Kitchen Updates

Nothing good lasts forever, and that includes the appliances and equipment that you may have already replaced during recent kitchen updates. While your kitchen will look gorgeous when everything is brand new and state-of-the-art, that shiny new look doesn’t last forever. Sooner or later, you’ll need to invest in replacements or repairs to keep everything up to par.

When contemplating kitchen updates, it’s important to understand that even if you think functionality is still intact, there may be issues lurking under the surface. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining the state of your kitchen.

When Do You Need a New Dishwasher?

Replace As Needed – Every 10 Years at the Latest

For many households, dishwashers are indispensable, providing a valuable way to reduce post-meal tasks and improve overall cleanliness. However, dishwashers get old, break, and need replacements during kitchen updates, just like any other appliance.

Modern dishwashers are designed to last around 10 years, but if you start seeing these signs of wear and tear issues before that point, it may be time to invest in a repairman or a new dishwasher:

·         Rust on the exterior that can indicate a water leak that isn’t necessarily visible

·         Standing water in your dishwasher, indicating a serious clog

·         A door that doesn’t properly latch or lock

·         Cold dishes following a cycle

·         Cracks or damage to the door or frame

·         Leaking water on the floor under the unit

·         Dishes that are spotty or dirty after a wash cycle

In some cases, a repair or parts replacement can fix these issues, but most of the time, a full replacement is the best option. Replacing a dishwasher will increase energy efficiency and improve the quality of your kitchen cleaning endeavors.

How Long Do Refrigerators Last?

Replace As Needed – Every 10 Years at the Latest

It’s hard to imagine living in a modern home without a refrigerator, which is why prompt repairs or replacements are so important. When refrigerator parts are on the fritz, it can cause plenty of issues, including ruined food, wasted money, and the risk of bacteria development, which can cause food poisoning such as salmonella.

The average lifespan of a refrigerator is about 10 years, but these signs can be indicative of a need for a timely replacement:

·         Excessive condensation; in some cases, this can be remedied by a new door seal

·         A motor that runs too hot

·         Food that spoils faster than normal

·         A freezer that is far too cold and leaves an ice buildup on items or causes freezer burn

·         Excess energy use with no changes in habits

·         A loud motor

·         Uneven cooling, including freezing within the fridge space

It’s not uncommon for attachments such as ice machines or water filters to break after three to five years. If you live somewhere with a hot climate, it’s crucial to stay up to date with these smaller repairs. However, if your refrigerator has broken parts and kitchen updates are a priority, a full replacement may be the best option.

When Is a New Stove Essential?

Replace Every 10 Years at the Latest

Cooking is virtually impossible without a functional stove or oven, but this stable kitchen appliance doesn’t last forever. If you are in need of a new range, these tips can guide your decision between replacing and repairing.

Like most kitchen appliances, a lifespan of 10 years or more isn’t uncommon. However, if you’re seeing signs of trouble and your stove is more than a decade old, replacement is most likely the right choice, especially if:

·         The glass is cracked

·         One or more burners won’t light, or won’t heat up properly

·         The oven heats unevenly, with particular areas heating faster than others

·         Preheating takes longer than usual

·         Burners are uneven

·         There is a strong smell of gas in gas units, indicating a potential leak

Even if a repair is possible, it may not be worth the investment. If the cost of the repair is 50 percent or more of the cost of the unit, it’s time to take on something new.

Timelines for Counter tops and Cabinet Installation

Update Every 10-15 Years

Despite common perception, counters and cabinets aren’t meant to last forever. After excessive use, counters wear down. Eventually, cupboard doors don’t close properly and shelves begin to buckle and bend. Every 10 to 15 years is generally the recommended time frame for a full kitchen remodel. Whether the functionality of your kitchen isn’t meeting your needs, or you simply want an updated look, it may be worth considering a kitchen remodel.

Counter top Replacement

While the functionality of cabinets can actively disturb storage and the protection of your cooking utensils, counter tops rarely interfere with function, no matter how old they are. However, the look and feel can decrease the value of your cooking space, and it’s possible for cracks to hold bacteria before any kitchen updates. If your counter is cracked, stained beyond repair, has any signs of structural problems, or simply looks outdated, it’s time for a counter top replacement.

