Whenever you experience a broken appliance in your home, the question arises on whether it’s worth fixing or replacing altogether. Which option will save you more money?

Here are some telltale signs for common appliances that should give you an idea of which route to take.

1. Washing machine

Repair: Washing machine repairs are common. If it doesn’t light up or turn on, makes rattling sounds, or leaks from the bottom, a technician should be able to fix it.

Replace: Significantly bigger issues such as a cracked drum, excessive banging, or when it’s damaging your clothes could call for a replacement washer.

Also, if it’s an outdated model that is more than eight years old, it’s best to get a new one.

2. Fridge

Repair: Minor maintenance issues such as frost buildup, water leaks, certain broken components, or lack of coldness can be easily resolved at a reasonable price.

If your fridge is a built-in model, it’s better to maintain it as replacing a model with the exact measurements can be very expensive.

Replace: If your fridge has outlived its lifespan of 14-17 years and is consistently breaking down, it is time to replace it with a new one. Furthermore, older models with plastic backings have a tendency to overheat and possibly catch fire or emit toxic fumes.

Read more about common fridge problems and whether to repair or replace them.

3. Oven

Repair: If the lightbulb has gone out, it’s not heating, or the heating element is not glowing red to indicate it’s working, your oven could easily be fixed by a professional.

Replace: If it constantly burns your food even when set at the right temperature, the insides have rusted, or the glass is cracked, it’s safe to say you’ll be needing a new one.

4. Air-conditioner

Repair: For common issues such as warm air being produced, clogged filters, or dripping water, all you need is to get your air-conditioner serviced.

Replace: For units older than 10 years, or that constantly break down or create a lot of noise, it’s time to replace your unit with a newer model.

Old air-conditioners that don’t filter the air properly could trigger or lead to respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. (Also, is your aircon going on a power trip?)

5. Ceiling fan

Repair: If it’s still relatively new, your fan might be worth repairing. Slight humming sounds, wobbliness, or slowness to start spinning can be easily addressed by a handyman.

Replace: When the motor is too noisy, or the fan doesn’t turn on at all, it’s likely you will need a new one.

6. Television

Repair: Expensive televisions might call for repair because the average cost of doing so outweighs the price of replacing them.

For common issues such as lines and patches on the screen, or lack or sound, can be sorted by a technician.

Replace: Significant damage such as a heavily cracked screen would call for a new TV instead. Faded colours or screen burn-ins are a sign it’s time to get a replacement.

7. Sink faucet

Repair: A leaky tap, or one with sputtering or low water pressure, should be looked at by a plumber who can replace the washer or clear out any blockage.

Replace: When it’s too old, rusty, or covered in mineral deposits that block water flow, it’s time to upgrade the entire faucet to a new one.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform, offering a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.