When should you replace your old appliances?

It’s widely known that using an older appliance can suck up more energy and increase your hydro bill.  The main reason?  Older appliances are less efficient, so they use more energy to perform the same job as before.  So how do you know if the savings on your energy bill is enough to warrant buying a new appliance?  This is an excellent question and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when you should replace it, but there are some guidelines.

The first one is to be aware of a specific lifespan of a typical appliance to run.  Take a look at some common appliance lifespans below:

10-15 years: washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, microwaves, refrigerator, dryer, electric range, air conditioner

Of course, depending on the brand and the usage, the lifespan can be less than or exceed this range.  It doesn’t have to be an exact science, but you generally can’t go wrong with replacing your appliance when it’s approaching the 15 year mark.  If, of course, the appliance is making funny noises or isn’t operating like it used to, regardless of its lifespan, you’ll have to look at either a repair or replacement to have an optimally running machine.

​
Case Study

Our team at Electrician St. Catharines recently called in by a homeowner in St. Catharines, Ontario to help install a new appliance circuit in their kitchen. The previous setup had insufficient outlet capacity and no dedicated line for their new range, which could have led to voltage drop or overloading. We ran a new 20-amp dedicated circuit, installed a GFCI protected outlet, and ensured proper wiring up to ESA and municipal code. We used materials and techniques built to last through St. Catharines’ hot, humid summers and cold winters. We also placed the panel entry with respect to local property access norms (just like what you see in homes near Montebello Park and around the Welland Canal area) to avoid clutter and maintain safety. The homeowner now has safe, reliable power for the new appliance and peace of mind that everything is up to standard.
​

If you suspect your appliance may not be running as efficiently as before, take a look at the offered warranty and see if you can get a free or price-reduced repair or replacement.  If it’s past the warranty period, you’ll have to ask yourself how well the appliance is seemingly running and whether you can wait another couple of years before replacing it.

---