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Reasons
to repair
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Based on average life expectancy,
does the appliance still has enough service years in it to justify the repair. The following table, which is based on data
from several consumer and manufacturer sources, notes typical longevity for average (not high end) models of various appliances: |
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Refrigerator 15-19 |
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Freezer 15-20 |
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Range 12-13
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Dishwasher 10-11 |
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Washer 11-13 |
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Clothes Dryer 13-14 |
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Room Air Conditioner 7 |
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Repair costs are reasonable.
One rule of thumb identifies "reasonable" as "less than 50% of the cost of a new appliance." |
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How much will it cost to
remove the existing appliance, install the new appliance, and dispose of the old appliance? These costs may add up and make
the savings with a new appliance disappear. |
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Is it difficult to remove
the appliance from the house? Having to tear out the appliance or breakdown the appliance or make changes to the house to
get the old appliance through a doorway, for example, might influence your decision. |
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Has the current appliance given good service and do you
particularly like the model? Simply not wanting to change can be a valid reason for repair.
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Don't junk your major appliances automatically when something goes wrong.
Explore the repair options first so that you have something to compare to the
cost of a new appliance. Generally, most repairs cost less than 15% of the total
cost of replacement
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