Appliances are essential for keeping your home comfortable, but they can be costly to repair. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your appliance repair costs.
Proper maintenance, buying durable and energy-efficient appliances when you’re shopping, and staying up to date on your warranty can all help you cut down on repair costs.
1. Invest in Preventive Maintenance
When homeowners’ appliances break down, they often find themselves draining their savings to cover the repair costs. But there are several ways to keep appliance repair expenses at bay, such as investing in preventive maintenance and a home warranty. Home service repair plans vary from company to company so be sure to check each specifically.
Appliance repair costs depend on a number of factors. Hourly technician rates, service fees and travel charges vary by location. The cost of parts also varies. And repairs that require access to built-in or hard to reach appliances can add to the total price tag, as can repairs that are scheduled after hours or on holidays.
In addition, homeowners should consider when an appliance’s lifecycle is over. If it’s prone to breaking down repeatedly, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
2. Check Your Warranty
If you own a warranty plan, this can help reduce repair costs by covering labor and parts. However, homeowners should always check the terms of their coverage to make sure they’re covered in case of an appliance breakdown.
If the appliance is newer, the manufacturer might offer an online portal where you can register and get information on your warranty. You could also reach out to the store where you purchased it and ask them about their records.
If you bought the appliance with a credit card, it may have come with an extended warranty as part of your consumer protection package. Contact your credit card company to see if you’re eligible for this coverage. Some home warranties have additional perks, such as an emergency repair hotline.
3. Don’t Overwork Your Appliance
Appliances are hardworking workhorses that perform vital functions like bringing groceries in, heating your homes, and washing your clothes. But they need proper care to keep working at their best. Ignoring their needs can lead to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repair costs.
Regular maintenance, such as following the manufacturer guidelines for cleaning or changing filters (for example, dryer lint traps should be regularly emptied and
dishwasher drains cleaned), helps reduce home appliance repairs by prolonging their lifespan. It can also help reduce energy consumption and prevent unforeseen damage from occurring.
Homeowners should also take the time to check online resources for appliance repair tutorials and troubleshooting guides before reaching out to a professional. Doing so can avoid unnecessary repair charges, such as the cost of a labor hour.
4. Keep the Vents Clean
Appliances should be handled carefully and maintained according to their manufacturers’ instructions. Simple tasks such as cleaning refrigerator coils, descaling coffee makers, and changing air conditioner filters can greatly extend an appliance’s lifespan. Avoiding overloading appliances, not straining them, and keeping them lubricated can also prevent many common repair costs.
It’s important to recognize signs that appliances need repair so they can be fixed as soon as possible. This is especially true for older appliances that may be more expensive to repair than replace. Often, homeowners can save money by using home warranty plans that cover repairs for appliances. In addition, some energy companies offer incentives for using more efficient appliances, including rebates. Taking advantage of these savings can significantly reduce appliance repair costs.
5. Hire a Professional
The best way to reduce appliance repair costs is to hire a professional. Attempting to do appliance repairs on your own can be dangerous, especially when working with electricity or gas lines. Plus, you can end up causing even more damage to your appliance, leading to costlier repairs in the long run.
It’s also important to stay informed about your appliance warranty coverage and to practice preventive maintenance to extend their lifespans. Additionally, it’s a good idea to invest in a home warranty plan that can cover many types of appliance repair costs. Finally, it’s wise to consider whether a replacement would be more cost effective than continuing to repair an outdated appliance. Ultimately, homeowners should always focus on keeping their appliances running smoothly and efficiently.
