Chicago Tribune Homes
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Stove
Average Life Span: 10-15 years
Common Repairs and Costs: Igniter cleaning or failure: $110-$200, broken control board: $260 or more, bake element problems: $160 or more.
Tips: Keep your stove clean, but avoid getting water or cleaning solution into dials and switches since they are connected to electrical parts.
Repair vs. Replace: It may be a good idea to replace the stove if you are going to spend half the price of a new unit on a repair.
Cost: $650-$2,000
Dishwasher
Average Life Span: 8-10 years
Common Repairs and Costs: Drain pump cleaning: $100 or more, Repairing water inlet valve: $160 or more, control board failure: $190 or more.
Tips: Always rinse off large food clumps off of dishes before loading them into the dishwasher since food can clog the dishwasher and get stuck in the arms.
Repair vs. Replace: If your dishwasher has rust or corrosion or if a repair costs half the cost of a new unit, it’s better to replace the dishwasher than repair it.
Cost: $400-$700
Refrigerator
Average Life Span: 6-15 years
Common Repairs and Costs: Ice maker failure: $275-$325, Main control board failure: $260 or more, Clogged drain line: $110 or more.
Tips: Clean condenser coils once a year and more often if you have pets. These are located underneath the fridge, behind it, or sometimes on the top of the unit. These coils collect dust and hair and when dirty, can make the fridge work harder which leads to wasted energy and can cause the fridge to break down prematurely.
Repair vs. Replace: Take into consideration the units age and performance history. If the compressor needs to be replaced, it’s almost always a good idea to invest in a new fridge.
Cost: $900-$8,000