5 Key Signs You Need To Replace Your Appliances — And the Best Ways To Save Money
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Determining whether your home appliance is on the fritz can be tricky. Unfortunately, many times it takes the appliance completely stopping before you realize there is a problem. And, of course, any problem is going to require money.
To save you before a complete breakdown happens, here are five key signs you need to replace your appliances and the best ways to save money when you do.
Noises
A key indicator that your appliance needs to be replaced is if it starts making an odd noise.
“If you hear noises such as humming or whistling or excessive noise that is out of the ordinary, you’ll want to consider a repair or replacement,” said Michael Clarke, the founder of Pulled, a home management platform.
“Additionally, if the appliance won’t turn on and has stopped functioning, if water is leaking from around the appliance, or if you find utility bills to be higher than usual for that time of year, these are signs that your appliance needs repair or replacement,” he added.
Rust
Another sign that an appliance should be replaced is if there is rust or signs of wear and tear.
Moniqueca Sims, the owner of SSG Appliance Academy, explained, “Rust is a significant indicator that your appliance needs to be replaced. Additionally, other signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, may also suggest it’s time for a replacement.
“If you find yourself frequently repairing the unit, it might be more practical to replace it,” she continued. “Although almost all appliances can be repaired, and this is typically the most cost-effective option, there are times when the cost of repair is so high that replacing the unit makes more sense.”
Age
Another indicator that your appliance should be replaced is its age.
“To determine whether replacing or repairing your appliance is necessary, we recommend using the 5-10-15 rule. Under this rule, if your appliance is 5 years old or newer, it could be better to repair; if it is between 5 and 10 years old, it’s a good idea to compare the costs of repairing to replacing; and if it’s 15 years old or older, it’s usually best to replace it,” Clarke said.
Sims also said age is a red flag.
“Newer appliances are designed to last about 7 to 8 years, so depending on the age of your unit, replacement might be a wise consideration. Older appliances tend to consume more energy, and if you notice a significant increase in your utility bills, it could be due to an inefficient appliance that should be replaced with a more energy-efficient model,” she said.
Safety Concerns
Appliances that have worn out or have serious issues could pose a risk.
“Safety concerns, such as frayed cords, the smell of gas, or electrical issues, are critical reasons to replace an appliance immediately,” Sims said.
Availability of Parts
Lastly, you will want to determine whether you can still get parts for your appliance.
“If replacement parts are no longer available, it may be necessary to replace the unit to maintain functionality,” Sims said.
How To Save on Appliances
Luckily, there are several ways to save on appliances if you have to replace them.
“We recommend shopping during sales events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas holiday season when appliances can be marked down substantially,” Clarke said.
He also suggested looking at floor models that may “have a few cosmetic imperfections” but are mechanically sound and come with a full warranty.
Sims recommended saving money by looking at slightly older models.
She explained, “If you’re looking to save money, avoid purchasing the latest model. When newer models come out, older models decrease in price and often have most of the same features and performance. You can also find great deals on open-box appliances, which still come with a warranty.”
The experts also suggested bundling or purchasing multiple appliances together to help cut costs or seeking out energy-efficient appliances that may have a higher cost upfront but come with tax rebates and other incentives.
Finding a Reliable Appliance
Both experts agree that reliable brands are the way to go when shopping for an appliance.
“We recommend mid-range models from a good brand instead of a high-end model from a less expensive brand. They often have comparable performance to higher-end models and better performance than lower-end models, without being overly priced,” Clarke said.
Sims recommended sticking with the basics.
“Most appliance repair technicians prefer basic models because we know which ones are most reliable. I stick with brands like Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Frigidaire, and GE. These are budget-friendly appliances that last a long time and don’t tend to break down often,” she said.
She also suggested buying the extended warranty on new appliances, noting it pays for itself and can help reduce repair costs.
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