Six Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Microwave

No appliance can last forever, and your microwave is no exception to that rule. For many households, the microwave is the true MVP of the kitchen. Sometimes you can repair it with the help of an appliance service company in St. Charles County, MO—but other times you have to accept defeat and get a new one. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to replace your microwave.

• It’s over 10 years old: Appliances have a finite lifespan. Most microwaves are built to last for about a decade, although they can and do last much longer. (This usually depends on the brand, how often you use it and how well it has been maintained.) Even if it’s still working perfectly well, you might want to consider an upgrade. New technology means that many modern microwaves are more energy efficient than older models. Who doesn’t want to save money on their electricity bills?
• Your food isn’t heating up: A microwave that doesn’t heat food properly defeats the entire purpose of having a microwave. After all, it’s designed to speed up heating time for your convenience. If it seems like your microwave is no longer heating your food the way it used to, you can test it by microwaving a cup of water for two minutes. If it’s not hot—near boiling—then it’s time to get a new microwave.
• You hear strange noises: Your microwave shouldn’t be much louder than a hum when it’s operating. If you hear buzzing, rattling or grinding noises, there’s a problem. Check the turntable and the fan to see if any food or debris has lodged itself in there. If not, you might be dealing with a bigger problem. Depending on how much your microwave cost in the first place, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
• You’ve noticed smoke, sparks or strange smells: This is the clearest sign that your microwave is done. If you notice any smoke, sparks and bad smells coming from the microwave (and it’s not just that fish your coworker reheated), turn it off and unplug it immediately. It’s time for a new one—risking your safety is not worth hanging on to your old microwave.
• The keypad no longer works: Sometimes a keypad will stop functioning when it’s dirty. If you’re having trouble punching in numbers or power settings, give it a wipe down and see if it works. If you still can’t use the buttons, it’s time to replace your microwave.
• The door isn’t sealing properly: Finally, if the door is showing signs of wear like cracks or breaks, it’s time to replace your microwave—this is an important safety consideration. The door is designed to seal completely to prevent radiation from escaping.

If your microwave is underperforming, but you’re not noticing any of these issues, appliance repair may help. Crews Appliance Repair is an appliance service company in St. Charles, MO—call us today for assistance with your microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and other major household appliances. We’d be glad to get them working again!

Categorised in: Microwave Repair

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