When an appliance breaks down unexpectedly, you need to be able to assess whether you should hire a professional to fix it or replace it.  All kinds of factors come into play when answering this question, so here are a few good points to consider.

Check for a manufacturer's warranty on your washer or dryer

Before you go about trying to fix your appliance or replace it, save time and money by checking the warranty first to find out what is already covered since you purchased the product.  If your product is under warranty, verify with the manufacturer that you do not have to pay for the repair before having a service technician look at your appliances.

Determine if the repair may cost more than the value of your washer and dryer  

Consider the following:

• The cost of your machine
  • If your washer and dryer is on the lower end of the price range and is not covered by a warranty, it might be cheaper to replace it.
  • If your washer and dryer was pricey and has loads of features, you may be better off repairing it than buying new ones. The discrepancy in price between a lower and higher end model can be thousands of dollars.
  • According to www.homeadvisor.com, the average cost of repairs to a washing machine is between $120 and $500, and the cost to repair a dryer is typically between $100 and $400.
• The age of your washer and dryer
  • The length of time you've had your washer and dryer can make the difference between getting them repaired or simply buying new.  According to www.consumerreports.org, these appliances have a life expectancy of about 10-13 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life, you may want to replace it.  If, on the other hand, you've only had your washer or dryer for a few years, you may want to lean towards repairing it.
• Frequency of use
  • Is your washer and dryer being used by tenants, or by you? Consider your own needs in determining the value of a new washer and dryer versus repairs.
  • If you use your washer and dryer daily versus weekly or monthly, you may need to consider whether repairing it will meet your future needs, depending on the age of your appliances.  If you frequently use your appliances, they will wear out more quickly, and you may want to consider purchasing a newer one sooner

Sometimes making a decision about doing a repair or replacing your appliances is a tough one, but if you consider the factors above, you'll make the right decision.

For more information, talk with an appliance repair company, such as American Appliance INC.