40 Series Washing Machine Help.

[splitshot]

That's how our local fix-in-it appliance guru thinks of our machines. "Don't go buy a new one, they are junk, and not made to be rebuilt. I.E: just like the truck your driving..."
"Just spend a hundred bucks on some parts and labor, and it will last for another 10 years".
Long story short, both units are pushing 30 years (dryer has been to his shop twice and true to his word, $100 a pop). Washer has never had any problems till lately.

The water level gizmo seems to stick from time to time and flood the pantry. Easy fix, or do I need to give him another hundred bucks?

 

[jjbodean1970]

heres where i go for my appliance repair help:

Fixitnow.com Samurai Appliance Repair Man: Do-It-Yourself Appliance Repair Help for all Brands and Models!

 

[splitshot]

Thanks for the link.

 

[e9999]

new washers are more efficient. You may come out ahead buying a new one.

 

[MoJ]

new washers are more efficient. You may come out ahead buying a new one.

We're in the market for a new washer and I've been finding it's pretty tough to justify it on the basis of energy savings. If your old washer is completely totaled and you're buying a new washer either way, then the return is enough to justify stepping up to the more expensive energy star models. For instance, $750 energy star less $491 non-energy star equals a $259 premium which will take 4.6 years to recoup. However, if you're trying to justify replacing a working washer with a fancier energy star model the return time exceeds the expected life of the washer, especially if you're after a front load energy star at which runs closer to $900. In the case of the OP's sitaution it would take 11+ years to break even if he were to buy a $750 energy star washer versus fixing his current unit for $100. All of course assuming it won't break again soon.

Pretty good calculator on the subject. Average life is now 11.8 years.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/busine...ings_calc/CalculatorConsumerClothesWasher.xls

Energy Star- Washers

By the way, pretty good deal running at Lowes right now....$250 rebate on a Maytag set + $100 energy star credit on the washer. Locally they're also running a no sales tax special starting April 19th, not sure if it's nation wide. I'm thinking I'll wait until then to pull the trigger....should save $500 all together.