Washing machines, dryer and other domestic appliance equipment in the house

Will your Washer and Dryer Kill Coronavirus on Your Clothes?

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By now, everyone has heard all kinds of recommendations about disinfecting surfaces and hands with certain soaps and cleaners to destroy the coronavirus and ward off COVID-19. Every now and then, a little headline pops up claiming that “extreme heat” or “extreme cold” can kill the virus – but what exactly is “extreme”? Are common washers and dryers able to reach these temps and kill the coronavirus?

The short of it is no; however, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to walk around in dirty clothes in an attempt to make your quarantine laundry soap last longer. Even though clothing that comes out of your washer and dryer won’t necessarily be instantly coronavirus-free, there are still plenty of benefits to be had.

If No one in Your Home has COVID-19

So far, there have been no documented cases of anyone contracting the virus specifically from clothing. Your goal should remain the same as it was before the pandemic: to clean clothing, not necessarily disinfect it. Laundering clothing, masks, bedding, towels, and other fabrics should be done often to reduce viruses, dirt, and bacteria within the fibers. The key word is reduce. If you can reduce the germs, you reduce your risk.

Even though water temperatures in washers and drying temperatures won’t be hot or cold enough to completely destroy coronavirus, your clothing should still be washed and dried at the highest acceptable temperature setting. SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – is sensitive to heat. It’s an important part of the process of doing the best things possible to keep your household as safe as possible. Just like wearing masks, doing laundry on the highest appropriate temperature will not completely guarantee 100% protection, but it will greatly reduce your chances of transmission.

What will kill coronavirus on clothing is using bleach. Of course, this will only be possible with white fabrics!

What If Someone in Your Home is Sick with COVID-19?

If you are doing laundry for someone who has COVID-19, you need to take extra precautions when you wash and dry their clothing. Always handle clothing, bedding, and other items only when wearing gloves. Never shake out the items, even after they are dry, because you’ll spread germs onto surfaces and into the air. Use bleach on white laundry, and again, dry contaminated pieces on the highest possible dryer setting. ALWAYS wash your hands immediately before touching any other surfaces.

For most people under most circumstances, laundering everything in a washer and dryer is sufficient to keep clothing clean enough. Be sure to exercise extra caution when handling the laundry of anyone who is ill, however.

 

Absolute Appliances serves customers with the best appliance repair in Marin County, including locations like San Francisco, Larkspur, Novato, Mill Valley, and San Rafael. Contact us for repairs on your dishwasher, dryer, oven, washer, refrigerator, stove, freezer, or other appliances that need expert attention!

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Out of Stock: How to Avoid Appliance Shortages and Back-Orders

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Rising Demand Leads to National Appliance Shortages

You might have more trouble buying new appliances than you might think. Demand for home-based appliances, such as washer and dryers, ovens, refrigerators, and freezers, has skyrocketed in recent months now that people are spending more time at home. This has led to a national appliance shortage. Consumers may have to wait several weeks to get their hands on the latest makes and models.

That’s why we recommend having your appliances inspected and repaired by a professional instead. You can save money on your energy bills, improve the performance and reliability of your existing appliances, and avoid back-orders that could throw your home into a tizzy. After all, how is your family supposed to survive a deadly pandemic without a refrigerator?

Use these tips to avoid shortages and keep your existing appliances going strong.

  1. Monitor the Performance of Your Appliances

If you don’t want your home to be without a working freezer, oven, or washer and dryer, you need to get in the habit of monitoring your existing appliances. Every time you turn on a device or machine, watch out for warning signs that they need to be repaired. Keep an ear out for strange sounds and noises. Visually inspect these appliances for cracks, leaks, and other signs of physical damage.

Thoroughly examine your utility bills as well. If you suddenly find yourself paying more for electricity, water, or gas, your appliances might be to blame. Watch for sudden spikes to make sure your appliances are working properly. Check the warranty on individual items as well to see if they are past their prime.

