Since I've gone thru three in the past two years, I consider them throw away items. I use small ones so they're not that expensive. The Haier I now use is at least servicable, and has performed well for a little over one year. Knock on wood. The only problem I have is what to do with the old ones. In this day of sorting and recycling, they're easier to purchase than to junk.
50.00 to buy and 20.00 to dispose. This is our local refuse service at work.
Larry