appliance of science

[nategodin]

So about 3 or 4 weeks ago, my washing machine, which had been lurching and shuddering and pitching fits with increasing frequency, finally died. An autopsy revealed that the water pump had leaked on/into the electric motor, which is, unfortunately, prohibitively expensive to replace. So what's a boy to do? Washing my clothes at Mom's place (or

Comments

[jeff_simpson]

I'm curious how inefficient something like a washer, dryer, fridge, etc would have to be to cover the cost of replacing it. I'm thinking that it must not take all that much if its used a lot (like a fridge), but a washer/dryer must have to suck a lot of juice to make up for a $500 cost.

[nategodin]

I suppose it would be pretty straightforward to calculate, based on the difference in efficiency between the two appliances, operating time, cost of energy and the new appliance, etc. Sadly, the washer I found didn't come with an EnergyGuide sticker or any other documentation, but purely based on the fact that the controls have more options and a slightly more modern-looking design, I'd guess it's a few years younger and thus probably a bit more efficient than the old one. And considering that it was free, that pretty much puts a zero in the denominator of the equation, so apparently free appliances are infinitely awesome.

[jeff_simpson]

Well, that's if you go by the EnergyGuide information. I was going under the asseumption that when appliances get old and start falling apart they get a whole lot less efficient (especially dryers...the less it dries, the longer you have to run it to dry something, etc. Maybe less so with a washer, but who knows).

I wouldn't say it's a zero in the denominator, unless you have free utility bills as well:

Total_Cost = (Cost_Of_Appliance + (Time * Operating_Costs) )

So if the washer costs $20 more a month to operate than a nice new $300 washer, it will only take 15 months to pay for itself, and every month after that, using the old washer is actually costing more. Of course, those numbers are pure fabrication...

[nategodin]

Ohhh, I get it, you want to know how inefficient would the "free" washer have to be to actually cost more than a new one. Well, the papers for the dead washer say that washing 2 loads per week at 8 cents per kWh will cost about $18 per year. A comprable new $400 Kenmore washer from Sears would cost about $12 per year to operate. So, even estimating that the old washer has become less efficient and now costs $24 per year to operate, the new one still takes over 33 years to pay for itself. Of course, energy costs (and possibly the amount of laundry I do per week, yikes!) are bound to increase, but I don't think I'm going to be keeping this thing long enough for that to matter; for a few years, it should do just fine.

Nice Washing Machine..

[t3h_litanya]

Hi.. I got you on random and i found your story about your washing machine quite amusing. I just went through a similar thing.. except i paid for the replacement washer.. that then died.. again.
Hehe. Thanks for a good read. Hit me back if you want.

Litanya xxx

[motocow]

AHHH!!! That is my favorite book! I read it in Women & Politics and I've re-read it three times since.

THE, LISA, THE

[nategodin]

Silly Lisa, you have it on your interest list as "A Handmaid's Tale", unless using the indefinite article is some kind of feminist political statement or something. :P The ending was pretty cool, I like how Offred's story wound up recorded over a bunch of tapes in a box in Bangor.

Re: THE, LISA, THE

[motocow]

"Come on,' he says. 'We haven't got much time.' With his arm around my shoulders he leads me over to the fold-out bed, lays me down. He even turns down the blanket first. He begins to unbutton, then to stroke, kisses beside my ear. 'No romance,' he says. 'Okay?"

Typical male!

And you're right about the title, fucker!

But...the tapes in Bangor is not the ending...it's the Historical Notes...poop.

[catgirlpink]

Yay for finding stuff. >^_^

[laurahatesblue]

Dude-
I'm going to Portland tonight too (Friday). Do you wanna carpool? I can drive or give you money for...whichever fuel you're using. I will call you later, but thought a head-up would be helpful.

[nategodin]

Hehehe, yeah, whatever you call it, just don't call it gas! I don't mind driving... I get out of work at 4:30, and I'd like to hit the road before 6 if possible, so just let me know where to pick you up and when you'll be ready.