Dishwashers are one of the most convenient appliances you can have in your home. They save you from the hassle of washing all of your dishes at the end of the day, taking care of the heavy lifting while you focus on relaxing at the end of a long day.
But like all appliances, dishwashers can wear out and lose their efficiency. This is due not only to natural wear and tear, but technology advancements that make these machines more efficient and include plenty of extra bells and whistles.
If you’re looking for an excuse to replace your current dishwasher, or need some convincing, this blog post will guide you through the benefits of upgrading this vital kitchen appliance.
Benefits of Upgrading the Dishwasher
While newer technology is normally better than old technology, it’s easy to wonder if the upgrades are even worth it.
Depending on how old your dishwasher is, you might need to perform some simple maintenance to get it running smoothly again. But if you’ve been using the same dishwasher for a decade or more, these upgraded features might interest you.
- Less water and energy use: Energy Star certified dishwashers are the most efficient on the market. When you see that logo on a dishwasher, you know that you’ll be saving money and energy with your appliance. According to Energy Star, a standard-sized, certified dishwasher saves 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime, along with cutting your energy bill by $11 per year.
- No pre-cleaning or soaking: As dishwasher technology has evolved, the water jets have become more powerful. This not only helps save water usage in the dishwasher itself, but you also use less water when pre-washing or soaking your dishes. Mix the advanced technology with modern strong detergents, and a new dishwasher can clean almost any food particles.
- Fewer cycles: If your dishwasher is particularly old, you’ve probably had to run your dishes through the cleaning cycle multiple times. While cleaning your filters will help in this area, after a few years it can only do so much. With a new dishwasher, you get a fresh start with an advanced filter. Some newer dishwashers even come with self-cleaning filters that grind up the food debris.
- Runs quieter: Many of us have had to suffer with the loud hums of the appliances in our homes, drowning out our favorite shows or conversations with family. One benefit of technological advancements is that we can make all of our appliances as quiet as possible, including our dishwashers. Gone are the days of waiting for the cycle to finish before going to bed, now you can run it and forget it!
What You Should Know Before Replacing Your Dishwasher
As exciting as all these upgrades sound, it’s never a good idea to rush into buying a new appliance. Since you’ve most likely had your dishwasher for more than a few years, there are some functional changes that you should be aware of.
Here’s what you should consider before buying a new dishwasher:
- Have enough space for the dishwasher: The standard size for a dishwasher, old and new, is 24 in. wide, 35 in. high, and 24 in. deep. Yet, it’s never a good idea to assume that the dishwasher you have your heart set on is a standard size. Be sure to measure your dishwasher space so you can buy the appliance that will actually fit in your kitchen.
- Be prepared for longer wash times: You are most likely used to your dishwasher’s standard wash time. When you upgrade your dishwasher the wash time is bound to change, but it might be a longer amount of time. This is because of federal regulations on energy and water consumption, meaning your dishwasher will use less power overall to clean your dishes.
- Keep your filter clean: Before you run out to replace your current appliances, it’s important to understand exactly what could be causing the problem. If your dishwasher is only a few years old and it’s starting to underperform, the issue might be with your filter. You should be regularly cleaning your dishwasher filter to keep it running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Contact a Local Plumber for Any Help
Before replacing your current dishwasher, it’s a good idea to get your kitchen pipes and the appliance itself checked out by an experienced plumber. They can help find any problems you might be having and offer any advice to pick the perfect dishwasher for your home.
If you live in the Chesterfield or Midlothian area, call Mike Wilson Plumbing. Mike and his team bring decades of experience to your home and have the knowledge to ensure you pick the right dishwasher.
Contact us to start feeling the benefits of a new dishwasher.
Sources:
https://lifehacker.com/what-appliances-are-worth-upgrading-5873658
https://allgreatappliances.com/the-benefits-of-energy-efficient-dishwashers/
https://home-tech.com/5921/3-benefits-of-new-dishwasher/
https://www.consumerreports.org/dishwashers/replacing-a-dishwasher-what-to-know/
https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/dishwashers