According to statistics, in 2017, about 98% of homes in the US own a refrigerator. It doesn’t stop there; some homes even have more than one fridge. Almost every household own several other appliances. Therefore, kitchen appliances are very vital in every home.
Because of how vital these appliances are to the running of our homes, it is possible to get frantic when any of them develops a fault. When faced with this situation, you may likely decide to DIY the repairs, alternatively, you may decide to throw out the old machine and simply get a new one.
But before you do any of that, first read through this guide. Here, we will be discussing some basic troubleshooting tips and whether or not you should have your appliance repaired or replaced. We believe this read would help you make a detailed decision and ultimately help you save some cash.
Basic Troubleshooting – DIY
Most of the time, your kitchen appliance suddenly malfunctioning may be because it lacks proper maintenance. Fortunately, cleaning and doing some basic maintenance may be all you need to get it sparkling and working right again.
Below are basic troubleshooting tips for some common household appliances:
For Fridges
If your fridge’s temperature is set at max yet it isn’t getting cold, the gasket may simply be dirty. In such a case, you do not need to repair or replace the fridge; you simply need to clean the gasket with soapy water and a clean dishcloth.
This problem can also arise if the gasket is worn out or leaking. Hence, you will have to replace the gasket to fix the problem. This is an easy fix; you can watch this video to learn how to replace your fridge’s gasket. Also, ensure that the replacement gasket fits your model.
Furthermore, always make sure your fridge’s door is properly closed at all times. Not doing this can cause the machine to not get as cool as it should.
The condenser coils are meant to take out heat from the fridge. Therefore, when it gets dirty, the appliance won’t be able to shed out heat efficiently. So, ensure you clean the fridge’s coils from time to time to free them of obstructions and dirt.
Finally, make sure there is at least an inch clearance space between the wall and your fridge. This would ensure proper airflow. Also, for your fridge prefer experience commercial fridge repair expert to get the best performance.
For Microwaves
If your microwave stops warming things up, then the reason may be because of dried liquids or crusty food. To solve this, you simply need to clean the oven’s interior walls with a clean dishcloth.
For Ovens
If moisture begins to build up inside the appliance’s glass panel, then you may have a broken seal. You can check the appliance’s manual to know the gasket type you need to buy. Just like with the fridge’s gasket replacement, this is also a quick fix and should not take more than a few minutes.
For Washers
If your washer begins to vibrate and rock, it may be because the appliance isn’t properly leveled. Most models have adjustable legs, so you simply need to adjust the legs to ensure it is properly leveled. You may need someone to help you to ensure safety as you do the adjustment.
So, before you call a pro, ensure you go through these basic troubleshooting tips. However, if these do not solve the problem, then you may have to consider replacements or repairs.
Replacement or Repairing
Despite how well you maintain your appliance, it would eventually become faulty or break down. When this happens, the question of whether to replace or repair the appliance pops up. However, your decision should be based on the following factors:
1. How long you’ve had the Appliance
You need to know just how long your appliance is built to last. Most fridges are built to last for about thirteen years, while ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers should last for about nine years. However, the lifespan of your appliance is often determined by the appliance’s brand and by how well it is maintained.
If you maintain the appliance properly, you can get more than the expected lifespan of the machine. Poor maintenance can also cause the machine to have a shorter lifespan.
If you have had the appliance for longer than its quoted lifespan, and it starts malfunctioning, it may be time to replace it. But, if it has not reached half its lifespan, a repair will be better.
2. Cost of Repair
Another factor to consider is the cost of the repair. If the amount you have to pay for the repair is almost the same as or nearly half of what a new appliance will cost, then replacing the machine would be better. But, if the repair is not so expensive, and the appliance hasn’t exceeded its lifespan, you may opt for repair.
However, ensure the repair service you employ is reliable. You can visit Switch Appliance Repair to learn more about how to get a reliable appliance repair service close to you.
Final Tip – Conclusion
If you decide that the appliance’s issue is one you can handle on your own, then ensure you observe all safety measures. Also, if the problem is beyond you, do not even try attempting to DIY the job. This is because making a simple mistake like scratching the fridge’s coil can create more trouble.
Therefore, instead of running into more trouble by attempting a difficult fix, call a professional to get the job done.