  1. Call an Appliance Repair Specialist

If your appliances are getting old or they don’t seem to be working as well as they used to, don’t wait to call an appliance repair specialist. This person will inspect the item and fix any issues as quickly as possible, so you and your loved ones can get back to normal. IF you want until your appliance breaks or stops working entirely, you may have to go without a refrigerator, freezer, or dishwasher for several days or weeks until you can order a new one.

It’s best to call a specialist ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about going without a working kitchen for weeks at a time. Some appliance workers may be overbooked during this time of the year, so get the balling rolling sooner rather than later.

  1. Practice Proper Appliance Hygiene

Do your best to make sure your appliances have a long working life by practicing what’s known as proper appliance hygiene. Check out the manual to use these machines properly. Take the time to remove dust, dirt, debris, and stuck-on food that could ruin your appliances. Avoid letting these machines run for too long, so they don’t get overheated. Keep the surrounding area as clean as possible to avoid any unexpected disruptions. Get rid of pests that could damage the exterior of your appliances, such as eating through power cords.

 

Use these tips to extend the working life of your appliances. Don’t let these big-ticket items go to waste. Call the experts at Absolute Appliance Repair in San Rafael to have them inspected and repaired by a professional today.

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The Best Times to Buy Appliances

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When to Look for Deals and Sales on Appliances

It’s no surprise that appliances can be pricey, depending on a wide range of factors. That being said, it is helpful to know when the best time to purchase an appliance is in order to keep as much of your money in your pocket as you can. Keep in mind that this does not mean you have to wait until your appliance breaks down completely before you can buy a new appliance; nor does it mean you need to purchase one that you don’t yet need, just because it’s “sale time”. The goal here is to be able to recognize when appliances are at a price that is reasonable and fits within your budget – when you need to upgrade.

In order to get the best deals for appliances, the best months to look for them are September and October. During this time, the manufacturers of washers and dryers, built-in microwaves, ranges, and dishwashers bring out their newest models – which means they want to clear out the current models to make some room. This leaves the previous models to be put on sale, giving you the perfect opportunity to get an appliance that you need for a heavily discounted price.

Holiday weekends are not only great for last-minute Christmas shopping, but also for finding amazing deals on appliances. It doesn’t have to be the winter holiday season for retail stores to discount their appliances, either. Whether it be Labor Day, Columbus Day, President’s Day, Black Friday, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or St. Patrick’s Day, always be looking out for sales.

Most retailers offer their sales staff commission on new appliance sales and in some cases, the sales staff has to reach a certain number of sales at the end of each month. To help the sales staff achieve their goal as well as your goal of finding a new appliance, you can visit retail stores at the end of the month and negotiate a price for an appliance.

For those who find that they need more time to save some money for an appliance, instead of looking to buy one in the early months of fall you can instead check stores in January. With it being so early you can get the previous year’s model at a low price. If stores are in possession of the previous year’s model, they have to drop prices lower in order to make room for the newer appliances.

If you find that your appliance is not working as well as it used to or if you are continuously having to have your appliance serviced, it may be time to get a new one. Don’t panic if in your search there are appliances that appear to be out of your price range. Remember: you can always negotiate prices, especially if you are purchasing more than one appliance or you’re interested in a floor model or a “scratch and dent” model. Knowing when they are likely to go on sale will help you budget accordingly and get a new appliance as soon as you can.

If you have any questions or if you require more information regarding your appliance needs, contact us today.

4 Breathtaking Celebrity Kitchens That Will Blow You Away

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Celebrity Kitchen Designs

When we think of celebrities, we often focus on them possessing luxurious items, having expensive clothes, and driving fast cars. However, just like everyone else, they need a place where they can sit down and enjoy a nice meal before heading out for the day, and what better place to prepare for a busy day than your kitchen? If you’re looking for inspiration to renovate your kitchen or are just curious about what your favorite celebrity’s kitchen looks like, here are a few of them:

Lady Gaga

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(image credit: The Agency, Lonny)

Lady Gaga’s kitchen combines her Italian roots with modern kitchen design. A large column refrigerator and a wide cooktop meets earthy tones and exposed beams, creating a cozy atmosphere and the perfect place to enjoy a night in or host a gathering of friends.