Cabinet Installation

Unless your cabinets are significantly newer than your counter tops, it’s recommended to replace both at the same time, with cabinet installation taking priority. When cabinets are installed first, you can be sure new counter tops will fit around or on your new cupboards and will not be damaged during the process.

 Replacing Microwaves and Small Appliances

Replace As Needed – Every 5 Years at the Latest

Unlike large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers, most smaller appliances won’t make it to a decade of life. As such, you may need to replace things like microwaves on a more accelerated basis.

Microwave

Your microwave should hold up for at least five years, but inexpensive models may only give you a year or two. Signs like smoke, sparks, burning smells, improperly cooked food, suspicious sounds, and trouble with controls often mean it’s time for a replacement.

Microwaves can be repaired, but the cost is often not worth it. When in doubt, a new microwave is generally a better deal, with prices averaging around $100 or less–a steal compared to larger appliances.

Toasters

Toasters and toaster ovens can be important for convenience and easy cooking, particularly for meals that don’t necessitate the time commitment preheating the oven requires. However, like microwaves, these items aren’t meant to last longer than around five years of regular use, either. If you see sparks or smoke, experience uneven cooking, or smell strong metallic scents, it’s time for kitchen updates and potentially a replacement.

Stand Mixers

Stand mixers can make baking fast and simple, but they’re big investments. As such, most people are hesitant to drop cash on a replacement. Little things, like worn gears, may require simple parts repairs that you can do yourself, but bigger problems, like cracked stands, power troubles, or strange smells, usually entail a new unit.

Before jumping the gun, be sure to check the warranty. Some units may come with long-term protection that you can use to minimize or eliminate the cost or a replacement.

How Long Do Spices Last?

Between 1-5 Years

Spices are a staple in any kitchen, but contrary to the habits of standard home cooks, spices don’t last forever. Even though spices are generally dried and intended to be preserved, they do come with an expiration date. Here are a few guidelines for how long spices last:

·         Whole spices should be replaced every four years

·         Ground spices should be replaced every two to three years

·         Herbs should be replaced every one to two years

Spices don’t actually spoil and are unlikely to make you sick, but they do lose flavor and effectiveness, compromising the food you cook.

Common cooking oils, like olive oil or canola oil, should be replaced every one to two years. In theory, white kosher and sea salt will last indefinitely, but table salt should be replaced every five years.

When to Throw Away Non-Stick Pans

Replace Every 5 Years

Pots and pans, particularly non-stick varieties, do need to be a part of your regularly scheduled kitchen updates. Based on the chemicals used to manufacture the non-stick surface, non-stick pots and pans shouldn’t be used for more than five years. If there are any scratches or the surface begins to peel, replacement should be expedited.

A great kitchen has a lot to offer your quality of life and your diet, but maintaining functionality means proper replacements. From broken appliances to outdated counter tops, it’s up to you to keep your kitchen in perfect working order.

Refrigerator Buying Guide: Pros and Cons of French Door Refrigerators

Maybe you’ve had our team of appliance repair experts at Appliance Rescue Service out to the house to assess your broken refrigerator.

Maybe you’re buying a new home and your old refrigerator just doesn’t fit in the new home.

Or maybe you’re just in the market for a newer model.

Whatever the reason, buying a new refrigerator can be daunting! French door refrigerators are one of the most popular refrigerator styles these days, but they aren’t for everyone. Here are the pros and cons of the French door refrigerator to help you decide what’s right for you:

PROS

Ease-of-Use:

French door refrigerators are a big draw because everything you need in your refrigerator is easily accessible at all times. No need to bend down and look for things in the back of the fridge. Freezers get a lot less use on a day-to-day basis so it’s just common sense to put it on the bottom.

Spacious:

French door refrigerators provide more room for storing large baking dishes, platters, etc. – particularly those that need more width than a side-by-side refrigerator or a traditional freezer-up model.

