Choosing to have electrical, electronic, and computer equipment repaired is a decision that sometimes has to be made, and given the issues involved it can be difficult to make that decision.
Repairing an item can sometimes be cheaper than replacement and it is often a more environmentally friendly alternative. However, with the rapid changes in technology repairing an older piece of technology may not be viable. For example, the older CRT computer monitors are bulky and use more energy that the newer LCD monitors. Therefore, if a CRT monitor fails it is usually better to upgrade to an LCD monitor.
In recent decades it has become more difficult for technicians to repair equipment for a number of reasons. Modern technology is often complex and requires specialist training, data, and equipment to carry out repairs. Sometimes manufacturers do not release service data making it difficult for both authorised service agencies and third party organisations to carry out repairs.
Manufacturers often use techniques to make repairs a difficult option. In a 2021 report the US Federal Trade Commission lists a number of these techniques:
- Product designs that complicate or prevent repair;
- Unavailability of parts and repair information
- Designs that make independent repairs less safe;
- Policies or statements that steer consumers to manufacturer repair networks;
- Application of patent rights and enforcement of trademarks;
- Disparagement of non-OEM parts and independent repair;
- Software locks and firmware updates; or
- End User License Agreements.
The Repair Association as well as other organisations are advocating for legislation that would allow consumers and repair organisation access to service data. There is also a an emerging movement, labelled the Right to Repair, towards ensuring that any item purchased can be repaired by individuals or organisation other than the manufacturers or their service agents. Another recent development is community run Repair Cafes.
The complexity of the repair process is made easier with the advent of the internet. Solutions to faults are often shared in online forums allowing both technicians and DIYers to sometimes be more efficient at repairing equipment.
As is the case with new equipment you should in most cases expect a warranty on any repairs carried out. Sometimes, because of technical reasons, a repair organisation cannot offer a warranty on repair.
E-waste is a global issue and an increasing volume of the waste stream. Repairing faulty equipment helps to address this issue to a degree.
Further information
- Repair versus refurbishment, on the Ecotech Services knowledge base.
- Ecotech Services blog posts relating to repairs
- Product life, maintenance and care – Consumer Protection at the New Zealand Government Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Nixing the Fix: An FTC Report to Congress on Repair Restrictions, May 2021, US Federal Trade Commission
- Cultivating a Repair Mindset Toolkit – an educational resource
Organisations
- Repair Café Aotearoa New Zealand
- Repair Revolution – an intiative by Wastebusters
- ifixit, a US based organisation that promotes the repair industry.
- restarters, an international organisation promoting repairs
- Fixfest, a regular global gathering of repairers and tinkerers, activists, policy-makers, thinkers, and companies
- Open Repair Alliance, an international group of organisations committed to working towards a world where electrical and electronic products are more durable and easier to repair.
- Repair hashtagged posts at Facebook
News
A dedicated team of volunteers are helping to save money and landfill, offsetting carbon as they stitch, weld, wire and glue.
A growing organisation is helping people repair their wares, as the cost of living bites.
The Repair Cafe is looking to raise money to keep their sessions going and help divert more away from landfill by mending and making do rather than discarding. Brigitte Sistig is the driving force behind the Repair Cafe.
A group in Christchurch is plotting a revolution against throwaway culture and wants to help people maintain and fix their broken belongings.
A decline in repair work has led to Invercargill business Southland Electronics closing after 55 years.
After 50 years of testing, the watchdog has found many modern appliances worked well when they were new, but some of them were not built to last.
As of the start of this year, France became the first European country to implement a legally binding repairabilit y index, with a new set of criteria for manufacturers spanning five types of electronics and home appliances.
A new study finds the vast majority of consumers want to get broken electrical appliances fixed, but are frustrated by how difficult and pricey it is to do.
The ‘maker movement’ is a grassroots success story, refueling interest in engineering and giving kids practical skills with tools.
As Australia considers the right to repair, it’s worth thinking about how the items we use daily became so disposable.