Gerard Butler

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(image credit: Durston Saylor, Architectural Digest)

Butler’s kitchen gives off a vibe that is both rustic French and a medieval castle. Simply, there is something exciting when you break down the kitchen. The cabinets are made out of extra, unused flooring and paired with the stone backsplash, the space is given a look which is that of the old world. However, when we look at the stainless-steel refrigerator and stove, we are quickly reminded of the 21st century.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

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(image credit: William Waldron, Architectural Digest)

This kitchen has more of an “upscale bar” vibe than that of a “working kitchen”, and that is acquitted to the clash of bright accents against dark backsplash and cabinetry. The island in the kitchen is paired with a cook top that is so subtle it could easily be missed at first glance. With all of these styles coming together, we get a kitchen that feels elegant, contemporary, and classic.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi 

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(image credit: Roger Davies, Architectural Digest)

This Hollywood couple’s kitchen has a professional double range and a storage unit placed above their kitchen island. This storage unit is brightly illuminated and gives a unique design to the room. The reclaimed teak floors and green color help accomplish an airy, natural feeling in the space. The windows allow plenty of natural light to enter the room, and it showcases the brilliant appliances. Cooking in this kitchen won’t seem like a chore at all.

If you’re ready to redesign your kitchen or you’re looking for appliance repair in San Francisco, these celebrity kitchen designs are a great start for knowing what you may want to include in your next kitchen.

Contact us today with any questions you might have about appliance repair in the San Francisco area; we can help you with your project!

5 Appliance Trends in 2019 that Will Transform Your Kitchen into A Paradise

5 Appliance Trends in 2019 that Will Transform Your Kitchen into A Paradise

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2019 brings with it an entire new group of homeowners who will be remodeling their homes this year. Remodeling the kitchen is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home and is also one of the most popular renovation projects in which people partake. Each year seems to elicit a slew of new trends and ideas in appliances, along with a resurrection of an old classic snuck in here and there. Following are five of the top appliance trends for 2019 you might want to consider if you’re planning on launching a kitchen renovation project for your own home:

  1. Integrated Appliances: Perhaps the appliance trend with the most power behind it is using integrated appliances. The new face of a luxurious kitchen includes appliances that are smaller and seamless – the idea is to no longer have people walk into a kitchen and see appliances sticking out everywhere. Induction cooktops are some of the most popular integrated appliances today, for example.
  2. Auto-On Appliances: Appliances that turn on automatically were once an idea for “the future” – but the future has now arrived! For example, there are now kitchen hoods that are slim and beautiful that turn on by themselves when they sense an increase in temperature from cooking; they’re also stronger than many of the large, bulky, industrial ones from the past.
  3. Digital Appliance Technology: While stove clocks and microwaves have used digital technology in limited capacity for a while now, the trend for 2019 appliances is to drive innovation and convenience in the kitchen like never before. We’re talking about things like restaurant-quality single-pour wine reservation systems and more!
  4. Wi-Fi Appliance Connections: It seems almost everything else can be controlled via a Wi-Fi connection these days, so why not appliances? If you’ve always dreamed of pushing a button on a Wi-Fi-enabled coffee maker before you even get out of bed, or you’ve ever been away from home and needed to turn down the oven temp from your phone, there are appliances today that will be happy to oblige.
  5. Under-the-Counter Appliances: This trend is one of the “not really new but more revived” type of trend, but this year it’s taking on a whole new following. The attractiveness of using this type of appliance is to minimize upper cabinets and maximize available counter space.

While there will always be new and exciting trends and innovations each year when it comes to appliances, 2019 is already proving to be one of the best years for it. From new finishes like black stainless steel and matte black steel to the popularity of column refrigeration and ovens with French doors, the market is filling up with unique appliance trends that are nothing short of fabulous! No matter which appliance trend you choose, count on the top appliance repair San Rafael for all your appliance maintenance and repair needs!

Top Appliance Brands of 2018

Top Appliance Brands of 2018

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At Absolute Appliances Repair, we know our fair share about the best and brightest appliances on the market. We understand the importance of, not only replacing appliances when they need replacing, but of choosing brands you can trust so that you’re not overspending or replacing appliances again and again before you should need to.

