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Before you buy anything, think about what it's going to be used for. Follow some of these tips to save money. |
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Before you buy anything, think about what it's going to be used for. Follow some of these tips to save money. |
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An Ounce of Prevention We live in a disposable society and at times it does seem much easier to throw away a $50 appliance rather than hassle with care and maintenance, warranties and do-it-yourself repairs. But if you tried adding up all the purchases of these little "disposable" appliances, I'll bet you'd be surprise how much of a dent these little purchases have put in your budget. What's more, these unplanned expenses could be avoided by buying quality products (yes, I know they cost a little more) and taking the few necessary maintenance steps to ensure lasting usage. Most small appliances today are not made to last longer than 10 years, so its important to base your buying decision on quality. I'm the first to admit I love low prices but not when it means that next year I'll be buying another hair dryer. Research the various brands beforehand to determine their breakdown rate. Consumer Reports can help you with this. Get opinions from your network of friends, relatives and co-workers about the brand they use and their experiences with the appliance. Some small appliances come with an array of features that add to the price of the unit. Determine exactly what task you want the appliance to perform keeping in mind the ease of use and buy accordingly. (Don't buy more than you have a need for). Some appliances (i.e., air conditioners, microwaves and toaster ovens) have an energy efficiency rating (EER). So select a product with a higher EER since that indicates efficiency and save dollars on your energy bill. Set a reasonable price range and shop for a brand that incorporates quality and the features that best meet our needs. The usage and care instructions that come with each small appliance are the keys to achieving the life expectancy of the product. Here are a few overlooked small appliance maintenance measures: Electric shaver: These should be cleaned and oiled each year. The motor may need adjustment or foils and cutters may need replacement. Steam irons: These should be serviced on a yearly basis by a technician and for a cleaning of the sole plate. Portable hair dryers: Dust and hair clog up the dryer filters. Obstructed filters could cause overheating and frequent replacement. Occasional cleanings will easily solve this little problem. Registering your appliance by completing and returning the warranty card will protect you in the event your appliance breaks down within the warranty period. Don't have time for that, then simple save your receipt as proof of purchase, since most manufactures will honor the purchase date if a replacement is needed. Small appliances aren't always worth repairing. Always find out what it would cost to buy the appliance new before taking it to be repaired and always ask for an estimate before the work is done. If the repair price is high and you plan to keep the appliance, ask for a 90-day written guarantee on the labor rather than the usual 30 days.
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