2021 Appliance Repair Versus Replacement and How Much It’ll Cost

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When preparing a home to sell, the to-do list can seem never-ending. From applying a fresh coat of paint to updating light fixtures or installing new flooring, you will most likely invest money along the way. You can only hope to get it back in the sales price.

However, whether we’re talking about your trusty old appliance in your decades-old home, or a suspect looking fridge you saw inside of a brand new listing, you may be wondering whether that machine needs replacing. How do you know for sure?

Read on to learn when it’s time to replace common household appliances.

Common Refrigerator Repairs

fridge

It’s always best to see the warning signs of a faulty refrigerator before it’s too late, especially when the fridge is full of food.

If food is spoiling before the expiration date, that could be a sign that it is struggling to stay cool. Condensation on the inside of the refrigerator could also be a sign of cooling problems. However, condensation alone does not mean the fridge is broken! Condensation gathering on the outside of the fridge near the door openings is often a sign your fridge only requires a new door seal.

If your refrigerator is noisier than usual (or if the back of the fridge feels significantly warmer than normal), these can be signs of a malfunctioning motor. Refrigerator motor repairs can often be costly, though, so if the appliance is older than 10 years, it’s probably better to replace than repair. 

How much does it cost to replace a fridge?

In general, if maintenance costs or utility bills are on the rise, replacement may be the right choice. According to Home Advisor, the price has quite a range. From a barebones box to a fridge from the future, you can expect to spend between $900-$8,000 for a new refrigerator, depending on the style and features you choose. New refrigerators should last between 6-15 years.

Common Dishwasher Repairs

dishwasher

When buyers consider purchasing a new home, they may wonder about the condition and quality of the dishwasher. A quick inspection may show some clear wear and tear, but it may not always be easy to detect every issue.

Obvious signs that a dishwasher should be outright replaced include a broken door latch, which could render the appliance inoperable, or a cracked body shell, which could cause leakage. 

There are issues that are more challenging to find without running a cycle.

If the washer doesn’t drain, it could be a sign of a broken drain. Not only does this hinder the wash cycle, but it could also lead to leakage underneath the unit. In fact, rust under the dishwasher is a clear sign that the dishwasher should be replaced. It can be difficult to find, but can be detected if rust starts to flake off under the appliance.

If water is not getting hot enough to wash the dishes, there is likely an issue with the coil, and it’s likely wise to consider replacement in this case, especially if it is an older model.

How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher?

According to Home Advisor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$700 at the store. New dishwashers should last between 8-10 years, with normal use.

Common Oven Repairs

Oven

The very first thing you need to do with ovens is to inspect it for any signs of rust. If rust is found on the inside of the oven, it’s likely time to upgrade to a newer model.

Oven not heating properly? There could be a number of reasons for this, including cracked glass on the door, but if the oven is several years old already, the cost to repair may not be worth it. 

The average lifespan of an oven is around 10-15 years. Retro is great for setting a vibe, however in terms of selling a home, some fully functioning appliances from a decade ago may no longer meet your needs or the needs of potential home buyers. Electric coil cooktops, for instance, may work great, but they could also turn off buyers looking for glass top options. Others may want newer features, like convection or rapid boil burners.

How much does it cost to replace an oven?

Expect to pay anywhere from $650-$2,000 for a new oven, depending on the features and styles you need.

Common Garbage Disposal Repairs

Homeowners often forget about the importance of garbage disposals until a problem arises. It can be challenging to know whether to repair or replace the disposal, though. An occasional loud noise or clog, for example, may not be cause for concern!

If you experience frequent garbage disposal clogs and leaks, however, it could be a sign that the motor is dying, or that your family’s cleaning needs and habits may require a higher capacity model. (I suggest throwing your regular compost away for a few weeks to see if the problem persists.) Leaks underneath the sink can also be a sign that the disposal needs replacement. If you experience either of these issues, it is wise to call an experienced technician to repair or replace your garbage disposal.