If you’re looking for a new fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, or dryer, here’s a list of the top rated appliance brands of 2018.

 

Whirlpool

In the United States, Whirlpool is a go-to appliance manufacture for everything from washers and dryers to kitchen gadgets. The company is global but has their head office based in Michigan and employs over 92,000 individuals from around the world. Whirlpool is recognized as a leader in home appliances and is the parent company to several other appliance providers such as Maytag, KitchenAid, and Amana.

As of this year, Whirlpool has had the most sales and least required machine servicing compared to other appliance providers. While we at Absolute Appliance Repair won’t choose a favorite in terms of branding, we certainly can’t find fault in Whirlpool, their high standards, or the quality of their craftsmanship.

 

LG

The brand stands for “Life’s Good”, and they offer a variety of products, including not only home appliances, but also mobile and tech gadgets. From the refrigerator to your cell phone, LG has got you covered, and has become a name for low-maintenance and high-quality products. After Whirlpool and their many children companies, LG takes the cake in terms of products sold and need for maintenance or servicing.

The LG style standard seems to lean toward modern simplicity with a luxurious feel. Stainless steel and smooth lines are the 2018 line’s signature look, although you get more than looks when you buy an LG. Again, we at Absolute Appliances Repair try not to pick favorites, but if it came down to an LG and a lesser brand, we recommend paying just a little bit extra to avoid needing constant servicing in the future.

 

Frigidaire

A leader in kitchen appliances, Frigidaire provides stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves, along with laundry tools such as washers, dryers, and 2 in 1 centers. Frigidaire is the third least serviced brand of appliances in the United States with a high sales record and a large fan following. When it comes to brand loyalty, those who use Frigidaire are very serious.

They may not offer as many bells and whistles or additional electronics as brands like LG, but what they do make, they make well. You can check out their supply online, and gain access to their owner support center, for help with any machine issues that may arise.

 

For more information on our repair services, contact us at Absolute Appliances Repair. Our experienced staff are happy to hear from new and returning clientele, and we’re always ready to answer any questions you might have and offer a reasonable quote on work that needs to be done. Don’t let your appliances become outdated and unusable, contact the experts today and we’ll help keep your appliances working like new.

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How a Dryer Can Damage Your Clothes

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If you’ve ever noticed that, over time, some of your clothes don’t look or fit like they used to, it’s not your imagination. There’s substantial scientific evidence that supports the idea that drying clothes in a dryer does irreparable damage to them. Dryers are at fault for clothes that shrink, clothes that lose their color, and clothes that wear thin and tear. To get to the bottom of just how our dryers are damaging our clothes, we’ll take a look at the studies that have been done on the matter. However, it’s important to remember that if you notice anything wrong with your appliances that point to a possible malfunction, you’ll want to contact us so we can come out and take a look to perform washer or dryer repair if needed.

The Incredible Shrinking Clothes

Researchers have taken pieces of cotton/synthetic and cotton fibers, along with blended fabrics, and marked different areas on the pieces. Then, they measured the distances and angles between each mark that was made. Putting the pieces of fabric through various washes was done, followed by either a high-heat cycle, a low-heat cycle, or air drying. You can perhaps guess how each turned out.

The experiment revealed some knowledge that most people already were aware of, like the fact that drying shrinks clothing almost twice as much as washing, and further, that tumble-drying shrinks twice as much as air-drying does. However, some new interesting facts about dryers were revealed, too:

  • When washing or tumble-drying is concerned, temperature does not actually affect the amount of shrinkage of clothes as much as most people think.
  • The hot water cycle for the washing machine shrank clothes just as much as the cold-water cycle.
  • The low-heat tumble-dry cycle shrank fabric just as much as the high-heat dry cycle.
  • What actually shrinks clothes most in a washer is the mechanical agitation.
  • What actually shrinks clothes most in the dryer is the forced air.

What About Fading Colors?

Tests on color were also performed; researchers found that most dyes don’t start to become compromised until around 340 degrees Fahrenheit, which is far hotter than any dryer should ever get. (If you have a dryer that ever gets this hot, you need to call us for repairs right away!) Therefore, dryers probably don’t cause colors to run.

