Repair or replace washing machine?

[USAmma]

Today we thought our washer was broken to the point where we needed to hire a repairman. This would cost $$ and who knows how much. Dh was figuring it might just be easier to by a new washer. We are still reeling from the $175 repair bill for the fridge. Our washer is 11 years old and uses a lot of water, and we live in the desert.

In this scenario would it be more ecologically responsible to repair a high water use washer, or scrap the old washer and buy a new low-water use washer?

In the end, we were able to figure out the problem and I think we can fix the washer for the cost of a cheap part. Yeah! We also realized that we could not afford an HE washer in any case and would have had to buy another water guzzling one. There was like a $600 difference. But had we been able to afford an HE washer, what would have been the better choice?

[texmati]

well... when our washer looked like it was on it's last legs, we sold it. Then we bought a new(er) used one. We ended up not spending a whole lot of money. It was a really cost effective way to get a new washer.

I would keep an eye out for used HE washers even now if you washer is aging. Then sell yours to help cover the cost.

[AuntLavender]

We've replaced a belt and a motor on our washer

and it was less than $3 and less than $20 for each repair. It would help if you could figure out what is wrong with your washer eh?

DH replaced the thermostat on our hot water heater for less than $40. It would cost $400+ to replace it.

I wish you the best in solving this dilemma!

[PikkuMyy]

If you could afford either costly repairs or a new unit, I'd get a new unit. I know this is particularly true for dishwashers. I'm going to look on Treehugger.

[BlessedOne]

not sure if it helps much....

I have an energy star washing machine and dryer.....and over time (we have had it about 6 years) the dryer does not dry as well.........we have to dry a large load twice.....which kind of defeats the energy conservation idea....lol


I do no think it is a water efficent washer.....I do not know.

[BlessedOne]

I washed a big comforter in ours and it broke something that made the adjatator work (motor maybe?) and it was 80 dollars for the repairman to fix it. (labor and part)