How to Extend the Life Span of Your Household
While most home appliances are only expected to last for a decade or so, having them repaired occasionally can help you keep them useful for a longer time. In the majority of cases, calling a reasonably priced appliance repair service can save you money compared to the cost of replacing the entire appliance.
If we believe statistics about the expected life span of major home appliances, then the outlook for appliance ownership is not that encouraging. According to data gathered by Consumer Reports, dishwashers and microwave ovens only last an average of 9 years, and a typical washing machine is only expected to stick around for about 10. The prediction for garbage disposals is roughly 12 years, and dryers, refrigerators, and electric ranges are supposedly good for about 13 years of service. Does that mean that your household appliances are on 'borrowed time' as they approach the end of these time spans? Not necessarily. In the case of household appliances, an average life span does not take into account frequency of use, how often the machines are moved and jostled, and how well they were maintained and cared for. It's also unclear whether the statistics on appliance life spans take into account the benefits of getting appliance repairs.
Under favorable conditions, a home appliance can continue operating properly well past its allotted number of years. Although some homeowners tend to replace their malfunctioning appliances at the first sign of trouble, it can be much more economical to seek the services of an appliance repair company. Depending on the cost of the worn-out part, and how long it takes the repairman to replace it, appliance repairs can cost hundreds of dollars less than buying a brand-new appliance. Once an appliance warranty runs out and the expected life span of the appliance draws near, some people assume that the machine is a lost cause. The truth is that many ten-year-old appliances can be restored to full functionality by simply replacing a single part. On the other hand, if there are multiple parts that are wearing out and the appliance is 15 years old, then it's probably time to consider replacing the whole machine. If the problem can be traced to one relatively inexpensive appliance part, though, bringing in a repair service may be the most cost-effective solution.
A reputable appliance repair service will usually provide you with helpful advice on whether it's time to replace the malfunctioning unit or not. If you can get them to diagnose the severity of the problem over the phone, you might even be able to avoid the cost of a service call. More times than not, however, they'll want to do the troubleshooting in person to ensure a correct diagnosis.
One of the best ways to extend the life of your kitchen and laundry room appliances is by calling a dependable appliance repair service when problems develop. Keep in mind that whether you need washing machine repair or dishwasher repair, the solution to your problem may simply involve replacing an inexpensive part. An experienced home appliance repair technician should be able to know, within a matter of minutes, whether the defective part is a heating element, water inlet valve, door gasket, or something else.