Most of us use our stoves every day, whether it’s to boil water, cook a stir fry, or bake a casserole. An oven is an essential appliance in any kitchen. But daily wear and tear can damage it over time. As your oven ages, repairs become more frequent. Even though they are costly, leaving the stove broken is not an option—you use it nearly every day!
You don’t want to repair the appliance just to have it break down on you again. A new stove can cost anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars; repairs, on the other hand, are often much less expensive. The question is, is it worth it to pay for another repair, or should you just bite the bullet and buy a new stove?
When To Replace
Most ovens last between 10-15 years. Of course, this number varies depending on how often they are used and how they are maintained. An appliance that’s reaching the end of its lifespan might be worth replacing rather than repairing, especially if you’ve had to fix it multiple times over the years. Aside from the cost, this can simply be annoying and inconvenient! Sometimes, it’s better to pay for a replacement just to have a reliable oven.
When it comes to the age-old repair or replace debate, many homeowners follow the 50% rule. The basic principle is that a broken appliance should be replaced if a) a repair is 50% of the replacement cost and b) if the appliance is 50% through its lifespan (for stoves, that would be ~7 years old). To learn the estimated cost of a repair, call a technician to inspect the appliance. If you feel torn about whether you should repair or replace it, refer back to this rule for some guidance.
Depending on the age of your oven, it may not be energy efficient. Many modern appliances are designed to use less energy. Even though replacements are costly, the savings on your utility bill might make buying a new one worth it.
When To Repair
In many cases, you’ll be better off arranging for a repair service rather than buying and installing a new stove. Problems that seem catastrophic can sometimes be solved by a repair person who is experienced with ovens.
Some stove issues can be remedied by a quick repair from a technician. If the oven isn’t heating up properly, the issue is likely with a burned out burner element (which is a bit of a tongue twister). Doors that won’t close are often due to a defective latch or worn seal. Other problems cannot necessarily be solved with a quick fix—you may need to order a specific part to have an electrical issue solved. This is where repairs can get expensive. Our team has years of experience with all types of stove problems; it won’t take us long to identify and repair these issues.
Need a hand in the kitchen? Mike’s Quality Appliance Repair offers stove repair in Winnipeg. Our technicians can replace and repair nearly any part, from temperature sensors to control boards. We offer same-day repairs so that you can get back to making that scrumptious dinner!