When Should You Replace Your Appliances?

Dealing with a clanking dryer? Looking the other way at a leaky dishwasher? What about a fridge that doesn’t seem to keep foods as cold as it once did? When it comes to appliances that are limping along, sure, you could manage. But at what cost? Old appliances that no longer operate at peak efficiency not only hog more of your home’s energy than necessary, they also increase your electricity bills.

Here’s our handy guide to determining when it’s time to say goodbye to old appliances and upgrade to newer, more efficient models.

Signs it’s time to replace your microwave:

·   Keypad buttons don’t function

·   Cook time takes longer than it used to

·   Food doesn’t cook evenly

·   Burning smell

·   Sparks or smokes when in use

·   Door doesn’t close

·   Age (older than 10-12 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your stove:

·   Control panel buttons malfunction or simply don’t work

·   Burners don’t heat up properly (for example, electric stove burners should be bright red and gas stove burners should emit a blue flame)

·   Cracks in the stovetop’s surface

·   Gas smell

·   Age (older than 15 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your oven:

·   Food isn’t cooked thoroughly or evenly

·   Heat escapes when in use

·   Pilot light goes out or doesn’t light at all

·   Misshapen oven racks

·   Scorched countertops nearby

·   Age (older than 12-15 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your dishwasher:

·   Streaks and food residue on dishes after they’ve been washed

·   Loud noises when in use

·   Overheating

·   Leaking

·   Stagnant smell

·   Age (older than 10-12 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your refrigerator:

·   Not cooling food, or food spoils quickly

·   Excessive condensation

·   Back of refrigerator feels hot

·   Mildew on rubber seal

·   Doors don’t close tightly

·   Age (older than 10-12 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your washer and dryer:

·   Leaking

·   Constant noise when in use

·   Excessive movement when in use

·   Clothes don’t dry completely

·   Washer drum doesn’t fill fully

·   Age (older than 10 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your HVAC system:

·   Home is not cooled or heated evenly

·   Humidity inside the home

·   Unusual sounds from the unit when in use

·   Dust accumulation in the house

·   Increasing energy bills

·   Age (older than 15 years)

How A Home Energy Audit Can Help

In addition to checking for signs that appliances are enduring long-term wear and tear, you should also consider getting a home energy audit from a licensed auditor. Call Elevation to learn more and schedule your home energy audit today.