6 Appliances You Should Probably Replace
Technology moves pretty fast, and new gadgets keep changing the way people live. After all, you definitely don’t rub your clothes on a washboard or pick up a quill to write the grocery list. As tech moves forward, sometimes you’ve got to replace that old, outdated stuff and move into the modern era.
As appliances get older, they can get less efficient. They end up using more energy and possibly affecting your quality of life. At the same time, newer versions come out every year that use energy more efficiently, offering you more functionality for lower utility bills.
Here are a few items you might want to think about replacing with upgraded versions.
Light Bulbs
They're one of the easiest things in your home to replace and they will save you money. if you haven't done so already, switch to all LED light bulbs in your home. They use much less electricity and have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.
You'll save on both your energy bill and your grocery bill because you'll be purchasing fewer lightbulbs.
Deep Fat Fryer
Improve your health a great deal by swapping out your deep fryer for an air fryer. They greatly reduce the amount of oil you use to fry food. This cuts down on calories you consume and it's much better for your heart. Very few appliances actually improve your health. This appliance change will.
Dishwasher
The average dishwasher lasts only about nine years. Replacing your dishwasher will reduce your energy usage if you buy an energy-efficient model instead. A newer dishwasher will clean dishes more quickly and more effectively.
If there's noticeable rust, the water no longer gets hot, the door doesn't latch all the way, there are noticeable cracks and dents, and your dishes don't get clean, the dishwasher needs to be replaced.
Dryer
Your dryer will last about 13 years. It's important to pay attention to your dryer's efficiency. A dryer that is not working properly can cause a fire in your home. It can also damage your clothing, a much smaller concern.
If your dryer is noisy, if you smell a burning odor and if your clothes are no longer getting dry, you need to replace the dryer. Look for an energy-efficient model that will help you save on your utility bills.
Refrigerator
While you can find some creative solutions when certain appliances break down, the refrigerator isn't one of them. If your food is spoiling, if you hear a lot of noise or if you notice condensation on the inside or outside of the fridge, you need to think about replacing it. On average, this appliance lasts around 13 years.
Freezer
Large, stand-alone freezers are going the way of the dinosaur. It's much tastier to eat fresh meat and freezer-fridge combinations have become highly sophisticated. Running a whole separate freezer takes up a lot of space and uses a lot of energy.
And if the freezer fails or the electricity fails, all the things stored in the freezer get ruined anyway.
Making Upgrades
Upgrades can be expensive, especially when you’re talking about swapping out whole appliances. But the cost you pay for the new appliance will end up paying itself off when your utility bills are lower and your home is running more efficiently. You’ll ruin less food or clothing, or perhaps replace light bulbs a lot less.
The nickels and dimes you save on the monthly bills or the monthly shopping will add up and ultimately, the upgrades you make to your home will pay for themselves.
Remember to dispose of old appliances responsibly. When not disposed of properly, appliances become an environmental hazard. Contact your local government to arrange a pickup, sell the appliance online or give it away to someone.