As any seasoned homeowner can confirm, big-ticket appliances represent sizable investments. Dependable refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and washing machines can easily set you back thousands of dollars. That being the case, it behooves every cost-conscious individual to protect these investments and make them last for as long as possible. Fortunately, keeping essential appliances in prime condition doesn’t have to entail spending a lot of money or sacrificing large amounts of time. To ensure that you’re able to get the most out of your big-ticket appliances, put the following tips to good use.
Purchase a Comprehensive Home Warranty
Anyone looking to make hefty repair bills a thing of the past would be wise to invest in a comprehensive home warranty. These warranties cover an extensive variety of home appliances and ensure that homeowners don’t find themselves on the hook for exorbitant repair and maintenance costs. In addition to being affordable on virtually any budget, home warranties are incredibly cost-effective, especially when compared to the cost of purchasing individual extended warranties for your major appliances. When exploring home warranty prices, look for plans that cover the types of appliances you wish to protect and providers that have received ample praise from satisfied clients.
Clean Certain Appliances on a Consistent Basis
In order to function at peak efficiency, some appliances need to be cleaned on a consistent basis. Refrigerators, stoves and washing machines are just a few of the essential appliances that stand to benefit from regular cleanings. If you’re unclear on how to go about cleaning certain appliances, reach out to their respective manufacturers or consult a professional appliance maintenance service. Since improper cleaning practices can decrease the lifespans of appliances and put your safety at risk, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before attempting to clean them.
Respond to Small Problems in a Timely Manner
Many small appliance issues are made exponentially worse by inaction. That being the case, you should make a point of responding to minor issues in a timely manner. The longer these problems are allowed to linger, the more time they have to fester into more serious – and expensive – issues. Spending a little bit of money on minor repairs in the short term is preferable to spending a small fortune fixing major problems down the line. So, the next time an essential appliance begins exhibiting seemingly negligible issues, don’t hesitate to have the device diagnosed.
Swap Out Parts as Needed
In some instances, replacing a faulty appliance is more cost-effective than repairing it. For example, if a device is well past its prime and has cost you untold sums in repair bills throughout the years, the replacement route is probably the way to go. However, this isn’t to say that every problematic appliance needs to be replaced. Replacing a major appliance prematurely can make a sizable dent in your finances, so whenever a big-ticket device begins to act up, it’s in your best interest to consider all your options. Granted, when weighing exorbitant repair bills against the enormous cost of a new major appliance, the availability of good options is liable to seem scarce.
When an appliance requires new parts, there are numerous questions that should be considered. For example, weighing the cost of the components against the age of the device can help you arrive at the right conclusion. It’s also worth considering how many years a component swap-out stands to add to the life of the appliance in question. If the device is relatively new, investing in the necessary replacement parts is likely to prove more cost-effective than replacing the appliance outright. Additionally, if brand-new components are outside of your price range, you may want to explore used and refurbished options.
Essential appliances are no small investment. The more vital the device, the heftier the price-tag. Given how much money is spent purchasing and maintaining big-ticket appliances, it’s only natural that you’d want to get the most for your money and make your appliances last a good long while. Although many of us make this look difficult, keeping essential appliances up and running for the foreseeable future doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Employing the measures discussed above will help ensure that you’re able to maximize the lifespans of your appliances and get a sizable return on your investment.
