Selecting Appliances
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Selecting Appliances |
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 Shopping for new home appliances is rarely a fun experience. Unless you are
remodeling a kitchen or have been planning the purchase of new kitchen or
laundry appliances for some time, the need for a new refrigerator or washer
probably came as something of a shock. Fortunately, if you are shopping for new
appliances, understanding the following can make the experience a little less
painful, if not enjoyable.When it comes to buying new appliances, the difference in price is often because of the size and the features of the appliance itself. Refrigerators in the $1200 range for example, are smaller in cubic feet and don’t have as many options. For example: It may not have adjustable shelves or temperature control on the fruit and vegetable drawers. Also expect that the ice and water controls have few options other than the control for ice or water on/off. You also may not have a lock feature to keep little fingers from turning it on when your not looking. These appliance options are not important for everyone, but some people need the versatility these added features provide. At the end of the day however, they are just options, not the necessities. Their need is in the eyes of the beholder. Before buying a new appliance, make a list of what you need and want. Determine your needs by: Is your house contemporary or traditional, what about appliance size and color, gas or electric, energy efficient, built in, top load washer or front load washer. How tall is the refrigerator space? Will a 40 gallon hot water heater be enough if you have a couple of kids? Are you interested in a gas stove or an electric range? Does the washer and dryer have all of the setting's you use? Do you want a built in microwave with a fan or would you prefer a counter microwave and a hood over your range? Decide your needs first and your wants second. There is no way of getting around it. Buying new appliances for your home is going to cost money. While many people opt for used appliances to save some green, there is no guarantee that the appliance will last or what effect it will have on your utility bill. Whether you are replacing a worn range or remodeling your entire kitchen, planning a budget will keep you from going overboard when you make your appliance purchase. While many people look only to the sticker price when they purchase new home appliances, the energy efficiency of the unit is as important, if not more important than the initial cost. When shopping for new appliances you should look for Energy Star models if they are available and read the EnergyGuide Label. This will give you valuable information about the yearly cost of the appliance you are considering. When buying appliances, always check the EnergyGuide label for a comparison of energy efficiency with other models. Consider EnergyStar appliances for maximum efficiency and lowest operating costs. In most residences, the refrigerator uses more electricity than any other appliance. It can add up to nearly 15% of total energy usage. One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make when choosing new kitchen and laundry appliances is picking a model that is either too large or too small for the space. Whether you are buying your new appliances online or from a local dealer it is important to take accurate measurements before making the purchase. This will save you the trouble and the cost of having to ship the appliance back to the store to get another model, or worse, construction costs to make the appliance fit. An average air-conditioned home consumes more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours each year for cooling. High-efficiency A/C units can reduce energy consumption by 20% to 50%, and the most efficient air conditioners on the market are up to 70% more efficient than older room air conditioners.Keep interiors no cooler than 78 degrees. It’s an efficient setting that’s also comfortable. Moving to a colder temperature consumes more energy and costs more money. Going to 75 degrees costs 18% more, and a 72- degree setting costs 39% more! Dishwashers are one type of large appliance that lots of people like having and that you can find in all sorts of sizes and price ranges. You need to think about the energy efficiency of the appliance before you buy it because energy efficient appliances are more economical than other types. It is also important, when buying a dishwasher, to think about how well the dishwasher will fit into the rest of your kitchen (decor, space, etc). If you are buying the dishwasher from a store or company, is installation included? If not, ensure that you (or someone you know) is able to do the installation or you’ll have to hire a person to do it. |
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