Appliances are a big-ticket maintenance item for landlords or homeowners, and we understand it can be stressful on your budget too. Which is why it is important to know what you’re doing when it comes to repairing or replacing your home appliances.
Before you consider repairing an appliance ask yourself these 3 questions:
How old is the appliance?
If the appliance is more than halfway through its life span and the cost to repair is more than half of the original cost, it’s time to replace. This logic is referred to as the “50-Percent Rule.”
According to HouseLogic, the average life span of home appliances are as follows:
- Compactor: 6 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Disposal: 12 years
- Dryer: 13 years
- Electric range: 13 years
- Exhaust Fan: 10 years
- Freezer: 11yrs
- Gas Range: 15 years
- Microwave: 9 years
- Range hood: 14 years
- Refrigerator: 13 years
- Washer: 10 years
Would a more energy efficient appliance be beneficial?
If you swap out your old appliances for more energy-efficient new ones, you'll not only save money on utility bills but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Energy Guide Label
When shopping for appliances there should be a black-and-yellow Energy Guide label attached. It tells how much energy an appliance uses and makes it easier to compare the energy use of other models.
Energy Star Label
Some appliances carry an Energy Star label. This label certifies that the appliance is energy efficient and uses about 20 percent less energy than standard models
Does the appliance meet your style?
Style is personal preference, depends solely on, and is forever evolving.
Perhaps you recently replaced the refrigerator and decided to upgrade from white to stainless steel. Now the dishwasher is on the fritz and you are faced with the dilemma to repair or replace. Does the dishwasher look dated compared to the fridge? Skip the cost of repair and replace the dishwasher to keep the look cohesive. Also never underestimate just how much of a statement a new, modern, clean, refrigerator with all the gadgets can be.
Ashley Cook
Assistant Property Manager
