Should You Repair or Replace that Broken Appliance? Mr. Appliance® Helps Make the Decision Easy
Waco, TX (PRWEB) June 22, 2014 -- The first question often asked when an appliance breaks is “should I get this fixed or just go buy a new one?” Today, with the increased cost of utilities, consumers are more aware of how much it costs to operate appliances.
Manufacturers have been working to increase the efficiency of appliance for more than 20 years. According to the National Resources Defense Council, replacing a washing machine manufactured before 1994 with an ENERGY STAR model can save a family $110 per year on utility bills, while replacing a dishwasher manufactured before 1994 with an ENERGY STAR model can save $25 per year.
Other appliances either don’t offer ENERGY STAR labels or do not enjoy energy savings that are noticeably better than the alternative. For instance, according to the U.S. Government’s ENERGY STAR calculator, a new energy efficient side-by-side refrigerator operating at a cost of $.15/kwh would only save about $26 per year over a comparable refrigerator less than 15 years old.
When faced with these realities regarding energy cost savings for new appliances, the decision to repair a broken appliance rather than replace a new one seems simpler. “A general rule of thumb is that if the cost to repair an appliance is less than half of the cost to replace it with a new one, the repairs should definitely be considered,” stated Steven Johnson, owner of Mr. Appliance Over the Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama.
Beyond the price of a new appliance, other factors should be considered in this replacement cost. For example, many major retailers will not install new appliances, thus adding more cost for the consumer. Additionally, the cost to dispose of an old appliance can be quite high. “The cost of repair should be compared to not only the cost of a new appliance, but the installation cost of the new appliance and disposal costs of the old appliance,” said Johnson. “The history of the appliance is also an important factor because many repairs are the result of a faulty part in need of replacement. Replacing the part would be more affordable than replacing an entire appliance that is otherwise in good condition,” added Johnson.
When faced with a failing appliance, consider these factors and be sure to consult with your local Mr. Appliance repair expert.
Brandon Moseley, The Dwyer Group, +1 (254) 745-5003, [email protected]
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