Appliances: fix it or nix it?
You milk turns sour. Your washing machine isn’t getting your clothes clean and your microwave is on the blink. What to do? Toss the old and buy new or call the repairman? With money tight and prices on appliances high, you would, of course try to fix what’s wrong.
Well here’s the experts take on repair jobs, if the repair cost more than 50 % of the price you paid for the appliance it is time to buy new. Newer models may also be more energy efficient than the one you have in your home. Some appliances with more bells and whistles may cost you less now than what you paid years ago.
If the appliance is still under warranty you should fight for a free repair job even if at first the manufacturer says it is not covered. If the appliance is out of warranty, you will get a cheaper quote for a service call and a repair if you go to an independent repair company. Never, and I mean NEVER purchase an extended warranty from the store where you buy your appliance. Most things that go wrong will not be covered and if they are the repair job will probably cost as much as you paid for the extended warranty. Those warranties are a good bet for the salesperson’s commission and a bad bet for you.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to try to do your own repair work. Some common problems can easily be fixed if you know where to look. I recommend checking your owners manual and also logging on to sites like: www.repairclinic.com for help in trouble shooting repairs and for ordering parts on your own.
Here are some ways to make your appliances last longer:
Clothes Dryer:
Clean the lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely. Also clean the entire exhaust duct each year to keep it from clogging which could be a fire hazard.
Dishwashers:
When loading, be sure silverware isn’t in the path of the spray arms. Check the filter beneath the lower basket to see that it is clear of debris and broken glass. Even on machines with self-cleaning filters, check periodically for glass and debris, which can prevent self-cleaning.
Electric Ranges:
Place heavy pots and pans gently on smooth-top models to avoid damage. Keep smooth-tops clean and scratch free with specialized cleaners at least twice a week and preferably whenever you cook.
Refrigerators:
Remove the dust from the coils every month. Dust build up will lead to less cooling. Check the seals for leaks and moisture around the doors.
If an appliance is more than 5-7 years old you may consider replacing if it is not performing well. Check for the Energy Star rating to save at least 20% on energy or water than older models.
You can see my entire report by logging onto www.msnbc.com
Check out August Readers Digest magazine for our special advice issue, helping you to save on lots of things.
Source: http://www.rd.com/blogs/heres-the-deal/appliances-fix-it-or-nix-it/post12105.html
Well here’s the experts take on repair jobs, if the repair cost more than 50 % of the price you paid for the appliance it is time to buy new. Newer models may also be more energy efficient than the one you have in your home. Some appliances with more bells and whistles may cost you less now than what you paid years ago.
If the appliance is still under warranty you should fight for a free repair job even if at first the manufacturer says it is not covered. If the appliance is out of warranty, you will get a cheaper quote for a service call and a repair if you go to an independent repair company. Never, and I mean NEVER purchase an extended warranty from the store where you buy your appliance. Most things that go wrong will not be covered and if they are the repair job will probably cost as much as you paid for the extended warranty. Those warranties are a good bet for the salesperson’s commission and a bad bet for you.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to try to do your own repair work. Some common problems can easily be fixed if you know where to look. I recommend checking your owners manual and also logging on to sites like: www.repairclinic.com for help in trouble shooting repairs and for ordering parts on your own.
Here are some ways to make your appliances last longer:
Clothes Dryer:
Clean the lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely. Also clean the entire exhaust duct each year to keep it from clogging which could be a fire hazard.
Dishwashers:
When loading, be sure silverware isn’t in the path of the spray arms. Check the filter beneath the lower basket to see that it is clear of debris and broken glass. Even on machines with self-cleaning filters, check periodically for glass and debris, which can prevent self-cleaning.
Electric Ranges:
Place heavy pots and pans gently on smooth-top models to avoid damage. Keep smooth-tops clean and scratch free with specialized cleaners at least twice a week and preferably whenever you cook.
Refrigerators:
Remove the dust from the coils every month. Dust build up will lead to less cooling. Check the seals for leaks and moisture around the doors.
If an appliance is more than 5-7 years old you may consider replacing if it is not performing well. Check for the Energy Star rating to save at least 20% on energy or water than older models.
You can see my entire report by logging onto www.msnbc.com
Check out August Readers Digest magazine for our special advice issue, helping you to save on lots of things.
Source: http://www.rd.com/blogs/heres-the-deal/appliances-fix-it-or-nix-it/post12105.html
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