Household appliances make life easier by making chores more efficient. New appliances are expensive, so it’s important to keep them well-maintained. To better prepare for replacement, it’s helpful to understand the average life expectancies of appliances in the home.
Is There a Way to Know When an Appliance Will Break?
There is no way to tell exactly how long each appliance will last. Some well-maintained appliances can last longer than their typical lifespans. Generally, the appliances in your house are expected to last a certain number of years. Understanding how long they should last will help you plan for the purchase of a new machine.
Life Expectancies of Laundry Machines
A broken washing machine means you’ll have to go to the laundromat or wash clothing by hand. Washing machines have a fairly long life expectancy of around 12-14 years, provided you take care of the appliance. When buying a new washing machine, choose a trusted brand because replacement parts are easier to come by. Newer machines are more energy-efficient and use less water, so you will save money on utilities.
The dryer isn’t as essential, especially if you have good weather and an outdoor clothesline. However, for quick and easy clothes-drying, this appliance certainly comes in handy. A dryer lasts between 12-16 years, slightly outperforming its laundry counterpart. For safety and efficiency, keep the lint-trap clean.
The Kitchen Range
If your stove breaks, you’ll end up spending money on take-out as well as appliance repairs. Luckily, the range has a long life expectancy of about 15 years for a gas-powered model and 13 years for an electric one.
Refrigerator
A malfunctioning fridge can waste a lot of food. A new fridge is expensive, but most full-size fridges last between 10-13 years. Replacing an older model before it breaks down will save on energy bills, as newer refrigerators are far more energy-efficient than their older counterparts.
Microwave Oven
The microwave has a relatively short life span, lasting between 6 – 9 years. Maintaining a clean appliance is essential in keeping it functioning efficiently.
Increase the Life Expectancies of Appliances in the Home
To make the most of any appliance, ongoing cleaning and maintenance are key. Take the time to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual and follow the advice in terms of general use and cleaning.
Not every problem is an indication that you need to replace the appliance. Many times, these machines can be repaired. Call a professional at the first sign of a problem and talk to your repair person about options.
If you’re in the market for new appliances, research the longevity of different brands before you settle on a particular model. It will pay off in the long term if you purchase appliances that last.
Budgeting to replace home appliances can feel like a guessing game, as they rarely give warning before they break down. Having a good understanding of how long to expect each item to last allows you to plan for a replacement.
Carolina HomePro Inspections provides inspections to customers in Charlotte, NC and in the Rock Hill area of South Carolina. Contact us to schedule an inspection.