No matter what kind of appliances you buy, they will always have a shelf life. Even top of the line appliances will undergo normal wear and tear over the years. An electric stove only last an average of 13 years, according to CBS News, and a washing machine’s lifespan is only a year more. These appliances, and refrigerators, are probably the most used appliances in any household, so maintaining them as carefully as possible is important.

But if they do happen to break down or stop working, you can attempt to fix them if you know how to fix a stove burner, how to repair refrigerators, or how to repair appliances around the house. If not, there are also several appliance repair services you can call for help. This is what many Americans do, as the U.S. appliance repair industry brings in about $4 million in revenue, according to IBIS World research.

These technicians are trained in how to fix a stove burner, how to check for leaks, malfunctioning parts, and repair any damage. They will also be able to give you valuable advice on how to keep our appliances functioning optimally. One suggestion they might give you for a refrigerator is to check on the door seals regularly. If they are tight, no cold air will be able to escape from within the fridge, and will keep it in good working order.

You will also want to keep in mind that sometimes it may not be worth spending money on an appliance repair company. Consumer Reports magazine advises only to make the repair if the cost is less than half of the original price of the appliance. If it costs more, you might want to purchase a new one.

In any case, it is important to keep your appliances in top condition as long as possible. Repair costs can be steep, and buying a new one, is even steeper. Helpful links.