It’s Helpful to Know the Expected Lifespans of Appliances
Household appliances help us perform daily chores around the home. These machines save time and make day-to-day life easier. For a homeowner, the investment in major appliances is significant. Americans spend over $60 million every year on new appliances. It’s helpful to know the average lifespans of appliances so you can make a plan for replacing them.
What are the Average Lifespans of Appliances
Let’s look at how long common appliances usually last. Factors like maintenance, size of household, and frequency of use will affect the actual lifespan of an appliance. For example, a single person will not use the washing machine as frequently as a family of four. A refrigerator that is kept clean and well-maintained will last a few years longer than the same appliance with coils that have never been vacuumed to remove dust.
How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?
On average, a full-size refrigerator will last between 10 and 13 years. Smaller, compact models have a life expectancy of around 9 years. Keep the inside of the refrigerator clean and at least twice each year, vacuum or dust the condenser coils. These coils help dissipate heat generated by the appliance. Keeping them clean allows the machine to run more efficiently and last longer.
Lifespans of Clothes-Washing Appliances
The life expectancy of a washing machine is 10 – 14 years. Front-loading machines tend to be more efficient, but both front and top-loading appliances have approximately the same lifespan. You can prolong the lifespan of the clothes washer by cleaning it regularly to remove build-up.
The clothes dryer can be expected to function well for 10 – 13 years. The best way to extend the life of a dryer is to clean the lint trap after each use, and every 60 – 90 days, make sure the exhaust vent is free of obstructions.
The Life Expectancy of the Dishwasher
Your household dishwasher should last between 9 and 16 years. Keep it clean and use it regularly to extend the lifespan. To save energy, only run the machine when you have a full load. If your machine has a cleaning cycle, use this setting every month or two. It’s also important to clean the filter to remove food particles that might affect the machine’s function.
Lifespans of Cooking Appliances
Gas Range
Your gas-powered range should function for about 15 years. To maintain it, keep the stovetop clean and regularly clean the filter in the exhaust hood to remove grease and other debris.
Stovetop
On average, an electric stovetop should last between 13 and 15 years. Keep the burners clean and if you have a glass top stove, wipe it down after each use to prevent food build-up.
Microwave Oven
A microwave usually lasts about 7 years. It’s especially important to keep the microwave clean. Food left inside the appliance will continue to cook each time the microwave is used, creating hot spots and causing damage. Clean the microwave after each use. Place a dish of water with dishwashing liquid inside while running the machine. This will generate steam that helps dislodge food so that it is easier to clean.
Keep Track of the Age of Your Appliances and Know Their Average Lifespans
If you don’t remember exactly when you purchased an appliance, check the machine for a serial number. It may be located on the back or inside on the door of the appliance. Many modern appliances show the date of manufacture on this sticker. When you purchase a new appliance for your home, keep the instruction manual in a safe place so you can refer to it when needed and record any repairs and service dates.
AAA Professional Home Inspectors provides inspection services to Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Contact us to schedule an appointment.