How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Big Home Appliances 

Whenever a relatively new appliance starts acting up, Filipinos often remark: “Hindi na kasi ganun kaganda ang quality ng mga gawa ngayon,” essentially the local version of “They don’t make them like they used to.” And to be fair, there’s some truth to that sentiment.

Many of our parents’ refrigerators, electric fans, or washing machines from the ‘90s or even the ‘80s and ‘70s are still humming along today. Meanwhile, it seems that newer models can conk out in just a few years.

But longevity doesn’t automatically equal a better appliance. Older appliances were often overbuilt because energy efficiency and cost reduction weren’t major design concerns back then, even for a mass market. If you adjust for yesteryear’s incomes, prices, and inflation, appliances were also generally more expensive for average consumers.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find that most new appliances are safer and more energy-efficient than older models, not to mention cheaper to acquire.

The real issue isn’t that new products are worse, but that modern machines are built for different priorities, such as cost, features, and energy efficiency.

Even so, millions of Philippine households are awash with faithful, decades-old appliances. When a long-time appliance finally breaks down, Filipinos often face a difficult, if not emotional decision: Is it worth repairing, or is it time to let it go and replace it?

The decision is not always down to cost, either. Quite often, secondary considerations like sentimental value, convenience, downtime, and even space constraints come into play. If you’re torn between repair and replacement, here are practical pointers to help you decide wisely.

Calculate Repair Costs vs. Replacement Value

As a rule of thumb, if a repair costs more than 50% of the price of a brand-new equivalent, consider replacing the unit. This keeps you from sinking good money into a poor investment, ensuring it goes into something that provides long-term value.

Of course, appliances like inverter air-conditioners and large-capacity washing machines can be expensive, and you might not have a budget for an unplanned replacement.

Rather than spending your available cash on a temporary fix, it may be better to take out a safe low interest personal loan like Maya to finance a more permanent, cost-effective replacement. With a maximum loanable amount of Php 250,000 and a reasonable 0.77% add-on rate, Maya Personal Loan makes your new appliance more affordable than you think.

Check the Age and Expected Lifespan

Most major appliances have an estimated useful lifespan. For example, refrigerators typically last 10 to 15 years, while washing machines average around 8 to 12 years. If your unit is already near or past its expected service life, repair may only delay the inevitable.

Of course, it’s not unusual for individual units to far outlast these estimates by decades, but this only means that their time may be coming to an end. Even if they do have years ahead of them, they may no longer comply with modern safety and energy standards, which means you’ll be spending more to keep them, either way.

Assess The Old and New Units’ Relative Energy Efficiency

As mentioned, older appliances may still be working well, but they will most certainly be consuming more power. This is a problem regardless of whether you’re connected to a grid or have on-site power generation. Newer appliances generally consume far less energy, which is especially true for inverter refrigerators and air-conditioners.

Try to factor in your monthly savings from a replacement when doing your calculations. Chances are, the savings may be enough to pay for the new appliance after 5 to 10 years.

Investigate Warranty Coverage and Support Availability

Some brands offer lifetime warranties and strong after-sales support. If this is the case with your appliance, then going for repairs may be the smarter financial decision.

But if your model is so old that parts are hard to find, your unit might be under repair for months. Make sure to discuss your options with your repair technician before you move forward with either repairs or replacements.

Consider Downtime and Inconvenience

Parts availability is quite often a major factor in determining the feasibility of repairs. Many older analog appliances use easily sourced or substituted components. However, when it comes to more complex older appliances, like those with early smart features, parts can be quite difficult, if not impossible, to source.

In any case, parts orders take time, and going without the appliance can be disruptive, especially for a business. If going without the appliance severely disrupts your routine, and rentals are not feasible, immediate replacement might be the only practical move.

Look Into Hidden or Secondary Costs

When it comes to appliance repairs, expertise is more important than parts. Unfortunately, if you live in a remote region, there may be serious delivery or home service costs associated with repairs.

Some devices, like vintage hi-fi equipment, may also require highly specialized independent expertise that can only be found in major urban centers like Metro Manila, if they are to be found at all. Similarly, repairs sometimes uncover additional issues, inflating the final cost. If you must repair, always factor in all your expenses, not just the repair bill.

Think Beyond the Quick Fix

The instinct to repair first and replace only when necessary is understandable. After all, repairs are often the cheaper, more environmentally conscientious way to go. But only up to a point. The older an appliance gets, the less likely those benefits will apply. Plus, you also have the costs and convenience of tomorrow to think about.

Whether you choose to repair or replace, try to take a long-term view. Once your appliance gets older, a well-timed upgrade will often be more economical than a series of stopgap repairs. It may be hard to let go, but your future self will probably be grateful.