If you have opened your fridge and discovered the milk is lukewarm or your supposed to be pre-heated oven is cold rather than the temperature it should be, you understand how much of a frustrating experience this is. Besides disrupting your everyday routine, the ordeal can leave you confused about whether to hire someone to complete appliance repairs or opt for appliance replacement. If you’re struggling with knowing whether to replace or just repair, carefully considering your answers to the following questions can help you make the right decision for you and your family.

How Old Is Your Appliance?

Knowing the age of your broken home appliance is an important factor in determining what action to take. HouseLogic, a website sponsored by the National Association of Realtors, recommends applying the 50 percent rule. If your appliance is both greater than 50 percent through its life expectancy and the expense of the repair is greater than 50 percent of the price of a new appliance, you should purchase a new one rather than fix your old one.

Can You Find a New Unit to Match Your Other Appliances?

If you need to replace a home appliance, finding something that matches your current kitchen design is important for many homeowners so that they do not have to look at mismatched appliances. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, this issue can also detract potential buyers from signing on the dotted line. If style is essential, you might want to repair your broken home appliance now and replace your entire set of appliances later.

Is Your Appliance Still Under Warranty?

If your appliance is still under warranty, deciding what to do with your appliance might become easier. When a warranty exists, you may be able to have your unit repaired or replaced at no cost.

Have You Had the Appliance Repaired Before?

Having the same appliance repaired repeatedly can be annoying, expensive, and time consuming. If you’ve already repaired your broken appliance once, or multiple times, choosing appliance replacement might be your best alternative.

Is Your Appliance Energy Efficient?

If you’ve had a broken home appliance for several years, it may not be very energy efficient. Therefore, replacing it with a model that utilizes less energy will save you more money over a period of time. When shopping for new appliances, look for those boasting energy star labels. According to the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, possessing this badge means an appliance has met an international standard of superior energy efficiency.

When a beloved appliance is malfunctioning, most people want to repair or replace it as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing issues with any of your home appliances, call the experts at Wilshire Refrigeration, an exclusive factory service provider for Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Asko appliance manufacturers. Family owned and operated, Wilshire Refrigeration has exceeded customer expectations by meeting their appliance needs for more than 40 years.