When to repair an appliance
In the event of a breakdown of an appliance, which is more and more frequent, it is preferable to replace it instead of contacting theappliance assistance or proceed with the repair. This is because mid-range appliances are increasingly competitively priced compared to repairs.
In many cases, buying a new product is even cheaper than repairs. Spare parts have disproportionate prices compared to the finished product and to these we must add the cost of labor as well as, in the case of large appliances, the cost of the call for home assistance.
All this contributes to making the repair often disadvantageous, even if the criteria for a reasoned decision are different. First of all, it is good to evaluate the general condition of the appliance that needs assistance. If it is an older model, it may very soon give other problems and need further assistance. In this case, the repair can be evaluated if it is a minor fault, otherwise it is better replace the device, acquiring something new and therefore, it is assumed, will require less maintenance in the near future.
Buying a new appliance also means enjoying the warrantywhich typically lasts 2 years. This makes it safe from breakdowns and breakages, because assistance is provided free of charge. Many dealers then allow you to extend the warranty, often to 4 or 6 years, upon payment of a fee that is generally quite modest. It is a sort of insurance that covers all types of breakdowns and malfunctions for the entire period of its duration. Replacing the appliance also allows you to switch to a more modern model, often with a better energy class and with updated features. On the other hand, the repair puts an end to the fault but does not renew the object itself, which if old enough will suffer from other problems related to age and wear. The main criteria for an evaluation are therefore the cost of the repair, that of the new appliance and the state of the device you already own.
It is often difficult to estimate the possible cost of a repair yourself. One must have at least a vague idea of the operation of the appliance and its components, being able to evaluate which piece needs to be replaced or repaired and estimate its possible cost. As in many other aspects of life, DIY always allows you to save money. Those who are able to replace the damaged or broken piece on their own will simply be able to buy and install it on their own and in this case the costs will be significantly lower than having recourse to the assistance of a technician, because in fact they will only consist in the purchase of the piece of replacement. The important thing is to proceed only with knowledge of the facts: the do it yourself repairs void any warranty and, if not done expertly, risk doing more damage than good. The ideal way to evaluate the costs of a repair is to ask for a no-obligation quote from an appliance service centre. However, for large appliances that cannot be moved, such as the washing machine, oven or refrigerator, it will be necessary to bring the technician to the house. This means that, whether you decide to proceed with the repair or not, you will have to pay for the exit assistance.
Source: www.pgcasa.it
