Mr. Fix-It

Repair or Replace

A basic appliance repair that might have cost $50 or $60 in the early 1990s now is likely to run $100 or more, including parts and labor. (Repairmen typically charge $50 or more just to diagnose a problem.) That's a lot of money considering that many new appliances cost only $300 to $400. When does it pay to repair an appliance? In general, if a repair costs less than half as much as buying a new appliance of equal quality, it's worthwhile -- but there are exceptions.Here's a guide to deciding whether to fix household appliances, plus some repairs you can easily do yourself...

REFRIGERATORS  If your fridge is more than 10 years old, you're probably better off replacing it than repairing it. Refrigerators can be expensive to repair, since key components such as the compressor -- the heart of the refrigeration system -- are enclosed in sealed systems and require special tools to service. What's more, a new fridge with a favorable Energy Star rating will save at least $40 a year in electricity, compared with a refrigerator from the early 1990s -- you will save more than $100 a year if your old fridge dates to the 1970s.If a fridge is less than 10 years old, repairing it can make sense, especially if it is a high-end model. Compared with other appliances, fridge problems are tricky to diagnose. Common problems...

Leaking. If the area under the fridge is wet, there might be a clog in the drain tube. If water is on the inside roof of the refrigerator portion of a freezer-on-top model, the leak might be from the freezer drain tube. Repair cost: $80 to $100.*

Stops running or stops cooling. Any number of components can cause these problems, including broken thermostats, defrost timers, compressors and condenser fan motors. Or it could be as simple as a faulty wire. Repair cost: $100 and up, depending on the problem.

Do-it-yourself repair: If your refrigerator still cools but not very well, unplug it and thoroughly clean the dust and dirt from the condenser coils with a coil cleaning brush. This should improve the appliance's heat-transfer ability and could solve the cooling problem. You might need to remove the grill or move the fridge to get at the coils from the back. Home owners also might be able to unclog drain tubes and solve some refrigerator leaks. It depends on how easy it is to reach the fridge's drain tube -- at least some disassembly of the appliance will probably be required.

WASHING MACHINES

Any repair that can be done for $100 or less is worth doing unless the washer has had repeated problems or is showing signs of rust on its internal parts -- rust suggests that water is getting into places it isn't meant to be, meaning that the washer might not have many years left. Common problems...

 Fails to drain or drains slowly. This might mean that the pump has failed or the drain line is clogged. Repair cost: $100 to have a new pump installed or $80 to unclog the drain line.

The motor is working, but the tub doesn't spin. The problem might be a broken or worn belt. (If your washer uses multiple belts, the "drive" belt connecting the motor to the tub is the likely culprit.) Repair cost: Less than $100. (All modern Whirlpool and most modern Kenmore washers use plastic motor couplings instead of belts, but they, too, should cost less than $150 to replace.)

 The motor is broken. The cost of the repair will vary. Ask for an estimate before you commit to the job.

The electronics system fails. If the system fails on a computerized washer, it may be time for a new one. A repair could cost hundreds of dollars. If the washer is high-end and only a few years old, it might be worth the expense.

Do-it-yourself repair: If water is leaking, it could be a hose. Try tightening the connection or replacing broken pieces of hose. If the hose still leaks, a pro often can fix it for less than $100.

DRYERS  It's usually wise to repair broken dryers. Most fixes are inexpensive, and there's no reason that the repaired dryer can't keep running for many years. Newer dryers don't do a much better job drying than older ones, and they're not much more energy efficient. In fact, many dryers made 20 years ago are more solidly built than today's models. Common problems...

 The motor fails. Repair cost: $200. True, you can get a new low-end dryer for a little more than that, but it might be worth $200 to repair a higher-end unit -- one that has more than two heat settings and the ability to sense electronically when clothes are dry.

The dryer is operating, but clothes remain cold and damp. The heating element may need to be replaced. Repair cost: $150 -- higher if it's difficult for the repairman to get to the part.

Do-it-yourself repair: If your dryer is drying very slowly, the problem might be a clogged dryer vent. If the vent hose isn't hidden in your wall, you should be able to clear it yourself by disconnecting the hose and removing anything that has built up inside. Whether you do this yourself or call a professional, don't put it off -- a clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard.

DISHWASHERS It's often worth repairing a broken dishwasher if it is a midrange to high-end model that is less than 10 years old. Common problems...

Drainage. The cause could be simply a clogged internal or external hose, or it could be something major, such as a broken pump or motor. Repair cost: $80 to clear a clog or replace a belt... $100 to $300 to correct a simple malfunction -- prices vary by model. It's worth calling a serviceman for an estimate unless it's a low-end dishwasher.

Leaks. These can be caused by failed seals or overfoaming due to excessive use of a rinse agent.

Do-it-yourself repair: Before you call a repairman, check the rubber seal around the interior perimeter of the door for signs of deterioration or displacement. If you find deterioration, you can replace the seal yourself. The new one should just slide or clip in. Also, try reducing your rinse agent use, particularly if your region has soft water. If leaks still occur, a broken pump might be the problem. Repair cost: $15 to $100 for a new door seal. Add another $80 if you hire a pro to install it. The cost of replacing the pump varies with the cost of the part.  Caution: Fix any leak quickly to prevent damage to the motor. If the pump and the motor must be replaced, it may be time for a new dishwasher unless the current one is newish and high-end.

Other do-it-yourself repairs... The dishwasher still runs through its cycle but no longer cleans well. Detergent residue or hard-water deposits could be blocking water flow. Try a cleanser such as Dishwasher Magic, Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner or Glass Magic. The label will have directions, but it's usually as simple as adding a little to your usual dishwashing detergent for one or two cycles. If that doesn't work, there might be a clogged hose or broken water-inlet valve. Either problem can be repaired for $100.

Rusty dish rack. Dishwasher makers charge $50 to $150 for replacement dish racks, so beware of signs of rust, such as blistering of the vinyl coating. Instead of replacing the rack, sand the rusted area and at least one inch on either side, then recoat the metal with a vinyl touch-up kit, available from manufacturers for $10 to $20.

OVENS/COOKTOP RANGES  It might pay to fix a high-end unit but not a low-end one unless the problem is minor. Common problems...

Electronic ignition systems for gas ovens or cooktops. These often become slow to light or fail to light at all after five years of use. Repair cost: $100.

Failure of the digital control system for a gas or electric range. This is a costly problem. Repairs can run $100 to $250 for parts, plus $100 or more for labor.

No gas coming through. The problem could be one of the gas valves in your range. If the main gas valve is turned on, the range may require service. A gas appliance technician may be needed rather than one from your local gas utility. Call the utility only if you suspect a problem with the home gas supply, which usually would affect all gas appliances. Repair cost: $150 to $250 for a new gas valve or to have an oven igniter replaced. Considering that new gas ranges cost $500 to $2,000, they often are worth repairing.

Do-it-yourself repair: With an electric range, a reasonably handy home owner can replace the heating elements when they burn out -- they're located right in the oven itself (typically at the top and bottom). Expect to spend $35 to $55 for each part. It will cost $80 to $100 more if you call a repairman.*Repair costs are estimates. Actual costs will vary based on skilled labor rates in your region and the cost of parts for your specific model.