When your fridge stops cooling or your washing machine starts shaking like it’s trying to escape the laundry room, you face a simple but costly question: appliance repair decision. Is it worth fixing, or should you just buy new? This isn’t just about money—it’s about safety, efficiency, and your time. A appliance repair, the process of diagnosing and restoring a broken home device to working condition can save hundreds, but only if the unit is still worth saving. Many people rush to replace because they don’t know what’s actually broken—or how old the appliance really is.
Knowing the difference between a fixable issue and a dying machine matters. A appliance lifespan, how long a home appliance typically lasts before failing varies wildly: washing machines often last 10–12 years, while water heaters rarely make it past 15. If your appliance is near or past that mark, a repair might just be putting off the inevitable. On the other hand, a 3-year-old oven with a broken heating element? That’s an easy win for repair. appliance maintenance, regular checks and cleaning that prevent breakdowns can extend that lifespan by years. But if you’ve skipped cleaning the condenser coils on your fridge or flushing your water heater for a decade, you’re already fighting a losing battle.
Cost is the biggest factor, but not the only one. Replacing a boiler might cost £3,500, but a simple thermostat fix could be £120. Still, if your boiler is 18 years old and your gas bill keeps climbing, that £120 repair is just feeding a money pit. Same with dryers, ovens, and dishwashers—some parts are cheap to replace, others cost nearly as much as a new unit. And don’t forget energy. An old fridge might use twice as much power as a new one. That adds up over time. Repair isn’t always the green choice. Sometimes, replacing with an efficient model saves more in the long run.
You also need to think about safety. A faulty boiler, gas hob, or water heater isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. If you’re dealing with gas leaks, electrical faults, or carbon monoxide risks, DIY isn’t an option. Only Gas Safe engineers should touch gas appliances. Even then, if the unit is outdated or parts are hard to find, replacement might be the only safe path.
So how do you make the right call? Look at three things: age, cost, and risk. If the repair is under half the price of a new one, the appliance is under 7 years old, and it’s still energy-efficient, go for repair. If it’s older, the repair costs more than 50%, or you’re seeing repeated breakdowns, it’s time to replace. And if there’s any doubt about safety? Don’t guess. Call a pro.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides from homeowners in Bognor Regis who’ve been there—whether they fixed their extractor fan for £30 or replaced their 20-year-old water heater to avoid a flood. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re the kind of honest, practical advice you need before you hand over your cash.
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