We hear daily about “planned obsolescence” and how appliances and even cars are no longer built to last. It seems manufacturers decided that they could line their pockets many times over if their products died quickly. Instead of an appliance lasting a lifetime, it now lasts approximately 3 to 5 years. Small appliances die even sooner. I have a friend who has been in the appliance business for more than 25 years, and he gave me these tips that help to make your appliances last longer.
Make Your Hot Water Heater Last for Years Longer
The average homes spends 17 percent of its water usage on showers. In 1994, the EPA restricted showerhead water flow to 2.5 gallons per minute, but the new EPA certified WaterSense shower heads only use 2.0 gpm. Not only do you save water when you use a water-efficient shower head, but you reduce the demand on your water heater, thus extending its life. Washing clothes in cold water is another excellent way to be kind to that water heater.
Keep Your Appliances Clean
Appliances were once built to take abuse, but not anymore. Did you know that most microwaves die because the filter that covers the motor gets gunked up with grease? The filters are inexpensive and simple to replace, do do so at least twice a year. Simply covering food and wiping down the microwave after every use can add years to its life. Ovens and toaster ovens have to work longer and harder when their surfaces are dirty and do not reflect the heat like they should. Plus, crumbs and food left in these appliances attract roaches and ants, which can get into the electrical system and short it out. We had ants completely destroy our dishwasher control panel, which would have cost more to replace than the entire machine.
Don’t Overstuff Your Refrigerator
If there is not enough room in your refrigerator and freezer for all of your food, it’s cheaper to buy a smaller appliance for the overflow than to shorten the life of your refrigerator. Air flow is vital for a refrigerator and freezer to work properly. Always allow space around the food for proper air flow. A blocked cooling mechanism works harder to maintain the proper temperature, causing it to burn out before its time. Also, simple maintenance steps that take less than 30 minutes can save your refrigerator from needless repairs.
Appliances are not built to be abused any longer, so proper care is essential to extend appliance life. The longer an appliance lasts, the more money you save. It doesn’t take much time or energy to maintain your appliances so that they will serve you well
