Appliances have a way of knowing when your cash flow is at its lowest point. That's exactly when they go belly-up. And since tax day is looming on the horizon and many of us are getting ready to write fat checks to Uncle Sam, our appliances are probably plotting their imminent demise (or perhaps just a temporary breakdown that requires a pricey repair) to coincide with April 15.

In order to get the most mileage from your appliances, you need to maintain them, just like your car. When purchasing a new appliance, buy the best your budget can handle. Buy household names only, and check the warranty. Your best bet is to get the longest warranty available, even if the manufacturer is a respected one. You have no way of predicting if your appliance will surprise you a few months down the road, so protect your investment with the longest warranty possible.

While you're comparison shopping for appliances, you'll want to keep your eyes open for a couple of risk factors. First, do you see "clusters" of parts on the appliance? If you do, that means that your risk of pricey repairs is higher. If one component of that cluster breaks, then you may have to replace the entire cluster -- including the attached components that aren't broken. Also, take a look at how the parts are connected to each other. Do you see plastic molds or plastic components glued together at the seams? Or are they bolted, screwed or welded together? Bolts and screws give you more durability and are easier and often less expensive to repair.

If you're preparing to purchase an expensive appliance, and you're unsure which one to select, log on to the Internet for advice (two excellent Web sites are Consumer Reports online and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission); purchase a copy of Consumer Reports or one of its accompanying product guides; or ask friends and family for recommendations. You may even consider renting the appliance to give it a "test run" before you commit yourself to a long-term investment.

How many times have you read the manufacturer's warning on your washing machine that cautions you not to overload your machine ... only to stuff it to maximum capacity? Is the lint filter in your clothes dryer knitting a sweater? Overstuff your machine, and it's likely to go belly-up well before its expected time. And ignoring your lint filter can result in a fire. You'll find that most appliances require little maintenance. And yet, so many consumers dismiss manufacturers' recommendations. Every household appliance is going to require a "tune-up" now and then; for example, changing the dust bag in your vacuum cleaner, having your chimneys cleaned, etc. Don't purchase any household appliance before considering whether or not you're willing to properly maintain it.

Make every effort to have your appliance repaired instead of replacing it. However, there are, indeed, occasions during which it's simply time for your appliance to go "ka-put" (see last week's story on the average lifespans of household appliances). And in those cases, there's not much you can do except replace them. If you can't buy new, relax; you can purchase used appliances without resigning yourself to a lemon. Purchase the appliance from a close friend, family member or local charitable organization, and have a professional inspect the appliance before you hand over any money (yes, it'll cost you to receive the advice of a professional, but it's worth it -- particularly if his or her guidance prevents you from purchasing a lemon).

Used appliances are often a smart decision, though, because just like cars, the value of household appliances depreciates rapidly within a short period of time. The two primary disadvantages of buying used are that you have to trust the buyer to a large extent (again, this points out the importance of having a professional inspect the appliance before you purchase it); and you don't have the insurance of a warranty. But if you can find a slightly used appliance in good condition, you'll be able to use it for many years before its first repair, provided you maintain it properly. The Appliance Clinic, an online resource for consumers, provides the following example which illustrates the advantages of purchasing well-maintained, slightly used appliances:

"If the new-appliance purchase price was $500, and the expected repair-free life was 10 years, then the functional value is roughly $500 divided by 10 years, or $50 per year. If this machine is purchased used for $250 when it was 3 years old, the buyer would be picking up the remaining seven years of repair-free use, valued at $350, for $250."

So, despite your financial constraints, it's often possible to find a reliable home appliance without emptying your life savings into it. As you begin your search, remember that the Internet is revolutionizing the consumer product industry. Thanks to a near-limitless amount of comprehensive sites on the Internet that provide thorough information as well as photographs and product ratings, consumers are more educated on this subject than at any time in history. Do yourself a favor, and peruse such sites as the above-mentioned home page for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Your subsequent knowledge will save you time and money.

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Published: March 2, 2000

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