Refrigerators are major investments that you will live with for many years to come, so it is wise to give some careful thought before making your purchase decision.
One common misstep people make when installing their fridges is failing to take accurate measurements of their intended location, including doors, hallways and stairs it must pass through. And there are so many other mistakes you could make when you buy a refrigerator. This is why it is so important to always consider every single one of the factors highlighted below. Also, you might want to learn what is the best brand refrigerators so you can instantly go for the best.
Size
As you shop for refrigerators, it is essential that you consider both the size of your family and how much food will need to be stored inside it. Refrigerators come with capacities ranging from 150 litres up to 800 litres; you should measure these dimensions along with any doorways, hallways or stairways it needs to pass through as well as at least an inch clearance around all sides and back for easier cleaning and adequate airflow if possible; this is especially crucial when looking at French or double doors which open either way.
Style
Few home appliances receive as much use as refrigerators, so selecting the style that meets your needs is essential. Aside from making sure it fits into your space perfectly and complementing its aesthetics as part of home decor. Counter-depth refrigerators feature an attractive look since they fit flush against your kitchen countertops and cabinets, while drawers, solid or glass doors, with or without freezer space and even specialty types like wine fridges or kegerators can add a distinct style. Energy efficient models may help lower utility costs in the long run; American Home Shield offers comprehensive home warranties to cover whatever model of fridge is chosen by its clients over time.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are one of the main energy drains in any home, even if they do add home comfort. Therefore, purchasing an efficient model will significantly lower electricity bills. Energy-saving fridges also come equipped with indicators on their labels to show their annual energy usage amount in kWh/year, making comparison simpler between models.
Manufacturers and energy conservation experts are continually searching for ways to develop refrigerators that use less power while still meeting buyer demand. Strategies include adding insulation, using new compressor technologies, reducing air leakage around doors and employing LED lighting instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. Furthermore, refrigerants used can impact efficiency – for instance, GE refrigerators utilize inverter compressors that adjust speed depending on cooling demands – providing optimal energy usage.
Steps you can take to increase the efficiency of a refrigerator include regular maintenance and positioning it away from heat sources. Furthermore, keeping coils free from debris such as lint or pet hair will prevent overworking from your fridge and reduce energy savings by purchasing an ENERGY STAR-certified fridge; many utility companies provide rebates that offset upfront costs while offering long-term cost-cutting savings on your electric bill.
Warranty
Refrigerator warranties typically provide coverage for repairs or replacements, with terms depending on your manufacturer, retailer or home warranty provider. It’s essential that before making large purchases like refrigerators it’s read the fine print carefully as terms can differ widely depending on which provider offers coverage.
Most appliance manufacturers provide basic refrigerator warranties with parts and labour coverage of one year. Some also offer extended warranties to extend this coverage over more years; LG provides such an extension which covers compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, heat exchanger, refrigerant tubing as well as tubing connections; other manufacturers like GE or Whirlpool also have extended plans of up to five additional years available.
Credit card companies sometimes provide extended protection on major appliance purchases, including refrigerators. These plans typically offer free protection that covers repairs or replacement costs and frequently include food loss reimbursement as an added benefit.
Many homeowners opt to purchase a home warranty plan to safeguard their investment and minimize repair costs. Companies like 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) offer refrigerator warranties that provide unlimited repairs as well as food loss compensation up to $500 – prices of these plans depend upon which plan is chosen; some charge monthly premiums while others have flat fees per claim.