Although colors don’t fade from dryers, the fabric itself does undergo some “running” of its own. Microscopic damage occurs each time fabric is put in the dryer. Although the damage itself is hard to see on clothing, all you have to do is check the lint trap to see it. Lint is what results from tiny tears in the fabric of clothing; over time, these tears cause clothes to fall apart.

How Do Dryers Contribute to Wear and Tear?

Researchers used cotton towels and rinsed them in a washing machine; then, they dried them in a dryer on high heat (about 150 degrees Fahrenheit), and then without heat. They did this for 20 cycles, and reported the results: After only 20 cycles, the fabric had already lost 50% of its strength! So after only 20 washes and dry cycles, the fabric became twice as easy to tear.

But what about dry cycles with no heat? The fabrics became 24% weaker after 20 cycles. To make matters worse, no matter what temperature is used for dry cycles, the tensile strength doesn’t level out over time; in other words, clothing damage doesn’t ever “slow down”, so each cycle pushes your clothes closer and closer to total ruin.

What Can You Do to Help Avoid Premature Damage?

Dryers save everyone valuable time and give a great deal of convenience to our daily chore schedules – but at a cost. While all dryers damage clothes, no matter the cycle, hot tumble-drying in particular takes a big toll on fabric. If you want to strike a balance between convenience and limiting the damage your clothes endure from the dryer, you should only use short dryer cycle times and low heat; the idea is to minimize mechanical action and exposing your clothing to the heat.

For more information on the best dryers for your clothes, the latest energy-efficient models, and more tips on how you can maximize the life of your clothes (and your dryer), contact our experts today – we can help with everything from tips and suggestions to maintenance to repairs.

Citations: Textile Research Journal, 2000, Vol. 70(8), pp. 739-743 Klausinger, S. L. et al., AATCC Review, 2012, pp. 51-57;

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Is Your Dishwasher Not Washing Your Dishes Thoroughly?

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Find Out What’s Causing Your Dishwasher to Skimp Around the Edges

If you’ve been using the same automatic dishwasher for years, you might notice that, over time, the machine fails to clean every inch of your dishes. You might have to run them through the same cycle twice or clean them by hand, which defeats the point of owning a dishwasher in the first place. There are lots of reasons why a dishwasher’s performance can deteriorate. Find out why your dishwasher isn’t performing as well as it used to and how you can fix it.

Are you having trouble with your automatic dishwasher? Contact us at Absolute Appliances Repair!

Clogged Filter

Every automatic dishwasher comes with a filter that’s designed to catch large pieces of food and other items that the machine can’t break down. Make sure you keep the filter clean by emptying it out every week or so.

Using the Wrong Detergent

Newer dishwashers are designed to work with enzyme-based detergents that eat away at foods instead of rinsing them down the drain. If you’re using the wrong type of dishwasher fluid or detergent, the machine might not be able to do its job properly.

Using the Wrong Cycle

Many modern units will come with lots of different rinsing and washing cycles for you to choose from, including those for heavy-duty pots and pans, eco-friendly washes that use less water, and those for smaller loads. Try using a different cycle to see if it makes a difference.

Hard Water Stains

One of the most common problems people have with their dishwasher is that it leaves hard water stains on the glass, which can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re having company over. You may need to use more water softener in your system to help get rid of the salts that cause these stains.

It’s Time to Upgrade

Some automatic dishwashers aren’t made to last the test of time. Most models won’t last beyond twenty or twenty-five years, which means your current unit might be beyond repair. You can have an appliance repair expert help you decide if it’s worth fixing your older unit or if you should upgrade to a newer model. Find out how long you’ve had the current machine to see if it’s time for a change.

If you’re having trouble with your dishwasher, let the professionals take care of the problem by calling Absolute Appliance Repair in San Francisco. We know how to repair all kinds of models, helping you get the most out of every cycle. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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Is Your Refrigerator Using Too Much Electricity?

