Appliances That Surprisingly Need Replacing Now — Before They Become a Hazard

Still remember how old is your toaster, how about your fridge, or the washing machine that you’ve been using? A lot of us would wait until our home appliances will completely not function before replacing it. However, as appliances deteriorate, these become inefficient or even unsafe to use which may lead to increase in electricity bills and possible electrical safety risks. 

At Axon Electrical, we know how appliances that might still be functional but turned out to have hidden dangers. Check your appliances to identify if replacement is already necessary to protect your home and maintain energy- efficient appliances.

Why Appliance Age Matters

Our lives become easier with the electrical appliances at home, but these have only a limited lifespan. As time goes by, the internal parts of these appliances degrade, the insulation of wires hardens, and safety features become less reliable.

Here in Sunshine Coast where the climate is humid, the wear and tear of appliances accelerates. This could make the moisture result in circuit corrosion and short circuits, while the accumulated dust increases the risk of fire.

Outdated or faulty appliances can:

• Electrical Hazards

They can overload circuits, trip breakers, and leak electricity, creating a shock hazard.

• Fire Risk

Faulty appliances can become ignition sources for electrical fires.

• Increased Energy cost

Can consume excess power, leading to higher energy bills.

Make it a priority to have regular electrical checks to ensure safety and to spot electrical issues as a preventive measure from hazards and costly expenses.

What are Common Appliances That Might Need Replacement?

Keep in mind these appliances that might be due for an upgrade even if it is still working:

1. Refrigerator (10–15 years)

Refrigerators are one of the main energy consumers at home since they function continuously. As time goes by, worn-out compressors and cracked seals will show in the unit making it difficult to operate. If there is already evidence of loud humming, experiencing hot side of the unit, or constant running, these are signs of replacing your old fridge with a more energy-efficient model.

2. Washing Machine (8–12 years)

The common issues of older washing machines are worn motors, frayed cords, and internal wiring problems caused by vibration. Also, the proximity of water leaks to electrical components can lead to electrical hazards.

3. Microwave (7–10 years)

Even if your microwave is still working, its magnetron and door seals which are its internal components can degrade. The potential issues of this deterioration could be microwave energy leaks or tripped circuit breakers. Be careful to unplug your microwave immediately once you notice sparks or hear unusual noises of the unit.

4. Air Conditioner (10–15 years)

Because of the constant battle against heat and humidity, air conditioners in Sunshine Coast experience significant wear. As time goes by, the rust, accumulated dust, and motor degradation could deteriorate the performance of the unit and increase operating expenses. It would be safe to replace the air conditioner once you notice warm air or increasingly high-power bills.

5. Toasters & Kettles (5–8 years)

Be mindful of the small kitchen appliances at home, as they are a common cause of electrical fires. The signs for an immediate replacement include burnt cords, loose plugs, or overheating.

6. Extension Cords & Power Boards

Outdated or overloaded power boards as permanent solutions is risky. Placing these as temporary fixes can lead to serious issues, as power boards may melt, spark, or fail unexpectedly. To be safe always use surge-protected models and quickly replace any boards showing discoloration or loose sockets.

The Energy Efficiency Advantage

Upgrading old appliances can also save you financially aside from being safe. Also, energy-efficient models offer great performance while significantly reducing the electricity consumption. For example:

• Having a new fridge consumes 40% less energy

• Energy-rated washing machines can save the use of water

• LED lighting and efficient motors cut down the overall home load, reducing the risk of tripped circuits.

  
  

As air conditioner runs often here in a Sunshine Coast home, upgrading your unit would evidently save you financially.

Act Before a Shock - Call us Now

Don't allow seemingly harmless and old or faulty appliances to cause hazards in your home. Being proactive to have inspections and timely replacements are crucial in preventing any damage, saving money, and protecting your family's safety.

Prioritize the safety of your home's appliances or wiring by scheduling a home electrical safety check with Axon Electrical immediately.

Call us now. We are here to help you stay safe, efficient, and connected.