Should you repair or replace a broken appliance?
Is your fridge no longer cooling? Is your washer not spinning properly? Is your dishwasher leaking? When an appliance breaks down, one question comes up fast: should you repair it or replace it? The answer mostly depends on the appliance’s age, the cost of repairs, and its overall condition. Here are some simple guidelines to help you make an informed decision.
Broken appliances: What should you check before calling a repair technician?
Before calling an appliance repair technician, take a few minutes to check some basic things. Too many people pay a lot for a minor problem.
Ask yourself:
- Has someone adjusted the temperature dial on the fridge?
- Was the fridge or freezer door left slightly open?
- Is the fuse on the stove’s control panel blown?
- Is the dryer’s exhaust duct blocked or crushed?
- Was the wrong cycle selected on the washer?
- Was there a power outage?
- Has a circuit breaker tripped?
Check the manufacturer’s manual. It often includes a step-by-step troubleshooting guide for breakdowns.
Should you repair a newer appliance?
If your appliance is fairly new, it’s likely still under warranty. In that case, having it repaired is often the better option.
Before paying for a repair, check:
- the manufacturer’s warranty;
- any applicable extended coverage; and
- the terms of service.
In many cases, a repair may be fully or partially covered, which can significantly reduce costs.
How much does appliance repair cost?
How do you choose a reliable appliance repair technician?
Most repair technicians are self-employed, while others work for retailers or manufacturers. Before making your choice, check customer reviews on Google or Facebook. Also verify whether the business has any consumer complaints on file with the Office de la protection du consommateur.
Today’s appliances are complex. They include numerous electronic components, and models evolve quickly. Working with a trained, experienced technician can make a real difference, especially for appliances with touchscreens, Wi-Fi-connected models, high-end units, or European models.
What warranty covers appliance repairs?
All appliance repairs are protected by a mandatory three-month warranty on parts and labour, starting from the date shown on the invoice.
The invoice should also specify the repairs carried out, the price, and the condition of the parts installed—whether new, used, or reconditioned.
Repair or replace an appliance: How do you decide?
You don’t want to throw your money away. That’s completely understandable. Unfortunately, there’s no universal formula for knowing whether it’s better to repair an appliance or buy a new one. It all depends on the age of the appliance and your tolerance for risk.
That said, it’s often time to reconsider repair if:
- the cost of the repair exceeds the appliance’s residual value;
- the repair amounts to more than half the value of a comparable appliance;
- breakdowns are becoming more frequent; or
- the appliance is nearing the end of its useful life.
What is the lifespan of home appliances?
Appliance type | Average lifespan | Sign it’s time to replace |
|---|---|---|
Freezer | 15–20 years | Excessive frost buildup, continuously noisy motor |
Oven/stove | 13–15 years | Unstable temperature, malfunctioning heating elements |
Refrigerator | 10–14 years (often more cost-effective to replace after 12 years) | Excessive heat at the back, clicking noises |
Dryer | 11–14 years | Drying time doubled, housing overheating |
Washer | 10–12 years | Recurring leaks, clothes not spinning out properly, excessive vibration, persistent odours |
Air conditioner (window/portable) | 8–12 years | No longer cooling, refrigerant leak |
Dishwasher | 9–11 years | Dishes not getting clean, leaking or rusting tub |
5–8 years | Compressor won’t start, frost on the coils | |
Microwave oven | 7–10 years | Sparking, turntable not rotating, faulty buttons |
Appliances with a lot of electronics (touchscreens, Wi-Fi) tend to last 2 to 3 years less than simpler mechanical models.
Does an old refrigerator use more electricity?
Yes, newer refrigerators are generally more energy-efficient. Compare your old appliance’s energy consumption with that of a new model, then weigh that against the current purchase price, which is often higher than it was 15 years ago.
What should you do with a broken or irreparable appliance?
If repairing your fridge or any other appliance is impossible or too costly, you’ll need to get rid of it. Here are a few options:
- Trade-in through the store where you’re buying your new appliance
- Your municipality’s bulky waste collection service
- A recycling facility or reuse centre
Which appliance should you choose to save energy?
Do you need to replace your appliance? Choose an ENERGY STAR certified model. These appliances offer better energy efficiency and are generally cheaper to run. They typically rank among the most energy-efficient products in their category.
For example:
- An ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb.
- An ENERGY STAR certified washer uses an average of 25% less energy and 33% less water than a standard model.
Repairing an appliance can be a good choice if it’s relatively new and the problem is minor. Replacing it often makes more sense if repairs are costly, breakdowns keep recurring, or the appliance consumes a lot of energy. Before deciding, compare the costs, the appliance’s age, its reliability, and its energy consumption.
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