Appliances are something your house truly couldn’t run without—from the stove to the air conditioning, you need all your appliance to function right for your and your family’s comfort. With the heat and humidity in local communities skyrocketing this time of year, the last thing you need is a major appliance such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator to fail. Check out this helpful guide on when to replace your appliances to avoid a catastrophe.
Refrigerator
If your refrigerator is over 13 years old, it’s time to toss it. Refrigerators are designed to last about a decade, and you should replace—or, at the very least, service—yours when it starts to slow down or when cooling gets more difficult. A refrigerator is an essential part of your home, and it keeps your food safe to eat. If it starts to spoil your food well before the expiration date, makes a lot of noise, or even experiences built-up frost in the freezer section, it’s time for a replacement.
Stove or range
You should replace your stove or range about every 15 years. These can last a pretty long time, especially if you regularly update yours and get it serviced. Most ranges can handle much more than 15 years if you replace parts as needed. An example of this is replacing a burner that no longer works rather than getting a brand-new stove or range. A good rule to follow when it comes to replacing a range or a stove is to determine the value of the repair costs. When the cost of repair is equivalent to half the price of a new stove or range, it’s time to replace it.
Air conditioner
Knowing when it’s time for a replacement air conditioner can be difficult, but there are a few signs to watch for. If you notice you’re sneezing more, you may simply need to service your air conditioner or clean the air filter, but this can also be a sign that it’s time to move on to a newer, cleaner option. Another sign it’s time to replace your air conditioner is if your energy bill continuously increases or is regularly high. Newer appliances often are more energy-efficient than older ones, and they’ll save you money in the long term.
