Appliance Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Decision

Appliances are the unsung heroes of our homes, tirelessly working to make our lives more convenient. However, like all things, they eventually wear out or encounter issues that need attention. When this happens, homeowners are faced with a crucial decision: should they opt for appliance repair or invest in a replacement? In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that can help you make an informed choice.

Assess the Age of Your Appliance

The age of your appliance is often the first factor to consider when deciding between repair and replacement. As a general rule of thumb:

Appliances Less Than 5 Years Old: Newer appliances are typically under warranty and less likely to require major repairs. In such cases, repairing the appliance may be the more cost-effective option.
Appliances Between 5-10 Years Old: Appliances in this age range may start showing signs of wear and tear. If the repair cost is less than half the price of a new appliance and the rest of the appliance is in good condition, a repair might make sense.
Appliances Over 10 Years Old: Older appliances are more prone to breakdowns and inefficiency. Replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models can result in long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance costs.

Consider the Extent of the Problem

The nature and severity of the appliance issue also play a significant role in the decision-making process. Minor issues, such as a leaky dishwasher or a refrigerator not cooling adequately, are often repairable at a reasonable cost. However, if your appliance has a history of frequent breakdowns or requires a major repair, it may be time to think about replacement.

Energy Efficiency Matters

Newer appliances are designed with energy efficiency in mind. If your old appliance is an energy hog, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-rated model can lead to substantial savings on your utility bills over time. Plus, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by using less energy.

Factor in Repair Costs

Before committing to a repair, it’s essential to get a quote from a reputable appliance repair service like Able Appliance & HVAC Service. Compare the repair cost to the estimated cost of a new appliance. If the repair cost is significant and nearing the price of a replacement, it might be more sensible to invest in a new, reliable appliance that comes with a warranty.

Long-Term Considerations

Think about your long-term plans. If you plan to sell your home soon, investing in a new appliance can increase your home’s resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Consult with Professionals

Ultimately, the decision between appliance repair and replacement should be made after a thorough assessment by professionals. Able Appliance & HVAC Service experts can provide you with an honest evaluation of your appliance‘s condition and recommend the most cost-effective and sustainable solution.

In conclusion, the choice between appliance repair and replacement isn’t always straightforward. It depends on various factors, including the age of the appliance, the extent of the problem, energy efficiency considerations, repair costs, and your long-term plans. Consulting with experienced professionals like Able Appliance & HVAC Service can help you make the right decision, ensuring you enjoy the convenience and efficiency of your appliances for years to come. Give us a call today!

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Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia & North Virginia including: Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Bristow, Clifton, Dulles, Dumfries, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lorton, Manassas, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Vienna, Woodbridge

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PAYMENT WE ACCEPT

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What Appliances Can Able Appliance & HVAC Service Repair?

If you have it, we can probably fix it. Based in Bristow, VA, we service many areas, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Microwaves

Most people use microwaves daily to thaw frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and cook meals. Common problems your microwave can develop include:

The plate won’t turn.
The microwave doesn’t turn on or off.
The door won’t close or open.
The microwave doesn’t heat properly.
It makes strange or loud sounds.
The light stops working.
The touchpad won’t respond.

Call to schedule a repair today if you notice any of these warning signs.

Freezers

Whether you own a separate freezer or only the one on your refrigerator, you count on it to keep perishable items frozen for later use. If the freezer fails, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. Some warning signs of freezer malfunction include:

Water leaks
Frost or ice buildup
Strange sounds
Temperature variations
Constantly running compressor

The freezer also might just stop working.

Ice Makers

Many people enjoy the convenience of built-in ice makers. Signs that yours isn’t working correctly:

Ice is fractured, frosted, or strangely shaped.
Ice won’t release from the mold.
The outside ejector doesn’t produce ice.

Common issues include clogged water lines, incorrectly set thermostats, unlevel mounting, and clogged water filters.

Dishwashers

Gone are the days when someone had to wash dishes by hand in the sink daily. Most people use their dishwashers every day to avoid that manual task. You may notice:

Your dishes aren’t clean after a wash cycle.
The dishwasher won’t run.
The machine won’t fill or drain properly.
Your dishwasher has a foul odor.
Operation makes more noise than usual.
Water leaks onto the floor.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service can diagnose and repair your issue.

Refrigerators

Every kitchen has a refrigerator. Some people have them in garages and offices too. We count on these essential appliances to keep our food fresh. It’s time to schedule a repair if:

The refrigerator operates constantly or won’t come on at all.
The temperature is too hot or too cold, not adjusting with the thermostat.
Water leaks onto the floor.
The water dispenser won’t release water.
The appliance makes loud noises.

Most of these issues are easily repaired.

Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges

Families that enjoy home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts rely on their ovens and stoves. Owners can choose gas or electric appliances, and the repair issues can differ for each type. However, the problems you may notice remain similar.

Ovens

The oven won’t heat to the set temperature correctly or at all.
The interior light won’t come on or turn off.
The self-cleaning feature doesn’t work.
The door won’t open or close.
Your food cooks unevenly.
Your controls aren’t responsive.
The heating or broiling element won’t ignite or come on.

Stovetops and Ranges

Eyes won’t ignite or power on.
Temperatures don’t adjust to your settings.
The indicator lights don’t work.
Turning the eyes on produces sparks or strange smells.
Bubbles, cracks, or blisters appear on the cooktop or coils.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service technicians can repair all brands of electric and gas ovens, stoves, cooktops, and gas range tops.

Washers and Dryers

Everyone needs clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our washers and dryers make that easy to accomplish unless they stop working properly. Each appliance typically gives you signs that repairs are necessary.

Washers

Water won’t fill or drain.
Water overfills or leaks.
The agitator won’t spin.
The washer vibrates excessively or makes loud noises.
Unpleasant odors persist.
The door doesn’t open.
The machine ruins your laundry.
The washer won’t turn on or stop

Dryers

The dryer doesn’t power on or only runs for a short time.
The dryer won’t heat or overheat.
The machine takes too long to dry laundry.
The drum won’t spin.
The dryer is too noisy or vibrates excessively.
The laundry has wrinkles or lint.

These appliances come in many makes and models, and Able Appliance & HVAC Service can repair them all.

AC and Heating

When your heating or air conditioning isn’t working properly, your home can quickly become uncomfortable. Common issues you’ll notice are:

The air isn’t heated or cooled to the correct temperature, the heat blows cold air, or the AC blows hot air.
The unit runs constantly or won’t turn on.
Fluid leaks from your inside or outside units.
Your system is too loud.

Schedule a repair appointment to avoid further damage if you experience any of these problems.

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