Know Which Appliance You’ll For Your House
Appliance repairs are a top point of contention between landlords and tenants. Clear communication and a solid lease agreement are critical to avoiding conflict over who is responsible for what.
Throughout your home, you use electric appliances to meet many different needs. Learn how electricity consumption varies by appliance and what you can do to reduce it.
ENERGY STAR
You’ve probably seen the blue Energy Star logo, which indicates an appliance that is backed by the government and designed to lower energy costs for homeowners. However, there is more to this program than just a logo. It was created in 1992 by the EPA and Department of Energy to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save consumers money. The government provides ratings and standards for products in 75 categories, including appliances like washers and dryers, air conditioners and refrigerators, computer monitors and televisions, as well as home insulation and roofing.
ENERGY STAR also certifies buildings and new homes to meet certain efficiency requirements. The savings on electricity and fossil fuel use is significant, especially with climate change making an increasingly large impact on the world. This program has helped American families and businesses save over 4 trillion kilowatt hours of energy, resulting in reduced recurring costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Energy Guide rating on an appliance is another important indicator of how much it will cost to run. This number is based on the appliance’s typical usage under a variety of conditions and will be shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. A lower number means that the appliance is more cost efficient, allowing you to cut your electric bill.
It’s also a good idea to seek recommendations and advice from friends, family, online communities or local groups about the best types of appliances for your house. This way, you can avoid spending money on a model that does not work well or does not provide what you need. Moreover, you can ensure that your purchase is made from a trustworthy brand and not a fake one.
Design
When buying new appliances, you’ll want to consider both design and features. You’ll want to choose something that matches your home’s overall style, whether it’s modern or traditional. You may also have specific requirements, such as handles that don’t bump into cabinets or knobs that are easy to use.
Ask friends and family about their favorite appliance types and brands, or research them online. That way, when you step into an appliance showroom, you’ll know what kinds of options are out there – and which ones to avoid. Then you’ll be prepared to talk with salespeople and get the best deal possible. You’ll also be ready to make a smart purchase that will add value to your home. Then you can enjoy your new appliances without a single headache.
Special features
There are a lot of choices when shopping for appliances. You will want to choose models that match your design style and work well in your space. You will also have to consider the size, energy rating, price, and special features available on each model. If you are unsure, visit your local appliance specialist for advice. This will help you avoid buying products that aren’t right for your home or lifestyle and save money by getting the right appliances the first time. You can also ask friends, family, or search the internet for recommendations on brands and styles they love and recommend. Just be sure to stay away from pushy salespeople who aren’t interested in fitting you for the best appliance for your house. Instead, find knowledgeable experts that are passionate about helping you!
Warranty
Home warranties can cover the repair or replacement of appliances, but the terms and conditions vary by plan. They typically require the homeowner to pay a service fee to schedule a technician to visit their home and diagnose the problem, followed by a deductible. While regular maintenance can extend the life of appliances, they’re still susceptible to malfunction and failure. This is why many homeowners opt for a home warranty plan, which can save them money in the long run.
When purchasing a new house, it’s important to ask the seller what appliances and systems are currently under warranty – either manufacturer’s or home warranties – and how long the coverage lasts. If the appliances are brand-new, they may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, and if you paid for them with a credit card that has an extended product warranty, you might be able to get another year or two of coverage.
Most home warranty providers offer appliance- and system-specific plans, with the number of items protected increasing as the plan tier increases. However, some also bundle these options into a single plan for complete home protection. When choosing a home warranty provider, make sure you read the fine print to ensure that all of your appliances are covered and that there are no exclusions. In addition, it’s essential to know what the deductible is before you purchase a plan. Depending on the company, you might have to choose from a list of contractors or repair technicians who are approved by the provider and may be limited to a specific brand or model when replacing your appliances.
Installation
Many homeowners give little thought to how their appliances are installed, but a professional installation can make or break the look of your kitchen. A quality appliance installer can make sure your new washer, dryer or dishwasher is connected correctly and that you have the proper plumbing or electrical work to support it. They can also help you choose the right location for your appliances, so they blend with the rest of the decor.
If you decide to do the appliance install yourself, check the instruction manual for your product to see if any special tools are needed. You’ll likely need a level, wrenches, screwdrivers and a tape measure, plus any other tools listed in the manual. You’ll also need to purchase any appliance-specific installation parts, such as new water supply hoses for a dishwasher or a vent kit for a dryer.
Before strapping the appliance onto a dolly, be sure it will fit through your home’s doorways, hallways and stairs. Also, make sure you can maneuver it around any furniture or other personal items that would get in the way.
While you can save money by installing your appliances yourself, a qualified professional can do the job much faster and more accurately. Compare a few pro quotes to find the best price, then ask for photos of the installation so you can verify their work.
If you’re a landlord, be sure to clarify who is responsible for appliance repairs in your lease agreement. Otherwise, conflict and miscommunication can lead to confusion over who should cover the cost and result in late rent.