Appliance Repair Blog

Quite often we are asked "When do I buy a new appliance?"

Once upon a time not so long ago, appliances would last 20 maybe 30 years, and it was not unheard of that an appliance would be passed on not just to your children but your grandchildren. Manufacturers today appear to be constantly shortening the life cycle of an appliance.

So what sort of life can you expect from a new appliance? Well it all comes down to the all mighty dollar, what you pay for is what you get. You could say there are three main categories for washing machines -

1. First there is the small imported machine which sells between two and four hundred dollars. What can I say... don't expect too much from this little baby, if you are strapped for cash this should get you through the warranty period without too many problems.
   
   
2. Next is the mid size family machine that you could pay up to about one thousand dollars for. You may start repairing this machine on a regular basis at the ten year mark. Many families seem happy with these machines, just be careful that you are not throwing good money after bad if the machine begins breaking down regularly.
   
   
3. Above one thousand dollars you start to see the large robust commercial style machines that you find in laundromats. These are the old school machines which are usually worth hanging onto. They feature more reliable components and can take a hammering over the years.

Back to the original question when do you buy a new appliance, well it is a simple mathematical equation. First work out which category your appliance is in and how much you paid for it, add in what you have spent in repairs, and what you could spend in repairs in the near future. Those 3 "cheap" washing machines that you bought and repaired over the last 15 years could have cost you more than the 1500 dollar industrial strength washer that has given its owner trouble free service.

Next post Can your old R12 Freon filled fridge be repaired?

For more advice from appliance repair experts head to www.appliancerepairs.com.au

How to find a good appliance repair guy in your area...

Appliance repairs is a specialized trade and although some repairs can be done by the home handyman others should be left to appliance repair experts. How do you know if you are choosing the right appliance repairer? Firstly consult friends, relatives, or work colleagues, have they had any experiences with appliance repair tradespeople. If any of these people have had a bad experience with an appliance repairer they are sure to warn you off them.

You may be new to an area and you have nobody you can ask, so what do you check for when calling for an appliance repair person. Don't be afraid to ask them questions, it is better to weed out the unfriendly appliance repairers or the ones that refuse to answer your questions than be burnt when the work is completed.

Firstly check that they have the relevant electrical or gas licenses. Then ask them questions like, how long have they been in business, what is the warranty on their work, have they had experience with that fault or brand before, have they been factory trained on this brand, are they members of any trade associations, do they have a ball park estimate of the total job costing or at least the cost to quote you on repair.

It is also a good idea to check the appliance repairer has insurance, you don't want Murphy moving into your house. There would be nothing worse than your appliance repair guy slipping on your wet floor from your leaking washing machine, ploughing his size 12 boot through your wall and fracturing his skull. Suddenly your leaking washing machine is the least of your problems, you need to find a dry wall specialist, but only after you have paid off some medical expenses and found someone else to fix that leaking washing machine.

Biggest is not always the best. Just because you have chosen the biggest ad or biggest appliance repair company in the telephone directory doesn't mean that you are going to get the best service. In fact it could be quite the opposite, you are more likely to receive more personalized service from the owner/operator and resolve any problems quicker with a small company. Those big ads or big companies are going to cost you, their operating costs are going to be higher and they are not going to absorb those costs out of love for you. You will usually find the the bigger the appliance repair company the higher the staff turnover and it is unlikely you will be unable to build up any sort of relationship with the business.

Next Post When do I replace my appliance?

For service and parts head to www.appliancerepairs.com.au