5 Things Worth Repairing When They Break
At some point, it’s inevitable that certain items such as home and kitchen appliances., and devices will become broken beyond usability. Since we’ve all been trained into seeing things as disposable, thanks to the promotion of “Throwaway Living,” it’s easy to toss broken items into the trash.
However, before you throw anything into the trash, consider that it might be fixable, and a repair could be the better choice.
The following list is the perfect example of items that can be repaired when they break.
1. Your refrigerator
When your refrigerator breaks, don’t drag it out to the curb or post it on Craigslist for free, hoping someone will take it so you don’t have to haul it to the dump. Instead, call a refrigerator repair company – most of the time, it’s an easy fix.
It’s actually more convenient to fix a broken fridge than to buy a new one. New refrigerators aren’t cheap, and used ones aren’t reliable. Then, you have to consider the struggle of finding someone with a truck or van to help you bring it home and set it up in your kitchen. The whole process of getting a new refrigerator can be exhausting. When you choose to repair your fridge, the process is much easier.
2. Your chest freezer
If you have a chest freezer and you paid decent money for it, it’s worth fixing with a few exceptions. Some issues can’t be fixed. For example, if your chest freezer was involved in a flood and the insulation is water logged, you’ll need to buy a new one. However, there are many common issues that can be fixed easily.
3. Your gas barbecue grill
Most good gas grills are expensive, and that means they’re worth repairing. Gas barbecue grills are known to have the same parts fail over time, like burner tubes that get clogged or damaged and fail to light, causing uneven cooking. Common issues can typically be fixed easily, and for far less than you’d spend on a new grill.
4. A high-end coffee maker
Being able to brew fresh coffee is important, especially when multiple people in your household drink it on a regular basis. The problem is many coffee makers stop working after a short period of time – anywhere from a few months to a year. If you’ve spent more than $100 on a coffee machine, it could be worth repairing, depending on what’s broken. However, if you bought a cheap $20 to $50 coffee maker, you’re better off getting a replacement.
If you purchased a higher-priced coffee machine for your home, you probably spent between $200 and $600 or more. If your coffee maker only needs moderate repairs that don’t exceed the cost of a new unit, it’s worth fixing.
5. Anything you love and can’t replace
Manufacturers constantly discontinue various models even when they’re popular and built well, and that can be a problem. When you’re particular about specific features or aesthetics, and you can’t imagine getting a replacement, it’s worth repairing even if the repair costs more than the monetary value of the equipment. You can’t put a price tag on your preferences because having the equipment you personally like to use is what keeps your day flowing smoothly.
Be frugal, not cheap to avoid prematurely broken items
If the items you buy tend to break frequently, it could be because you’re trying to save money by purchasing the cheapest options. Saving money is important, but there is a time and a place. It’s not always wise to save money on everything you buy. Sometimes the cheapest option is the one that will break the fastest and force you to replace it over and over again.
There is a difference between being cheap and being frugal. To be frugal, you need to consider the long-term value of an item in addition to the price. If an item looks like it won’t last long, spend a little more money to get something more durable.
From there, shift your mindset away from disposability and toward sustainability. You might be surprised at what can be fixed.
