A dishwasher is expensive, and it’s one appliance that is not entirely necessary in the kitchen. Therefore, homeowners have a tendency to wait as long as possible when it comes to buying a new dishwasher.
Most dishwashers are meant to last only about a decade. But like other malfunctioning home appliances, a broken dishwasher can do damage beyond the cost of repair or replacement. The amount of damage caused by water coming from a malfunctioning dishwasher can be both inconvenient and expensive. Save yourself money by replacing your dishwasher before it’s too late.
How Do I Know When It’s Time for a New Dishwasher?
There are a few signs that your dishwasher needs to be replaced altogether. Most of the time the unit either just stops working, or the inside trays and racks are rusting or falling apart after years of use. Be on the lookout for unheated water, poor drainage issues, cracking on the inside shell, a damaged latch, or rust on the inside and around the edges. These are just a few of the signs that point to buying a new dishwasher.
Is It Worth It to Repair the Dishwasher, or Is It Best to Just Buy a New One?
Most people have dishwashers that cost from $400-$600 when purchased new. If your unit is out of warranty, it may not be worth the cost of a repair bill, and the money would be better spent on a new unit. However, if the unit is under warranty or costs more than $1,000 to purchase new, then it might be worth a $100 service call to find out what’s wrong with it before making the decision to buy a new one.
One big advantage of buying a new dishwasher is that newer models are quiet, while older ones can be very loud. Newer dishwashers also clean much more effectively than older ones and have better insulation, preventing heat and steam from escaping into the kitchen.
How Much Should I Pay for a New Dishwasher? Is the More Expensive Dishwasher Always the Better One?
Stay away from the lowest-priced units, which can range anywhere from $250-$400. In addition to not having many features, a lot of times they just don’t clean well. The mid-priced units tend to be the best value and range in price from $400-$700. They have popular features and clean well. The high-end units will have special features and are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Will a New Dishwasher Save on Energy and Money?
Many times, a newer dishwasher will save on water usage and have motors and pumps that use less electricity. All dishwashers and detergents have a tough time battling hard water, so having a water softener is the best way to eliminate hard water spots and stains on dishes. If it is time to replace your dishwasher, find an Energy Star model. The rating indicates that the appliance has passed a number of tests for energy efficiency.