How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal?

You can expect the average garbage disposal to last 8-15 years with normal use, and new disposals typically cost $85-$200, plus the cost of installation

Common Washing Machine Repairs

washing machine

It’s best not to wait until there’s a flood in the laundry room to consider replacing your washing machine. Some water leakage from your washer may not be a reason to replace it, but rather a sign that the hoses have come loose over time.

However, if the hoses are installed correctly, and in good condition, and leakage still occurs, you may want to consider a new washing machine. It’s common for a washing machine to occasionally become imbalanced, causing loud noises and even movement. Often, the cause for this could simply be a large item, like a comforter, that has moved to one side. If your washer frequently moves regardless of what is in it though, it could be a sign of a larger issue and may need to be replaced. 

Like ovens, washing machines have seen many updates in recent years. Though a typical machine could last anywhere from 8-12 years, certain features, like a front loader, could attract more buyers. However, if unnecessary replacement isn’t in your budget, just be sure to give the machine a good cleaning, remove visible lint and debris, and repair any minor issues before putting your home on the market.

How much does it cost to replace a washing machine?

A new machine will run anywhere from $350-$1,000, according to Home Advisor, it’s important to know what signs to look for to know when the appliance should truly be replaced.

Common Dryer Repairs

Many dryer issues can be fixed with the help of an appliance professional. If the drum won’t turn or you hear unexplained banging or popping noises while the dryer is on, the cause is likely a faulty belt. A dryer that won’t start could be caused by a broken door sensor or lock, which can be an easy fix. However, if the dryer isn’t heating properly, or if it is turning off mid-cycle, you may want to consider purchasing a new dryer.

But if the dryer is getting way too hot or has a burning smell – and the lint cleaner isn’t to blame – this is a surefire “replace” situation.

The average lifespan of a well-maintained dryer is 8-12 years, so while many of these issues are easy to fix, it may make sense to simply replace older models, which could continue to have issues over time. Some homeowners also decide to replace their dryer when purchasing a new washer, so the two appliances match.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer?

New dryers can cost between $400-$1,000, depending on features and style

Always get a free repair quote to compare against replacement costs

Make sure to always fetch a free appliance repair quote before you go put a deposit down on a brand new machine!

Ultimately deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance can be a challenging task. First, consider the age of the appliance, as well as its average life span. A 12-year-old refrigerator, for instance, may not justify a costly motor repair, while the same aged dryer would need to be replaced over a faulty door sensor. Keep in mind that even if your old one is working, newer machines of any kind will likely save on electricity and/or water costs.

Plus, if you plan to place your home on the market in the near future, you may also want to consider the new features buyers look for. (For instance, a top-loading washer in fair condition may not add as much value to the home as a newer front load machine.)

If you decide to replace, just be sure to do your research and select an appliance that will last!


Alan Smith is the Marketing Coordinator of Spartan Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Spartan is a leading plumbing /HVAC company that assists all types of businesses and residences throughout the Washington D.C. region and parts of Maryland. Spartan has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and was voted Best Plumber in D.C. for four years in a row.

A Pro’s Guide to Moving Heavy Furniture Without Hurting Yourself

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Chances are, there are near by movers who can help you move that fridge, bed, or whatever else makes your back ache by the mere thought of picking it up. But if you can’t find the right help, or if you and your back feel up to the task, then keep reading—we’ve got you covered!

The First Step to Moving Heavy Furniture

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Okay, that’s a little weird, but moving heavy furniture is the same idea. You gotta really, really prepare.

Before you roll up your sleeves and start picking stuff up, you’ll want to do a few things:

  • Clear as wide of a pathway as you can
  • Measure that your furniture isn’t too big to go through that path
  • Mark a clear, physical end point where you will drop the item

The last one will probably be near your moving truck or storage container or, if you’re particularly strategic, a staging area (meaning your driveway, sidewalk, or the garage during sketchy weather) in order to better “Tetris” your stuff.

