When something goes wrong with your refrigerator in your Montrose home, you must decide whether it is worthwhile to repair the device or to simply have a new one installed. There are a few factors to keep in mind, so let’s take a look and determine what the most cost effective solution is.
Frequency of Repairs
If you repair your refrigerator often – more than twice a year – something is chronically wrong with the device. This often means that it will eventually break down and require replacement. The question you must then ask yourself is whether it is worthwhile to spend money constantly repairing something you’re going to have to replace eventually anyways. Why not just replace it now and be done with it.
Energy Efficiency
Another factor is energy efficiency. If your refrigerator is relatively new, you should absolutely have it repaired, but if it is more than 20 years old, it is probably using significantly more energy than is necessary to cool your food. Newer models with Energy Star ratings are not only more efficient, they have modern amenities you might enjoy.
If the cost of the refrigerator is offset by potential savings on your energy bill (and the repairs you now don’t need), you might as well have it replaced.
When Repairs Make Sense
Replacement may be a good option in many instances, but there are still situations in which you can save a lot of money by having someone make repairs. Most problems in refrigerators are surprisingly simple, even when the device completely stops working. Broken thermostats, problems with your defrost timer, a clogged condenser coil or drain line – these are all simple problems that can be fixed quickly and for a relatively low cost.
It is other things like your compressor or the evaporator fan motor that can be costly to repair or replace and when combined with other issues might lead you to have the entire refrigerator replaced.
The bottom line is this. If you think your refrigerator is on its way out and it uses entirely too much energy (even when working properly), a new unit may be your best option. However, if repairs are within your budget and a new device is not, and the repairs are relatively minor, this is the better route.
