How to know when an appliance or electronic device is worth repairing or not.
It seems like yesterday that he was taking the new laptop out of its box. But it’s been four years and now I can’t turn it on without strange windows opening. And why is it shutting down without warning lately?
You can pay a local technician to fix it. But wouldn’t it be better to buy a new one that doesn’t fail? It is a dilemma that everyone must face from time to time, whether it is with the dishwasher, the refrigerator or some electronic device.
“The common thinking is that ‘they don’t make them like they used to,’ but we found that that’s not true,” says Celia Kupersmid Lehrman, deputy director of Consumer Reports. It’s true that appliances die in a more “dramatic” way today, she says. But that’s because they have become more complex than the old models. Refrigerators, for example, now have electronic components. They no longer fail periodically, but when they do, they stop working altogether.
When it comes time to decide, consider the following three factors before fixing or shelling out money for something new:
Cost: By far, the price of the repair is the star of this movie. How much would you spend to repair the product instead of replacing it with a new version? In the case of electronic equipment, it is often impractical to opt for repair. Typical breakdown repair jobs on small devices like the iPod or iPhone, for example, include cracked screens, which can cost around $ 100 to replace, says George Otte, founder and president of computer repair company Geeks On Site. For his desktop or laptop, it might be a bit more complicated (and more expensive). “Usually it’s not a hardware problem,” explains Otte. “The most common is that there is a problem with the operating system, or a virus.” If the product is more than 5 or 6 years old, and the repair costs a few hundred dollars, he recommends backing up all the information to install it in a current model, which can range in price from $ 300 to $ 500, depending on whether it is a PC or a laptop. To that value, add what they will charge you to transfer the information and to configure the new device to your liking, he adds. Click appliancetechnician.ca for the Best Appliance repair that you can find.
Lehrman likes the 50% rule: If the repair will cost more than half what it would cost to replace the device, do not repair it. Consumer surveys indicate that some products, such as refrigerators and home sound systems, are more difficult to repair and the result is frustrating, he says. Dryers and digital cameras are easier to repair, which could mean a less expensive solution.
To weigh your alternatives, get a quote from a licensed technician or other qualified professional, but first try to find a free solution to the problem on your own. Check the back of the user manual (if you can find it) or search for the problem online at websites.
Warranty: Could repair costs be covered? If the product is more than a year old, it is likely not. However, it is worth contacting a manufacturer customer service representative to find out. Also, if you purchased the product with a credit card, check to see if your benefits include extended warranty coverage. But don’t buy additional coverage. “Actually, for appliances, you don’t use extended warranties,” says Lehrman. According to Consumer Reports surveys, products rarely break down during the coverage period. “Look for a trustworthy brand and you won’t have to spend money on a warranty.” The same goes for electronic equipment, says Otte. “The product always comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, and they will repair it at no cost.” However, he knows that if you break your iPad screen, Apple’s limited warranty does not include such coverage. For hardware repairs after the warranty expires, “out of warranty” service can be purchased for between $ 219 and $ 249, which is more than half the cost of a new device.
Age: In some cases, your dated appliance could be adding to your electric bill. “Buying modern appliances has its benefits,” says Lehrman. “Consider the most water and energy efficient dishwashers or washing machines.” So even if the repair is cheaper than buying a new one, could a new purchase save you money in another area of your budget? On the electronic side, spare parts for older devices may be missing. “Generally, the older the device is
