Brits will wait up to four months before fixing a broken appliance – including microwaves, tumble dryers and vacuum cleaners.
People will also put up with a faulty heater for more than 12 weeks, and a dodgy radiator for three months, before attempting to fix or replace them.
Inoperative fridges, freezers and cookers are also among the things Brits will put up with for weeks on end before getting a tradesperson in.
The study of 2,000 adults revealed 38 percent are putting off repairing household items due to lack of time, while 28 percent simply don’t have the tools for the job.
But nearly half (47 percent) admitted to being guilty of turning a blind eye to things they could sort out themselves.
A spokesman for online demand service, Local Heroes, which carried out the research, said: “Time-poor Brits are shelving plans for repairs on the basis they can’t afford the outlay or simply don’t have the time.
“It’s completely understandable that households may not have the necessary time or tools to fix things around the home – especially on essential items such as heaters, radiators, and boilers.
“And with some of the more complex items, it definitely isn’t advisable to try and undertake a fix you might not be qualified to do.”
The study found over half of adults (52 percent) would rather get an expert in to do a job, as they’ll put off fixing it for ages otherwise.
But 15 percent would attempt to mend their own boiler.
It also emerged that 82 percent of adults think people are now too quick to replace something that’s either broken or old, rather than attempting to fix it themselves.
A further 52 percent resent paying the additional cost of getting a tradesperson to do the job when they could learn the skills to repair items themselves.
And 39 percent of those with a partner wish their other half was better at fixing things, according to the study via OnePoll.
However, 56 percent are keen to learn how to make their own repairs when it comes to everyday items such as phones, computers and TVs.
And 57 percent have learned a few tricks from their parents on fixing something which wasn’t working properly.
When it comes to DIY, 66 percent think it is more satisfying to repair something that’s older – with only 16 percent happy to buy a replacement for an item they couldn’t tend to themselves.
The study also found the colder days are causing further delays on repair plans – with 65 percent and 61 percent of adults more concerned with affording their electricity and gas bill respectively.
Around four in ten are generally worried about their home being too cold during the winter season.
But more than a quarter of adults (27 percent) are eager to overcome the colder temperatures, and prefer to do repairs during the winter period.
The spokesman for Local Heroes added: “It’s great to see Brits trying to get on top of their repairs during the most challenging season – and at a time where energy and electricity bills are at their highest level.
“However, learning a thing or two from someone you know, or an expert tradesperson, can help ease the pressure, and save you time and money if other priorities need attending to in your home.”
AVERAGE TIME APPLIANCES REMAIN BROKEN:
- Microwaves – 3.7 months
- Tumble dryers – 3.6 months
- Vacuum cleaner – 3.3 months
- Heaters – 3.2 months
- Radiators – 3 months
- Washing machines – 2.7 months
- Fridges – 2.6 months
- Freezers – 2.6 months
- Cookers – 2.6 months
