How Long Should Household Appliances Last?
Jan 4, 2019
Home appliances have advanced immensely within the last decade. Thanks to technological improvements, they are quieter and work more efficiently. However, although these home gadgets are running better, they don’t last as long as they once did. Also, there is a greater reliance today compared to 10 years ago, which is why we’ve been seeing a decrease in component useful life. There are ways to maximize an appliance's longevity when proper maintenance is applied. Below are some common household appliances along with the time period that you can expect them to last based on the Study of Life Expectancy on Home Components.
Your kitchen appliances go through a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. You can help your refrigerator and freezer last longer by not over-stuffing them with food. The open space allows the cold air to circulate better throughout these appliances, keeping your food fresher and your appliances running more efficiently. Extend the lifetime of your microwave by continually cleaning out spilt food that can result in carbon buildup. The carbon can lead to electrical sparking and severely damage your microwave.
After the kitchen, your laundry room is the second room in your home that requires major appliances to operate on a consistent basis. By not overloading your washer and dryer, you can avoid wearing out the motor and drive belts in your washer and actually shorten the amount of dry time needed when running your dryer.
There are other appliances around the house that have longer useful lives, such as window air conditioning units and toilets. You can help your air conditioner last longer by cleaning the filters with a damp cloth and soap every two weeks. By keeping these appliances clean, their useful life will be extended.
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Kitchen
Your kitchen appliances go through a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. You can help your refrigerator and freezer last longer by not over-stuffing them with food. The open space allows the cold air to circulate better throughout these appliances, keeping your food fresher and your appliances running more efficiently. Extend the lifetime of your microwave by continually cleaning out spilt food that can result in carbon buildup. The carbon can lead to electrical sparking and severely damage your microwave.
- Microwave Ovens: 9 years
- Gas Oven: 15 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Freezer: 12 – 20 years
- Refrigerator: 13 years
Laundry Room
After the kitchen, your laundry room is the second room in your home that requires major appliances to operate on a consistent basis. By not overloading your washer and dryer, you can avoid wearing out the motor and drive belts in your washer and actually shorten the amount of dry time needed when running your dryer.
- Clothes Washer: 8 – 16 years
- Dryer: 13 years
- Tankless Water Heater: 20+ years
- Electric/Gas Water Heater: 10 years
Other Rooms
There are other appliances around the house that have longer useful lives, such as window air conditioning units and toilets. You can help your air conditioner last longer by cleaning the filters with a damp cloth and soap every two weeks. By keeping these appliances clean, their useful life will be extended.
- Toilet: 100+ years – Your toilet should last a lifetime, but the toilet tank components are expected to last approximately 5 years.
- LED Bulbs: 2 – 3 years
- Window Air Conditioner: 15 – 20 years
- Smoke Detector: 10 years
