How Long Should Your Appliances Last?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

26 Aug 2008 09:34 AM

When you have to repair or replace a fancy refrigerator only two years after you purchased the unit, it can be frustrating. Yet, the 1960s dryer that you inherited from your parents is still going strong. Are modern appliances not built as well? Do refrigerators die out faster than do dryers?

There are a few different factors that may determine the life of your appliance. Electronic components such as sensors and computerized displays tend to be difficult to repair or replace and can also be the most likely parts of an appliance to fail. The simpler the better here. More basic models from a well-made brand will often last longer than will the more elaborate "just push a button" varieties.

The type of water you have coming in to your home may be a factor in how long your appliance lasts. Heavy minerals in your water may affect your ice maker and your washer, for example.

Regular maintenance on your appliances can do a lot to extend the life of your appliances. For example, dryer vents should be regularly checked and cleaned, and refrigerator coils should be vacuumed.

The National Association of Home Builders and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers recently released the average life expectancy of some basic household appliances. According to them, here are the number of years you should expect to get out of your appliances. Of course, it may vary. Our electric range is much older than what is listed here. It may not be efficient, but it works.

Bottom-mounted refrigerator: 17 years

Dishwasher: 11-13 years

Dryer: 13 years

Electric Range: 17 years

Electric water heater: 11 years

Front-loading washing machine: 14 years

Garbage disposal: 12 years

Gas range: 19 years

Side-by-side top-mounted refrigerator: 14 years

Top-loading washing machine: 14 years

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Buying a Grill: Questions to Answer

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Samual (11722) 27 Aug 2008 01:16 PM

Our aga is at least 60 years old, shes doing well.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 28 Aug 2008 12:03 PM

That is great news. Anyone have any appliances that are older?

Dale Harcombe (10327) 28 Aug 2008 06:10 PM

When we had to buy a new fridge we were told you couldn't expect appliances these days to last longer than 5 years. They weren't made to! Like who has that sort of money to replace major items that often! We have an upright freezer that is 38 years old. The best money we ever spent. It's outside enamel is a bit tatty, so it's kept in the garage but it still does the job perfectly.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 29 Aug 2008 04:21 AM

I think the electronics come in to play these days but five years??? Perhaps they were just trying to sell you an extended warranty?