Whether to repair or replace a particular appliance is the most common question we are asked.

So common in fact, we have the discussion daily. Sometimes the question is whether to even spend the cost of a service call, or replace the appliance without even knowing the exact amount a repair would cost.

We see both extremes, customers who discard units, which have much useful life remaining to those who insist on repairing very questionable machines.

Although to some extent every situation needs to be considered individually, we will attempt to address some general guidelines below:

Should I spend the cost for a professional estimate?

TO DECIDE ASK YOURSELF A FEW QUESTIONS:

Is the appliance over 25 years old?_______
Is the appliance an imported or unusal brand?_______
Have you spent more than the present value on repairs during the past 2 years?___
Is the physical condition of the appliance poor?_____

If you answer yes to any of these, you should probably go ahead and replace it, if you answer yes to more than one, BUY A NEW ONE!

Most customers next want to ask what it will cost to receive an accurate estimate, and we believe that is a very good idea!

We have tried to set fair rates that will encourage the initial evaluation. This is because it is the only accurate way to decide and because we believe we can repair the large majority of items at a price that will very reasonably extend the useful life of the appliance.

Most customers want to discuss specific symptoms and sometimes it is helpful. However we would like to repeat, a specific "hands on" evaluation is the only accurate way to make an estimate, and we continually refer back to the general questions above.

How much should I spend on my older appliance?

Many times we have heard 50% of the cost of a replacement suggested as a rule of thumb to answer this question. We believe that is a fairly reasonable figure. (Depending on age, brand, past repairs) We will suggest a few other things to consider.

First of all that assumes you have answered no to the questions in the section above. For example we would suggest a much lower percentage on a 25 year old washing machine.

That percentage also should vary a little depending on the type of appliance. We suggest a little lower percentage on water appliances, such as washers and dishwashers and a little higher on dryers and refrigerators.

Be sure to calculate the add-on costs for replacement. Our estimates are usually all-inclusive and should be compared to the total replacement cost, including things like delivery, installation, and taxes. It is also fair to add the cost of the service to provide the estimate to the replacement cost, because if you do not repair the unit that will add to your total cost.

*Resort Appliance provides a $40 dollar coupon torwards installation of a new appliance after you have paid your service call.

The Biggest Factor - Our Business is Built on Our Customer's Trust!

We admit to being biased, but we must suggest that probably the biggest factor in this decision is trust in your service company.

Is your company pre-disposed to a recommendation? Do they only want the easy jobs? Do they want to collect their (high) diagnostic fee and sell a new unit? Can you depend on their estimate?

We do not understand why anyone would call a company they do not trust. If that were the case with us we would not want you to call us. We believe this is what makes this decision so difficult.

At Resort Appliance we are committed to honestly evaluating each job. We will take into account all of the information cited here and give you our best recommendation. We have been in business for a long time (since 1980) and continuously provide our employees with new education and focus on customer service so that we will remain in business. We don't want the headache of keeping a unit past it's useful life patched up any more than you do. On the other hand we will stick to our estimates and will do our best to make your investment pay off when we recommend a repair.