When You Should Replace Home Appliances

When is it time to replace your home appliances?

At some point, every major appliance in your home will need to be replaced. Think about the cost of your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, washer, and dryer. These appliances aren’t cheap but they are necessary, which is why many homeowners are looking to get the most bang for their buck. Making sure you keep your appliance in good condition is part of prolonging its lifespan. Take a look at when common home appliance will need to be updated and warning signs that you should look out for.

Washing Machine

The washing machine should last around 8 to 12 years, depending on how regularly you use it. Although there are plenty of common washer problems that you can probably repair yourself, here are a few warning signs that the machine is on its way out.

• Washer leaks or the drum won’t completely fill up with water
• Dryer doesn’t get clothes dry or has caught fire (could mean wiring is faulty due to dry, cracked or peeling plastic coating around the wires)
• Either appliance moves or makes excessive noise during its cycle

Dishwasher

Most of the time, you should expect 8 to 10 years of dependable use from your dishwasher before issues such as uneven water flow, water pooling, and ineffective cleaning start to become obvious. Although dishwasher problems are fairly common, most are easily fixable with a little DIY. If your dishwasher presents any of the following issues, consider looking for a replacement:

• Turns off in the middle of the cycle
• Won’t fill completely with water or doesn’t drain completely
• Strange/loud noises coming from the dishwasher when it’s operating – this could mean the motor or pump needs to be replaced

Refrigerator

Just because refrigerators contain fewer moving parts than many other kitchen appliances, they tend to have the longest lifespans. On average, a good refrigerator will last around 12 years. Keep in mind that this appliance stores food and drink for consumption, so it’s wise to stay on top of its condition. Here are some warning signs that it may need to be replaced:

• Food doesn’t stay cold – the recommended temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit
• Excessive condensation inside the fridge, on the outside of the door or even frost in the freezer
• The exterior is hot to the touch and/or the motor is constantly running

Knowing these warning signs can help safeguard your home and appliances. Protecting your home comes easy to insurance professionals. Do you need help deciding which homeowners insurance policy to purchase? Visit Abbate Insurance for your insurance policies in New Haven and neighboring cities in Connecticut!