When to Replace Your Old Home Appliances
Posted by Becky Vickman on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 @ 09:17 AM
There comes a time when you have to drop your old appliance and replace it with a newer model. Repair is always an option, but saving money in the long run is even better. Here’s when you know it’s time to unplug and upgrade.
Refrigerator
If you were to upgrade only one appliance in your home, start with the refrigerator. You will see the most benefits from this upgrade because, unlike other appliances, the refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A refrigerator works 24 hours a day to keep your meats, produce, snacks and drinks cold and fresh. Given how much a refrigerator has to work each day, it’s surprising that this appliance does not break down or cause problems more frequently. This is the main reason why so many people do not upgrade their refrigerator for years.
Prior to the 1990 federal energy efficiency standards, many name brand refrigerators used vastly more electricity than the current models. So the older your refrigerator is, the more energy it is using. To find out what you will save if you upgrade, you will first need to determine the energy rating on your current refrigerator. You will then need to compare your current energy rating to the newer models. Once you have that comparison, you will be able to decide if it is cost effective to replace it.
Dishwasher
The dishwasher is one of the top five most energy consuming appliances in your home. This appliance consumes 1800 watts of power and uses about 54 gallons of gas each year. Aside from energy usage, older dishwashers use more water as well.
This appliance, like your refrigerator, is an easy decision to make. If it doesn’t have an ENERGY STAR label, it is time to replace it. Replacing a dishwasher manufactured before 1994 with an ENERGY STAR qualified machine will save you more than 10 gallons of water per cycle, and an extra $30-40 a year in utility bills. The newer, more efficient dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR labels are 25% more efficient than the minimum federal standard models.
Washer and Dryer
If your washer or dryer is more than 10 years old, now is a good time to replace it. Not only will you be avoiding break-downs and costly repairs, but you’ll actually be putting money back in your pockets.
When you purchase a new washer, make sure you upgrade to an energy efficient model. The energy efficient models will save you money on your water and energy bills. An ENERGY STAR washer uses about 37% less energy, and uses over 50% less water than the standard models. Over the life of your new washer, you’ll save enough money in operating costs to pay for the matching dryer. By far the most important tool in choosing an energy efficient washer is the Energy Guide label. The information on the label will give you an idea as to how much energy is consumed, how the specific washer compares to similar models and an estimated yearly operating cost.
Appliances can have a long service life if they are properly cared for. But there comes a time when every appliance needs to be replaced. Whenever you find it is time to replace your old appliance, come see us. A member of our Appliance Sales Team will be able to help you select a new, energy efficient model perfect for your home.
