5 Things Most Appliance Repair Men Won't Tell You

In today’s world when a small appliance breaks it’s generally a no-brainer to throw it out and get a new one, but what about a major home appliance?

Some consumers may have the inclination, and the skills to replace the heating element on their toaster oven. However, most of us would replace the toaster oven, because it only costs $30. The same can’t be said for major appliances like an oven/range that no longer keeps temperature or a refrigerator that leaks, since the price tags to replace these items can easily be over $1,000. Consider the following tips the next time you’re considering a major appliance repair.

1. While your parents’ appliances lasted 30+ years, your new appliance likely will not. Today appliances are more sophisticated and contain many more electronic components. If your appliance is nearing its second decade, it may not be worth repairing a major component.

2. Many minor repairs can be done yourself by using online guides and videos. However, since many of the repairs today are due to faulty computer boards, unless you are an appliance technician, leave the major repairs to the experts.

3. If your microwave turns on but no longer heats up your food, chances are it is your magnetron. Don’t waste time and money attempting a repair, the labor and parts cost will be equal to or more than a new microwave.

4. If your appliance is under ten years old, the estimate fee is worth it. The fee could reveal that only a minor part is needed to fix the appliance. If your appliance is under ten years old it is almost always worth it to pay for an estimate to repair it (except in the case of a microwave).

5. If the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new appliance, replace the appliance.

My name is Max Leahy, and my father Richard Leahy started Atlantic Appliance over 40 years ago. My dad started the business to not only offer appliances at the lowest prices in the tri-state area, but to offer the best possible services in the industry. Atlantic Appliance is still one of the few appliance stores in the area that offers a full parts department and in-house appliance repair technicians. Atlantic Appliance has two locations 50 Triangle Center Yorktown Heights NY, 10598 and 255 North Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549. Atlantic Appliance can be reached at 914-962-2500.  You can also visit us online at www.atlantic-appliance.com