Home Appliances

Purchasing new appliances can be exciting and frustrating. Focus attention on your top picks by using a rating system that will identify your needs, the necessary features of various models, the appliance efficiency and reliability, and, of course, the price range. Use online searches, consumer reports and blog sites; customer comments; and even the help line of the various manufacturers before making your final decision. Appliances are long-term investments, and a little homework in advance can save huge headaches later.

Instructions

1 Over-sized appliances waste energy and money. The appliance you buy should suit your needs.
Size should be the first factor when considering purchasing new appliances. Determine the space available for the new equipment before making a selection.
Measure the height and width of the space with a metal tape measure. Draw a sketch of the area, and write all of the measurements on the sketch.
2 Features and use will be the next step in eliminating some models.
Refrigerators with ice/water dispensers, side-by-side doors, freezer drawers or trim kits for a built-in look are features to consider.
Electric or gas ranges and cook tops should be purchased depending on the amount of use the appliance will have. Added features include spill-proof tops, warming drawers, and thermal or convection ovens.
Microwaves can be built-in or countertop models and may combine convection oven cooking and built-in exhaust fans.
Dishwashers and laundry appliances should be purchased to meet the needs of the household. Added features can include sound insulation, digital delay starters, timers and light load capabilities.
3 Energy efficiency can be determined with most new electric appliances by checking for the Energy Star label and reviewing the Energy Guide Rating Sheet attached to the appliance. The rating is an estimate of the cost to operate that particular appliance. Ratings are based on the average use of an electric appliance.
Gas appliances are generally more efficient and cost less to run than comparably sized electric appliances. The most efficient dishwashers and clothes washers use less water and will have an energy-saving setting.
4 Price seems to be the easiest method to rate appliances until you realize that this is a long-term investment and all of the associated costs need to be considered. With an estimated life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, the least expensive appliance may cost more to run and to maintain.
The most expensive appliances may not be the most efficient or the most practical. Commercial ovens look great and cook well but are seldom well insulated and can have very expensive repair costs. Side-by-side refrigerators are efficient and easy to use but consume 10 to 15 percent more energy than a freezer on top model.
Check the Energy Star Rebate Locater online to see if your new appliance will qualify for a rebate or tax credit.
5 Make your top three selections for each appliance and visit their websites. Websites list estimated prices, and many have charts for additional features available with each model. Brand name appliances have consumer comments and will list repair concerns for most of the products.
Check independent consumer reports on each of the appliances to determine what to expect from customer service calls.

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