Older units were often better insulated. Manufacturers began increasing interior storage capacity by reducing the wall thickness. Then they had to add a heat strip around the door frame to prevent condensation from forming. The "energy saver" switches can turn off the heater if you don't have condensation problems. There are a lot of factors involved in how efficient a refrigerator truly is.
When to replace a refrigerator
- Thread starter ram_man
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When is stops working or cooling to suit you, then replace it.
These "new" ones don't last long and cost more than they are worth!
My $0.02
These "new" ones don't last long and cost more than they are worth!
My $0.02
"Hey everyone we have been considering replacing our refrigerator"
The keyword is 'we'. If the wife wants a new one then by all means start the process.
I have bought 2 fridges this year.
1)My mother- she inherited the home from her mother. 1970s brown General Motors/Frigidaire Still cold- yes. Do its job- yes. did it stink and leak and overall feel like a good fridge- no. My mom worried how long it would last and what if it went out etc. I bought her one for mothers day.. It was a very large Haier from Lowes that i dont think is on the website..i went in to buy a Whirlpool but this one was like $400 and had all the bells and whistles that i wanted for her. So far its been great and my mom loves it.
2)We moved into a large farmhouse that I inherited and it had no fridge..so After a week of reading and reviews and going shopping with the wife we decided on a whirlpool 'dumb' refrigerator for us. No icemaker, no coffee machine, no digital this or that.
The keyword is 'we'. If the wife wants a new one then by all means start the process.
I have bought 2 fridges this year.
1)My mother- she inherited the home from her mother. 1970s brown General Motors/Frigidaire Still cold- yes. Do its job- yes. did it stink and leak and overall feel like a good fridge- no. My mom worried how long it would last and what if it went out etc. I bought her one for mothers day.. It was a very large Haier from Lowes that i dont think is on the website..i went in to buy a Whirlpool but this one was like $400 and had all the bells and whistles that i wanted for her. So far its been great and my mom loves it.
2)We moved into a large farmhouse that I inherited and it had no fridge..so After a week of reading and reviews and going shopping with the wife we decided on a whirlpool 'dumb' refrigerator for us. No icemaker, no coffee machine, no digital this or that.
"...Our 1996 fridge is 6.5 full load amps for a full size side by side. It draws around 2.7 amps. I doubt that the new ones are under 2 amp draw. It probably won't pay for itself to buy a new one.
Assuming a new fridge costs you $800...the difference in cost over a year (8 hrs/day..12 cents/KWA) woulld be 27 years to break even...."
Just comparing peak amperage doesn't tell the whole story. The reduced heat loss from better insulation needs to be taken into account.
Consumer Reports observed the average energy usage for refrigerators built in 1966 to be 1400 kW-hours per year. For $800 you could reduce that consumption to 500 kW-hr/yr. That equates to $120 yearly savings and payback within 7 years -- probably sooner given the rising cost of electricity.
Assuming a new fridge costs you $800...the difference in cost over a year (8 hrs/day..12 cents/KWA) woulld be 27 years to break even...."
Just comparing peak amperage doesn't tell the whole story. The reduced heat loss from better insulation needs to be taken into account.
Consumer Reports observed the average energy usage for refrigerators built in 1966 to be 1400 kW-hours per year. For $800 you could reduce that consumption to 500 kW-hr/yr. That equates to $120 yearly savings and payback within 7 years -- probably sooner given the rising cost of electricity.
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New units cost more than $800 for a decent model.
Originally Posted By: SandCastle
Consumer Reports observed the average energy usage for refrigerators built in 1966 to be 1400 kW-hours per year. For $800 you could reduce that consumption to 500 kW-hr/yr. That equates to $120 yearly savings and payback within 7 years -- probably sooner given the rising cost of electricity.
1966?? You mean 1996.
I am running a 24 your test right now. But I can almost assure you their numbers are wrong.
Consumer Reports observed the average energy usage for refrigerators built in 1966 to be 1400 kW-hours per year. For $800 you could reduce that consumption to 500 kW-hr/yr. That equates to $120 yearly savings and payback within 7 years -- probably sooner given the rising cost of electricity.
1966?? You mean 1996.
I am running a 24 your test right now. But I can almost assure you their numbers are wrong.
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JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Replacing it for power savings alone would be ridiculous. Like said, the electronics and mechanicals are getting flimsier and more throw-away every year.
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I don't replace stuff like that till it flat out dies.
Originally Posted By: itguy08
IndyIan said:
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Originally Posted By: krismoriah72
"Hey everyone we have been considering replacing our refrigerator"
The keyword is 'we'. If the wife wants a new one then by all means start the process.
I have bought 2 fridges this year.
1)My mother- she inherited the home from her mother. 1970s brown General Motors/Frigidaire Still cold- yes. Do its job- yes. did it stink and leak and overall feel like a good fridge- no. My mom worried how long it would last and what if it went out etc. I bought her one for mothers day.. It was a very large Haier from Lowes that i dont think is on the website..i went in to buy a Whirlpool but this one was like $400 and had all the bells and whistles that i wanted for her. So far its been great and my mom loves it.
