That once shiny and trusty refrigerator might still be humming, but behind the scenes, it could be quietly draining your wallet. From energy inefficiency to surprise repair bills and even undermining your home’s resale value, outdated appliances can carry more hidden costs than you realize. Product specialists at Trail Appliances will tell you, upgrading isn’t just about aesthetics or fancy features, it’s often a smart financial move.
"Many homeowners believe if their appliances are still running, there’s no urgency to upgrade," says Joni Johnston, store manager, Trail Appliances North Vancouver. "However, the hidden costs of holding onto aging appliances can quickly add up."
Old appliances, new problems
There are generally four problems behind the long-term costs of maintaining old, inefficient appliances and sooner rather than later, they'll all catch up with you. Johnston reveals the pitfalls homeowners will eventually encounter:
1. Parts scarcity and costly repairs: As appliances age, finding replacement parts becomes more difficult and expensive. Manufacturers often phase out support for older models, leading to higher repair bills or even the need for custom fixes.
2. Rising energy use: Older appliances are typically far less energy-efficient than today’s models. This translates to higher monthly utility bills which compound year after year.
3. Unexpected breakdowns: Aging appliances are more prone to sudden failures, which can mean emergency repair costs, spoiled food or water damage.
4. Insurance and/or upcoming costs: Outdated appliances can be flagged by insurers or inspectors, which can impact your premiums in extreme cases or cause you to need to discount your home at sale time to accommodate for the projected replacement cost.
Boost your home's appeal and value
When you upgrade your old appliances, you're not only taking steps to add pleasure and ease to your life, but when you're ready to sell, you make your home more competitive in the marketplace and you're aligning with what appeals to new buyers.
According to Johnston, property inspectors are increasingly including appliance condition in their reports, especially in competitive markets like the North Shore. Outdated or faulty appliances can raise red flags for potential buyers, impacting their perception of the home’s value and leading to negotiation leverage, delayed sales and unexpected costs.
"In today’s market, the state of your appliances is more than an aesthetic issue, it’s a financial one," she says. "Upgrading before listing can help maximize your home’s appeal and value."
This is exactly the kind of advice consumers have come to rely on for decades and Trail's made it their mission to make everyday life better. So, it's no surprise that Trail Appliances is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, a testament to its deep roots and trusted service in B.C.
"The North Vancouver showroom and our 13 stores across British Columbia have evolved to meet changing consumer expectations," says Johnston. "Family-owned and operated, we’re in our third-generation of family ownership; the family is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the business and have been since day one."
In fact, they treat their employees like part of the family and when it comes to their in-house customer support and delivery experts, Johnson notes they employ more than 550 locals who live, work and play in B.C.
Inspired possibilities, easy shopping experience
The Trail Appliances' team is known for low-pressure, expert advice and helping you navigate new technologies to make confident choices. It can be daunting (to say the least) to walk into a modern appliance showroom, but Trail's knowledgeable specialists make the experience easy and as Johnston points out, they recommend focusing on a few key considerations.
In March 2024, North Vancouver homeowner Sarah M., upgraded her 15-year-old refrigerator and dishwasher and later reported her monthly electricity bill dropped by nearly $20. Additionally, she avoided a $400 repair bill quoted for her old fridge. When she sold her home later that year, the new appliances were noted as a selling feature by her realtor, helping her secure a full-price offer.
You can benefit like Sarah, too, whose story is echoed by many Trail customers who also cite not just savings on energy and repairs, but also reduced stress and greater confidence when selling their homes. Trail's extensive selection ranges from premium brands to value-focused models, providing something for every home and budget.
"Trail Appliances’ 50 years of experience, local expertise and customer-first approach make us the trusted partner for your next upgrade. Visit our North Vancouver showroom to experience the latest innovations and see how easy it can be to save money — and stress — for years to come."
For more information, visit trailappliances.com or stop in at one of their 13 stores including three Clearance Centres across B.C. and speak with a product specialist.