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Refrigerators have become essential in our day-to-day lives; however, not all of them are the same. In today’s world of high energy usage and high prices, you’ll certainly want a model in your home that provides you with the most use for the least amount of power. There are things you can do yourself to increase your unit’s energy-efficiency so that you can make sure that it doesn’t use too much electricity; however, if you ever need assistance with your refrigerator, you can always contact us! In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind:

Keep Your Fridge Well-Stocked

The more your fridge has to run, and the greater the air displacement is, the more power it will use and the harder it’s going to have to work in order to cool your groceries down. When a refrigerator is empty, that air displacement is going to be high. Do be aware though, and be careful not to jam pack your fridge – having far too many items within it will limit the air movement too much, damaging energy efficiency.

Keep the Door Closed

More and more power is used every time someone opens the refrigerator door, because warmer air from the outside replaces some of the cooler air on the inside. It takes extra power and extra work for the fridge to bring the temperature level back down. Try to make a habit of opening the door only when necessary; take all ingredients out all at once rather than separately.

Watch the Temperature Setting

There is a small dial in refrigerators that control exactly how cold the temperature is set at; if you have it set too high, you’ll end up with a bunch of spoiled food. If you set your unit too cold, your food will be semi-frozen and you’ll waste money because your fridge will run too often. The recommended temperature for refrigerators according to Samsung is 37.4 degrees.

Maintenance is Crucial

It might be easy to just plug in your refrigerator and largely forget about it, letting it run until it dies years later. However, if you keep your eyes on a couple of things, you’ll find that it won’t use too much electricity and won’t die prematurely. Once every six months, unplug your unit so you can safely brush the condenser coils; if too much dust accumulates on the coils, it can cause your appliance to overheat, causing damage.

It’s important that you keep watch over your refrigerator in order to ensure that it never uses more electricity than it should. When your unit uses the least amount of energy possible, it will also cost you less money on your energy bills and will provide you with many years of good, energy-efficient service. For more information on energy efficiency and your refrigerator, or if you are ever in need of quality appliance repair, contact our experienced professionals at Absolute Appliances Repair.

When to Repair Vs. Replace Your Large Home Appliances

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How to Spend Your Money Wisely When Repairing or Replacing Appliances

Large home appliances are some of the most expensive items to a person’s name, right behind their car and the deed to their house. But many homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about or caring for their appliances until the damage has already been done. Suddenly, the refrigerator or the oven stops working, and the person has no idea whether they should repair or replace one of the biggest items in their home. This is a common dilemma for many homeowners. A person can save a lot of money when dealing with a broken appliance if they’re willing to do some homework.

Know the Life the Appliance

When dealing with a broken appliance, it’s important to understand the lifespan of the item. This will tell the person how much longer their appliance will last and whether or not it’s worth spending the money to have it repaired. The National Association of Homeowners recommends using these numbers as a reference:

  • Air conditioner: 15 years.
  • Dishwasher: 9 years.
  • Dryer: 13 years.
  • Garbage disposal: 12 years.
  • Refrigerator: 13 years.
  • Stove: 13 to 15 years.
  • Washer: 10 years.

These numbers can vary a bit based on the brand and whether the appliance has been well maintained over the years. If an appliance is getting towards the end of its lifespan, it’s probably best to have it replaced.

Check Your Warranty

Homeowners should also take the time to check their warranty information. If the appliance is still covered by the warranty, the person should have it repaired while they still can. Most manufacturers offer long-term warranties, so there’s a good chance that the item is still protected. Homeowners should also get in the habit of keeping a copy of their warranties in a safe place.

Consider Your Current Financial Situation

If the appliance isn’t covered by a warranty, the homeowner should contact an appliance repair company in their area to get an estimate. If the repairs will cost around 50% of the item’s total cost, it’s best to start from scratch and buy a new one.

If the person doesn’t have a lot of money when their appliance breaks down, they might have to have it repaired just to get by in the short-term. It all depends on what the person can afford. It usually makes more financial sense to replace the broken item sooner rather than later instead of spending money on intermittent repairs over the next several years.

Those looking for a company that provides appliance repair in Marin should contact Absolute Appliances Repair for the best customer service in town!