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When should I replace a major appliance?

Seems like an easy question to answer doesn't it? There is a chart below that shows the average life of appliances, but there really is much more that you should know, to decide if it is time for you to replace an appliance.

The chart below shows the average life of appliances by category. So, if a refrigerator has an average life span of 13 years that means that some refrigerators last 20 years or more and others don't last past 5 years. There are many reasons for this.

1. Some users maintain their appliances better than others. When was the last time you brushed the dust off your refrigerator condenser coils?
2. Some owners simply use their appliances more often than others. Some dishwashers get used nearly every day, and others only once a week.
3. Some brands and appliance models are built to last longer. Research your purchase to get the most durable appliance you can.
4. There is a law of averages at work here. There is no way you can tell for sure whether any individual appliance will break down before or after its average life expectancy date.

Of course, sometimes perfectly good refrigerators get “retired” because homeowners want to replace them with the latest and greatest models. Maybe they can justify a new purchase by moving the old unit up to their cabin, or give it to a son or daughter who is just starting out.

Also, homeowners may choose to replace a refrigerator because they don't want to pay the cost of repair, figuring that to invest another $200 or more in repairing a 10 year old refrigerator isn't worth it.

Older refrigerators are energy hogs, and there has been a strong movement to get people to replace them with Energy Saving refrigerators. In fact, it makes good financial sense to replace a refrigerator that costs $100 a year to run with one that only costs $50-$60 a year to operate.

So there are many reasons to get new appliances rather than wait for the old ones to break down. However, if you do have an appliance that is giving you trouble, you may wish to call the folks at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to schedule service. They cover much of the L.A. Soucal area. You can reach them at:

Toll Free (800) 387-2011

On the other hand, if you are convinced it's time to give up on the old clunker and replace it with a new energy efficient model, then call or visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for help with your new purchase:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987
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Let's make it easy for you to get what you want, when you want it, at a price you're willing to pay. And let's give you the selection you want, and the advice you need to make a good choice. Let's start thinking about the customer for a change. Here's what you get when you do business with Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center:

• A business that has been around for decades, specializing in major appliances and kitchen and bath fixtures. It's not just the business, but it's also the fact that Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) has veteran sales associates. Ask for Maida, Long, Ken, Joe, or Edward. Along with the rest of the pro's at UAKC, these folks know the business and can take care of your needs efficiently and professionally.
• A selection that is second to none. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center handles nearly all the major brands as well as most of the high end luxury and specialty brands. Customers are always amazed that UAKC just seems to have it all.
• One of Southern California's finest showrooms – well stocked with a wide variety of products, all styles, and price levels. Many of our appliances are hooked up so you can see how they work. Sometimes we even have live cooking demonstrations going on.
• If you'd rather do business on the phone or over the internet we have one of the nation's largest online operations. All internet transactions are processed using (SSL) Secure Sockets Layer software for your protection. We can ship *most brands direct from our own warehouse. If you're in the greater Los Angeles market area we deliver and install on our own trucks.
• UAKC also has one of the largest appliance service departments in the Los Angeles area. You can call for an appointment, or if you prefer you can schedule a service call on line.
• Whether you prefer an in-store visit or a phone consultation, you'll get friendly, well-trained appliance professionals to serve your needs. We know they're good because we keep getting compliments.
• Unless you are buying from our scratch n' dent or open stock, all merchandise is shipped or delivered in original factory sealed cartons.

*some brands restrict internet sales and do not permit shipment out of a geographic region. Speak with your UAKC sales professionals for information on internet and shipment options

Life is full of tradeoffs, but you shouldn't have to settle when it comes to buying your appliances. Choose wisely. Call or visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to feel like a customer again!

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987
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Since 1991 Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has been servicing appliances throughout the greater LA area. Factory trained and authorized for most major brands, UAKC provides prompt, courteous appliance service. UAKC carries a large parts inventory to enable them to complete repairs on the initial visit.

For professional, courteous service on your major appliances call Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today to schedule your service call PH 800 387-2011 or schedule your appointment online.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
Service PH 800 387-2011
Sales PH 877 696-2987

So the dishwasher is making grinding noises and the dishes aren’t getting clean. How much are you willing to spend before you call it quits and go shopping for a new dishwasher?

There are some folks that say if the cost of repair is more than half the cost of a new one, then you should replace, but I’m not so sure that is a good rule of thumb.

You might consider the age of the dishwasher first. Dishwashers last on average 10-12 years. If your dishwasher is approaching the end of its life cycle, then you should think twice about footing a big repair bill.

Another factor would be costs of operation. New energy saving dishwashers often use only 4-5 gallons of water per cycle – some even less. The 10 year old guzzler uses many times that.

Finally, you should know that investments in the kitchen have among the biggest paybacks of any home improvement you could make in terms of resale value of your house.

If you elect to repair be sure to call Universal Kitchen and Appliance Center for prompt, reliable service. PH # 800 387-2011

If, on the other hand you’re considering replacing visit the team at Universal Kitchen and Appliance Center, 12050 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, Ca. 91604 PH # 877 696-2982