The Ongoing Costs of Running an Older Refrigerator
Running an older refrigerator may seem like an efficient financial choice, especially when the cost of paying for needed repairs is weighed against the purchase price of a new model. However, while the direct comparison of the repair number versus the cost of purchase may provide some fodder for rationalizing the decision to keep an old unit in place, an examination of the ongoing costs of running an older refrigerator may paint a different picture. These costs include:
* A steady dosage of more repairs – Much like an aging automobile, an aging refrigerator can require a variety of repairs. Repairing an ice-maker can cost over $200 while the price of fixing a leak starts at around $125. If cooling becomes an issue, repairs start at over $200 and escalate quickly if the problem involves the condenser. Paying for a sequence of problems can add up quickly and result in throwing money at repairs instead of buying a new model.
* Time and inconvenience – Having a refrigerator repaired by a professional technician usually requires the presence of an adult while work is being done. This is an inconvenience that can take time away from the job and, depending on the type of work that isn't getting done during the service call, can be extremely expensive in terms of lost wages.
* High energy consumption – According to the numerous studies, running a refrigerator can consume about 15 percent of the total electricity consumed by the average household. Add in the fact that an aging refrigerator can use more than two times as much energy as a new model and the amount of money that is being spent unnecessarily on your monthly utility bills starts to become evident. For example, replacing a twenty year old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR model can save approximately $100 per year in electricity expenses. These savings will increase if the old refrigerator has issues that are causing it to consume electricity at higher than normal rates.
Comparing the cost of a single repair versus the purchase price of a new refrigerator ignores many of the ongoing costs of running aging appliances versus the efficiencies of new models. Besides the savings in repairs, time, and energy, consumers can also save on the price of a new refrigerator with rebates offered in conjunction with the purchase of ENERGY STAR products.
At Jessup's we call ourselves the appliance experts because we work hard to offer our customers the best products at the lowest prices, along with great service and support from trained professionals.
That is why we have had more than 40 years of growth and success - because when you walk into Jessup's, we make sure you get experienced customer service, expert knowledge and guidance, plus the lowest pricing possible.
* A steady dosage of more repairs – Much like an aging automobile, an aging refrigerator can require a variety of repairs. Repairing an ice-maker can cost over $200 while the price of fixing a leak starts at around $125. If cooling becomes an issue, repairs start at over $200 and escalate quickly if the problem involves the condenser. Paying for a sequence of problems can add up quickly and result in throwing money at repairs instead of buying a new model.
* Time and inconvenience – Having a refrigerator repaired by a professional technician usually requires the presence of an adult while work is being done. This is an inconvenience that can take time away from the job and, depending on the type of work that isn't getting done during the service call, can be extremely expensive in terms of lost wages.
* High energy consumption – According to the numerous studies, running a refrigerator can consume about 15 percent of the total electricity consumed by the average household. Add in the fact that an aging refrigerator can use more than two times as much energy as a new model and the amount of money that is being spent unnecessarily on your monthly utility bills starts to become evident. For example, replacing a twenty year old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR model can save approximately $100 per year in electricity expenses. These savings will increase if the old refrigerator has issues that are causing it to consume electricity at higher than normal rates.
Comparing the cost of a single repair versus the purchase price of a new refrigerator ignores many of the ongoing costs of running aging appliances versus the efficiencies of new models. Besides the savings in repairs, time, and energy, consumers can also save on the price of a new refrigerator with rebates offered in conjunction with the purchase of ENERGY STAR products.
At Jessup's we call ourselves the appliance experts because we work hard to offer our customers the best products at the lowest prices, along with great service and support from trained professionals.
That is why we have had more than 40 years of growth and success - because when you walk into Jessup's, we make sure you get experienced customer service, expert knowledge and guidance, plus the lowest pricing possible.
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