Pining for the good old appliances

By Letter to the Editor on October 26, 2019.

This newspaper’s Hot Property section on Sept. 20 advised updating or replacing energy-using appliances to curb fuel consumption. I, however, find the new appliances to be mixed blessings.

My updated furnace may burn less gas than the old one, but it requires more maintenance and produces less heat.

One can’t count on significant savings on the gas bill from more efficient appliances. Most of what we pay is not for the gas but for maintenance and administration. After a flood in this area the gas was turned off for a month, yet I received a sizable bill. I asked AltaGas about it and was told that even if no gas is used they are still responsible to maintain the lines.

I replaced the old water heater with a tankless one, as it was the “green” thing to do. But so much water has to run before it gets hot that I find it wasteful and inconvenient.

The newer washing machines may be more energy efficient but they don’t last as long nor wash as well.

I lost my old appliances in a flood, by many days I would gladly have them back if I could.