Is It Time To Buy New Appliances?

AMES, IA (09/02/2008)(readMedia)-- If you haven't been in the market for new appliances during the past several years, you're going to be surprised at how innovative and energy-efficient appliances have become. You'll find energy-smart appliance choices in almost all price ranges.

Before heading to the local appliance retailer or “big-box” store, measure the space the new appliance will occupy to make sure it will fit – and that there’s enough room to fully open the door (or lid), as well as adequate clearances for ventilation, plumbing connections and other hookups. Then go to the appliance manufacturers’ Web sites to look at product information, and call your utility company to ask about available rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-saving appliances. Finally, make a list of questions and “must-have” and “nice-to-have-but-not-essential” features.

With this list in hand, head for the store, and:

• Look at product brochures and the actual appliances to evaluate the features, performance capabilities and capacities of different brands and models. Ask questions about how different models operate. Are they noisy? What safety features do they have? What about repair histories? How much water do they use? How do the energy-saving cycles work?
• Check the operating manuals for the models on display. This not only will tell you how each appliance operates, but also can help you ask pertinent questions about regular maintenance and care. Also make sure the appliance’s operation meets your family’s needs and, for kitchen appliances, will accommodate your favorite cookware.
• Consult the yellow EnergyGuide labels to compare the annual energy costs of different models; look for ENERGY STAR® labels too. The more energy an appliance uses, the more it will cost to run; the difference on your utility bill could be significant.
• Uncover both price tags for the appliance – the one for the purchase price and the one for the operating cost (utility bills plus maintenance expenses). Consider both in evaluating the real cost of the unit.
• Read the warranty before finalizing your decision. Does the warranty cover the entire product or only certain parts? Is labor included? How long does the warranty last?
• Find out the cost of delivery, installation and removal of the appliance you’re replacing.
• Make sure authorized factory service is available in your area for the unit you select.
• Finally, ask about manufacturer rebates and special local financing programs.

When your new appliance is delivered, check the exterior for dents and scratches and make sure no components such as drawers, shelves or special fittings are damaged or missing. If it’s not part of your purchase agreement to have the delivery crew hook up and test the appliance, do it yourself and immediately report any problems to your salesperson.

The material in this article was adapted from a Home Series book, Major Home Appliances, released by the Iowa Energy Center. Besides offering much more detail on the topics discussed here, these books list many sources of additional information on energy-saving topics.

The all four books in the series are still available – free of charge. To get your free copy of one or both of these books:

Call your utility company to see if you can stop by the office and pick up a copy;

Download a PDF copy at the Iowa Energy Center Web site: www.energy.iastate.edu;

Request a copy by e-mailing the Iowa Energy Center at iec@energy.iastate.edu; or

Call the Iowa Energy Center at 515-294-8819 to ask for a copy by mail.

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