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Many homes today have a well-stocked kitchen that features the latest appliances. From frost-free freezers to intelligent fridges, there are a variety of kitchen gadgets on the market to make cooking more accessible and more convenient. We all like to think we buy with our brains, not our wallets, but no one can deny that aesthetics play a part in our purchasing decisions. In the world of home appliances, you should take special care when buying new versions of things like your oven or fridge.
1. Your Fridge.
Your fridge is arguably one of your home’s essential appliances. It’s not just a place to store food; it is a device that keeps your perishable items fresh and tasty and your non-perishables safe from bacterial growth. Many refrigerators feature “smart” technology that allows you to track and control them remotely and monitor their energy use. If your fridge is more than ten years old, it may use more energy per year than your annual home electricity bill. For this reason, as well as that most refrigerators are not repairable, you should consider upgrading to a newer model.
2. Your Furnace.
You may overpay for lower service levels if you have an older furnace. Newer models are more efficient, so they will run less often and likely pay for themselves in three or four years. You can also extend the lifespan of your furnace by keeping it clean and maintaining its parts. If you have an oil-fired furnace, you should check to see when it will need to be replaced. Oil furnaces typically last ten to fifteen years. Therefore you should buy a new furnace if you are using an older one to really improve your family home.
3. Your Oven.
As with your fridge, a well-used oven over ten years old will likely cost you more money than you realize. This appliance gets extremely hot, so it’s worth checking to see if it has a self-clean function. If not, experts advise using a special oven cleaner and a soft cloth rather than hard-scrubbing pads. If your oven is over 20 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer models include features like temperature sensors, which reduce the risk of your food burning. They also have convection fans that distribute heat more evenly, reducing the need to rotate your trays during baking.
4. Your Stove.
Stoves are another major appliance that can be a significant energy hog and short-lived if you don’t regularly clean them. If your stove is more than ten years old, it may not be worth repairing because replacing it could be more cost-effective. Newer models feature more energy-efficient designs and automated controls that are easy to operate. There are various types of stove-top, including induction and ceramic, which you should research before choosing a new stove.
5. Your Dishwasher.
As with your fridge and your oven, if you have an old dishwasher, it may be costing you more money than you think. Newer models are more energy-efficient, and they clean your dishes more thoroughly. If yours is over ten years old, it may be time for an upgrade. As with your other appliances, you can extend the lifespan of your dishwasher by keeping it clean and dry inside and out and avoiding abrasive cleaners.
6. Your Washing Machine.
Your washing machine is another household appliance that has evolved since the 1980s. If your model is older than ten, you will likely save money by upgrading. Newer models are more energy-efficient, and some feature technology that allows you to track your cycle remotely. They also have larger capacities and longer lifespans than the washing machines of the past.
7. Your Blender.
Blenders are a great kitchen tool, but if yours is more than ten years old, it may be due for an upgrade. Newer models will offer better performance and may come with programmable timers that allow you to set your blender to run independently. They also have better seals, so they are less likely to leak. Blenders are not just kitchen gadgets! They can be used to make various things, like baby food, nut butter, ice cream, and more!
Conclusion for Home Appliances Worth Upgrading
Home appliances are worth upgrading if they are energy-inefficient, take up too much space, are difficult to clean, or are not durable enough to last for more than a few years. Newer versions will likely be more efficient, use less water, and cost less money to maintain.
