Do it
TIME AT HOME
How to
REPAIR YOUR TECH
Forked out a fortune on a phone and smashed the screen? Kids bashed the telly and it’s on the blink? Here’s how to fix your kit
F
rom coffee cups to last year’s laptop, there’s no escaping the fact we live in a throwaway society, and although it’s tempting to simply buy new if something breaks, you can try to repair your appliances instead.
My TV has broken; is it worth getting it fixed?
If your TV is more than eight years old, it is probably not worth fixing. Repairing an old-fashioned CRT television (boxy, not flatscreen) is hugely expensive these days. Modern sets can often be repaired – like a computer, parts can be swapped in and out – so call a local repair shop or the manufacturer for a quote. You may also be able to see what the fault is via the service/fault menu screen.
You can ask the retailer for a repair or refund within 30 days of purchase. If it breaks within the first six months, and the retailer can’t prove that it wasn’t faulty at the point of sale, you’re entitled to a free repair or replacement. If they refuse, contact Trading Standards. Faults that occur after six months of use, provided you’re still under warranty, can be handled by the retailer or manufacturer.
How can I stop my stuff breaking in the first place?
It’s impossible to know whether an appliance will last for decades or not, but investing in a high-quality item usually ensures you get many years of service. One example is Dualit’s Classic toaster – it may be expensive, but it can be easily repaired, and the company sells replacement elements and timers, so your investment should last decades. For more investment buys, check out buymeonce.com.
I’ve smashed my phone screen; who can fix it?
A cracked screen is not covered by a standard warranty, but lots of high-street
104 | MAY 2021
BUY ANYTHING OVER £100 ON A CREDIT CARD – YOUR CARD COMPANY OFFERS FREE PURCHASE PROTECTION IF THE ITEM IS FAU LTY and online shops specialise in screen repairs. Steer clear of unofficial thirdparty repair shops, however cheap, to avoid invalidating your warranty.
What about DIY repairs?
If you’re handy with a toolkit (or tiny screwdriver) and don’t mind possibly invalidating your warranty you’ll find YouTube videos and repair guides online, such as ifixit.com, which has instructions for replacing everything from smartphone batteries to upgrading laptop memory.
Is insurance worth it?
If you’re prone to losing things, it might be an idea. Cover for a bundle of three gadgets (including mobiles, laptops and tablets) costs from £14.99 a month at uk.protectyourbubble.com. Check your home insurance as some policies include gadget cover. For mobile phones, expect to pay upwards of £34 a year, plus an excess of £75-£150 for newer models, but do check your bank account as many lenders offer phone insurance as a freebie.
FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
What if something breaks when it’s new?