Disassembling Furniture

The great news is that many movers across the country will offer to disassemble any furniture that might need it in order to be moved. All you have to do is ask if your local mover offers the service.

If you’re disassembling furniture all yourself, there are plenty of basics to know when taking off table legs, moving desks, or detaching a flat screen tv.

The Most Important Basics When it Comes to Disassembly

  • When removing table legs, immediately reattach whatever nuts and bolts were holding the leg in place after the leg is off. This keeps screws from disappearing 
  • Always use a screwdriver with a magnetic head when unscrewing flat-screen tv mounts, as losing important screws is extremely easy to do
  • Dresser mirrors always get removed and properly packed up. Any undetachable dresser mirrors require tons of special attention to move
  • Dining room chairs aren’t often designed to be taken apart easily, if at all. But if you have chairs with exposed bolts or screws, you may be able to disassemble them

The above just scratches the surface of what professional movers with experience know about moving furniture and disassembling furniture. You’ll learn plenty, just like I did, by trying to do it yourself.

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“The IKEA-Exception”

The furniture in your home didn’t just grow there, right? It had to have been carried in.

But the one exception to the “furniture doesn’t grow there” concept is IKEA-like furniture, or in other words, most anything you had to assemble yourself.

Full-Service moving companies will generally refuse to move customer-assembled furniture made of pressboard. This is because such furniture was designed to be assembled, put in place, and never ever moved again. Any customer requesting their pressboard bookcase (or pressboard anything) be professionally moved usually has to sign a waiver stating they understand it will very likely get destroyed and the movers will assume zero responsibility for the destruction.

If you have any pressboard furniture or any furniture that – be honest with yourself – is generally cheap and flimsy, consider selling it or giving it away. Moving it costs time and money and will more than likely turn it into an unusable piece (or pieces) of trash.

Wrapping Furniture

how to move heavy furniture

At some point during the move-out process, you’ll need to wrap your furniture so it doesn’t get scratched, gouged and cracked into oblivion.

Cloth furniture pads (also known as “moving blankets”) are what movers use, and we highly recommend them. Wrapping your furniture before you carry it through your home and out the door can help protect it against incidental dings in the doorway and, quite possibly, holes in your walls.

No true professional mover will ever dream of transporting heavy furniture without furniture pads.

Protip: Moving pads can make it hard to keep a firm grip on your furniture. I always preferred to wrap everything in the staging area, or right there on the truck.

The Most Important Basics When it Comes to Wrapping Furniture

Wrapping a refrigerator or a bookcase is pretty straightforward. Wrapping a non-rectangular item like a sofa or a chair can be a challenge.

  • The key is to secure your furniture pads neatly and tightly, covering every surface except, in general, the bottom side
  • You mostly need to just make sure the pads don’t come off. Some movers use shipping tape to keep their pads in place, while others use shrink wrap. Both are effective but costly (not to mention a little wasteful). That’s why other movers use big rubber bands called “mover’s bands”. They are versatile and reusable for applications far beyond moving furniture (like, say, wrapping an office chair)
  • To secure those pads, whether you use tape, shrink wrap or those big rubber bands, just remember: avoid putting tape or shrink wrap directly on your furniture’s surfaces

How Many Furniture Pads Do I Need?

For reference, furniture pads the pros use measure 72” x 80”, give or take.

End tables, small bookcases, and dining room chairs usually only need one (1) pad; most furniture needs two (2), while things like sofas, really large dressers, even some big headboards need three (3) apiece.

How many furniture pads do you need, then? Your best bet is to go from room to room, check how many things you have that need to be wrapped, note how many pads each item will require to cover their surface, then tally it all up. (To be safe, you might want to tack on a half dozen more!)

How Do Pros Move Furniture Through Doorways?

how to move heavy furniture

Angling

If your sofa is too wide to fit through a doorway in your home, there are a few things you can do.

