I was talking to an a/c sales & service agent whom I trusted to give me a straight answer about updating and upgrading a unit and he said, “I can almost guarantee you if you buy a brand new unit it won’t last 25 years”
At least he was honest I thought to myself.
He went on to explain what I knew. They don’t make’m like that anymore and no one can convince me otherwise. Their made with the intention of failing.
The next weekend while closing up the lake I noticed a paddle in dad’s shed. It was held together with about a half roll of duct tape–Red Green would be proud–and still “worked” to some degree. I wouldn’t want to paddle down the river for a day. But if I was out in the boat and the engine died I’m pretty sure it would help me get to shore. Or maybe not.
My dad grew up in an era when you didn’t toss away a TV or radio because it didn’t work. When you bought a refrigerator or freezer you expected it to last for the rest of your marriage or lifetime.
I’m old enough to remember a TV repair shop and upholstery. Are there any left? Probably like Blockbuster video and the buffalo. Either on the edge or extinct.
But now? Not a chance.
Even worse, the next generation will consider this normal. At least now we kinda fiddle around and try to make it work before recycling.
Imagine if we still repaired appliances and electronics. Maybe we wouldn’t need recycling centers? I digress. It’s a disposable society. But not for everyone. Especially my dad. I’m thankful for that. And so are the hardware stores duct tape sales.
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