Your refrigerator is making a strange sound, the oven taking longer than usual to heat up. The dishes barely getting clean in the dishwasher are all indicators that something is wrong with your kitchen appliances. If you start to notice your kitchen appliances acting up, chances are it is time to replace it. The average lifespan of most appliances in your kitchen is between 10 to 15 years. Even with the best maintenance, most kitchen appliances fail to function properly past their lifespan.
Reasons to Replace
Are you tired of trying to cook on the old stove from the ’80s? Is the stain on your refrigerator door older than you? It might be time to replace those outdated kitchen appliances. Here are four reasons why replacing kitchen appliances is a good idea.
- Your appliances are out of date and inefficient, resulting in high energy bills. Upgraded kitchen appliances promise better energy efficiency while improving the look of your kitchen.
- Your appliances have reached the end of their lifespans, and replacing them is the only choice left.
- You don’t want to put old wine in a new bottle. Perhaps you are moving to a new house or remodeling and want to furnish the kitchen space with modern equipment. When remodeling, you want to find the best deals on kitchen appliances to cut down the costs.
You are trying to increase the value of the house or apartment you are trying to sell or rent. A kitchen remodel is an investment worth considering as newer kitchen appliances increase your home/ apartment value if you are planning to sell or rent it.
Ovens
An oven is a reasonably simple appliance that can last up to 14 years with regular maintenance. Beyond the arbitrary birthdate, here are some other signs your oven is defective.
- The inside has significant rusting
- It no longer meets your cooking and baking needs and habits
- Cracked glass
- It doesn’t light (gas ovens)
- It doesn’t heat up properly
2020 is the ideal time to buy a smart oven with automated features such as self-cleaning, temperature probe, dual ovens, and Sabbath mode for those who want to keep their food warm in the oven for a longer period. There is a range of prices from about $350 to $5000.
Refrigerators
A refrigerator is an absolute necessity in every home, and on average, it lasts up to 13 years. Here are some signs that it might be time to replace.
- Food spoils before its expiration date
- Excessive noise
- The back of the refrigerator feels hot
- A buildup of frost in the freezer
- Visible condensation on the inside or outside
If you start noticing such issues, you can either pay mid-hundreds to repair the damage or buy a new 33 inch stainless steel refrigerator. Depending on your requirements, you can buy a basic refrigerator or a refrigerator with state-of-the-art features like energy-efficient models.
Sinks
The kitchen sink is one of the sturdier appliances with a 15 to 30-year lifespan. Because they connect to the rest of your plumbing, when they start to malfunction, it can mean bad news for your home. So, keep your eyes open for these signs:
- Visible wear and tear
- It doesn’t retain water or clogs often
- Leaking faucets
- Strange noises
- Foul smell
On average, it costs $300 to $600 to replace a sink with installation costs averaging at $200 to $1000. However, the cost varies depending on the style and material (stainless steel, composite, and acrylic) you prefer.
Dishwashers
A properly cleaned and maintained dishwasher features an expected nine to 10-year lifespan. Here are some signs it’s time to buy a new dishwasher:
- Water doesn’t get hot
- Dishes come out spotty and dirty
- The door no longer latches
- Signs of rust
- Water is leaking onto your kitchen floor
- Dents, cracks, or other damages
- Unusual noises during a cycle
If your dishwasher has completed a decade in age, it’s time to replace it. Though buying an expensive dishwasher isn’t a fun feat, upgrading it to an energy-efficient dishwasher will save you money in the long run. Typically, a new dishwasher can range from $400 to $700 and an additional $200 to $500 in installation costs.
Microwaves
Ovens have a lifespan of 14 years, while microwaves have a shorter, nine-year lifespan. If your microwave starts acting up, it’s time for it to go. Here are some common signs:
- Smoke, sparks, and burning smells
- Improperly cooked food
- Trouble with controls
- The door doesn’t seal properly
- Suspicious sounds
Modern-day microwaves come in a range of capacities and sizes and have unique features like smart display and multi-function, child lockout, and gourmet wave system. They are a cheaper replacement, averaging around $100.
Final Words of Advice
One fact to keep in mind is that if your kitchen appliance is more than halfway through its lifespan, repairing it will generally cost more than half of the cost for a new appliance. Also, take a look at the warranty. Most manufacturers offer warranties that last from three months to one year. Some even provide extended warranties. With these facts in mind, you’ll be able to determine when it’s more economical to repair or replace your kitchen appliances.
