Your Options When An Appliance Breaks

Nobody likes to lose the ability to use a home appliance. Ever since the late 18th century, appliances have been evolving to change the way we live, for better or worse. From the refrigerator to the stove or oven, kitchens have never been the same, allowing people to perform more tasks in less time and get meals on the table faster. The same can be said for other areas of the home, and the chores that go with them. Laundry is much easier thanks to electric washing machines and dryers, and even cleaning your home has been improved thanks to vacuum cleaners and dishwashers. However, no matter how helpful these appliances are, the fact remains that they can break. Here are some options to consider when an appliance breaks.

Repair the appliance

Although you may be surprised to hear it, shops specializing in appliance repair are still alive and well in 2019. Whether you’re looking for a reliable appliance repair in Honolulu or Trenton, New Jersey, chances are there’s a business ready and willing to service your appliance. Many times, a repairman can inspect and diagnose what went wrong with your appliance in the first place. Saving hundreds of dollars on a new refrigerator by ordering a new part or having your stove repaired can go a long way in helping you to stay on track with your household budget. The next time you have an appliance fail, reach out to a professional service before hopping in the car and heading to the nearest big box store. Speaking with an experienced, affordable professional could mean the difference between a vacation you’ve been saving for or a new washer and dryer.

Replace the appliance

While one of the more costly options to consider, sometimes you’ll need to replace your appliance if it truly is beyond repair. It’s best to make this decision after you’ve had a repair service inspect the appliance, just to be certain that you’re taking the best course of action. When it comes to replacing the appliance, make sure to read up on reviews of different makes and models. The last thing you want to do is hop on the bandwagon of the newest, shiniest appliance, only to realize that it doesn’t have its kinks worked out yet. The Wirecutter, a website owned by the New York Times, is one great resource for learning more about different home appliances, as are sites like CNET.

Talk to your landlord

Of course, the above two options only apply to you if you own your home. If you’re currently renting an apartment (which there’s a chance you are since more households are renting than ever before), you may be in luck when it comes to getting your appliance fixed. For example, as long as the appliance was furnished to you as part of the rental agreement, your landlord is responsible for it. The most common appliances that this sort of ruling applies to are kitchen or laundry appliances, since those are more static fixtures already in your unit when you move in. If your refrigerator or washing machine has broken down, call your landlord right away. He or she will most likely send out a repairman to see about fixing the problem for you. Best of all, your landlord is required to cover the cost of repairs or replacements, per local ordinance. While renters typically pay more than a mortgage payment on a 30 or 15-year fixed rate loan, not having to pay for broken appliances is one benefit of being a tenant.

A broken appliance never comes at an opportune time. That being said, you do have several options if you’ve recently had a household appliance stop functioning. Whether you rent or own your home, it’s a good idea to have a repairman come out and inspect the appliance first. After they’ve deduced that the problem can’t be fixed, you’ll need to do some research and replace the appliance. While inconvenient, try and look on the bright side and find a new unit that has features you’ve always wanted.