Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators are some of the most essential household appliances and devices we use often. Yet, they’re also some devices that get ignored when it comes to maintenance. It’s one of those devices that we know can break down at any moment, so we don’t want to deal with them or give them our time. However, as much as these things can seem like a pain in the butt to take care of, it’s incredibly important to keep them well maintained. Taking care of your washing machine might seem like a hassle, but taking care of these household appliances will save you money because they’ll last longer and continue to work without issues (as long as you clean them). If you don’t maintain your home appliances they can lead to more serious issues in your home — including a hefty bill from the repair man.
1. Make smart appliance shopping decisions
As you’re out shopping for appliances or thinking about what’s wrong with yours, pay attention to the features of things that can be done without. Do you really need a convection oven when a regular one will do? If the ice maker in your freezer is broken, is it worth buying a new refrigerator to get one that makes ice and water? Is it worth paying more for your next refrigerator to get a fancy touchscreen display and a thousand other bells and whistles that you don’t really want or need when the old one works just fine? And how about those repair people—do they really know what they’re doing? Are they as reputable as the appliance repair by Asurion? When they tell you things are broken or worn out, do they give good advice about what to buy in their place?
You’ve got all kinds of options when it comes to home appliances, but not all of them are created equal. The key is to figure out which ones are going to fit your space the best, which ones you will actually use, and which ones will give you the most bang for your buck. It might take some trial and error, but if you keep these tips in mind from the start, you’ll have a much easier time making smart decisions each time you go shopping.
2. Plan for regular maintenance
Whether you bought a new appliance recently or already have one in your home, regular maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your appliance and avoid any costly and inconvenient problems. Even if you’ve been using your appliance for years and don’t remember when you last serviced it, it’s probably time to give it a once-over. We’ve put together some tips that will help ensure that your appliances are running smoothly, which will not only make your home more comfortable but will also save you money on energy bills.
3. Buy appliances with repair-ability in mind
With so many home appliances available these days, it’s a great idea to think about repair-ability when shopping for your home. Appliances are expensive, and the cost of replacing them is enough to make anyone sick. So, if you’re in the market for new appliances, consider buying ones that are easy to fix yourself. While you may have to invest some time into learning how to fix them yourself, you’ll be saving money by fixing them yourself rather than having to pay someone else to do it for you.
4. Get a home appliance protection plan
When you buy a new appliance, it’s usually covered by a warranty in the event of any damage or malfunction. But once the warranty runs out, you are liable for all expenses related to repair and maintenance. By purchasing a home appliance protection plan, you can ensure your appliances stay in good working order so that you can avoid unexpected repair costs.
Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of any plan before buying. For example, plans with higher deductibles will save you money if something goes wrong. However, they also mean that you’re responsible for paying a larger portion of any expenses. If you have expensive appliances in your home, this could be an effective way to save money in the long run.
Direct protection plans are not insurance plans—you won’t be reimbursed if your home is destroyed by fire or natural disaster, but they do protect against damage to your appliances caused by common wear and tear or accidents like flooding or power surges. These plans are designed to help repair your damaged appliances quickly and keep them lasting longer than if you had no plan at all. You’ll want to weigh each plan’s coverage against your individual needs before making a decision about what’s best for your household.
