Did you know that each year, millions of tons of appliances end up in landfills worldwide?
In the era of fast consumption, the mindset of “out with the old, in with the new” has become popular. But this throwaway culture comes at a cost — not only to our wallets but also to the environment and social well-being.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of repairing versus replacing appliances and outline best practices for maintaining and fixing your household devices. Let’s get started!
The Throwaway Culture
It’s when we see things as easy to throw away and replace rather than worth keeping and fixing. This happens because companies make things that don’t last long, ads show us that new stuff is always better, and society tells us to choose what’s easy and fun over what’s good for the planet. Because of this, we throw away things that still work fine, adding to the massive amount of garbage in landfills each year.
This throwaway culture hurts the environment and causes problems for people, too. When we keep buying and throwing things away, we use up more resources and cause pollution. This affects nature and animals. Also, many things we throw away are made by workers who aren’t treated fairly. Companies want to make things cheap, so they don’t always care about treating workers well.
Benefits of Repairing
To stop the throwaway culture, we need to change how we think and act. We can start by fixing things when they break, finding new uses for stuff we don’t need anymore, and recycling what we can. Recycling appliances brings the following benefits.
- Environmental impact: Making new appliances uses materials, energy, and resources, which adds to pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. Repairing old appliances instead of throwing them away reduces the need for new ones, lessening the environmental impact. Also, fixing appliances reduces electronic waste, which contains harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Proper disposal prevents these toxins from leaking into the environment and harming people and animals.
- Cost savings: Repairing appliances is often cheaper than buying new ones. Sometimes, simply replacing a broken part can make the appliance work like new again, extending its lifespan. Additionally, fixing appliances helps avoid extra costs associated with buying new ones, such as delivery, installation, and disposal fees. This saves money in the long run.
- Preservation of resources: Appliances ending up in landfills waste valuable resources. Making new appliances requires many materials, including metals, plastics, and rare elements, some of which are limited. Repairing appliances reduces the need for new resources. This benefits the environment and fosters a sense of responsibility for our planet and belongings.
Best Practices for Repairing Appliances
When repairing appliances, following best practices can make the process smoother, safer, and more effective. Here are some for you to follow.
1. Safety first
Prioritize safety before attempting any repairs. Always unplug the appliance or shut off the power supply before working on it to avoid the risk of electric shock. Additionally, wear appropriate protective gear. For example, gloves and safety goggles should be worn, especially when dealing with sharp or potentially hazardous components.
2. Diagnose the problem
Before diving into repairs, take the time to diagnose the issue accurately. Consult the appliance’s manual for troubleshooting tips or search online for common symptoms and solutions related to your specific model. Sometimes, the problem may be minor and easily fixable without professional assistance.
3. Gather the right tools
Having the right tools makes fixing things easier. You’ll need stuff like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and maybe a tool to test electrical bits. It’s worth getting a kit for fixing appliances to ensure you’ll properly repair the appliance and prevent further damage.
4. Use genuine replacement parts
Always opt for genuine replacement parts recommended by the appliance manufacturer when replacing faulty components. While generic or off-brand parts may be cheaper initially, they may not fit properly or have the same quality as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts.
Platforms like PartSelect make finding genuine replacement parts for various appliances easier. For instance, if you need Kenmore Elite refrigerator parts, you can simply search for them on PartSelect’s website. This ensures you get the right parts to keep your appliance running smoothly while extending its lifespan, contributing to sustainable living.
5. Follow proper procedures
Follow the instructions in the manual or on reliable websites. Take pictures or notes when you take things apart so you can put them back together correctly. And be careful not to break anything while you’re fixing it.
6. Seek professional help when needed
Some repairs are easy to do yourself, but others need someone who knows what they’re doing. If you’re unsure or it’s a tricky fix, it’s okay to ask for help. Trying to fix appliances beyond your expertise may result in additional harm or safety risks.
7. Perform regular maintenance
Preventive maintenance is key to keeping appliances running smoothly and minimizing costly repairs in the long run. Schedule regular inspections and cleaning routines to remove dust, debris, and buildup that can affect performance. Replace worn-out parts, such as filters, belts, and seals, before they cause problems.
8. Stay informed and updated
Keep an eye out for any notices from the company about problems or things you should do to keep your appliance safe. You can subscribe to newsletters or follow websites that give advice on fixing appliances. It helps to stay informed so you can fix things right.
By choosing to repair appliances instead of replacing them, we can reduce waste, save a lot of money, and help the environment. Following safety guidelines and using genuine parts are key to successful repairs. Let’s make sustainable choices and contribute to a healthier planet!
