topic Re: Interesting observation in Home

Interesting observation

Abrowneyegirl — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:46:17 GMT

We live in a neighborhood that all the homes are almost all about 7-8 years old. We have a neighborhood list serve where people chat.

I have noticed that at least one a month now someone is asking for a repairman recommendation for their washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, etc that is breaking down or not working. Many reply that theirs also broke and for what they paid to 'repair' theirs just buy a new one.

They say new appliances are built to last 8 years. We are right on track!

FYI -the appliance packages offered were Frigidaire, Maytag Gold, or Whirlpool Gold.

Re: Interesting observation

Peaches McPhee — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:48:51 GMT

You are 100% on target. For those of us who grew up with appliances in our homes that lasted over 40 years, this new generation of throw-away appliances is quite a shock.

Re: Interesting observation

PINKdogWOOD — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:05:04 GMT

@Peaches McPhee Boy Ms Peaches, you nailed it - a throw away society these days as if we all have money trees in the back yard to pluck off yet another $2000-$4000 for brand new appliances that last 8 or so years.

We older folks (me for sure in my early 60s) very well recall our parents' and grandparents' appliances that were, I said WERE make of real steel and last all those 30-40+ years. They rarely had to replace any appliance in their lifetime.

It certainly isn't that way today yet price points for these must have items cost thousands of dollars more than the parents/gparents ever paid. We call in the repairmen for appliances we have in today's world, 2nd thing they ask us is how old whatever is. Then they tell us 8-9 years and we struck it rich the darn stove, refridge, washer/dryer lasted that long.

It absoluetly kills to hear that - the 5yr warranty just ends and the appliance breaks down at 5.5 years. Try to get it fixed and yeah, you may as well buy new because it'll cost $200-300 to get it fixed.

I will NEVER invest thousands buying appliances again. It's a scratch & dent store I'll be checking out for the next fridge & range I get. We were so proud to be replacing that goldtone or coppertone gparents' appliances we inherited when we moved into our home but after the 5-6 yr mark, temp control in the fridge doesn't work properly and the range top looks like c*ap!!!! I don't like either one them anymore.

Yeah, truly a very sad throw away world nowadays.

Re: Interesting observation

goldensrbest — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:12:10 GMT

I have been told by 3 different repair men,from different companies for years now, that since our appliances are not made with u s a steel,and made in usa,that this is true,average is 8 years.

Re: Interesting observation

151949 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:10:36 GMT

The homes in our plan are 6 years old. We are experiencing the same thing. All of a sudden. The homes here builtr at that time - 6 years ago - had a promotion that all appliances were free. They were builder grade GE appliances. My washer just died and wasn't repairable so we had to buy a new one. My neighbors fridge - same story. Some others have had repairs.

Re: Interesting observation

Mominohio — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:49:13 GMT

@Peaches McPhee wrote:
You are 100% on target. For those of us who grew up with appliances in our homes that lasted over 40 years, this new generation of throw-away appliances is quite a shock.

A shock and a shame!

I easily remember appliances that went a minimum of 25 years, most in the 40 (or more!) range.

My solution is to buy good used when I can find it. Estate auctions are a good place to find older appliances that were gently used. Especially for washers and dryers, you can't beat the quality for the usually small price paid at an estate auction.

Re: Interesting observation

Mj12 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:51:44 GMT

I don't ever remember appliances lasting 20 years or more. I remember my parents calling repairmen for the dishwasher, or washing machine; having to replace the hot water heater or whatever.

Re: Interesting observation

ceekay — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:58:13 GMT

My current appliances are vintage - washer new in 1983, dishwasher new in 1989 and gas stove new in 1993. My 1989 fridge died last year. Hope my oldies last awhile longer too! I am with @PINKdogWOOD, scratch and dent or low end for anything new. Why pay for quality when quality is no longer built in??

Re: Interesting observation

jlkz — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:59:17 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@Peaches McPhee wrote:
You are 100% on target. For those of us who grew up with appliances in our homes that lasted over 40 years, this new generation of throw-away appliances is quite a shock.
A shock and a shame!

I easily remember appliances that went a minimum of 25 years, most in the 40 (or more!) range.

My solution is to buy good used when I can find it. Estate auctions are a good place to find older appliances that were gently used. Especially for washers and dryers, you can't beat the quality for the usually small price paid at an estate auction.

@PINKdogWOOD

When we bought our home in the early 70's, the Kelvinator there refrigerator worked: after 50 years it still worked and we sold it to someone with a rental property. It probably is still running !!!

The SubZero that we bought when we redid the kitchen has been nothing but a consistent, costly headache. Never again ( I do know a number of folks who swear BY and not AT their SubZero ). DH has rigged something up with the bottom-mount freezer to keep it serviceable until.....

Yes, they don't make them like they used to. Hope I don't sound like my parents, lol.

Re: Interesting observation

151949 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 17:21:11 GMT

What is most depressing here is the appliances are only 6 years old AND for the most part are only in use for half the year or less as about 90% of the people who live here are snowbirds.

Re: Interesting observation

Snicks1 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:25:45 GMT

And, the landfills continue to fill up.

Re: Interesting observation

I like celery — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 19:17:37 GMT

( @Mj12 You won't understand this, but something you did made me feel "good." Thanks very much. )

Re: Interesting observation

Mj12 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 19:44:57 GMT

@I like celery I understand it. : )

Re: Interesting observation

Kachina624 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 22:18:27 GMT

My "builders grade" GE dishwasher was installed when my house was built in 1984. It's the best dishwasher I've ever owned and I've had Maytags and Kitchenaides. It's still going strong. My Kitchenaide washing machine is 20 years old and never had a service call. (Knocking on wood)

Re: Interesting observation

ANewHue — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 23:44:05 GMT

The Kenmore fridge in our basement is 26 years old. My one year old upstairs has had to be repaired already! Of course after the warranty was up, cost $265 to fix, If it goes again I am not going through the expense of repair we'll just have to get a new one.

Re: Interesting observation

GCR18 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 23:58:54 GMT

My house is 11 years old. My kitchen appliances are going strong. I had a service call for the freezer door handle and dishwasher latch, but they were under warranty. My neighbor has the same brand and models. She had to replace her refrigerator and microwave about four years ago.

Re: Interesting observation

KALLIE — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:42:10 GMT

MOST builder grade appliance brands are JUNK.

Re: Interesting observation

NiteShade — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 02:31:48 GMT

The oven I am currently using is a Gaffers Sattler. A double oven from the late 50s or 60s. It is a well made monster of a stove/oven combo.

Currently, I beleive most things are made with 'planned obsolescence" . Limited life spans. Companies won't make money if their items last decades.

Re: Interesting observation

151949 — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 02:31:53 GMT

Knocking on wood - All the rest of my appliances are still operating perfectly.

Re: Interesting observation

Isobel Archer — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 06:50:16 GMT

My washer and dryer (used) came with the house 20 years ago - never a problem with either.

We remodeled the kitchen and bought all new appliances - refrigerator and microwave - again never a problem.

We did have to replace the dishwasher - about 8 years ago - uh oh.

The oven is having problems, but it is still working. It's electric and when I turn it on - it turns itself off. I have to turn it on again several times and eventually it works. Once it comes to temperature, it's fine.