Repair or Replace Home Appliances?

Taking care of your household appliances is essential to preserving their lifespan. However, no appliance lasts forever, and knowing whether it's time to repair or replace it is essential to keeping your home running smoothy. Even with a home warranty, appliance repair can be costly, especially if the same issues keep arising. While it may make sense to repair newer items, older appliances may require replacement.

When to Repair or Replace a Dishwasher

Deciding when it's time to replace or repair a dishwasher requires serious consideration. Dishwashers tend to get leaks that can be expensive to repair. Consider the age of your appliance - dishwashers typically last six to ten years and, if your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may make more financial sense to replace it.

Consider the following issues that may arise with your dishwasher:

• The dishwasher doesn't fill up or keeps filling up
• The water doesn't drain during use
• The dishes aren't clean
• Water leaks from the dishwasher
• The door doesn't latch

If you experience any of the above problems, have your dishwasher examined by an expert to identify the problem and get an estimate on the repair cost. This will help you decide whether repair or replacement makes more sense. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your dishwasher if it is old, under warranty, or continues having problems even after repair.

Replace your dishwasher at P.C. Richard & Son, where we offer a large range of newer, energy-efficient models that can save you money on your electricity bills in the long run.

When to Repair or Replace a Washing Machine

Using too much detergent is the first and foremost reason for a washing machine to stop working, and is usually an easy problem to fix. Several issues can arise that will require maintenance, but more serious problems may require a new unit.

Are you experiencing any of the following issues with your washer?

• Water stops draining
• Water keeps leaking
• The drum won't spin at the end of a cycle
• It's noisy during operation
• It's producing odors, possibly due to mold or mildew that prevents it from properly self-cleaning

Get an estimate from a professional to see if the machine is repairable and how much the repairs cost. While the average washing machine lasts around 11 years, consider replacing the machine if it breaks down after eight years of age. Replace your washing machine with a more energy-efficient model that can save you money on your electricity bills, run more smoothly, and be more environmentally friendly. At P.C. Richard & Son, we offer a wide range of washers for you to explore.

When to Repair or Replace a Dryer

On average, a dryer will last about ten years. Consider replacing your dryer if it is continually breaking down more than halfway through its life span, or no longer under warranty. If you are experiencing issues with the drum such as a broken belt, faulty thermostat or clogged vents, you can expect a repair to cost between $100 and $400.

Consider replacing your dryer if you are facing the following serious issues:

• Dryer stops mid-cycle
• The dryer squeals or grinds when it runs
• The clothes aren't drying
• There are exposed wires behind the unit

Get an expert's opinion on the status of your current dryer to weigh the benefits of repair or replacement. The financial upside of buying a new unit is that they are more energy-efficient and can save you money long term. Replace your dryer at P.C. Richard & Son, offering a wide selection for any home or budget.

When to Repair or Replace a Stove or Range

A stove or range will last about 13-15 years, especially if they are cleaned regularly. If your oven door is cracked, this is the biggest sign you need to replace your unit. As a good rule of thumb, consider repairing your stove or range if you are experiencing an issue for the first time and the unit still has a generous life span. However, for older units, it may be more economic to replace it with an energy efficient model.

Consider the following issues as signs it may be time to replace your stove or range:

• There is a strong gas smell like rotten eggs
• There is rust inside the oven
• Switches repeatedly stop working
• The stove refuses to turn on or you see fluctuations in power
• You observe changes in cooking times, or food comes out undercooked or overcooked
• The hot plates don't heat efficiently

Looking to replace your stove or range? P.C. Richard & Son has an extensive selection of stoves or ranges to fit your home and budget.

When to Repair or Replace a Microwave

Microwaves have a shorter lifespan than most other household appliances, lasting approximately seven years. If your microwave is no longer under warranty and nearing the end of its life span, consider replacing the unit. Never try to fix your microwave yourself, especially if you see sparks. Fortunately, replacing your microwave is relatively inexpensive and often cheaper than repairing it.

If you are facing the following issues with your unit, it may be time to purchase a replacement:

• You smell smoke or see sparks (which means you should turn your microwave off immediately!)
• There is a burning smell coming from the microwave
• Food is cooking slower than usual
• It makes loud grinding or rattling noises as it cooks, which is not caused by misalignment or food particles lodged in the turntable or fan blades

Replace your microwave with a more energy-efficient model at P.C. Richard & Son. Our wide range of microwaves offer you the chance to find the perfect microwave for your home and budget.

When to Repair or Replace a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are one of the more expensive household appliances to replace. Typically, they average 14 years with a lifespan between 10 and 20 years. Consider replacing your refrigerator if it keeps breaking down and it's near the end of its lifespan. Because refrigerators are costly and more cumbersome to replace, they may be worth trying to repair first. Repair costs tend to start anywhere from $250 to $500.

However, consider replacing your unit if you have any of the following more serious issues:

• The fridge is hot to the touch
• The food inside keeps going bad despite the set thermostat
• The motor is constantly running

While replacing a refrigerator is expensive, it could save you money over time as newer models are much more energy efficient. P.C. Richard & Son carries a wide selection of refrigerators so you can find the right one for your home.

Often, it may make more financial sense to replace an appliance than to pay for the cost of repair, especially if the appliance is old. Energy-efficient units can save you money on your electricity bills in the long run, so replacing your appliance may work out to be more economical than repairing an older, more energy-draining model. Learn more about energy efficient appliances and shop P.C. Richard & Son's selection to find the right model for you!