Do you know the lifespan of your refrigerator or how many years your washing machine should operate?
Understanding the average lifespan of your home appliances is crucial for managing your household budget effectively. This chart detailing appliance life expectancy can guide you in deciding whether to repair or replace an aging appliance.
| Appliance | Years |
| Refrigerators | 10-18 |
| Washing machines | 11 |
| Dryers (electric and gas) | 13-15 |
| Gas stoves | 10-18 |
| Electric stoves | 13-15 |
| Stove and oven hoods | 13-23 |
| Freezers | 10-20 |
| Microwaves | 5-10 |
| Dishwashers | 9-16 |
| Garbage disposals | 10-15 |
Refrigerator (lifespan: 10–18 years)
Keep your fridge running smoothly with these simple care tips:
- Regularly clean the interior and exterior, including the dust-collecting condenser coils.
- Ensure the door seals are clean and tight to keep cold air in and moisture out.
- Keep the top of your refrigerator clear to allow heat to dissipate.
- Avoid overstuffing to maintain proper airflow and temperature.
- Position the fridge level for optimal door function.
Signs you might need a new fridge:
- It isn’t cooling properly.
- Food spoils too quickly.
- You notice excessive condensation or frost.
- It’s unusually noisy.
Oven (lifespan: 13–23 years)
How long your oven lasts will also depend on whether it’s gas or electric, as gas stoves tend to last longer:
- Regularly check and clean the oven door seals to keep heat from escaping.
- Clean your oven manually and skip the self-cleaning cycle to reduce wear.
- Avoid spraying cleaner directly on control knobs or covering burners with foil.
Indicators that it’s time for an oven upgrade:
- Uneven heating or failure to heat.
- Visible rust or cracks on the door or ceramic top.
- Longer preheating times.
- Issues with the pilot light or control panel.
Dishwasher (lifespan: 9–16 years)
These maintenance tips will help your dishwasher run properly and ensure it’ll make your dishes sparkling clean for many years to come.
- Clean the interior and filter regularly.
- Use the dishwasher routinely to prevent part failures.
- Scrape off food scraps; full rinsing isn’t necessary.
- Keep the door seal clean and ensure it isn’t overloaded.
Signs that your dishwasher needs replacing:
- The door won’t lock.
- There are leaks or unclean dishes after washing.
- You see rust or cracks.
- It makes strange noises.
Garbage Disposal (lifespan: 10–15 years)
Extend your disposal’s life with these steps:
- Use cold water during operation to prevent grease build-up.
- Run ice through the disposal to clean and sharpen the blades.
- Use citrus peels for a fresh scent and to reduce bacteria.
- Clean with a disposal-friendly cleaner and avoid problematic foods like eggshells and pasta.
Time to get a new disposal? Look for these signs:
- Dull blades or a burnt-out motor.
- Frequent clogs.
- Persistent leaks or odors.
Microwave (lifespan: 5–10 years)
While it’s relatively inexpensive to replace a microwave, you’ll still want to get your money’s worth. Here’s how to make your microwave last longer:
- Only heat food in microwave-safe containers.
- Keep all metals out of the microwave.
- Clean the inside regularly and avoid operating it empty.
Signs your microwave may be failing:
- Unusual noises during operation.
- Non-responsive control panel.
- Food takes longer to heat.
- Odors, smoke, or sparks during use.
Of course, the best way to help your appliance age well and have a long, healthy life is to perform regular maintenance and have it checked periodically by an appliance repair expert.
Schedule an appointment for appliance repair and maintenance, or give us a call today!
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