Appliances - Tips & Tools

Appliances are designed to provide many years of trouble-free service. In fact, you can expect your new dishwasher to last at least 13 years, and your new range 18 years. However, even small differences in annual operating costs can really add up over the long term.

Use this Energy Cost Calculator to get a good idea of the bottom-line cost of operating specific models of new appliances for the length of time you can expect them to remain in service.

2. Multiply your kWh rating by the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity in your area. Check your electricity bill for the rate or select your home province to use an average kWh electricity cost:

Province Ontario ($0.1001) Québec ($0.0663) Manitoba ($0.0637) Saskatchewan ($0.0863) Alberta ($0.0712) British Columbia ($0.0688) Newfoundland ($0.0865) P.E.I. ($0.1182) Nova Scotia ($0.0966) New Brunswick ($0.0805)

Appliance Dishwasher - 13 years Clothes Washer - 14 years Refrigerator - 17 years Clothes Dryer - 18 years Range - 18 years Freezer - 21 years

*Provincial electricity rates include all taxes.

Repeat the calculation for the various models that you are considering and then compare the second price tags.

You'll do well to consider the final figure as an absolute minimum cost. The energy efficiency of an appliance tends to drop over time: gaskets become worn or loose, refrigerants dissipate slowly into the atmosphere and cooling coils gather dust, reducing their efficiency.

Remember, it is the second price tag that you'll pay every month for the next decade or two.