School of Life Hacks
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    Gloved hands reaching into the opened rear panel of an appliance, a row of screwdrivers laid out on a folded towel, a green work light overhead.

    Repair or Replace

    The arithmetic that decides, written down before you are emotionally invested in a machine you have already half disassembled.

    Module 7 of 74 lessonsWritten in full1 worksheet
    Start this moduleThe whole course

    The lessons

    All 4, in the order they are read.

    1. 1. Compare full costs and uncertain service life
      Use ranges and like-for-like costs instead of a fixed percentage rule.
    2. 2. Parts availability as a signal
      Confirm diagnosis, compatibility, availability and the complete repair scope.
    3. 3. The jobs worth paying for
      Select a qualified provider and agree a written scope.
    4. 4. Keeping the record
      Keep a service record that distinguishes work performed from the observed result.

    The worksheet

    Repair-or-replace decision record

    Use current written quotes and explicit life assumptions. Educational comparison only; it does not diagnose equipment or guarantee service life.

    Repair-or-replace decision record
    OptionTotal costShorter-life assumption (years)Longer-life assumption (years)Cost/year rangeDowntime and other costsSource / date
    Repair———Calculate for both positive life assumptions——
    Replace———Calculate for both positive life assumptions——