Microwave Repair: How to Know When It’s Worth It

In the United States, more than 90% of households have a microwave. 

They are a very convenient piece of technology that we’ve all become accustomed to using. However, questions start to arise when they break down. It can be hard to know when to get a new microwave and when to repair it. 

If your microwave has stopped working or is acting differently than normal, you’re in the right place. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about microwave repair. (buy modafinil dubai) Keep reading so you can make the best decisions for your household. 

Common Microwave Problems

After a while, parts on your microwave will break or stop working as well. It’s important to know which problems you can fix yourself, which ones you may need to hire someone to help with, and when to replace the whole thing. 

Latch

If the door doesn’t shut properly, the microwave won’t work. If the latch is broken, you can likely fix it yourself. You may have to remove a few pieces, but since it is a semi-exterior part it should be pretty simple. 

Magnetron

The magnetron is the mechanism that is responsible for heating up your food. If you run the microwave and your food still comes out cold, there is likely an issue with the high-voltage diode or magnetron. You will not be able to fix these yourself. 

Light Bulb

If the light burns out, you can change it yourself fairly easily. The same thing goes for the turntable. Sometimes the plate gets off the tracks and you can just readjust it. It could also be the motor which will be a little more difficult to change allow. 

Another repair that you can do yourself is replacing a cracked door. If the machine is making an excessive amount of noise, you’ll need a professional at Ridge Appliance Repair to diagnose the issue. 

Price

Price is always a huge factor when you’re trying to decide if you want to do a DIY repair or call a professional. Sometimes it’s not even worth repairing. 

The average cost to repair a microwave is between $50 and $400. However, most homeowners will pay around $100 to $150. 

Hiring a pro is going to cost you between $50 and $100 per hour just for labor. That doesn’t include the cost of the parts. 

  • Door: $150- $400
  • Handle: $80-$180
  • Magnetron $100-$200
  • Turntable Motor: $65–$200
  • Power Cord: $60–$190

Get A Quote

Before reaching out to a professional, remember to check your breaker panel. A circuit or two could have been tripped. You should also check the cord to be sure it’s in good condition. 

You can always reach out to professionals in your area and ask for a quote. You can then gauge if you want to invest in a new one or have it repaired.

If your microwave is an older model, they may not have a replacement part to fit your machine. In that case, you could have to get a new one. 

Years Owned vs Cost To Repair

It’s important that you know how much you purchased the original microwave for. It will help you know if it’s worth it to repair. 

How long you’ve owned the microwave will also make a difference. The more someone paid, for the appliance, the more they will be willing to spend on a repair.

You’ll need to consider three things: the age, the original cost, and the amount to repair. Here are a few examples.

If you spent $700 on a new microwave and you’ve owned it for 2 years and it’s going to cost you $120 to repair. It will be worth it to repair. 

Let’s say your appliance is 3 years old, was $900 brand new, and it’s going to cost you $310 to fix. The repair is going to be 1/3 the cost of a brand new one, which means it wouldn’t be worth it to replace because of its age. 

The older an appliance is, the less money it’s worth. If your microwave is eight years old and needs a repair that cost $110 and was originally $1,200, even though it’s older, a repair is still a great option. 

Prolonging Your Microwave’s Lifespan

You want to avoid a microwave repair and replacement much as possible. They can be a costly investment. 

Keeping your machine clean is the best way to prolong its life. Don’t let food and grime build-up. This will only attract bugs and even rodents that could ruin your microwave. 

Be sure to always close it when you aren’t using it. Don’t leave it cracked open as the light will burn out much quicker. Lastly, don’t slam the door when you’re taking your food out. 

Check Your Warranties

If your microwave breaks down, before you invest in appliance repair, check the warranty on the machine. If you’ve only had it for a few weeks, you’ll likely be able to return it for a brand-new one. 

Typically they have a one-year warranty. If you can’t remember if yours is still covered, you can always check the owner’s manual. You can also call and look at their website. 

Replacement or Microwave Repair

Having your microwave break down is never fun. If you’ve never dealt with a broken appliance before, then you may not know how to fix it or what’s wrong with it. 

However, the good news is, you now know what to expect when it comes to microwave repair costs. We hope this article, helped prepare you and that your microwave stays in tip-top shape. If you’ve found this article helpful, keep browsing our site for more home and lifestyle information.

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