Bermuda Gas ‘How To’: Buy your next appliance

Bermuda Sun Feb 15 2012
By David DeSilva

Members of the Bermuda Gas team are here to help you tackle a variety of issues in the monthly Bermuda Gas ‘How To’ column of the Bermuda Living supplement.

This month, sales manager David DeSilva helps you navigate your next big appliance purchase.

Whether you’re looking for a new refrigerator, oven or water heater, there are a few important things you can do to ensure that you end up with the appliance that suits your situation.

Assess your needs

Before heading to the shop, decide exactly what you need; how big does your fridge have to be, given the size of your family? 

Do you cook enough to warrant six burners on your stove?  Will gas or electric appliances better suit your circumstances?

With a little bit of advance preparation, you’re less likely to buy on impulse when something catches your eye.

Consider your costs

The cost of your home appliance actually has three components: The upfront, purchase price; the cost to operate it (the fuel – either gas or electric, the amount of water for that washing machine or dishwasher, etc); and the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs. 

Try to look past the number on the price tag, and think in terms of the overall cost of owning and operating that appliance.

Fuel efficiency can help to reduce the cost of operating your appliance.

Did you know, for instance, that gas water heaters heat twice as much water per hour as comparable electric models? 

Or that gas dryers can dry your clothes in three quarters of the time it takes an electric dryer to dry the same load? 

Be sure to inspect the ENERGYGUIDE label affixed to the appliance to get a better sense of its energy efficiency (refer to the adjacent diagram for more information on ENERGYGUIDE labels).

Seek advice

It’s important to talk to a reputable dealer when purchasing a new appliance; one you can trust to steer you in the right direction.

The knowledgeable staff at Bermuda Gas have a wealth of appliance experience, and are happy to help you find just what you’re looking for.

For more information, visit www.bermudagas.bm, or visit the new appliance showroom at 25 Serpentine Road, Hamilton. Telephone: (441) 298-6113.