Deciding whether to repair an old television or invest in a new one is a common dilemma facing many Nairobi residents. This decision involves evaluating several factors including repair costs, TV age and condition, available features, and your specific needs and budget.
The fundamental consideration is the relationship between repair cost and replacement cost. As a general rule, if repair costs exceed 50% of what you’d pay for a comparable new television, replacement usually makes more financial sense. For example, if repairing your old TV costs KES 20,000 but you can purchase a new TV with similar or better specifications for KES 30,000, the additional KES 10,000 investment gets you a brand new television with warranty coverage.
However, this rule isn’t absolute. Sometimes the emotional value of a television matters. Perhaps your TV has sentimental significance, or you’re particularly satisfied with its picture quality and features. In such cases, spending slightly more on repairs might be worthwhile for the continued enjoyment of a familiar device you love.
The age of your television significantly impacts the repair decision. TVs less than five years old are generally worth repairing for most issues except major screen damage. These relatively recent models still offer decent performance and features, and repairs extend their useful life substantially. TVs between five and eight years old fall into a gray area where the decision depends on specific circumstances including the severity of the problem, repair costs, and whether newer features would significantly improve your viewing experience.
For televisions older than eight to ten years, replacement usually makes more sense unless the repair is very minor and inexpensive. Technology has advanced tremendously over the past decade. Modern TVs offer features like 4K resolution, smart capabilities, HDR support, better energy efficiency, and improved picture quality that older sets simply can’t match. Additionally, finding parts for very old TVs becomes increasingly difficult and expensive.
The type of repair needed influences this decision too. Minor repairs like power button replacement, remote sensor fixes, or software updates are almost always worth doing regardless of TV age, as they cost relatively little. Mid-range repairs such as circuit board replacements justify the expense for newer TVs but may not for very old models. Major repairs, especially screen replacements, rarely make economic sense except for relatively new, high-end televisions.
Consider also the ongoing costs of operating an old TV. Older models, particularly plasma and early LCD TVs, consume significantly more electricity than modern LED and OLED displays. Over time, the energy savings from a new efficient model can partially offset its purchase price. Calculate your current TV’s power consumption and compare it with modern equivalents to understand potential savings.
Parts availability is another practical consideration. As TVs age, manufacturers discontinue production of replacement parts. Repairing a TV with scarce parts may mean extended wait times or resorting to used components with uncertain reliability. If parts for your model are becoming difficult to source, this signals that replacement might be the more reliable long-term solution.
Your usage patterns matter too. If you’re a casual viewer who watches a few hours weekly, keeping an older repaired TV makes more sense than for someone who watches several hours daily and would benefit more from modern features and picture quality. Similarly, if the TV serves a secondary room rather than your main viewing area, repair costs that seem high for a primary TV might be acceptable.
Current TV market prices should factor into your decision. Technology prices generally trend downward, meaning today’s mid-range TVs offer features that were premium just a few years ago. Research current prices for TVs comparable to yours, and you might be surprised at how affordable modern alternatives have become.
Ultimately, the decision requires balancing financial practicality with personal preferences. Get a firm repair quote, research replacement costs for equivalent new models, consider how much longer a repaired old TV will realistically serve you, and evaluate whether modern features would genuinely improve your viewing experience.