Repair or replace? How to decide for your fridge, washing machine or AC
Short answer
Repair it if the appliance is less than about 8–10 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one. Common faults like pumps, belts, capacitors, thermostats and door switches are almost always worth fixing. Replacing makes more sense when the compressor or drum fails on an old unit, or parts are no longer available.
Check these first
Note the age
The year is often on the label inside the door or on the back.
Get the diagnosis first
Know exactly what has failed before deciding. Many "dead" appliances need only a small part.
Compare with a new one
Check the price of a similar new model in Nepal and compare it with the repair cost.
Call a technician if
- You want a diagnosis and an honest repair cost before deciding
Call for appliance repair in Kathmandu
981-383-6219- Open 7 days, Saturday included, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Talk to us in Nepali or English
Usually worth repairing
Washing machines: drain pumps, door locks, belts, inlet valves, capacitors, shock absorbers. Fridges: thermostats, defrost parts, fans, relays. ACs: capacitors, fan motors, drain blockages, sensors. Microwaves: diodes, fuses, door switches, often the magnetron.
Often time to replace
A failed compressor on an old non-inverter fridge, a cracked tub or drum, or a burnt main board on an old model with no spares can cost close to a new appliance. A technician should tell you this before doing the work.
Questions
How long do appliances last in Nepal?
Roughly 10–15 years for fridges, 8–12 for washing machines, 10–15 for ACs and 7–10 for microwaves, with good voltage protection. Frequent voltage problems shorten that.