When one of your washing machines breaks down, you might feel the urge to break down as well. After all, as the owner of a laundromat, your equipment is your bread and butter. When just one machine suffers a mechanical failure, your bottom line will suffer. The conundrum you must immediately confront is this: should you repair or replace a washing machine that has broken down? It’s a simple question, but the answer will require some careful consideration.
Repair or Replace a Washing Machine
Your main concern will, of course, be the cost of your investment. Buying a new washing machine will undoubtedly be expensive, but many repairs are quite costly as well. So first, when deciding whether to repair or replace a washing machine, figure out the extent of the issue and how much it would cost to repair. If it is a minor and inexpensive fix, go ahead and repair it. For example, replacing a worn part like a pump or belt is typically quite cost efficient. Next, if your product is under a warranty, take some time to figure out if the repair is covered. Review the warranty’s terms and conditions, and contact the manufacturer for help.
However, if the repair is significant, costly, and not covered by a warranty, consider the following factors as well:
How old is the washing machine? If your machine is over eight years old or so, a repair may not be worth the cost. You would likely have replaced it a few years down the road anyway, so consider purchasing a new washing machine. Plus, if the equipment is very old, you might find that the repair is more expensive because the needed parts are scarce.
How often does the machine break down? When a machine breaks down frequently and the repairs start adding up, it is likely time to replace it. Typically this only happens to older machines, which harkens back to the last question.
How energy efficient is the washing machine? If your washing machine is not very energy efficient, you’re probably spending a lot more money than necessary on your utility bills. Thus, purchasing a new, energy-efficient washing machine would offer additional savings.
In the end, you will likely need to do some math to compare the costs of repairing and replacing, factoring in repair expenses (parts and labor), the frequency of repairs, the cost of a new machine, energy savings, and more.
Finally, if you do decide to purchase a new washing machine, be sure to focus on reliability and durability so that you won’t have to worry about your new equipment breaking down just a few years down the line. Good luck!
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable distributor, be sure to check out Laundry Solutions Company, a full-service provider of premium vended, on-premises, and multi-housing commercial laundry equipment. Our leasing program provides no mileage fees, no service fees, and no parts fees. You will be able to use high-quality Speed Queen equipment while enjoying a flexible lease and predictable payments. To learn more about our products and services, please give us a call at 800-383-9274 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!