This simple appliance mistake could be adding $100s to your annual energy costs – luckily, experts say the instant fix will bring ‘big bill savings'

Using what we already have and keeping items in good condition is often one of the most valuable pieces of advice for saving money around the home. But there is one big exception to this rule – your appliances.

It turns out that old, outdated appliances could be adding hundreds to your energy bills every year without you even realizing it, costing you more in the long term than that overdue upgrade.

It is one of the most common mistakes that is sabotaging your efforts to effectively cut energy bills, experts warn. Here’s why they suggest finally making the switch.

How old appliances could be costing you more

While they may have been the best appliances for your kitchen when they were new, appliances start to degrade over time, even with adequate cleaning tips and maintenance.

Experts at Grant Store, explain, ‘The inefficiency of older appliances is often due to wear and tear, which causes them to consume more energy. When well past its lifespan, it may use as much as 1,000 extra kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually.’

This all adds up, with the evidence found on your energy bill. Dennis Godynuk, a licensed dryer expert at Comfort Appliance Repair Nashville, explains, ‘A 15 or 20-year-old fridge can use two to three times the energy of a newer Energy Star model. That’s often an extra $100–$200 a year at typical electric rates.

‘Dryers are next. An older electric dryer can use $50–$120 more a year than a newer, efficient unit (heat-pump dryers save the most). Dishwashers and washers don’t draw as much, but older ones waste hot water, figure $20–$60 a year more, plus water.’

Luckily, there are obvious warning signs that it’s time to replace your old appliances, Dennis continues, such as fridges leaking, dryers that do not dry clothes on the first cycle, or washers that shake excessively or leave musty smells on clothes.'

If your fridge or freezer often kicks into a rumbling noise, that's the appliance trying to regulate its temperature. If this is happening excessively, for prolonged periods, it might be a sign of a problem, or a warning that it's time to look for a new one.

‘When the repairs start stacking up or a single repair is more than half the price of a new unit, it’s time [to consider an upgrade],’ Dennis advises.

Otherwise, ‘If the machine is 10+ years old, breaks often, or you can measure it using ~1 kWh/day or more (for a fridge) on a plug-in meter [available at Walmart], replacement usually pays back in a couple of years, faster if your [energy] rates are high. Start upgrades with the fridge and dryer; that’s where I see the biggest bill savings here in Nashville.’

Whirlpool is a great place to start when looking for energy-star rated appliances – those certified as meeting strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.

Choosing energy-efficient appliances, such as Energy Star-rated appliances, doesn’t just save you money at home, either.

Dennis points out that you can reduce household fire risks, leaks, and see better results from your appliances. He adds, ‘A tight-sealing fridge keeps food safer, a clean-vented, newer dryer cuts drying times and heat in the house. Fewer breakdowns means fewer "emergency" service calls,’ he adds.

Plus, as the Grant Store experts point out, appliance upgrades can also help you to be more sustainable at home, lowering your household's carbon footprint. Just be sure you dispose of old home appliances safely and within the law.

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Meet the experts

Dennis Godynuk

Dennis is a refrigerator repair specialist with over 20 years of hands-on experience. He’s been quoted in Family Handyman, House Digest, Southern Living, and more.

There are, of course, some maintenance tasks to lower your energy bills even with older appliances, such as cleaning condenser coils on a fridge, or cleaning the lint screen and vent line on your dryer, Dennis adds, but nothing will have as drastic an effect as switching to new ones.