The simplest is to tilt it 45 degrees (more or less) so the front edge of the seat cushions and the top of the back of the couch are aligned vertically. This will make the bottom rear edge of the couch look like it is sticking further out, but all you geometry lovers out there will appreciate how this actually makes the couch narrower.

Curling

If your couch is still too wide, try standing it on end and curling it through.

Laying down a blanket first will help you smoothly and safely slide your couch through the doorway. Ease the top back edge through first, then curl the sofa around the side of the doorway closer to the seat cushions as you slip the rest of the couch through. (You can also push it through seat cushion edge first.) This same strategy can be used when trying to get oversized easy chairs through a seemingly too-narrow door.

Detaching

If you find you need a few extra inches of clearance before your sofa will pop through that doorway, try removing the legs or feet.

Even though they are sometimes nothing but short squares of wood, I’ve found on many occasions that taking them off is the difference between success and a damaged door jamb. On occasion, I’ve had to actually remove a door from its hinges in order to get a couch out the door. While not difficult, you will need a flat head screwdriver and a hammer to coax those hinge pins out, and a couple of extra sets of hands to keep the door in place until those pins pop free.

Moving Furniture Up and Down Stairs

how to move heavy furniture

Hauling large pieces of furniture – more importantly, heavy pieces of furniture – down a flight of stairs is a dangerous proposition if you don’t take it slow (and smart).

  • Make sure you have a strong friend (if not two) on the lower end as you go down (or up) the stairs. Take those steps one at a time. Rest as often as need be, simply by laying that dresser or bookcase down, right on the stairs. Just make sure it doesn’t start sliding!
  • Watch for walls, banisters, and hanging light fixtures
  • It’s easy when you’re watching your feet to forget about everything else. And that, I can tell you, includes your knuckles!
  • When sliding items around corners on landings, use a blanket underneath
    • When doing so, put a blanket down to make the sliding process easier and to avoid damaging that dresser and/or the floor. If the floor is carpeted, the item is really heavy, or if the surface it is resting on is uneven, try walking that thing forward – using small, slow, easy steps

Using Wheels to Move Your Furniture

how to move heavy furniture

If you aren’t The Hulk, a little extra help in the form of wheels can make a huge difference. Here are what the pros use:

  1. 4-wheeler: A 4-wheeler is great for moving large, heavy items over long flat distances. Two main things to watch for: your piece of furniture is resting firm and balanced, and that the wheels, usually black rubber, aren’t marking or scuffing your floors.
  2. Hand truck: A hand truck has two wheels and a metal plate on which to rest your furniture, and a long upright surface with handles. Their soft-ish wheels let you move heavy items up and down stairs and across uneven surfaces all by yourself. However, we highly recommend having a second set of hands at the lower (bottom) end of that piece of furniture any time you are negotiating stairs.
  3. Appliance dolly: An appliance dolly is basically a heavy-duty hand truck with a strap to secure in place the refrigerator, washing machine, dryer or whatever. Despite its name, an appliance dolly can absolutely be used to haul furniture.

This All Seems Hard. Are There Furniture Movers Near Me, Just In Case?

Most likely, yes!

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Start by searching HireAHelper’s massive network of local movers to find movers near you to tackle the big stuff. You don’t necessarily need to hire an entire moving crew if you just need to move your heaviest items.

Normal moving rates will apply, usually starting at a couple hundred bucks for two experienced professionals for two hours. They will usually bring all the necessary equipment, too!

If you just aren’t sure you want to move heavy furniture yourself, relax. Professionals know how to do everything in this article. If you’re doing a long distance move, our sister company Moving Place can provide you with movers, transportation and everything you might expect from a full service move at a fraction of the price.


Illustrations by Marlowe Dobbe

If You Only Clean 5 Things When You Move in, Just Make Sure It’s These Things

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Moving into a new house is SUCH an exciting time! There are so many fun memories that lie ahead, including everything about unpacking, getting settled in and decorating your gorgeous new home. But before totally settling in and getting cozy, we think it’s important to do that super important deep clean.

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