Appliances

Purchasing Appliances
Purchasing home appliances can be mind boggling. With all the different manufacturers, models, and features offered, it’s hard to know where to start. And since appliances account for 20% of your home’s gas or electric bill, you have to consider energy efficiency as well. Before purchasing water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, or cooking appliances, read these tips from FCIC.
Selecting Appliances
Energy Efficiency
Safety
Other Resources
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Selecting Appliances
First of all, decide if you really need a new appliance. You can expect a water heater to last 10 to 15 years, a refrigerator 20 years, a dishwasher 10 years, and a clothes washer 14 years. Repair may be a better option than replacement.
Before you visit a store, you can do a lot of research on the web. For example, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers provides tips and consumer bulletins from the experts.
You can also visit the websites of various manufacturers to view their products. See the Consumer Action Handbook’s alphabetical listing of corporations for contact information and links to most appliance makers.
For information about reliability, check out Consumer Reports and other buying guides at your local library.
Check and double check the space available for the appliance to make sure you select the right size unit. Halls and doorways also need to be big enough to allow clearance for entry and installation. Don’t forget to allow space for appliance doors to open.
Don’t rely on your memory for the details. Bring a pen, paper, and checklist with you when you start to visit stores. Some items that should be on your checklist include:
manufacturers, model numbers, and features
the delivery and installation fees, and the fee to haul away your old appliance.
Decide if extra features, like ice dispensers on the outside of a refrigerator, are worth the increase in price.
Buy appliances that suit your needs. For example, a smaller refrigerator might be better for you if you live alone. Don’t give in to pressure to get the “great deal” the salesperson is pitching. He or she may be trying to get rid of overstock, instead of matching an appliance to your needs.
In addition to a conventional oven and stove top, you may want to consider purchasing a microwave or toaster oven. Using the microwave or toaster oven for small portions saves energy.
Government consumer protection offices receive a lot of complaints about appliance retailers and manufacturers. So when you buy, know the merchant’s return and refund policies. Know what is covered under warranty and for how long.
If you have a problem with an appliance you purchase, send a letter to the merchant. If you do not get satisfaction, you may have to escalate your complaint to the manufacturer, the Better Business Bureau, or your state consumer protection office.
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Energy Efficiency
Even though they are generally more expensive to purchase, consider investing in high efficiency appliances. They pay for themselves in decreased energy bills, as well as emit less air pollution. Energy efficient appliances are also attractive when selling a home.
All appliances must have an energy label. Read it carefully to make sure you buy the most efficient appliance.
Appliances with an Energy Star label are your best choice. They exceed federal government efficiency standards.
The Department of Energy has a wealth of information about how to shop for appliances, as well as how to compare energy labels.
You may not need to replace an appliance that doesn’t seem to be running efficiently. Take advantage of home energy audits offered by gas and electric companies. They may be able to suggest free or low cost fixes, such as insulating your water heater tank and pipes to increase your supply of hot water.
To further save energy, consider purchasing a clothes dryer that has a moisture sensor. The unit turns off when clothes are dry! And front loading washing machines that fill only halfway will reduce the amount of hot water used.
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Safety
Over 4,000 children are scalded each year by water that is too hot. Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
Every year, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from oil, gas, and wood heating systems, water heaters, ranges and ovens kills about 200 people in the U.S. Don’t become a statistic - have a professional check these appliances annually for proper operation and CO leaks.
Avoid the possibility of fire from overloaded circuits by making sure your house has adequate electrical service for the appliance. Check for adequately grounded, three-hole receptacles.
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Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:
Read these publications online or order them from FCIC:
Elements of An Energy Efficient House
Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home
Indoor Electrical Safety Check
PowerSmart: Easy Tips to Save Money and the Planet
Publications available for ordering from our Housing Page
Websites*:
Alliance to Save Energy
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
ConsumerAction.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Energy
Electrical Safety Foundation International
Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
* Names of resources and organizations included in this online article