2)We moved into a large farmhouse that I inherited and it had no fridge..so After a week of reading and reviews and going shopping with the wife we decided on a whirlpool 'dumb' refrigerator for us. No icemaker, no coffee machine, no digital this or that.
Man I would've kept that GM Fridgidaire for myself! Those things will last forever it seems.
"Hey everyone we have been considering replacing our refrigerator"
The keyword is 'we'. If the wife wants a new one then by all means start the process.
I have bought 2 fridges this year.
1)My mother- she inherited the home from her mother. 1970s brown General Motors/Frigidaire Still cold- yes. Do its job- yes. did it stink and leak and overall feel like a good fridge- no. My mom worried how long it would last and what if it went out etc. I bought her one for mothers day.. It was a very large Haier from Lowes that i dont think is on the website..i went in to buy a Whirlpool but this one was like $400 and had all the bells and whistles that i wanted for her. So far its been great and my mom loves it.
2)We moved into a large farmhouse that I inherited and it had no fridge..so After a week of reading and reviews and going shopping with the wife we decided on a whirlpool 'dumb' refrigerator for us. No icemaker, no coffee machine, no digital this or that.
Man I would've kept that GM Fridgidaire for myself! Those things will last forever it seems.
Originally Posted By: Al
Originally Posted By: SandCastle
Consumer Reports observed the average energy usage for refrigerators built in 1966 to be 1400 kW-hours per year. For $800 you could reduce that consumption to 500 kW-hr/yr. That equates to $120 yearly savings and payback within 7 years -- probably sooner given the rising cost of electricity.
1966?? You mean 1996.
I am running a 24 your test right now. But I can almost assure you their numbers are wrong.
Al - The units are tested with doors closed in a 90deg.F room for 24 hours. Something to consider in your test.
I'm guessing the anti-sweat heater switch can easily be designed to turn off at that temperature (on a "better model"), which would show better efficiency than in the real world.
Originally Posted By: SandCastle
Consumer Reports observed the average energy usage for refrigerators built in 1966 to be 1400 kW-hours per year. For $800 you could reduce that consumption to 500 kW-hr/yr. That equates to $120 yearly savings and payback within 7 years -- probably sooner given the rising cost of electricity.
1966?? You mean 1996.
I am running a 24 your test right now. But I can almost assure you their numbers are wrong.
Al - The units are tested with doors closed in a 90deg.F room for 24 hours. Something to consider in your test.
I'm guessing the anti-sweat heater switch can easily be designed to turn off at that temperature (on a "better model"), which would show better efficiency than in the real world.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Lapham3
We have the old 1949 Kelvinator still chugging away in the garage keeping the pop/beer nice and cold, but I spose we should get rid of it....NOT!
Put a kill-a-watt on it and see... That fridge could be costing you $5k per decade more than buying a newer fridge each decade.
The GF has what looks like a vintage 1950's that does still works in the house she just inherited. You have inspired my to bring my Kill-A-Watt with me next time just to see how much electricity it uses.
Originally Posted By: Lapham3
We have the old 1949 Kelvinator still chugging away in the garage keeping the pop/beer nice and cold, but I spose we should get rid of it....NOT!
Put a kill-a-watt on it and see... That fridge could be costing you $5k per decade more than buying a newer fridge each decade.
The GF has what looks like a vintage 1950's that does still works in the house she just inherited. You have inspired my to bring my Kill-A-Watt with me next time just to see how much electricity it uses.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
If I did replace it it would be a fairly simple model. I don't need an ice maker or any of that. I like simple , simple is generally more reliable.
Yeah, but if you look online you might be able to find exact OE replacement parts for you refrigerator.
If I did replace it it would be a fairly simple model. I don't need an ice maker or any of that. I like simple , simple is generally more reliable.
Yeah, but if you look online you might be able to find exact OE replacement parts for you refrigerator.
Originally Posted By: Nukeman7
"...I always get them at lowes, you can do a google search for lowes coupon code generator and use a 10% off coupon to bring the price down more."
I have been trying to find a code for Lowes 10% discount online. None of the suggested codes work. Do you have a site that has a reliable code? And yes, I have replaced the "XXX" characters with numerous random numbers as directed without any success. They just keep showing as an invalid code.
It's the first one that comes up. Here it is:
http://renovopower.com/lowes10percent.php
"...I always get them at lowes, you can do a google search for lowes coupon code generator and use a 10% off coupon to bring the price down more."
I have been trying to find a code for Lowes 10% discount online. None of the suggested codes work. Do you have a site that has a reliable code? And yes, I have replaced the "XXX" characters with numerous random numbers as directed without any success. They just keep showing as an invalid code.
