Is your old refrigerator giving you trouble? Many homeowners wonder when it is time to upgrade their fridge versus repairing an older model. There are no hard and fast rules about when to buy a new appliance, but there are some things you should take into consideration. For example, you might want to look at the age of the unit, its energy efficiency, and the warranty.
If you are debating about getting a new refrigerator, here are a few things you might want to consider first:
Age of the Unit
At some point, you have to decide whether your refrigerator is going to nickel and dime you in repair costs. The age of the unit can be a huge factor in whether it is time to repair it or upgrade to a new appliance. The average refrigerator can last anywhere from ten to twenty years when properly taken care of. If a repair is needed and the fridge is less than ten years old, it is usually best to repair it. If it is fifteen years or older, upgrading should be your first choice.
Energy Savings
It seems that every year brings more appliances who have a greater degree of energy efficiency. An older refrigerator is likely to be using more power than a newer model. You will be paying for this on your electricity bill month after month. If your fridge is more than ten years old, it might be time to consider replacing it with a newer and more energy-efficient model. Look for a fridge with an Energy Star rating to help you reduce your energy bill at the end of the month.
Consider the Warranty
Is your refrigerator still protected under some type of extended warranty? If it is, then you should consider keeping it and making a claim if it requires a repair. On the other hand, a fridge that is no longer covered under warranty due to age may be a good candidate for replacement. You can get a fresh warranty on a new fridge that can give you peace of mind in case something goes wrong. Be sure to purchase an extended warranty if you plan to keep it for a while.
Consider the Cost
If your old unit needs to be repaired, you’ll need to take the cost of that repair into consideration. How much will you spend on a faulty fridge when you could invest that money into an upgrade? It may not make sense to pay for an expensive repair if you could just replace the fridge entirely, get a new warranty, save money on your power bill, and enjoy your new appliance.
Ask a Technician
If your refrigerator is facing a repair, contact the top appliance repair services in your area. KAR can give you the advice you need to determine whether your unit is worth fixing or whether it should be replaced. Give us a call today to see how we can help you!
