On average most people keep their appliances for 10 to 20 years, depending on the kind of appliances and how frequently they use them. Typically, you will use kitchen appliances for an average of 15 years before needing to change them. You can get appliances via discounts and coupons on various websites (this site might help). However, in the utility room, the washing machine and tumble dryer very rarely last longer than 10 years.
Other electronic gadgets such as a landline telephone can last several decades as they are less commonly used in households.
But the bottom line is that every appliance and electronic item in your home is likely to stop working once it’s past its prime. So what happens when your beloved appliances suddenly break? As tempting as it can be to throw it away, you need to be careful about it. Our household appliances can have a long-lasting impact on the environment, and that’s why you need to handle the situation smartly.
You can dispose of them
When an old appliance breaks down, it is often cheaper to buy something new than to have it repaired. Indeed, your over 10-year-old fridge, for instance, would be outdated compared to newer models. While you could have it fixed by a specialist, it makes no doubt that the latest models are more likely to be more robust and energy-efficient. Therefore, the smartest thing to do is often to get rid of ancient appliances that do not meet modern standards. You can get in touch with professional skip services, such as Norstar, to pick up your metal appliances for safe removal. This will ensure that you don’t hurt yourself while removing large items. Additionally, scrap and recycling centers are best suited to provide environmentally-friendly disposal of non-biodegradable materials. Indeed, the last thing you want is your appliances to end in a landfill.
You can get them fixed
While it is cheaper to get rid of some appliances when they break, sometimes it makes sense to have them repaired. Typically, you should repair appliances that:
- Are under 10 years
- Are still under warranty
- didn’t break from old age (as further damages are likely to arise)
- didn’t suffer expensive damages
- are serviced and maintained regularly
For instance, getting your heater serviced every year can prevent costly damages in the long term. It can also ensure that small faults can be spotted early before they affect your system irreversibly. It’s always worth asking your repair contractor about their opinion, aka whether they would repair or replace in case of doubt.
They can be upcycled
As unbelievable as it might seem, there is more to your appliances than meets the eye. For instance, old and large appliances, such as an old refrigerator, could become a quirky and funky new furniture unit. Admittedly, upcycling projects are not for everyone. They require skills, specialist tools, and an understanding of furniture structure. However, creative and talented individuals can inject a new life into an old device. Take a look at the work of designer Adrian Johnson with old fridges. His fridgecouch creations are elegant, stylish, and practical, making the most of every element in the fridge.
But you can also use a fridge as a storage unit with a door, keeping all your files out of sight inside your home office.
There are many ways to repurpose former appliances as long as you are confident in y our skills (or know someone who is in theirs).
Unique furniture can be a fantastic idea in rental properties, as they save you costs and can attract Instagram likes!
Use it for parts
Just because one thing is broken, it doesn’t mean your entire appliance is worthless. For instance, you can reach out to repair companies to offer replacement parts.
Outdated appliances, such as an old stove that’s been in your family for generations, can prove highly valuable for collectors. Indeed, they can use your parts to maintain or repair their units.
You can also sell non-specialist parts online, such as finding buyers for your fridge door on eBay.
Sell them to specialist industries
Did you know that entertainment and attraction businesses can transform your appliances into something completely unexpected? Escape rooms, for example, like to add unique puzzles inside of everyday items. It’s not uncommon for these industries to hide a safe compartment inside an oven, for instance, which can be opened once you reproduce a code via the temperature setting buttons. Or they can turn your washing machine inside a secret door to enter a hidden room. Imagination sets the rules, so your old appliances could become the main heroes of an adventure room!
Not everything that breaks should be thrown away. On the contrary, your appliances can be carefully recycled in parts, repurposed, or even repaired. Whether it’s a fridge, an oven, or a tumble dryer, don’t hesitate to think outside the box!