In today’s economy, newer homes tend to be well out of the budget of most average
homeowners. As a result, many people are turning to invest in older homes that are more
affordable for their budgets and their lifestyles. Fortunately, there is no shortage of older homes
on the market. If you are one of these individuals, it’s a great idea to look into updating the five
appliances below to help with energy savings for your “new” old home.
Washer
Newer washers offer more energy-efficient operation and use less water to get your clothes
clean and washed. Most modern washers will have a larger load capacity, a variety of cycle
options, near-silent operation, smart functions that can connect to apps and time their wash
cycles, and even last much longer than models that are just 10 years old. Many companies also
offer affordable warranties on their appliances so you won’t have to worry about costly repairs or
replacements, and only charge a monthly or yearly fee.
While you’re at it, definitely consider upgrading your dryer as well. Washers and dryers are
typically sold in pairs, so it would be wise to acquire a new washer and dryer simultaneously, to
avoid one breaking down while the other still works.
Stove
One key appliance that you should always consider upgrading in an older home is the stove.
Most homeowners rely on their stoves each and every day to prepare meals. Older stoves tend
to use a lot more energy and can pose a significant fire hazard if they’re not properly cleaned,
maintained, and tuned over their lifetime. Upgrading your existing stove with a new one will help
you to reduce your energy bills and provide you with some great features, like a flat top, self-
cleaning, and even a built-in air fryer in some models.
Modern stoves come in electric or gas-powered varieties. Both have their pros and cons, so be
sure to think about which unit would best suit your lifestyle, cooking habits, and needs you
and your family. Be sure to check their maintenance needs as well, so you can adjust your
purchase to suit you.
Water Heater
You might have had it – that bad dream where you had to call for water heater repair in the
middle of a cold winter’s night. If you’re still relying on your old house’s water heater, your dream
may just turn into a reality. Upgrading your water heater now will prevent you from this
nightmarish disaster and reduce your energy bills.
Water heaters come in tanked and tankless varieties. Just as with stoves, they offer owners
different perks and benefits, so are sure to shop around and investigate what would work best for
you, not to mention what would fit into your old home, as water heaters come in a variety of
capacities and sizes.
Dishwasher
Older dishwashers tend to guzzle down water and use up way too much energy while not even
getting your dishes fully cleaned. Oftentimes, it isn’t the soap that isn’t working, it’s the
dishwasher itself. Fortunately, newer dishwashers with Energy Star ratings offer more energy
savings, use less water, and will get your dishes crystal clean in just one run.
Some modern smart dishwashers even offer various cleaning options, from quick rinses to
heavy-duty loads. Always be sure to use your unit as needed, clean any leftover food out of the
bottom, and never put regular dish soap into the dishwasher soap receptacle.
Refrigerator
Older refrigerators tend to be smaller in capacity and don’t offer common conveniences like ice
makers or smart functions. By upgrading your refrigerator, you can get more space, an
integrated freezer, automatic temperature controls, great organization, smart features, Wi-Fi
connectivity, and more energy savings than older models.
Your fridge can do much more for you than store food and keep it at proper temperatures. Some
newer refrigerator models offer at-a-glance views of your fridge without having to open the
appliance itself and can send you push notifications and shopping reminders for grocery day.
When you decide to move into an older home, there are some necessary things that you will
need to upgrade. Appliances tend to be one of the most important upgrades for safety,
efficiency, energy savings, and enhancing your home’s value. By planning to replace the
appliances that we discussed above, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying more energy-
efficient home in no time, so don’t delay and upgrade what you need to.
