The age-old question: repair or replace
Pawprint
8 years ago
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georgect
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoRelated Discussions
Repair or replace Hotpoint Dryer - 27 years old
Comments (5)Having ANY dryer or machine work for 13 years with no service calls, Somebody is doing something RIGHT. So its 27 years old, good4U. You probably have a lint build up just under the lower heating element and thats what you are smelling. You didn't mention how many are using this dryer, not that it matters if its 27 years old, and hasn't been worked on in 13 years. It probably needs the front glides and rear cheap bearing, and belt, and idler pully. So this dryer doesn't owe you a cent, for all these parts, and labour, the tech should be able to do this in a hour call out, if you are not way out in the boon docks. Because the tech has not opened it up to clairify the cost, lets say all these parts and 1 hours labour, at 60 hour to 80.00 that some charge now. And parts at 80.00 as I don't know what they charge in your area, as I am in Canada. Most of the new high end dryers a call out for them is 150.00 plus and they are new, yours is 27. Always good to hear about the old stuff still doing its thing. Brent@CanBC...See MoreRepair vs. Replace 16 yr old Carrier AC / Furnace
Comments (1)Well let's look at the dollars. Many systems don't last for more than 12 years. That would calculate to about $1500 per year for 12 years, to pay for the cost of a new TRANE, whereas, you pay $1000 this year and maybe another 1000 a year or so later. If you have a leak, then you may need a new coil (Because no one will spend the 3 hours to fix it) they will sell you a new coil, then spend 3 hours to install it. Questionable logic, but most common of all repairs. Peace of mind is worth something. I had a customer that claimed peace of mind was more important than money, but he always wanted a super low cost on all repairs. The TRANE 'new bid' will probably cost you $1500 per year for the next 12 years. It will need to be replaced before that time, or sloppy techs will force you to replace it sooner. The old junk is paid for. Replace the motor, contactor, caps every year, and you will never cost more than $1000. Even if the tech really hoses you. TRANE sells piece of mind, and claims to be the best. Why don't they sell more equipment than the lower quality systems? Because most people realize that TRANE is just a name put on the same components as sold by everyone. I have a very expensive touch screen thermostat that did not last 6 months, with a TRANE logo on it. To get warrantee, I need to show a sales receipt for the stat. I was the repair guy, not the installer. The stat was made by Honeywell and labeled by TRANE. If the stat did not have the logo on it, Home Depot would sell me a new one for 1/3 of the list price TRANE uses. I could return it without any problems. Instead, it sits on my desk as a reminder of what a company can do to its customers. You wonder why I don't like some manufacturers. This is the reason. I have an account with TRANE that I can use. It is inactive this year so far. The same as I have an account with Goodman. It was inactive until a couple of weeks ago. The Carrier account is the one we use this year. But not to confuse the issue, all manufacturers are hardnosed on their branded product. Many warrantees never happen, because of crappy return policies. Today I am looking at a $360 stat labeled by TRANE. Now for the good news; I can return the stat maybe, if I cheat and lie to TRANE. I try to never lie or cheat, so I guess the stat will be a constant reminder why I don't care for TRANE....See MoreAdvice on Repair or Replace Old Unit
Comments (6)Thanks for the quick responses! Garyg, that is pretty much the way I was thinking, time for a new and improved device! It has been 15 YEARS after all. Still I will relay the advice here, so I rather suspect a coil washing will be attempted, as per Davidandkasie's suggestion (the things we do to keep the peace). And yup, Saltcedar has seen that I don't reside in the US territories so some things (like the prices! Wish we had units that affordable here!) don't quite apply. The unit I'm considering boasts that it has a 'rotary compressor'. What type would my old clunker be using? What would be the energy consumption difference? Is there any way I could find some documented evidence of how much more improved AC designs have become?...See MoreRepair or replace old toilets?
Comments (11)The first picture looks like a fluid master, a low cost, DIY replacement, can be noisy. Fluidmaster has different replacement kits...I recommend the “replace all” kit, vs individual kits for each component. Fluidmaster used to, may still does, advertise, “if there is a leak you will hear it” or something similar. I recommend against replacing the toilets, they maybe worthy of having parts replaced. FWIW, if you replace your toilets, you may have to use lower water use toilets, some of the low usage toilets do not clear the bowl, and or are noisy....See Morepoppy214
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