It's the first one that comes up. Here it is:
http://renovopower.com/lowes10percent.php
Originally Posted By: JTK
Replacing it for power savings alone would be ridiculous. Like said, the electronics and mechanicals are getting flimsier and more throw-away every year.
Most people on here aren't right with regards to new models failing all the time. They are making the classic blunder that the exception is the rule. Of course the most famous blunder is never get involved in a land war in Asia.
I'm a landlord and I probably buy one or two a year as I have multiple units. On average, they have lasted at least 5-10 years. I've only had one that failed in less than 3 years. I usually get a basic Fridigaire one that's 18.2 cu feet.
Someone else did a calculation earlier and came up with 2k in savings in 10 years with a 12 cent rate. Some areas of the country have low electric rates. Here it's higher almost 20 cents a kilowatt once you factor in all the fees and taxes. At $500 for a new one, pay back is under 2.5 years. All you have to do is pull up the energy star label on the old fridge and look at a new one.
Replacing it for power savings alone would be ridiculous. Like said, the electronics and mechanicals are getting flimsier and more throw-away every year.
Most people on here aren't right with regards to new models failing all the time. They are making the classic blunder that the exception is the rule. Of course the most famous blunder is never get involved in a land war in Asia.
I'm a landlord and I probably buy one or two a year as I have multiple units. On average, they have lasted at least 5-10 years. I've only had one that failed in less than 3 years. I usually get a basic Fridigaire one that's 18.2 cu feet.
Someone else did a calculation earlier and came up with 2k in savings in 10 years with a 12 cent rate. Some areas of the country have low electric rates. Here it's higher almost 20 cents a kilowatt once you factor in all the fees and taxes. At $500 for a new one, pay back is under 2.5 years. All you have to do is pull up the energy star label on the old fridge and look at a new one.
Originally Posted By: spackard
Al - The units are tested with doors closed in a 90deg.F room for 24 hours. Something to consider in your test.
OK..Thanks
Al - The units are tested with doors closed in a 90deg.F room for 24 hours. Something to consider in your test.
OK..Thanks
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Good luck finding anything nearly as good as your 1997 fridge. We have a LG from 2008 and its had constant problems. My hesitation in replacing it has been reviews of ones currently on the market are not any better. Hesitant to spend $1k on another POS.
Bingo, it seems that most appliances made after the late 90s are
made to fail just outside of their factory warranty, but even more disturbing is that many of these newer units especially items made in the past decade have many serious design and manufacturing flaws from that get go which can cause major problems like freeze ups in condenser drainage system, failing motors and compressors, ect.
Good luck finding anything nearly as good as your 1997 fridge. We have a LG from 2008 and its had constant problems. My hesitation in replacing it has been reviews of ones currently on the market are not any better. Hesitant to spend $1k on another POS.
Bingo, it seems that most appliances made after the late 90s are
made to fail just outside of their factory warranty, but even more disturbing is that many of these newer units especially items made in the past decade have many serious design and manufacturing flaws from that get go which can cause major problems like freeze ups in condenser drainage system, failing motors and compressors, ect.
Originally Posted By: GiveMeAVowel
Bingo, it seems that most appliances made after the late 90s are
made to fail just outside of their factory warranty, but even more disturbing is that many of these newer units especially items made in the past decade have many serious design and manufacturing flaws from that get go which can cause major problems like freeze ups in condenser drainage system, failing motors and compressors, ect.
The problem with most reviews is that the only ones who really complain are the ones that have a problem. There were 8 million refrigerators sold last year. Even if just 1% of the people complain, that's 80,000 negative reviews. And 80k is a lot. So now you'd think that all new ones suck, but think that the older ones are great, but there's no reviews on them because they pre-date the internet age.
Lowes will also sell you a 5 year warranty for $110 on an appliance up to $1000. Assuming that half of that is probably profit and admin overhead, it's probably less than 5% of the purchase price going toward premiums. That means the odds of one dying on you are very low over 5 years. Remember, they're still designed to last 13-19 years no matter what people may say.
Bingo, it seems that most appliances made after the late 90s are
made to fail just outside of their factory warranty, but even more disturbing is that many of these newer units especially items made in the past decade have many serious design and manufacturing flaws from that get go which can cause major problems like freeze ups in condenser drainage system, failing motors and compressors, ect.
The problem with most reviews is that the only ones who really complain are the ones that have a problem. There were 8 million refrigerators sold last year. Even if just 1% of the people complain, that's 80,000 negative reviews. And 80k is a lot. So now you'd think that all new ones suck, but think that the older ones are great, but there's no reviews on them because they pre-date the internet age.
Lowes will also sell you a 5 year warranty for $110 on an appliance up to $1000. Assuming that half of that is probably profit and admin overhead, it's probably less than 5% of the purchase price going toward premiums. That means the odds of one dying on you are very low over 5 years. Remember, they're still designed to last 13-19 years no matter what people may say.
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