Appliances don’t last forever — but how do you know when it’s time to repair and when it’s smarter to replace? At QR Appliance, we help Charlotte homeowners make informed decisions that save money and prevent future headaches. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider before calling it quits on your fridge, washer, oven, or dishwasher.
1. Age of the Appliance
Each appliance has a general life expectancy:
- Refrigerator: 10–15 years
- Washer/Dryer: 8–12 years
- Dishwasher: 8–10 years
- Oven/Range: 10–15 years
👉 If your appliance is within the first half of its lifespan and the repair cost is reasonable, repairing is often the best choice.
2. Cost of Repair vs. Cost of Replacement
Use the 50% rule
If the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new appliance, replacement is typically more cost-effective.
Example:
- Repairing a leaking washer for $300 vs. buying a new one for $600 = consider replacement.
- Fixing a broken dishwasher door for $100? Repair it.
3. Frequency of Breakdowns
Has your appliance needed 2–3 repairs in the last year?
✅ One-time fix: repair
❌ Frequent issues: time to replace and upgrade
4. Energy Efficiency
Older units often cost more to operate.
New ENERGY STAR® appliances:
- Use less water/electricity
- Lower your utility bills
- May qualify for rebates
If your old fridge or dryer is racking up the energy bill, it may pay for itself to upgrade.
5. Common Repairable Issues (Worth Fixing)
- Fridge not cooling (if under 10 years old)
- Washer won’t spin (often a belt or motor issue)
- Dishwasher not draining (clogged filter or pump)
- Oven not heating (heating element)
🔧 These are fixable problems that QR Appliance can often resolve in one visit.
6. Consider Your Household Needs
Have your needs changed?
- Growing family = need larger washer/dryer
- Renovating kitchen = time to upgrade appliances
- Selling home = new appliances boost resale value
Bottom Line: Call the Pros Before You Decide
If you’re not sure whether to repair or replace, give QR Appliance a call. We’ll inspect the appliance, provide honest recommendations, and help you make the most cost-effective decision. We proudly serve homeowners in Charlotte, Huntersville, Mooresville, Concord, and more.
📞 Schedule your diagnostic today — fast, reliable, local service you can trust. That’s QR Appliance.
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