Best Time to Buy Household Appliances

As a homeowner, you have certain expenses that you’ve learned to anticipate and, hopefully, plan for. One of these is the periodic replacement of appliances. With many new appliance models coming out toward the end of the winter, the fall is often a good time to score a good deal on the previous year’s models. Since it’s always better to make a planned purchase rather than an emergency purchase, it makes sense to check into how old your appliances are to see if they're coming up on the end of their lifespans. This way, you can keep your eyes out for a good deal and have a plan to replace them before they completely die on you. Also, remember that appliances that are a decade old are probably being made to be more efficient now, so buying a new one may very well save you money over the long term.

"Here are the average lifespans for some common household appliances:"

• Refrigerators The average fridge lasts from eight to fourteen years. Some things that might need to be replaced before that include the door gaskets (these keep the door sealed well, making the refrigerator more efficient), the ice machine (you can live without this, of course, if you need to), and the compressor (though if this goes, it might be more cost-effective to buy another refrigerator). Newer fridges are more energy efficient, which can lower your electric bill, and are often larger, to boot.
• Ranges The average stove, whether gas or electric, will serve you well for between eight and twelve years. Gas stoves may need valves replaced, and electric stoves might develop faulty burners before this time. Any type of oven can require a thermostat replacement if you notice that baked foods are either cooking too quickly or not cooking after the expected amount of time has elapsed. Today’s new stoves are easier to clean, so while replacing yours might not save you money, it may save you time.
• Washers and Dryers Your washer and dryer set should last between seven and fourteen years. Washing machines in particular tend to have several things that can go wrong as the years go by: Leaking water pumps, transmission lock-ups, belt breakage and other issues can start to pile up after a decade on the job. A well-maintaned dryer can still have a heating element failure or a broken door switch. Newer models are often quieter and use less water and electricity. New dryers often have better sensors to avoid overdrying clothing.
• Dishwashers Dishwashers last about seven to twelve years with good maintenance. Water valves can stick and residue can build up, leading to decreased function over time. If you invest in a new one, you’ll enjoy quieter cycles, sensors to improve efficiency and more flexibility in how the racks are set up, allowing you to customize how you load your dishwasher.

"With good care, most household appliances can last for a decade or more.  Since replacing these appliances is inevitable at some point, it’s wise to watch for sales and plan accordingly when you notice that they’re not working as well as they could be."