If you decide to go the route of the do-it-yourselfer and fix a broken appliance in your home, be sure to take more than price into consideration when deciding on the part to buy.
The quality of replacement parts for appliances can vary depending on the manufacturer.
The first and perhaps most important decision you will face when buying replacement parts is whether to go with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or after-market generic parts.
OEM parts are made and supplied by the same manufacturer that made the appliance, unlike after-market parts that are not made by the original manufacturer.
You will typically encounter a wide range of opinions as to which parts are best to use - OEM vs.
after-market.
Depending on who you ask, the aftermarket parts used may be equal, better, or worse in quality than the original manufacturer parts.
It is not uncommon that after-market parts are made by the same manufacturer of OEM parts.
Often retailers will stock both types and when asked will tell you if there is any significant difference between the two.
If you are still in the warranty period for an appliance, you will want to verify that the warranty will not be voided by using after-market parts.
Contact the retailer that sold you the appliance or check with the actual appliance manufacturer to find out for sure.
Ideally, the only time to use an after-market part is when a manufacturer discontinues making the original part.
Buying replacement appliance parts does not have to be a difficult process.
You should take not only price into consideration, but the origin of the part.
For example, is it an OEM or after-market part? While using a less expensive after-market product may be cheaper, be sure to check with the manufacturer to determine whether this will void any applicable warranties.