From washing machines to refrigerators, our appliances do a lot for us. So when they give out, most of us are desperate to resolve the issue as quickly and inexpensively as possible. However, appliance repair costs can be high, and deciding whether it’s worth it to buy a brand new appliance can be tricky.
Luckily, whether you’re looking at small appliance repair or repairing a big appliance, the rules are pretty much the same. And if you're worried about the cost of repairs or replacements, it's important to keep product protection for your appliance in mind. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for all your appliances under the same product protection plan, so you won't have to shell out for expensive repair and replacement costs. At just $9.99 a month, it's affordable, comprehensive coverage for the ultimate peace of mind.
So, when should you repair your appliance and when is it time to head to the store for a replacement? Here are some guidelines that can help:
When to repair your appliance
When deciding whether to repair or replace your appliance, the best guideline is generally to do what costs less. If it’s going to cost you more to replace your appliance than repair it, the right answer is often to simply pay for the needed repairs. However, there are some nuances to this rule. For example, if the cost to repair your appliance is too close to the cost of purchasing an entirely new model, it might be worth thinking twice before shelling out the money for repairs.
Wondering where to draw the line? As a general rule, if the appliance repair cost is going to be less than 50% of the cost to replace the appliance, you should stick with the repairs. However, if the repairs are estimated to be over half of the value of a brand new appliance, it’s probably time to cut your losses and opt for that new appliance.
If your repair costs are mounting, but you’re worried about spending the money to purchase a brand new appliance, it’s also important to realize that there are plenty of discount appliances on the market. At the end of the day, if you’re a little short on the cash for a full-price, brand new appliance, shop around before making a decision–you might be surprised by the deals you can find.
When to replace your appliance
The decision of whether to repair or replace your appliance comes down to a few factors. First, how old is your appliance? Most appliances are expected to last a certain number of years, so if you’re getting close to that time frame, it might be worth upgrading to a new appliance.
Second, if you have room in your budget and would like to get a new appliance, doing so before paying to repair your old appliances is a great time–and better yet, you can put the money you saved on the appliance repair cost towards your new appliance.
Where to find affordable appliance repair
If you’ve decided to repair your device rather than replace it, it’s time to decide where to get the repairs done. Repair shops often vary in how much they charge, so it’s important to shop around until you find a repair place that offers the lowest price. Here are some places that offer affordable appliance repair:
- Sears appliance repair. Sears offers free repair diagnosis and will repair your appliance, regardless of where you purchased it. Best of all, there are Sears locations throughout the United States, so chances are good that you'll have one near you.
- Small appliance repair shops. Sometimes, you can get the best price by choosing to work with a local repair shop in your area. Doing a quick Google or Yelp search can help you find the most highly rated repair services in your area.
Final thoughts
Deciding whether it’s time to repair or replace your appliances can be a tough call–and either way, you’ll probably have to pay quite a bit of money. Appliances are expensive purchases, so why not avoid having to pay for an expensive repair or replacement? This is where a product protection plan comes in.
With a product protection plan, you can get coverage for almost any type of incident (including accidental damage) for only a few dollars a month, giving you peace of mind that you won’t be hit with unexpected or hefty costs. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for an unlimited number of items all for only $9.99 per month.
