[The following is a guest article]
Have you been looking at the same appliances in your home for years? Chances are those old appliances are costing you more than you realize. Older household appliances tend to use more energy than newer ones and do not work as efficiently as new models. For instance, refrigerators today use about 75% less energy than fridges in the 1970s did. However, you cannot bring in the new appliances until you have gotten rid of the old appliances. Some methods of removing your old appliances can cost you a significant amount of money, but with some foresight, you may be able to make some money on your old items. Here are some of the best ways to make room for new appliances in your home.
Sell Appliances In Good Condition
If your appliances are older, but still in good condition, you should consider selling them. While you will only get a fraction of the amount that you paid when you purchased them new, you will still get a good amount of money for them and you will be helping a family that may not have been able to afford new appliances. Heavier appliances should be sold locally and the buyer is typically responsible for transporting the appliance to their home. Lighter appliances can be sold to anyone anywhere in the country and shipped inexpensively using professional couriers.
Recycle Appliances In Poor Condition
If the appliances are in poor condition, you should consider recycling them. Most cities have a number of recycling companies that offer to come and pick up old appliances that homeowners do not want anymore. For many of the heavier appliances that contain a large amount of recyclable metal, the recycling company may offer to pay the homeowner a small sum for the appliance. Certain recycling companies may only accept certain types of appliances for recycling because of the numerous environmental rules that must be followed for the disposals of some products. If the recycling center has a website, review what they will and will not take before calling them for a pickup at your home.
Search For Rebate Programs
There are many rebate programs available that have been designed to create incentives for homeowners to buy energy-efficient products. Many government bodies and energy providers have collaborated to develop the rebate programs to encourage homeowners to replace their aging appliances with new products that are better for the environment and use substantially less water, electricity or natural gas. These rebates can be worth hundreds of dollars, depending on the appliances covered by the rebate.