A Guide to Choosing the Right Appliance Spare Parts
Even the very best home appliances need repairs and maintenance from time to time, especially as they start to age. While it’s tempting to replace an appliance that’s broken down, sometimes all it takes is a new part to return your appliance to a fully operational state. We have prepared an easy appliance spare parts guide for your DIY success. With the correct spare parts for your home appliances, helps guarantee optimal performance and extend longevity.
Appliance spare parts overview
The range of appliances in a typical Australian home will vary, but just about every household will have a fridge, stove, oven, microwave, washing machine and dryer. Then there are the smaller kitchen and personal appliances. The good news is, that you can usually find the right spare parts for most of your appliances if you know what you need and where to look.
For example, if your washing machine breaks down, it might just need a replacement belt to have it up and running again as good as new. A fridge that’s working inefficiently may require a new thermostat. The trick is finding the right spare part for your appliance and model.
Signs you need replacement parts
Before diving into how to identify and find replacement spare parts, we’ll quickly list some typical signs that a repair may be necessary:
- Weird noises coming from your appliance
- Obvious damage is visible
- Error messages appearing on LED screens
- The appliance isn’t functioning correctly
- Your appliance is no longer working
How to find the right spare parts
We’ll now go through the process of finding the right spare parts step by step, so you’ll feel confident in identifying, purchasing and using appliance spare parts.
The first step is to identify the exact make and model of your appliance. This is a vital step. If you get it wrong, you may end up with the wrong part.
- Identification plate: Just about all household appliances will have an identification plate, usually located underneath or on the back of the appliance. On this plate, you’ll find the information you need.
- Brand: The brand should be obvious, as it will be prominently displayed on the appliance as well as on the ID plate.
- Model number: Manufacturers often make new versions of the same appliance. The model number identifies each version.
- Serial number: This number identifies the date of manufacture, among other things.
The two key pieces of information you’ll want are the brand of the appliance and the model number. Armed with this information, you can now start searching for the right spare part.
Identify the parts you need
Some parts will be obvious, such as a broken element in your grill, for example. Other parts can be trickier to identify. To do so, you’ll need access to an illustration or diagram that specifies each part of the appliance. Tips for finding diagrams:
- Check your owner’s manual for your appliance
- Visit the manufacturer’s website
- Search for your appliance online
Understand part numbers and specifications for compatibility
Now that you’ve identified the brand, model number and the type of part you need to repair your appliance, it’s important to understand manufacturer part numbers (MPNs) and specifications to guarantee you choose a compatible part.
This information will usually be available on the manufacturer’s website, or you can search for the exact part number online. Different part numbers will belong to different variants of the same model of appliance. For instance, a newer edition of the same model will generally have slightly different spare parts and part numbers.
Be certain that the part number is compatible with your exact model. This is where the model number helps to identify the correct MPN.
Choose between OEM parts versus aftermarket options
You have a few options available when hunting down spare parts. You can opt for OEM parts or aftermarket parts produced by third parties.
- OEM parts: Original equipment manufacturer spare parts are parts of the actual maker of the appliance supplies. These parts guarantee compatibility with your appliance, are high-quality and usually come with a warranty. Shop with confidence by choosing OEM spare parts.
- Aftermarket parts: These parts come from third-party manufacturers and are often cheaper than OEM parts. They do have some downsides though. For starters, quality and compatibility could be issues. Also, fitting aftermarket parts to your home appliance could void its warranty.
Maintenance to avoid frequent spare parts replacement
Home appliance maintenance is important as it helps extend the life of your appliances, ensures they operate normally and reduces the need for frequent repairs and parts replacement. Every individual appliance will have its maintenance requirements, but here's a general list for easy reference:
- Always keep appliances clean and free of dust and grime
- Clean filters in washing machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners and dishwashers
- Regularly check power cords for signs of fraying or damage
- Inspect hoses and connections on dishwashers and washing machines
- Check door seals on fridges, freezers and ovens
- Apply lubricants to appliances with moving parts, such as door hinges
- Ensure appliances are on level surfaces when in use
- Pay attention to unusual noises, odours and performance issues
Shop for quality appliance spare parts
At WWSpares, we stock a broad range of quality appliance spare parts. No matter what appliances you own or which parts you need, you can count on us to supply them. Give us a call today if you have any queries or need further information on spare parts - 02 9755 1155.
