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Should You Repair or Replace Your Small Appliances

No appliance is made to last a lifetime, and when one breaks down, you’ll be faced with a decision about whether you should repair or replace. When the appliance is a freezer, stove or dishwasher, the higher cost of replacement, means that it is likely that you will automatically explore what repairs can be made, but what about small appliances? The lower cost of smaller appliances means that many homeowners automatically assume that it’s not worth the cost of repair, but this could be wasting your money and resources. So, here we will explore which of your small appliances are worth repairing.

Microwaves

Most of us take our microwaves for granted as they are a feature in most homes, but when it stops working, you may wonder if it is worth trying to repair it. A typical countertop microwave costs approximately $100 to 4200 and has a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years. If your appliance is relatively new, it is likely that it is worth paying to have a problem fixed. Typical issues worth repairing include door switch pad issues, nonfunctioning touchpads or no light when the door opens. Unfortunately, if your microwave has started making buzzing noises when you press start, emitting loud noises during cooking or is taking longer to cook your favorite foods, the chances are you’ll need to replace your appliance.

Toaster Oven

There are not too many issues that arise with toaster ovens or toasters. Any problems are usually due to a blown fuse resulting in no power, a bad thermostat creating unregulated heat, a door that won’t close or a bad timer preventing the unit from automatically shutting off. While these types of problems can prevent the appliance from working correctly, they are actually basic, and therefore worth the effort and time of repair. The only issue you may have is the availability of replacement parts for older appliances. Additionally, some manufacturers restrict the supply of replacement parts to consumers. So, if parts are not readily available, you may be forced to replace your appliance.

Wine Cooler

If one of your hobbies is collecting wine and your collection is your pride and joy, a functioning wine cooler is vital. Even if you simply enjoy having a few bottles of wine chilled and ready for a dinner party or family dinner, it can be frustrating if your wine cooler is not working properly. While it may appear a major problem, in most cases, wine cooler issues tend to be fairly simple and easy to repair. You’ll need to do some troubleshooting to determine the underlying issue and make the final decision whether you should repair or replace this appliance.

If your wine cooler doesn't switch on, you need to check that it is receiving power. So, check the power cord and that your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

If the air feels too humid inside your wine cooler, ensure that the evaporator fan has proper air circulation. You should also pay attention to any loud noises when the fan is running; it may require lubricating.

If your wine cooler is running too warm, it could be an issue with the condenser coils. Debris can accumulate on the coils and compromise the ability of the appliance to cool the air. Use your vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clear any dust or debris from the coils. If this does not correct the problem, check the seal on your door gasket. You should trap a piece of paper in the door and try to pull it out when the door is closed. If the paper comes out easily, you may need to replace the gasket.

There are a myriad of repair problems that you can encounter with your small appliances. If you need help determining whether to repair or replace your faulty appliance, you can count on a professional home appliance repair specialist.

For help with any of your appliance repair needs, ensure you speak to a professional appliance repair service.