Considerations When Purchasing A Used Refrigerator
Posted on: 14 August 2017
If you are thinking of replacing your current refrigerator, you may be considering a used appliance. Still, when making a used-refrigerator purchase, there are some things that you should consider. Here are a few of them:
The Age of the Appliance
Even if a 15-year-old refrigerator looks great on the outside, the appliance may not have much life left in it. If an older model that has been in service for more than 10 years does continue working great for years to come, it is likely still not as energy-efficient as its newer counterparts. As a result, the money that you save with your purchase may eventually be spent on pricey utility bills.
Also, if a refrigerator that is over a decade old requires repair, replacement parts may not be readily available.
The Door Seal
The seal of a refrigerator is important for consistent temperature control and energy efficiency. Before purchasing a used refrigerator, it can be a good idea to confirm that the seal of the door is tight. Here is a great way to check the seal:
- Place an unfolded piece of paper between the body of the refrigerator and the door.
- Close the door with the piece of paper in place, but allow a bit of the paper to protrude.
- Pull the protruding piece of the paper with the door closed. If you encounter resistance as you try to pull the paper from the closed door, the seal is functioning properly.
The Number of Prior Owners
If a used refrigerator has had a large number of prior owners, the appliance has been exposed to multiple living conditions. An appliance that has only been owned for a few months per owner before being passed repeatedly to a new buyer may be a lemon that consistently changed hands as problems arose.
Additionally, a refrigerator that has undergone multiple transports may experience excessive wear-and-tear. A one-owner appliance has likely remained in one location for the most part.
The Seller
The seller of a used refrigerator is often a private owner, an appliance repair facility or an appliance store. If a private seller is experiencing problems with a unit, it may be best to forgo a purchase, especially if you are unsure of the cost of a repair.
When purchasing from appliance repair shops or appliance stores, the used refrigerator is likely to be in great working condition. Some stores even offer a limit warranty on their used appliances.
If you are interested in purchasing a used refrigerator, visit a used appliance dealer, like Preferred Appliance.
Share