If you are still not sure whether to get a garbage disposal and you are worried that it might not be worth your money, you are right.
I mean, you are right at least in thinking about spending your hard-earned cash. Money management is important and garbage disposals, especially powerful and sound-insulated ones, are quite costly.
So, in this article, we will take a closer look at the cost-effectiveness of garbage disposal.
Installation: A Minor Hiccup in Your Budget
Let’s start with the obvious: installing garbage disposal isn’t free. Even if you are doing it yourself, it costs you your time. Here are my estimates:
- DIY Installation: If you’re a handy-dandy do-it-yourselfer, you can snag a decent disposal for anywhere from $100 to $300. But beware, my friends – plumbing mishaps can be costly (and wet).
- Professional Installation: If you’re like me and prefer to leave the wrench-wielding to the pros, you’re looking at an additional $150 to $200 for installation services. A small price to pay for peace of mind (and dry floors).
Operating Costs: The Price of Whirring Blades
Once your shiny new garbage disposal is installed and ready for action, it’s time to factor in the ongoing costs. Let’s break it down:
- Electricity: On average, a garbage disposal uses about 3-4 kWh per year. That’s roughly the same amount of energy as one load of laundry (gasp!). Depending on your local electricity rates, you’re looking at an annual cost of around $0.50 to $1.50. I know, it’s practically highway robbery.
- Water: Running the water while using your garbage disposal is a must, but it only adds a few gallons per month to your water bill. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a drop in the bucket (pun intended).
Personally, I can live with that electrical consumption, but to each their own, right?
The Great Garbage Disposal Debate: Are the Savings Worth It?
If you are looking for additional reasons besides money, here are a few:
- Fewer Trash Bags: With your food scraps being devoured by your disposal, you’ll likely use fewer trash bags. Say goodbye to those pesky, overpriced plastic liners!
- Reduced Pest Control: Less food waste in your trash means fewer pests, which could save you money on exterminators or ant traps. No more late-night battles with uninvited creepy-crawlies!
- Fewer Plumbing Issues: By properly using your garbage disposal (i.e., not cramming it full of potato peels and coffee grounds), you can prevent clogs and reduce the need for costly plumbing repairs. Hooray for functional pipes!
The Verdict: A Cost-effective Investment or a Money Pit?
Now I’m not going to fall into a pit and blatantly say one or another – however, considering the yearly power consumption, I think we can all agree that it’s really not that bad. At least not what I originally thought about the disposal’s power needs. Personally, I’m quite surprised in a positive way and will continue to use garbage disposal without wavering, but I’ll let you make your own decision.
Peace out.