Expert tricks to make family home equipment final years longer – and get monetary savings
Brits are wasting an average of £399 replacing appliances too early. Here are the simple habits and quick fixes that could save you a fortune.
One in five have replaced an appliance before checking it was fixable(Image: Getty Images)
Seven in 10 Brits admit they’ve ignored warning signs from big home appliances – including overheating, error messages, odd smells and even water leaks. A poll of 2,000 adults found 40% carried on because the appliance still seemed to work, while 33% said they just hoped the problem would fix itself.
However 22% confessed they’ve replaced big items like a washing machine or tumble dryer at the first sign of trouble instead of trying to get it repaired. More than half (56%) of those who replaced something later admitted the last item they got rid of may have been fixable.
When something goes wrong, only one in 10 call a repair engineer first(Image: Getty Images)
Consumer journalist, Alice Beer, said: “What many people may not realise is that repairs by a good engineer are often much simpler and more affordable than they expect, so it can pay to pause before you replace.
“Simple habits can also make a real difference too. Spending a few minutes cleaning filters and carrying out routine maintenance checks, for example, can help keep appliances working well, reduce the risk of faults and potentially add years to their lifespan.
“We know household budgets are under pressure so every saving counts. That’s why, when something goes wrong, my advice is simple – think repair first. The reality is that a small, quick fix could save you money and help your appliance go further.”
The research commissioned by the UK’s trade association for home appliances, AMDEA found people have spent an average of £399 replacing items which have had issues over the past three years.
When something goes wrong, only 11% call a repair engineer first. Instead, 66% said they’ve considered replacing a big appliance as soon as it starts playing up, without checking whether it could be repaired.
The items most often replaced without looking into repairs were washing machines, microwaves and fridge freezers.
Regularly cleaning your appliances will help them last longer(Image: Getty Images)
The biggest worries about booking a repair were the cost (49%), the appliance being too old (32%) and concerns the repair wouldn’t last (29%).
Despite this, 33% said they’d be annoyed if they found out they’d wasted money on an unnecessary replacement, while 21% said they’re determined not to do that again.
And 24% aren’t sure whether their large appliances are still covered by warranty, according to OnePoll.
But people who have had repairs were mostly happy – 47% said the engineer was reliable, 40% said the repair gave them years of extra use, and 33% said it was easy to arrange.
Stefan Hay, CEO for AMDEA, said: “Too many consumers are writing off appliances before understanding what the problem is or whether a repair is possible.
“Our findings show that concerns around cost and convenience are often driving replacement decisions, but repairs are frequently more straightforward and affordable than people expect.
“We’d encourage anyone experiencing an issue with a household appliance to check their warranty status and explore repair options before replacing it.
“A simple repair can often add years to an appliance’s lifespan, saving money and reducing unnecessary waste at the same time.”
