Do I fix my old appliance or replace it?

Let's face it, when you have to go buy appliances, it's not exactly the most fun experience or even an event you look forward to. The majority of consumers today are buying appliances because they have to replace the old: the refrigerator quit cooling, the dishwasher stopped working, the washing machine no longer washes. These appliances help make our lives run smoothly every day but we don't fully appreciate them until they break down. Since we take them for granted, many times an appliance breaks down and the first thought is "gosh, this didn't last very long." Then, you go and check the owners manual, receipt, or talk to a salesperson and find out it's been 15 years since you purchased it! Knowing the average life of the major appliance categories helps to make that decision of whether to replace an old appliance or have it fixed. The life span, of course, depends on the model, brand, and how well you treat your appliances (do you clean them, make sure the ducts are clear, buy new seals if needed, clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator?).

Average Life Span of Appliances (according to the 2009 Consumer Reports and verified against several other listings)

Dishwasher: 9 years

Dryer: 13 years

Electric Range: 13 years

Gas Range: 15 years

Microwave: 9 years

Refrigerator: 13 years

Washer: 12 years

Ugh!!!

If your appliance is on the fritz or breaks down and it's about the average age above or older, it's probably a safe bet that in the long run it will cost less to replace it. Another factor that plays into the decision is the efficiency of the new appliances. A dishwasher that's 5+ years old used 10-14 gallons of water per wash and now the Energy Star-rated dishwashers use only 5-7 gallons of water! Water and energy savings make a big impact on the environment and your pocketbook. Refrigerators and washing machines also have become much more efficient in the last 5 years and will pay for themselves in energy and water savings over their lifetimes.

At Mountain High Appliance, we understand how frustrating it is to go a few days or even a week without a microwave or dryer so we do our best to make your experience as enjoyable as possible and help you find the appliance(s) that will best fit your needs and kitchens. We also offer free product demonstrations and use and care classes to our customers.