You are viewing the printer-friendly version of Check Out the Kitchen AppliancesCheck Out the Kitchen AppliancesIf the appliances are going to stay in the home you intend to purchase then don't forget to make sure the inspector checks them out. Appliances are expensive to replace, so make sure they work before your sign on the dotted line.Ideally the seller will give you receipts for the purchase of the appliances and any repairs that have been done. You can try to determine the age of the appliances; the older units are less likely to be energy efficient. Dishwasher - Open the dishwasher and pull out the racks and see if the vinyl is wearing off. A 12 to 15 year old unit will have very worn vinyl that will rub off quite easily. That unit needs to be replaced. Also look for rust, this could cause problems. Turn the dishwasher on and make sure it goes through all the cycles and look for signs of leaks. Refrigerator - Open and close the doors to make sure they close completely. Check for cracks in the gasket. Check the temperature in the fridge and freezer. It should be between 38 and 40 degrees. The average refrigerator has a life span of 18 to 20 years. A new fridge could also save on your electric bill. Microwave - Microwaves usually have a 10 year life span. The most common cause of problems is loss of power. That's not a major concern as people tend to adjust the time they heat the food accordingly. A more serious problem of older microwaves is radiation leakage. Look around the door for pitted or worn gaskets; this could cause the microwave to leak radiation. Stove - Turn the oven on and see how long it takes to heat. Make sure the oven gasket isn't worn or cracked and that the door seals shut. Make sure all the burners heat evenly. Use a thermometer to make sure the oven heats the to the correct temperature. Older electric ovens will usually cook hotter than older gas ovens. Check the wiring on the electric oven for damage or signs of wiring damage. This is a potential fire hazard. Look for yellow flames on a gas oven. This is a problem as the flame should be blue. Look for soot buildup and check for odd smells or sounds. A typical range or oven will last about 18 to 20 years. A home inspector can estimate the age of the appliances in the home and assess their operation. Don't rely on them, take it upon yourself to be thorough and know what you're getting. aa |