DIY Appliance Repair: Is it Worth It?
You don’t want to waste your time, effort, and money on an unnecessary or a failed DIY appliance repair. But most importantly, you don’t want to put yourself in danger.
So before you start on such a project, make sure you take time to research. Know its pros and cons to avoid making a mistake. In most cases, hiring professional technicians is better than trying to fix the appliance yourself.
How do you know DIY repair is worth it? Here are some things to consider.
Age of the appliance
The foremost consideration is the age of the appliance. Although the longevity of a unit depends on factors such as the brand, frequency of usage, and its maintenance, most appliances have a general life expectancy. For example, gas ranges can last for 15 years, dishwashers nine years, and microwave oven nine years.
Consider how many years the appliance has served; it might not be worth it DIY repairing a unit that has nearly spent its lifespan. If ever you get the unit back up, you’re unsure if it will not have any other issues.
Warranty
Federal law mandates that all appliances be covered by warranty. This ensures that all appliance units are safe and work as they should. Before tweaking your appliance units, be sure to check the paperwork, particularly its warranty. If it is still under warranty period, you should never attempt to DIY repair it, doing so voids out the coverage.
Instead of DIY repair, call the authorized repair center to get the unit fixed. In most cases, you’ll be spending a few hundred bucks for the labor costs. Usually, appliance warranties only cover the parts replacement although some brands guarantee unit replacement. Carefully read the instructions to be eligible for a warranty.
Skillset
A certified technician at Hartman’s appliance repair from Jacksonville warns homeowners about the risks that electronics repair entails. Aside from the possibility of electrocution, there is also the risk of fire and consequent damages to other electrical installations and other appliances.
You should possess an appropriate skill set, particularly in handling electronic equipment, to ensure your safety. If the appliance only requires simple tweaks like changing out the bulb or fuse, then you can proceed with the work even with minimal experience. On the other hand, the unit demands a much higher skill level, then asking the help of a certified technician is warranted.
Proceeding with a complex appliance repair project can put you in danger. It can even lead to more damage to the unit; hence, costlier repair.
Costs
Minimizing costs is one of the top reasons why many attempts to DIY repair broken appliances. However, it is important to check whether doing so is justified. Some repair projects tend to be costlier than buying a new one. Here are some costs to consider before fixing the appliance yourself:
- How complex is the repair project? What are the likely costs?
- How much do the spare parts cost?
- Do you have the equipment and tools necessary for the repair? If not, how much would it cost?
- How many hours or days would you need to repair it? Would it require you to take a day off from work?
- How much does a new appliance unit costs?
Review these costs to see if the DIY appliance repair is worth it. If the repair costs more than 50% of a new unit, you should consider buying a new one instead.
Simple repairs
Many appliance problems only need easy fixes. A simple unscrewing and replacing the bulb can get the unit back up. Check with your user’s manual. Usually, you can find tips on how to fix a problem. If the problem is included in the user’s manual, chances are, you can DIY repair it.
Some common appliance errors you can fix include:
- Fuse is blown
- Appliance plug error
- Replacing water line hoses
- The fridge door not properly closed
- Replacing thermostat in refrigerators
- Dirty lint tray or stuck debris in washers
- Changing oven and stove elements
Many of these problems can be prevented with regular maintenance checks. Following the recommended maintenance provides a longer life span for the unit. Take time to perform simple checks to avoid unwanted problems.
DIY appliance repair comes with benefits and drawbacks. Make sure to carefully consider your decision to avoid committing costly – and even hazardous – mistakes.
