Top 5 Household Appliances and When to Replace Them

Now that we are spending more time at home, we are now focusing more on the things that surround us. You might have noticed how some appliances in your house are not working as they normally would. Maybe the dishwasher isn’t sounding off an alarm after it is finished. The washer may be filling up with water without so much as a sound, too? These are reasons why you need to take a long look at your home appliances and consider replacing some of them that have been with you for years.

Like all things, home appliances have a lifespan, though not as short as your mobile phone and laptop, which usually last for less than five years. Refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers have a lifespan of 10 or more years depending on the make, model, and manufacturer. There are many reasons why you need to replace your household appliances. It ranges from energy efficiency to functionality to aesthetics. Are your appliances due for an upgrade? How would you know that it’s time to go shopping again? Are they worth the current price tags?

Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, you need to run to call an AC replacement specialist and talk about an upgrade. Your AC may be overcooling which results in water leaking and the coils freezing. This will put so much pressure on the system that will jack up your electricity meter. Newer air conditioning units are cheaper in terms of energy usage. You can recuperate the money you will spend on the unit itself from the monthly energy savings on your bill.

Choose split-type air conditioning units if you are still using the window-type models. An inverter system is also a must to save more on electricity. Newer models also look better for your home’s interior. They are sleek and compact.

Refrigerator

Don’t take your refrigerator for granted. It only lasts between 10 and 12 years at the most. Once it reaches year 13, you should seriously think about replacing it. There are tell-tale signs that a refrigerator is demanding a replacement. When it has excessive condensation and the interiors feel warm at times, those are signs that you have to look for a new unit. Besides, if your refrigerator is more than ten years old, that probably means it is not using an inverter technology yet. That is a big waste of money.

Stove and Oven

If you opt for a gas range, the lifespan can reach 15 years. However, most electric ovens and stoves can only last between 10 and 12 years, similar to the refrigerator’s lifespan. What are the signs that your electric stove isn’t working well anymore? If it takes more than a couple of minutes for the stove to heat, then there’s something wrong with it already. While replacing components is always the more ideal solution as it saves money, it may not last for a long time. For gas ranges, if the flame flickers from red to yellow, clean the grates and burner caps. If that doesn’t work, consider replacing the whole stove.

Dishwasher

Older dishwasher units are more expensive. They also waste a lot of water. Newer models have energy- and water-saving features. That alone should be a reason for you to replace the unit already. If you have been rewashing the dishes to remove stains and residue, it simply means that the dishwasher isn’t working properly anymore. Sure, you can always opt to have it repaired, but how much will that cost? As a rule of thumb, if the repair costs more than half of the price of a brand-new unit, the practical thing to do is to replace it already.

Microwave

The microwave oven is probably the most abused household appliance. Since they are affordable, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of having a new one when needed. Microwaves are very convenient because they can boil water, heat food, and thaw frozen food in a few short minutes. How do you know the microwave isn’t working anymore? Well, if the keypad isn’t working and the oven emits smoke and sparks, then those are reasons to get a new one.

Don’t hold on to old household appliances out of sentimentality. Remember that older units tend to use and waste more electricity than necessary. You’re not only being annoyed at a malfunctioning unit, but you are also wasting money that you can save for better things. Clearly, when something isn’t functioning right, it is time to replace it no matter how much you want to deny the truth.