SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Presidents Day sales are underway. You’ll see deep discounts on big appliances. But — do you need to buy? Should it be repaired or replaced?
Think about these three things:
- What’s the age of the appliance?
- How much will the repair cost?
- How does that compare to what you paid when you bought the appliance?
Also, what’s the problem? Is there a recall?
“Or if there are simple fixes like a clogged filter or a kinked hose,” said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports. “Check your warranty and see if it’s something that has extended coverage that you can get repaired for free before you make a call to a service person.”
If you replace — it’s a great time to buy because you won’t see these sales again until Memorial Day weekend. Here’s some good advice.
“The first thing is to not get upsold on something you don’t need. Very often, we’ll see some of the biggest discounts on models and features you might never end up using. Generally speaking, if you choose a model that has the features you need and really care about, even if the discount is more modest, it’s probably a better deal for the long term,” said Hope.
Understand your warranty. Some brands offer warranties on high-cost components, like the compressor in the refrigerator.
“Certain brands will offer up to ten years on that part, which can be the most expensive thing to replace,” said Hope.
If you shop around and spot a better deal elsewhere, ask if the store will price match.
Remember, just because there are great deals does not mean you can afford them. Always consider the family budget. Maybe it just makes sense for your wallet to be repaired now and start saving to replace it. Or use your tax refund and replace it.
On Your Side has warned you for years about those store cards. You can save a lot — if you make payments on time.
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https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/13/your-side-should-you-repair-or-replace-that-big-appliance/
