When your trusty washer decides to take an unexpected break, you're faced with a crucial decision: repair or replace? It is tempting to think that buying a new machine will put your appliance woes behind you and you can just move onto the rest of life’s challenges for a few more dollars in expense, but here are some factors you want to seriously consider first:
Many Older Washing Machines Boasted Longevity Beyond Age
Don't let the age of your appliance be the sole deciding factor. While washers do have a lifespan, some models, like the Speed Queen TR7 Washing Machine, have been known to endure for decades, outlasting their younger counterparts. Brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag also boast models with remarkable resilience. Every month I am called to service machines dating back to the 1980’s and 1990’s. During those same periods, I am also on calls where a shiny new appliance is being condemned as unrepairable due to the price of the repair or part availability. The simple fact is older machines were far more robust than new models. Further, the reality is this is not a trend that has stopped. Every year models are released with more options, more electronics, and more “energy efficiencies” than previous models. And make no mistake about it, these same selling points, coupled with manufacturers’ need to drive costs out of their machine production costs, result in washing machines that are expected to do more with less. Less water, less electricity, less assembly, less replaceable parts. More times than not, the is accomplished through plastic and electronics; neither of which bode well for machine longevity or performance, especially when water, heat, dust, and vibration are added into the equation.
Many Older Washing Machines are Affordably Fixed
Repairing a washing machine often involves replacing common parts like water inlet valves, motor couplers, run capacitors, and drain pumps. A prime example is the water inlet valve. There are two failure points to these valves. Mechanically they are required to move up and down, creating a passageway for water to travel into the machine. This is accomplished by an electronically induced magnetic field. The first failure point is the valve’s ability to freely move. As water travels through the valve, rust, calcium, magnesium and other minerals bond to the metals and plastics inside the valve. As these deposits increase, the ability of the valve to open and close requires more and more energy and eventually grinds to a halt. Rather you have a $5,000 Miele or $500 Whirlpool, the valve works the same way and will suffer the same fate. However, these components are surprisingly different when it comes time for a repair. For instance, an OEM Whirlpool Water Inlet Valve Assembly WP3979346 costs less than $50, whereas a similar part on many newer units can easily cost up to three times that amount
Enduring Availability of Parts
Reputable brands like Kenmore have a remarkable track record of parts availability, even for appliances dating back to the 1980s. This commitment to long-term support ensures that your older washer can be revived with ease. The reason is simple. Many trusty, older machines went through many, many years with very few changes in design. The same valve may have been used for 20 years or more. Many newer appliances, however, come out with model changes several times a year making it less feasible and less profitable to maintain production and stock levels for such a vast array of parts.
Widespread Repair Services
Finding a qualified technician to repair your older washing machine is often a straightforward task. Established brands like Kenmore and Whirlpool have a wide network of service providers, ensuring that your appliance gets the attention it deserves. However, due to changes in technology, part availability, and difficulty in repairing newer, electronic-laden washing machines, many companies refuse to service many brands of modern appliances. While that Whirlpool from 1995 you are considering sending to the scrap yard could be repaired locally for the next 10 years, that new washer you are tempted to purchase may be very difficult and expensive to repair when it breaks down in 3 more years.
Effective Cleaning, Not Just Energy Efficiency
While energy efficiency is a crucial consideration, it shouldn't come at the expense of cleaning performance. Some newer models, in their quest for energy savings, compromise wash quality, leading to longer cycles and less effective cleaning. While new washing machines are often touted as being more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, many consumers have complained about the lack of water used in these machines and the lack of power, combined with very long cycle times. It is not uncommon for consumers to complain that they have to wash their clothes through two cycles and use "heavy" load settings to get small loads of laundry clean. And remember that water inlet valve previously discussed? It is a prime example of another issue with newer, more “efficient” washers. In order to do more with less (water and electricity), many newer washers cycle the water on and off over and over and over again, leading to faster part failures. It’s just a plain fact, a part can only be energized and move so many times before it isn’t going to move anymore. That old washer you are thinking about giving up because the water valve failed may only open its water valve a few times in a complete wash cycle. That new machine may very well open and close its water valve 10 times or more in a wash cycle.
The Risks of the Unknown
Replacing your washing machine with a brand-new model can introduce a host of uncertainties. Newer appliances often lack long-term reliability data, making it difficult to gauge their durability and potential issues. Limited user feedback and the scarcity of replacement parts further complicate the decision to replace. Even when you do your homework and see many good reviews on a particular washing machine, those reviews are coming from people who also just bought the machine. While their last Samsung may have given them 10 years of use and they may love the look and features of their new machine, neither they nor you have any idea how satisfied they are going to be three short years from now.
Environmental Stewardship
Choosing to repair your washing machine is a conscious step towards environmental sustainability. Consider the ecological footprint of your choices. Discarded appliances often end up in landfills, even those turned in for scrap. Within these appliances, you'll find a high volume of non-recycled plastics and electronic components that remain unprocessed and are ultimately deposited in landfills. Furthermore, the recycling process can involve international shipping, contributing to environmental issues and potentially unsafe working conditions, too often times for children. Often times even the recycled components are shipped back overseas (to be separated) to a third-world country where there are very few laws or regulations to protect the environment or workers.
The choice to repair your appliances is more than just a matter of functionality – it's a commitment to sustainability. Repairing extends the lifespan of your appliances, reducing the environmental impact linked to manufacturing and disposing of new units. Repairing fosters a circular economy where resources are conserved, waste is minimized, and the community thrives through the support of local repair businesses. Remember, repairing your washing machine isn't just about saving money; it's about making a sustainable choice that benefits both your wallet and the environment. By giving your old washer a new lease on life, you're demonstrating a commitment to responsible consumerism and contributing to a greener future.