When to Replace vs Repair Your Appliance: Taunton's Straight Talk

Staring at your broken washing machine wondering if you should fix it or buy a new one? You're not alone. That drum replacement? It'll cost more than a new washer sometimes. Let's cut through the confusion and figure out what actually makes sense for your wallet.

When Repairing Costs More Than Replacing

Here's the hard truth: some repairs are just expensive. The drum in your washing machine? Often the priciest part to replace – sometimes costing £200-£300. If your machine's 7+ years old, that's money better spent on a new one. Same goes for fridges: compressor replacements often hit £300+ and your fridge might not last another 2 years. We've seen people spend £250 on a 'fix' only to have it die again in 3 months. Not worth it.

Boilers tell a similar story. If your boiler's over 10 years old and needs a £400+ part, replacement is usually smarter. Older boilers are less efficient too – you'll pay more for heating. And that water heater? If it's been leaking from the tank bottom (not just a loose fitting), replacement beats constant repairs. We've fixed hundreds of these and seen the same pattern: old tanks fail in the same spot, over and over.

Signs It's Time to Say Goodbye

Look for these red flags: constant breakdowns (like your electric hob blinking out every week), high repair costs relative to the appliance's age, or safety risks (like a gas oven that smells funny). If your extractor fan's been making loud grinding noises for months, it's probably not worth fixing. And if your boiler's been tripping the reset button weekly? That's a warning sign you can't ignore.

Don't get stuck with a money pit appliance. Your fridge shouldn't be your biggest household expense. We've helped Taunton families decide when to replace – and save hundreds. It's not about the appliance's age alone. It's about whether fixing it makes sense for your budget and peace of mind. If your washing machine's drum is shot, or your boiler's on its last legs, replacement often wins. Simple as that.

Next time your oven stops working, skip the 'maybe I can fix it' thoughts. Ask yourself: would I pay this much for a new one? If yes, replace it. If not, call us. We'll help you decide without the sales pitch. No jargon, just real talk from people who've seen it all in Taunton.