Life expectancy vs Energy Rating

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

I read somewhere that in addition to or replacement of Energy Rating on appliances they could be a Life Expectancy Rating based on type of use.

For example- # loads of regular wash loads a week, this washer will last # years.

This would allow consumers to compare cost per use.

I know the lobbyists for the manufactures were having a fit but perhaps we need more consumer lobbyists?!?

Has anyone seen a petition somewhere out there?

Did anyone else see or hear this?

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

When I read the title I thought this was about people LOL

In that case I'm about done.

faeriemoon · ‎03-14-2010

@Scooby Doo wrote:
When I read the title I thought this was about people LOL
In that case I'm about done.

I thought the same thing!!! I was almost afraid to open the thread!!

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

I think that's a great idea. And, yes, who lobbies on behalf of the consumer? Whoever it is, I'm sure they don't line politicians' pockets like manufacturers do.

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

Speed Queen has a calculator on its website that determines how long the washer will last based on number of loads of laundry per week.

Of course, the number of loads vary, but I tried it at 6 a week. The calculator determined that model would last 20 years.

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

@ValuSkr wrote:
I think that's a great idea. And, yes, who lobbies on behalf of the consumer? Whoever it is, I'm sure they don't line politicians' pockets like manufacturers do.

Good point! There's the $$$$$ aspect to consider

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

@Foxxee

Good to know!

Now wouldn't be nice if ALL manufacturers did this? Then you could truly cost compare.

AND it would motivate manufacturers to make appliances that last longer than 4-8 yrs.

wildcat fan · ‎03-23-2010

I like the idea of "life expectancy" labels, but I'd want them to be accurate. I had a Coach handbag strap break after a couple of years and was told that their "lifetime warranty" is about 1 to 3 years on a handbag and about 1 year for a strap. Seems there are other "lifetime" warranties out there that mean "life of product" which is much less than what I thought the lifetime would be. Televisions don't seem to have the life expectancy that they used to have.

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

@wildcat fan

This is a good example of why life expectancy should be stated.

If a consumer expects a TV to last 10 yrs and manufacturers plan for 4-6 yrs consumers are disappointed.

People can plan and budget better if they have a better understanding of the Life Expectancy of a product.

I understand the life expectancy of an appliance before I buy so I do not consider is a MAJOR purchase anymore just a routine purchase. I never wait for an appliance to breakdown. I start shopping ahead of time so I can get the best deal.

When shopping for a new Dishwasher recently I walked into an appliance store and told the manager when he gets a scratch or dent deal on one of these 2 dishwashers in this color call me. 3 weeks later they called me they got a 'refused delivery' due to the wrong color. It was the right color for me. 55% discount they wanted it off the floor I bought it over the phone. I got exactly what I wanted for less than I planned to spend. But it is all about the timing.

sissel · ‎08-13-2010

I wonder if it is about the size of your family & little kids and be hard on fridge doors or some family wash everyday. We are retired so no little ones running around but if an appliance breaks after 10yrs old we just replace it. I feel at 10yrs may not be worth the repair.