When an appliance breaks down, most homeowners hope that it can be fixed. That’s because appliance repair is so often significantly cheaper than replacement. But does it always make sense? The technicians at Kimball Appliance Parts & Service explain what to consider when deciding on appliance repair or replacement.

Age of the Appliance

The older appliances get, the less efficient they are. This is especially true if regular maintenance has not been done on the appliance. If your dryer vent is perennially clogged with lint, if your stovetop burners don’t light because they are full of debris or if your freezer space shrinks as the frost grows, your appliance is needlessly working overtime, and this shortens its life span.

Unlike furnaces or air conditioners, most small household appliances can be easily maintained by the homeowner. For tips about appliance maintenance such as how to clean refrigerator coils or get odors out of a washing machine, contact Kimball Appliance Parts & Service.

Cost of Appliance Repair

When you have an older appliance — even one that has been well maintained — you must weigh the cost of the appliance repair against how long you expect the appliance to last. Sometimes getting the opinion of the appliance repair technician can help you make this decision.

If your repair will cost $300, versus $1,500 for a new appliance, this sounds like a good deal. But how long will the repair last? Will something else break in the meantime? Will the appliance run well after the repair, or just so-so? These are not always questions that can be answered.

Can You Afford a New Appliance?

Appliance replacement is almost always more costly than appliance repair. But if a new appliance will be a budget-buster, you may not feel like you have a choice.

One thing to remember is that when you get a new appliance, it will be more efficient and cheaper to run. If you have a very old fridge, for instance, it might cost you $200 a year to run. In comparison, a new, Energy Star-rated fridge may cost $25 to run. While this is indisputably a significant savings, it’s not exactly enough to fund the purchase of a new fridge.

Most stores that carry appliances allow consumers to pay for them over time, or you can put your purchase on a credit card. Both of these options will mean incurring interest charges, however.

Sometimes the best solution is to pay for the appliance repair and immediately begin saving for new appliance, so when yours finally breaks down for good, you won’t have to ask yourself if you can afford a new one.

For the best appliance repair in Salt Lake City, Kansas City and Denver, trust Kimball Appliance Parts & Service.

Have you ever opened your washing machine at the end of a cycle, expecting to transfer the clothes to the dryer but instead you see the washer is still full of water? Momentarily, you wonder if the cycle is not finished yet. But alas, that’s the not the problem. That’s when you need to call Kimball Appliance Parts & Service, serving Denver and the surrounding area, for washer repair.

Washer Won’t Drain/Washer Won’t Spin

A washer that won’t drain can a different problem from a washer that won’t spin. Your washer may not be draining because it won’t spin. Or, it may not be able to spin because it won’t drain.

The reason your washer won’t drain may be due to a clogged drainage hose. This happens more often when a household has pets. Washing machine drain hoses are not very wide, so they can get clogged with hair, pet hair, lint and other debris.

The drainage hose may also have somehow become kinked or bent.

Modern washers are built so that they only spin when the lid is shut. This is to protect users from accidental injury. Your washing machine lid is equipped with a plastic projection that goes into a hole when you close the lid. Inside this hole is the spin switch. If the switch is broken, your washer won’t be able to go through the spin cycle.

The problem also may be with a belt or pump.

Clothes Are Still Wet & Soggy

Other times, your washer spins and the tub is empty at the end of the cycle, but the clothes are still wet and heavy. They will take forever to dry if you put them in the dryer this way.

Often, the reason for this problem is an unbalanced load of large or heavy items like sheets and towels. Did you notice your washer making a lot of noise during the spin cycle? Has it moved from its regular spot on the floor? If so, try redistributing the washer’s contents more evenly and running the spin cycle again. If the washer slows down and starts to make a banging noise as it begins to spin, try again.

Another reason for soggy clothes after a spin cycle is tht your washer may be unbalanced. Check to make sure all four corners of your machine are on solid ground at all times.

Call Kimball for Washer Repair

While you can troubleshoot some problems yourself with your washer, at other times, you need professional washer repair in Denver. That’s when you should call the team at Kimball Appliance Parts & Service.

Our experienced appliance repair technicians will figure out what’s wrong with your washer quickly. We know what a hassle — and an expense — it is going to the laundromat, so we want you to have a working washer again ASAP.

For washer repair, refrigerator repair, oven repair and all types of appliance repair in Denver, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Lakewood and Lee’s Summit, rely on the knowledgeable technicians at Kimball Appliance Parts & Service.

Should you schedule appliance repair or spring for a replacement machine?

You might think starting fresh with a brand new machine is best. In most cases, however, appliance repair is a smarter choice. Repairing an oven, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher or other home appliance that has stopped working usually costs much less than purchasing a replacement – and often, a seemingly-dead machine only needs a quick and simple fix.

However, the appliance repair-or-replace decision isn’t always easy to make. If you’re unsure which route to take, ask yourself the following questions.

Is the Appliance Really Broken?

At the first sign of trouble with an appliance, some people overreact and head right out to buy a replacement machine. Before you jump the gun, take a look to make sure there’s no obvious issue like a tripped circuit breaker or clogged vent. Ask any repair technician – these types of issues are surprisingly common.

Has the Appliance Broken Down Before?

If this is your machine’s first offense, running out and immediately buying a replacement really doesn’t make sense. Of course, the reverse may be true if you’re constantly facing malfunctions and breakdowns – but checking with an appliance repair technician first is still a good idea.

Are There Hidden Costs to Replacement?

In some cases, the cost of buying a new machine ends up being much higher than the store price tag. The kitchen cabinetry may need to be modified to put a new refrigerator in the old spot, for example. Or, the home’s electrical wiring may need an upgrade for a new oven with all the latest bells and whistles. When replacement comes with hidden costs, appliance repair can definitely be a bargain.

Do You Still Have Warranty Protection?

If your machine really is broken – or you think it might be – check your owner’s manual to see if it is still under warranty. If coverage is still in effect, you may be able to completely cut the costs of appliance repair or replacement.

Are You Concerned About Energy Efficiency?

Replacing an old, power-hungry clunker with an energy-efficient machine can be a money-wise move. However, for appliances that still have many years of useful life left, buying a replacement may not be cost-effective – you could spend thousands, only to save hundreds on your energy bills.

If one the appliances in your northern Utah home goes south, don’t rush out and buy a replacement – let the professionals at Kimball Appliance Parts and Service take a look first. Our specialized training, decades of experience and fully-stocked repair fleet means we can fix most problems quickly, saving you the time and expense of investing in a new machine.

When appliances are on the fritz, homeowners in the greater Salt Lake City area turn to the Kimball Appliance Parts and Service team. We offer free, no-obligation appliance repair estimates, so what have you got to lose? Contact us and schedule a consultation today!