Although appliances can handle a lot, don’t let their tough exteriors fool you. Every shiny and hard-working appliance has an expiration date. At some point, you will need to replace your current washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, or range with something durable and reliable. But how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye?
If your old appliance hasn’t completely pooped out on you yet, but it’s pushing the 10 to 15-year mark, there’s a good chance it’s time to retire it. If you aren’t sure if your appliance is ready to go, here are a few ways that might help you know if it’s time to replace it.
Refrigerator
On average, most refrigerators last close to 12 years. If yours happens to be going strong and is even older, that doesn’t mean you need to get rid of it! First, check to make sure your fridge is cooling at the proper temperature around 35 to 38 degrees F and not making your food go bad. When your refrigerator sticks between these temperatures, it won’t be warm enough for bacteria to start growing nor will it be cold enough to freeze, making it the ideal for your food.
Then there is the issue of energy – is it sucking all yours up? Sometimes older appliances can utilize more power which equals a higher energy bill which means you’re paying more money. If it takes too much energy to get your fridge to the right temperature, that could be a sign it’s time to switch.
Dishwasher
Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need something until it’s gone, and a family of four without clean dishes is not a pretty sight – or smell to experience. Luckily, dishwashers tend to last up to a decade! Of course, that doesn’t mean you should wait for it to start doing a less than mediocre job cleaning before tossing it. To keep your dishwasher in good condition, regularly clean out the filter by removing it and letting soak in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes before putting back, so it lasts as long as possible. But if your dishwasher starts smelling, isn’t draining, makes weird noises, or just leaves your dishes dirty, it’s time to replace it.
Range
Without a range, you can forget about cooking or baking anything. Fortunately, a range can last up to 20 years, especially if it’s taken care of well. If yours isn’t heating up to the right temperature anymore or even at all, it’s time to get one that can. You’ll be happy to know that newer models have all kinds of features that can help keep your range in excellent condition, such as a self-cleaning option.
Washer/ Dryer
Washers and dryers tend to last around the eight to 12-year mark. Did you know, if you clean out the lint traps after every use, you can help prolong its life and efficiency. But if your washer isn’t filling up with water, or your dryer isn’t drying clothes, or both are shaking erratically, that could be a sign it’s time to get a new one.
At Aztec, we’re proud to sell major appliances that are long-lasting and offer services to help keep them in good shape for years to come. If you’re feeling like one of your appliances might be on its way out, stop by our store today to talk to an expert. We’d be happy to help you find the right appliance to replace it.