GREENSBORO, N.C. — We’ve all been there. The washer sounds like a jet engine and then suddenly stops mid-cycle. It’s the age-old question every homeowner will face. To repair or to replace?
"What you should consider is how severe the repair is. What it might cost to fix and how old the appliance is. How much you paid for it in the first place? With washers, factor in use too," said Paul Hope, Consumer Reports.
A washer, if you live in a family with a lot of children at home, you’re doing a ton of laundry, multiple loads a day, in some cases even if the washer is only a few years old, it might make more sense to replace it because it’s had that much wear-and-tear on it.
For example, say you paid $1,000 for your washer three years ago and only do a few loads a week. A repair might be the better financial choice.
"Before you call a service person for your washing machine, it makes sense to look at what is happening. Start with a simple search, look to see whether there are any recalls on the washer or whether it’s a simple fix like a clogged filter or a kinked hose. Last, you want to check your warranty and see whether it has extended coverage that you can get repaired for free before you call a service person," said Hope.
Consumer Reports has an interactive tool that leverages product costs, depreciation rates, and survey data to help you choose to repair or replace.