a solution to the problem is usually to ask whether it is cheaper to repair or replace the appliance. Of course, paying for a brand-new appliance is typically the most expensive choice off the bat. Repairing the appliance may cost less and might not be too difficult to tackle on your own. So, what should you do?
Find Top Appliances at Plaza Appliance
Shop New Appliances TodayBelow we will share some things to consider before making the decision to repair an appliance or replace it altogether. A major part of this decision is considering your appliance’s remaining value which we will also discuss. Next, we will answer specific questions about repairing or replacing a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a dishwasher. Finally, we know that it may be best for you to replace your appliance instead of repairing it, so we have included some top-rated appliances and their features.
How to Know If You Should Repair or Replace Appliances
In most cases, it is best to replace your appliance. Once an appliance starts breaking down, it always seems like one issue turns into many issues. So that means paying for one appliance repair turns into paying for multiple appliance repairs! Rather than throwing your money away on a declining appliance, put that money towards a brand-new appliance that will be more beneficial. New appliances are better quality, more eco-friendly (saving you money on your utilities), and overall, more reliable.
Considering Your Appliance’s Remaining Value
Some homeowners follow the 33 percent rule, which says that if it costs less than 33 percent of the remaining value of your appliance to repair it, then you should repair instead of replace. The keywords here are remaining value. Appliances, like most things, depreciate over time, meaning their overall value diminishes as soon as you buy them from a store. Every year, the value of an appliance goes down. At some point, the cost to repair an appliance will cost more than 33 percent of the remaining value. To easily figure out the remaining value of your appliance, check out this appliance depreciation calculator.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Refrigerator?
Unfortunately, refrigerators depreciate quite quickly, given their depreciation rate of 12.50. This is quite high, considering most appliances have depreciation rates under 10.00. When your refrigerator starts to break down, it is most beneficial and cost-savvy to replace it altogether rather than spend money on repairs. Many new refrigerator models offer innovative features like Wi-Fi capabilities and spacious storage areas in the fresh food and freezer compartments.
Is it Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Washing Machine?
Just like refrigerators, washing machines have a depreciation rate of 12.50. Unless your washing machine repair is covered under warranty, it is best to replace your appliance with a new model. Many new washing machine models are more eco-friendly, which will also help save you money on your water and electricity bills. New models also tend to have Wi-Fi connectivity options so homeowners can change settings and program their washers to run cycles from their smartphones.
Is it Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Dishwasher?
Another appliance that has a high depreciation rate is a dishwasher at 12.50. So, if you are wondering whether to repair or replace a dishwasher, the answer is that dishwashers should ultimately be replaced when they start to break down for homeowners to save money in the long run. Like washing machines, new dishwasher models tend to be more eco-friendly, using less water and saving you more money on your water bill.
5 Best Appliance Replacements
Appliances are essential to keeping any household running smoothing, and when things stop working properly, your home may come to a grinding halt. To prevent that, investing in new appliances is necessary; that’s why Plaza Appliance Mart offers its shoppers “what you can’t get anywhere else.” Take a look at some excellent, budget-friendly replacements for amazing brands to swap out your appliances that are better off being replaced than repaired.
Haeir 14.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
If it is time to replace your broken refrigerator with a new model, consider the Haeir 14.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. You will notice that the Haeir French Door Refrigerator features two bottom freezer drawers that make it easier to sort and organize freezer foods. The fridge’s exterior includes a digital thermostat, so homeowners can easily see and adjust temperatures as needed. Homeowners can install an automatic ice maker in the bottom freezer drawer or utilize the space for extra food storage instead. The Quick Cool and Freeze feature in the fridge and freezer ensures that your fresh and frozen foods are immediately cooled to the desired temperature.
- Model: QJS15HYRFS
- Dimensions: 27.56” W x 69.88” H x 26.88” D
- Total Capacity: 14.5 cu. ft.
Customer Review
This customer said, “Had been looking for a counter depth refrigerator to fit a small space & this fit the bill. The double freezer drawers work well & really only complaint is the shelf configuration. Removed 1 so I could place taller items on bottom shelf but was aware of the issue from reviews. Overall, pleased with this purchase.”
Whirlpool® 4.6 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
The Whirlpool 4.6 cu. ft. Top Load Washer is built with a unique and convenient feature — a built-in washing machine faucet. With the attached faucet, homeowners can pre-clean their clothes inside the washer before starting a cycle. There’s also the Presoak option that homeowners can select for a more thorough clean. Unlike some washers, this Whirlpool model is designed with a short impeller so clothes can move around the drum more freely. This Whirlpool model is an excellent replacement for a broken-down washing machine.
- Model: WTW5010LW
- Dimensions: 27.75” W x 42.25” H x 27” D
- Total Capacity: 4.6 Cu. Ft.
GE® 30” Black Free Standing Gas Range
This GE 4.8 cu. ft. Gas Range has plenty of room for multiple dishes to cook at once. You might notice how large the front viewing window is; perfect for checking on your meals and side dishes. With a precise simmer burner to delicately cook foods without burning and a 13,000 BTU burner for searing, this GE model offers functionality and flexibility. Each burner is sealed to contain any messes or spills and features black gloss steel grates. This GE gas range is reasonably priced and offers everything a homeowner needs without going over the top.
- Model: JGBS30DEKBB
- Dimensions: 30” W x 46.25” H x 26.25” D
- Total Capacity: 4.8 cu. ft.
Customer Review
This customer said, “My range is a beautiful white range with black burners. It’s a perfect fit for my kitchen because I live in an old model house and the basic stove accents the kitchen. The stove also works great. I have enjoyed baking various meats in the oven which is spacious and cooks great on the various settings.”
Danby® 14” Black Built-In Radiant Electric Cooktop
The Danby 14” Electric Cooktop is great for small kitchen spaces as it features just two burners —a 1200-watt 6.5” front element and a 1200-watt 8” back element. As for the surface, it is made of Frameless Eurokera black glass, which provides an elegant design and easy cleaning. With the hot surface indicator light, homeowners and chefs will know when it’s safe to place something on a burner. This electric cooktop is a great substitute for smaller cooktops that have broken down and need to be replaced.
- Model: DRC14A1BD
- Dimensions: 14.3” W x 2.83” H x 23.2” D
Frigidaire® 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Microwave
The Frigidaire 1.6 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave features one-touch controls (including one that adds 30 seconds to the cooking time), Ready-Select® Controls, and sensor cooking options (automatically adjusts the cooking times and power levels based on the food you are cooking). In addition, this Frigidaire model is designed with multi-stage cooking, which is a way for homeowners to program cooking times and power levels in advance so the microwave will complete a series of functions without any assistance. If it is time to replace your old microwave, consider this Frigidaire model with all its innovative features.
- Model: FFMO1611LS
- Dimensions: 21.75” W x 12 ⅞” H x 18.5” D
- Total Capacity: 1.6 Cu. ft.
Customer Review
This customer said, “This microwave heats faster than any microwave I’ve ever owned! There are quick functions too, and programmable options. Just for reference, the popcorn button is only a little over 1 minute to pop a whole bag of microwave popcorn!”
Ultimately when it comes to whether you should repair or replace an appliance, it is best to replace major appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines to avoid losing more money in the long run. If it is time to replace your appliances, stop by Plaza Appliance Mart at one of our convenient Charlotte locations or browse online for brands, deals, and more!
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they’d say they’re not just employees, they’re family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together make for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Appliances at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop appliances online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn more about whether it’s best to repair or replace appliances — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Best Appliances Matthews, NC Reviews: Plaza Appliance Mart