Issue Date: September 7, 2008
Should you repair or replace?
Replacing an old dryer with an Energy Star model could be a smart move.
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How do you know when troublesome or aging appliances are worth saving? The Good Housekeeping Research Institute's Stacy Genovese and Carolyn Forte offer this advice.
COMPUTERS: Replace whenever repairs cost more than half the price of a new machine. Today's computers offer tons of new features and are competitively priced, so it's a good idea to replace a 3- to 5-year-old machine -- even one without problems.
LARGE APPLIANCES: Repair anything under warranty or anytime the repair bill is less than 30% to 40% of the price of a new appliance. Replace when major parts (say, a washing machine transmission) give out. The labor for big jobs adds up quickly. Is the appliance 10 or more years old? Consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model. Lower energy bills can make replacing a better deal.
SMALL APPLIANCES: Replace anything not under warranty. One exception: Vacuums usually can go to an authorized service center to be rebuilt. With few appliance repair shops left, you really have little choice on other items.
Walecia Konrad is an award-winning consumer writer.
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