Is your refrigerator running? If it isn’t, you may have to replace it.
Your appliances, just like most of your stuff at home, wear down over time. They may require repair or a complete replacement depending on the extent or severity of the problem.
Even if you maintain and clean your appliances regularly, they won’t operate optimally or properly beyond their lifespan. If you begin to notice weird stuff happening to the machine despite doing routine maintenance or frequent repairs, you may need to look for another appliance.
Here’s a guide on the common household appliances that you should replace before they stop working completely:
Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuum cleaners usually last an average of eight years. The lifespan, however, varies greatly not just by brand but also by the frequency of use. If you own a small condo unit, for instance, you won’t need to use the vacuum almost as much as a 4,500-square-foot townhouse.
If you’re not ready to give up your Dyson vacuum cleaner just yet, you could take steps to slow down its decline. One effective way is to clean and replace the filter regularly. Clogged filters obstruct the airflow, which affects the performance of the appliance. A simple filter change may just be what you need to keep your vacuum in good shape.
When this doesn’t help make your vacuum cleaner better, find a Dyson vacuum repair and maintenance specialist to see if there are components that require replacement.
Refrigerator
A quality refrigerator can last about 13 years in your house. Unlike the vacuum cleaner, this appliance is a necessity. You’ll want to replace it before the end of its lifespan. You don’t want your food and raw ingredients to spoil because of a defective refrigerator.
You may want to get your appliance inspected for repair or replacement when you come across one or more of these red flags:
- Excessive and unusual noise
- Frost buildup in the freezer section
- Food is spoiling prematurely
- Visible condensation inside and outside the refrigerator
These signs are easy to notice, especially if you see that the food has gone bad. Once you notice these issues, get your refrigerator checked by an appliance technician.
Kitchen Range
A range is an all-in-one cooking appliance that consists of an oven, a few burners, and a stove. This appliance is quite sturdy. It can last for about 14 years before requiring replacement. What’s more, you can fix the damage without having to replace the whole appliance. If the problem is in the burner, for instance, you won’t have to worry about the oven and stove.
Repairing a kitchen range isn’t that complicated, even if the all-in-one appliance looks complex at first glance. If the oven section, for instance, isn’t heating properly and causing salmon to undercook or overcook, you could replace the heating element or thermostat.
The only time a fix isn’t worth it is when the repair fees cost over 50 percent of the price of a new appliance. Here’s an example: Let’s say a decent range in your local store costs $600. If you’re staring at a $400 repair bill (and the range is more than a decade old), you’ll want to get a new unit instead of paying your technician.
Dishwasher
This appliance is a fine addition to the kitchen. It cleans up dirty dishes, mugs and utensils in half the time. It usually lasts for nine years, but the lifespan can decrease depending on your usage.
You may need to get your dishwasher looked at if you notice one of these signs:
- The temperature of the water isn’t getting hot (or takes forever to get hot)
- You hear strange noises during a regular dishwasher cycle
- The door won’t close properly
- The dishes look spotty or filthy after the cycle
You’ll want to replace your dishwasher if it requires frequent repairs. When you’re on the market for this appliance, opt for dishwashers that save you money on energy bills and minimize your water usage.
Washing Machine and Dryer
Washing machines usually last a decade. Dryers, on the other hand, last about 13 years. The lifespan, however, may decrease depending on the amount of laundry you do.
These two appliance pairs may need repair or replacement when you notice any of these red flags:
- Burning smell from the dryer
- Leaking water from the washing machine
- Violent shaking during a cycle
When thinking about the replacement, you could replace both appliances at the same time for aesthetic purposes. Alternatively, you could just replace the defective machine if you don’t have a combo washer-dryer unit.
When you’re shopping for a new unit, don’t just look at the price. Consider the appliance’s energy-efficient rating, as well.
