It’s true that nothing lasts forever, even expensive, high-quality things like your home appliances have a long life, and there will come a day when they need to be repaired or replaced. Of course, we want to get the most out of our investment, and home appliances tend to be big-ticket items, so it’s not always so easy to rush out and purchase new ones.
One great way to keep everything running smoothly is to schedule an annual inspection by your friendly electrician in Seaford who can run tests on your hard-working electric-powered possessions and make any repairs that might be needed before an appliance breaks down, adding more years to their use and saving you money.
So, how long should you hang on to an appliance before having it replaced? Here are some tips to give you an idea of what to expect:
The Refrigerator – Lifespan: 10–12 years. It’s easy to just open and shut this important appliance, but you should take a moment to give it an inspection every now and then between meals, and make sure to keep it clean. Look for excessive condensation which is a sign that it may not be cooling properly. If you see that, then check the rubber sealing around the door for water droplets and signs of mould or mildew. Check the back of the refrigerator to see if it feels warm and make sure the motor is running properly. Too much heat means that you should have the coils replaced or replace the entire unit.
Oven and Stove – Lifespan: 10–15 years. Never take a chance with something that could catch on fire! A healthy electric oven or stove shouldn’t take a long time to heat up to your desired temperature, if it does that means something is probably wrong with it. If the buttons begin to malfunction or if a crack develops on the tempered glass, it’s not safe to cook and that means it’s time for a new one. If a gas stove’s flame isn’t burning a proper blue and sometimes flickers red and yellow, you should clean the burner caps and grates. If they are already clean, you may need to repair or replace the unit since the problem is internal. If the gas stove doesn’t turn on it’s because of a faulty spark igniter. Damaged and loose wiring is a terrible fire hazard, so take action at the earliest signs of trouble.
Microwave – Lifespan: 10–12 years. This might not be an absolutely essential appliance but a great many people have come to rely on them for their ease of use and quick action. If the keypad buttons stop functioning, or the microwave ceases to cook properly and emits acrid smells, smoke, or worse yet, sparks, it’s absolutely time to get a replacement.
The Australian government has some helpful guidelines on energy-efficient home appliances, so check them out before you go out shopping for something new.