Remember when we fixed fridges on site with a multimeter?

Was out on a call yesterday for a 20 year old Kenmore. Had to order a part. Could have fixed it blindfolded back in 2005. Now everything is digital and proprietary. Anyone else miss the simple days of just checking continuity?

3 comments

3 Comments

holly_sanchez751mo ago

Wait, so is that Consumer Reports stat just how long they last before they need a major repair or before they totally die? Because I've seen people keep those old Kenmores running for 25 years by just swapping out a belt or a timer switch every few years. But yeah, the water usage thing is a real tradeoff. My buddy has a 1992 Whirlpool and his water bill is literally double mine for the same size family. Plus those old machines beat the hell out of your clothes, they'd twist them up like a pretzel. So you're right, there's a balance between durability and efficiency that nobody talks about when they're just complaining about plastic parts.

shaneb161mo ago

That Kenmore is twenty years old though, maybe that's the real problem.

jenny_coleman1mo ago

I actually just read a Consumer Reports article that said most washing machines last about 10 to 15 years max. So a 20 year old Kenmore is definitely pushing it. The thing is, older machines were built tougher but they also used way more water and electricity. My neighbor has one from 1998 and it still runs fine, but his water bill is insane compared to mine. Modern machines might have more plastic parts but they're way more efficient.