Is It Better to Replace or Repair an Old Appliance?

Posted on May 15, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. by Jill.

Is it really better to replace a perfectly-working, older model appliance with one that is more energy efficient? You read this all the time in those lists of steps to save the earth: "Replace your old refrigerator/washing machine/dishwasher with an Energy Star model." (Energy Star is a government program that rates appliances; ones that use 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by federal standards are awarded the Energy Star. http://www.energystar.gov.)

I’ve had a hard time wrapping my mind around this. It offends my sense of thrift. And it seems to me that all the energy and fossil fuels that go into manufacturing and transporting an appliance, the fuel that’s used to light and heat the store where it’s sold, the fuel I would use driving around to shop for the appliance and having it delivered, and the fuel used to remove the old one must add up to a significant carbon footprint.

Laurene and I have debated about this for sometime, and will definitely do a podcast on this topic. But in the meantime, here’s some definitive info: According to an EPA spokesperson quoted in Alina Tugend’s May 10, 2008 article in the New York Times, any appliance over 15 years old is better off being replaced. The energy savings are that substantial. If it’s not 15 years old, hang on to it until it really quits working.

Tugend also points out that getting rid of an old appliance is not so terrible for the environment as you might think. Eighty percent of the machine parts are generally reusable or recyclable. (Metal Management at 1509 W. Cortland is one place in Chicago that will take it—there are others, and there are guys who will pick it up for you for free. If you've had good luck with someone, post it here.)

If you’re wondering about your ancient clothes dryer, don’t. They’re big energy consumers, and contemporary technology has done little to make them less so. So the model you have now is no worse than what you’re likely to buy.

I will say that when I bought my window unit AC, I went on the Energy Star web site; calculated the proper size I needed using their calculator; reviewed the list of models; searched for a store in Chicago that had the right size, right-priced model; and then ordered it to be delivered, all without leaving my home. It was a time saver and an energy saver. And this was seven years ago; I imagine the process is even easier now.