Aesthetics:

Because French door refrigerators don’t need the same range-of-motion as a traditional refrigerator, you can often find more compact models to fit tight spaces. There are also considered very stylish, with many stainless finishes available.

CONS

Large Objects in Freezer:

If you store large turkeys or meats in your freezers, they could be cumbersome to lift out of a bottom freezer.

Clutter:

Some models have drawers or shelves within the bottom freezer; some do not. Without some way to separate out where food is stored, it can be difficult to find what you need, when you need it.

Cost:

 French door refrigerators are more expensive that more traditional styles. Also, opening and closing two doors can let more air out than a normal refrigerator, which can lead the refrigerator to work harder, thus costing you in refrigerator repairs, longevity, or energy bills.

And as always, if you begin having issues with your French door refrigerator, do not hesitate to call Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas! We do French door refrigerator repairs daily!

Do I Fix or Replace My Broken Appliance?

It always seems that appliances go on the fritz at the worst possible time – in the middle of a laundry load, when company is about to show up, when you’re about to go out of town for vacation, etc.

Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas knows a thing or two about Dallas appliance repair, and we often get the question – should I fix my appliance, or replace it? Here are a few guidelines from the Dallas appliance repair experts to help you make an educated decision:

1.  How Long Have You Had the Appliance?

Appliances are built to last, and while they may seem more repair-prone today than in years past, it’s only because today’s appliances have more technology built in – and that extra technology can have glitches. Below is a list of the average lifespan of today’s appliances, to give you an idea as to where your appliance is in it’s lifespan:

·     Refrigerator: 10-13 years

·     Range: 15 years

·     Microwave: 9 years

·     Dishwasher: 10-12 years

·     Washer: 10-13 years

·     Dryer: 10-13 years

If it’s newer; it pays to repair it. If it’s close to 10 years old, you may consider a replacement.

2.  How Much Will it Cost to Replace?

At Appliance Rescue Service, our service call fee is $59.95, and then our appliance technician will provide you with an estimate for the cost of the appliance repair. Chances are, the repair will end up costing at least $100, and then the price can increase from there given the repair needed. A good rule of thumb: If your appliance is worth less than $200, it’s time to replace it vs. fix it. If your appliance repair estimate is at least half the purchase price of a new one, you may want to weigh the value of a new one vs. the current appliance repair.

If you ever need Dallas appliance repair, Appliance Rescue Service is happy to give you a no hassle service call and will discuss your repair options with you at the time of service. 

Should I Repair or Replace My Broken Appliance?

When your appliance – whether it’s a dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, microwave, washing machine, etc. – has an issue, it is often difficult to know whether you should repair or replace the appliance. Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas has some tips for when to repair and when to buy new:

Consider the Life of your Appliance

No matter what appliance you buy, at some point, they all become obsolete. When you need an appliance repair in Dallas, first consider the average lifespan of the particular appliance according to the National Association of Home Builders:

· Refrigerators: 13 years

· Kitchen Range/Oven: 15 years

· Dishwashers: 9 years

· Washing Machines: 10 years

·Dryers: 13 years

· Freezer: 11 years

Think about the Cost Savings

Appliances are expensive, and replacing one can easily cost a few thousands dollars. On the flip side, if you choose to do an appliance repair in Dallas, then you will likely spend 20-30% of the cost of the a new one. That is significant savings!

Troubleshoot other Issues

If your appliance has always worked well, then the issue may not actually be your appliance itself. Look to other sources like a tripped circuit breaker, bad outlet, or an electrical short. An experienced appliance repairman, like Appliance Rescue Service, can easily diagnosis the issue.

Warranty = Free Repairs

How old is your appliance? If it is still covered under warranty by the manufacturer, then it would definitely make more sense to go ahead and fix your current appliance vs. buying a new one.

If you are having an appliance issue in Dallas and need some expert advice on whether to repair or replace, call our team at Appliance Rescue Service. We proudly serve the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, providing quick and no-nonsense estimates on all types of appliance repairs. We strive to create repeat customers each time, providing the best appliance repair in Dallas.