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To upgrade, or not to upgrade — that is the question! Buying new appliances might seem like a costly investment, but having a more energy efficient model can save you money in the long run. So when your annual maintenance is just not enough, and your electrical bill is still high, here’s how to know when it’s time to retire the old and bring in the new:
Washers and Dryers
The new front load washing machines not only use half the water as a top loader, but they also use less than a quarter of the energy too. So if it’s past the 10-year mark and you own a top-loading machine, an upgrade would be best. As for a dryer, with regular maintenance, there is no need to replace it unless there’s a serious issue.
Dishwashers
New energy star dishwashers use half the water, clean better and are less noisy than previous models. If your water bill seems to be high and your dishes seem to have lost their sparkle, it might be time to upgrade to a more modern model.
Refrigerators
If your fridge is over 20 years old, an upgrade can save you a couple hundred dollars a year as the efficiency of newer models has increased by over 40 percent. If it’s in the 10-year span, there is no need to upgrade. Keeping up with maintenance and leaving the temperature below 40 degrees will help keep your energy use down.
Air Conditioners
Start by looking at your energy efficiency ratio (EER) which can be found in your manual, on the manufacturer’s website or the side of your unit. Since the 90s, the average rating has increased to a 10 while older models are usually around a 7. Some of the newer cooling systems offer ionizing filters that provide cleaner air, quieter fans, and duel room cooling for more control and less energy waste. If you are still on the fence, anything over 20 years is worth upgrading.
If you are in the Connecticut area, trust the experts at Tri-City Heating and Cooling for all your appliance and HVAC needs. Schedule an appointment or call our experts at (203) 303-5700.