5 Questions to Ask About Installing or Replacing a Major Appliance

While replacing or installing a major electric appliance can be costly, it can be a great opportunity to modernize your space while adding considerable utility. As a homeowner, you would be surprised how much more energy-efficient modern appliances are than ones even five years old. Talk to your local appliance installation pro about these home appliance questions to assess your many options. 

1. Which appliance would you like installed?

When you’re installing an appliance, the first thing you need to know is exactly what you want installed. This concept sounds simple, but it becomes more complicated as time goes on—the appliance technology evolves rapidly, so you may need to do some research to decide if you want an older or a newer model. Some newer appliances require special knowledge, so try to narrow down the appliance model before calling a pro. 

2. Have you already purchased the appliance for this project?

The cost of home appliances, especially large electrical ones, doesn’t come cheap. Some pros have access to special pricing, or if you're budget-conscious, they may have barely used or even new appliances in storage that they can sell to you at a discount. If you can, wait for sales on the appliance you want—they are discounted on a regular basis, especially around shopping holidays. 

3. When would you like your installation to be completed?

Certain appliances will need to be repaired or installed sooner than others. For example, a fridge is something that every family needs and should be installed within the week. A clothes dryer, on the other hand, can be put off a little longer if you live in a warmer climate and can air dry your clothes for a week or two. Remember that the sooner you need it done, the more expensive it will be. 

4. Is this request covered by an insurance claim?

Sometimes, home appliance repair costs will be covered by insurance, but when there’s catastrophic failure, you should be able to replace the entire unit. Make sure to check your insurance plans before purchasing a new appliance, as you may be limited in your replacement options. If you are having a hard time navigating this aspect, talk to your pro. They may not be able to help, but it’s worth asking if you’re feeling stuck. 

5. Are you considering changing your existing floor plan?

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of remodeling versus renovating, you may want to think about how a new appliance could benefit from a rework of your floor plan. If your fridge has been annoying to open, or an open dryer door hits a door frame, talk to your pro about how you can adjust your floor plan to accommodate the new appliance.