Household appliances are meant to be workhorses, to function for a decade or more of cleaning, cooking, refrigerating, washing, and drying. Though they're built to endure the toughest jobs, even the very best home appliances won't last forever. But how do you know when it's time to make the big jump to something brand-new? Here are three big hints: low efficiency, a lack of function, and out-of-date style.
At Goedekers, we're here to help make the appliance upgrade simpler than ever, but we don't believe in needless replacements. There are a few times when you'll know for sure that it's time to replace rather than repair. Here are a few of those scenarios:
- When Your Old Ones are Energy Hogs - The phrase "they don't make 'em like they used to" doesn't really hold true when it comes to appliances. Indeed, the laundry and kitchen appliances of yesteryear don't hold a candle to modern appliances in terms of energy efficiency. Today, a washing machine bearing the Energy Star emblem can use as much as 25 percent less energy than an old model, saving you big bucks on your energy bill and helping to contribute to a more sustainable environment. If your appliances don't bear the star, it's time to upgrade! This is especially important when dealing with notorious energy hogs like washers, dryers, and air conditioners.
- When You Want to Save Money - Did you know that a set of stylish, new appliances could equal more money in your pocket? There are two obvious ways upgrading your appliances can save you money. The first, of course, is by reducing your energy consumption, as mentioned above, and therefore cutting your bill. The second is through special rebates or tax credits. In order to encourage people to invest in more eco-friendly, sustainable appliances, the U.S. Department of Energy offers various rebate programs. Check the Energy Star Rebate Finder tool now to see which kickbacks you qualify for based on your zip code.
- When You're Wasting Time on Fixes - These days, finding a repairman who's authorized to repair your unit can be a challenge if you're working with something "vintage" (say, more than 10 years old) and out of warranty. If you find yourself spending hours researching fixes online, only to turn up short, it's probably not worth the time or frustration to continue on with an old, clunky appliance. Another hint that it's time to replace rather than repair? Your local appliance repair shop can't get the right parts to make a replacement.
- When You Want a Special Feature - There's simply no denying the fact that technology has revolutionized our homes. From smart doorbells to smart thermostats to, yep, smart fridges, basically all the gadgets in our home are now connected to Wi-Fi. New-fangled smart appliances bring so much functionality to your home, with incredible new options such as remote start and scan-to-cook technology, which lets you scan a barcode to send cooking instructions straight to your oven or microwave. There are even ovens and dishwashers on the market featuring voice control! If you're going for a floor-to-ceiling smart home, it's time to upgrade.
- When You're Tired of the Same Old Style - So, your reason for wanting to update is finish deep. No judgment here, especially since upgrading aesthetically most likely also means upgrading environmentally and economically. These days, home appliances are as sleek and attractive as ever, with an assortment of styles and finishes to match your unique kitchen design. The supremely shiny, highly polished stainless steel appliances of the past few years are promptly making way for slate, gray, and black, so don't be afraid to try out something new looks-wise.
By and large, upgrading your home appliances is one of the best things you can do to improve the efficiency of your home while simultaneously increasing your quality of life. Upgrading to a set of new appliances can help you shave money off your energy bill, contribute to a cleaner environment, and, thanks to cool new tech, revolutionize your household in ways you probably never even knew were possible!
