Could Your Household Appliances be About to Break Down?
February 2, 2018 | General Appliance Care & Advice | No comments
Every homeowner dreads the day their appliances break down, fearing heavy fixing costs and engineer calls outs. We’ve got some info that will let you know which appliances rank the best and worst for reliability, what to look out for if your appliance isn’t working and that fixing isn’t as bad as you think!
Experts at Which? have recently revealed which appliances are most and least reliable in your home and the results are shocking!
Most Reliable:
Hats off to the hob! This trusty appliance was found to be the most reliable of them all with only 10% being found faulty within 10 years of use. Problems that did occur in this time were found to be minor issues that could be easily fixed.
Least Reliable:
Range Cookers were unfortunately ranked the least reliable kitchen appliance with a quarter experiencing a fault within just 2 years. Freestanding cookers were also not far behind with 22% experiencing an issue in the same period.
The Results:
The information came from recording how many people reported that their appliances had broken down or suffered a fault in the 10 years since they bought it. Here’s how each appliance ranked for reliability.
BEST
1. Hobs – 90% reliable
2. Washing Machines – 88% reliable
3. Tumble Dryers – 87% reliable
4. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners – 85% reliable
5. Dishwashers – 84% reliable
6. Freezers – 84% reliable
WORST
1. Range Cookers – 65% reliable
2. Free-Standing Cookers – 70% reliable
3. Fridge Freezers – 75% reliable
4. Built-in Ovens – 78% reliable
5. Fridges – 78% reliable
6. Washer-Dryers – 78% reliable
Spot the Signs
There are some telltale signs that can mean your appliance is experiencing a fault or is on the verge of breaking down. Look out for these indicators and fix it as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Smells or Odours
If there’s a strange smell coming from your appliance, it may have developed a fault. Or, if it smells like burning, it could be that the motors or coils are overheating and a sign your appliance is about to break down.
Not Working Effectively
If the items in your fridge aren’t as cold as they should be, or your dishes don’t seem to come out clean, this could be a sign of a fault or a part that needs replacing.
Higher Utility Bills
If there’s something wrong with your appliance, it could make it work harder to do its job, meaning more energy is being used. If your utility bills have increased and you’re not sure why, check your appliances for faults.
Strange Sounds
If you notice strange sounds coming from your appliances, it could be that they are working too hard to do their job. There could be a loose part or something inside that’s broken.
Mysterious Puddles
When you see a puddle on your kitchen floor, it’s time to investigate! This could indicate an appliance issue. Try to follow the puddle so you can track down the suspect involved.
Electrical Malfunctions
If your appliance seems to trigger a circuit breaker or sparks appear near the plug, it’s best to turn off the appliance and find out what’s wrong before you use it. It could be a simple frayed wire, but could also be hazardous if left.
Fix It Yourself!
Remember, if your appliance does develop a fault, it doesn’t mean you have to pay out for engineer fees. Why not try and fix it yourself?
eSpares have over 1 million spare parts ready and waiting to repair your machine. Our easy to follow how-to videos offer a step by step guide to fixing your appliance yourself, reducing costs and making you feel like a DIY hero!
Visit our helpful Advice Centre, or contact one of our friendly advisors for more information today!
Tags: Appliance Care, Fix it Yourself
