Refrigerator Failing Again

[HTSS_TR]

My frig went south after about 10 years of service, my front-load washer died after 11 years, but the dryer is still ticking.

I paid about $600-700 for the washer, in the 11 years I washed more than 1200 loads so the cost per load is only 50 cents (plus water, electricity and detergent).

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Billy007
The quality is not there. Once you add up the service call fee and the price of the part, sometimes it makes sense to buy a new appliance. Nowadays, you are lucky if you get 10 years out of an appliance. My dehumidifier lasted one season.


For $157, the repair was 1/10th the cost of a new refrigerator. I figure that is still within the range of "worth it".

But third time's a charm, so Im figuring that if we fail a part again, then it's the end.

 

[brianl703]

I'd figure out a way to rig a thermostat from a commercial fridge. They're around $40.

 

[Silver_civic]

I cant complain about the quality of the old, and very heavy Westinghouse 1950 or so year I have at my camp up north. Never had a problem with it. I cleaned the condenser off and cleaned it out entirely and still works great. That and have a 71 or so Hotpoint upright freezer there for meat storage purposes, works great, just thaw it out around Sept and good to go for while. My dad still has his original 74' year Hotpoint fridge he put in after he built his house back then.

 

[brianl703]

All those have mechanical thermostats, not a $140 board loaded with cheap components and a bad solder job.

 

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
All those have mechanical thermostats, not a $140 board loaded with cheap components and a bad solder job.

+1
I've fixed more bad solder joints and replaced more defective electrolytic capacitors in the last decade than ever before. What junk.....

 

[urchin]

YOu know there is DEFINITELY a market for OLD SCHOOL household appliances that are basic, but good quality and tend to rely a lot less on electronicsif at all.

People would definitely buy them it they were a good value!

Who is going to step up, and why hasn't some company already done this?

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: urchin
YOu know there is DEFINITELY a market for OLD SCHOOL household appliances that are basic, but good quality and tend to rely a lot less on electronicsif at all.

People would definitely buy them it they were a good value!

Who is going to step up, and why hasn't some company already done this?


EPA and Energy Star wont let you because their specific electrical consumption is much higher...

Still agree that there should be a way...

 

[Cressida]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: urchin
YOu know there is DEFINITELY a market for OLD SCHOOL household appliances that are basic, but good quality and tend to rely a lot less on electronicsif at all.

People would definitely buy them it they were a good value!

Who is going to step up, and why hasn't some company already done this?


EPA and Energy Star wont let you because their specific electrical consumption is much higher...

Still agree that there should be a way...



That is what they want us to think but I just don't buy it.

Let's compare a GE fridge of today vs. 25-30 years ago. I have used my amp meter on them and when they are running they both draw similar amps.

What consumes electricity in these boxes and what is different to make the new ones more efficent - virtually nothing?

1. They both have a light bulb to light the inside when the door is open.

2. They both have two electric fans. One for the evaporator, usually up high in the box, and another down at the bottom to draw air over the condensing coil and help cool the compressor. These fans are almost the same in their power use when running.

3. They both have a defrost element that comes on once or twice each day to defrost. Nothing new here.

4. They both have a compressor (pump) which has changed some (they cheapened it so it will not last!) but not that much.

So where is all that savings in electricity coming from when nothing really much has changed in the parts??

OK, they do use foam insulation that does a bit better than the old fiberglass but extra insulation provides diminished returns so it is still marginal at best.

 

[Vikas]

Most of the newer appliances use just too much electronics. The electronics itself is NOT designed with any kind of failure analysis. On the contrary, I would not be surprised if it is designed to fail after the warranty is over By failure analysis, I mean how a failure on a single part can cascade to the entire board or even to the entire system and permanently crippling it. For example, a failure on a door lock motor would blow a power transistor on a circuit board on Maytag washers. The replacement board costs more than the washer would be worth. Often, the electronics are not potted well and will fail in the expected harsh environment of say your washer or dish washer.

- Vikas