Major household appliances, like ranges, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and refrigerators are expensive but helpful for everyday tasks. Keep appliances in good condition, because replacing them is costly. Knowing the lifespans of home appliances will help you budget for new machines. Learn approximately when each of your appliances will need replacing.
Expected Lifespans of Home Kitchen Appliances
Ranges
Expect an electric range to last up to 13 years and a gas one to last around 15 years. To help maintain your electric range, remove the heating coils and clean them with a non-abrasive cleaner regularly. Use drip pans to protect the range from spills. For glass and ceramic top electric ranges, use caution with cast iron cookware, as it is heavy and may scratch the surface. Use mild soap and warm water to clean the grates on gas ranges.
Refrigerators Have One of the Longest Lifespans of Home Appliances
A standard-size refrigerator commonly lasts around 13 years, while compact refrigerators last approximately 9 years. To help extend the life expectancy of your fridge, keep it clean inside and out, and regularly vacuum the appliance’s coils.
Freezers
Freezers can last up to 20 years, but on average, they last approximately 11 years. Purchase a freezer with an automatic defrosting cycle or manually defrost your freezer periodically to improve its efficiency. Vacuum lint and dust off the coils on the back of the freezer.
Dishwasher
A well-maintained dishwasher can last 9 to 10 years. Though dishwashers have one of the shortest lifespans of home appliances, newer models use significantly less water and electricity than older machines. By replacing yours, you’ll save money on power and water bills.
Garbage Disposals
In-sink garbage disposals last for up to 12 years if they are well-maintained. To help extend its life expectancy, don’t put grease, bones, coffee, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peels, pasta, or fibrous foods in the disposal.
What Are the Lifespans of Home Appliances?
Furnaces
How long your furnace lasts varies depending on the model and the type of fuel it uses. Oil-burning furnaces have the longest lifespans at approximately 20 years. Furnaces that use gas last around 18 years, while you can expect an electric furnace to last about 15 years. Gas-burning boilers can last up to 21 years, heat pumps have an approximate lifespan of 16 years, and electric boilers last an average of 13 years.
Air Conditioners
Window air conditioning units last approximately 10 years, while central air conditioners can be expected to work well for about 15 years. Increase the longevity of your air conditioner by keeping the components clean and regularly replacing its filters.
Water Heaters
The lifespan of your water heater will largely depend on what type you have and your water source. On-demand or tankless water heaters have the longest lifespans, functioning for approximately 20 years. Standard electric water heaters typically last about 11 years, while gas water heaters work for an average of 10 years. The water supply and quality also play a role in the life of a water heater. Calcium, lime, and other minerals in the water will build up in the water heater and reduce its life expectancy. It’s recommended to flush the water heater tank at least every 6 months.
Approximate Lifespans of Laundry Appliances
Washing Machines
On average, expect a washing machine to last about 10 years. Increase the lifespan of your machine, by running it only when you have a full load of laundry, cleaning the machine regularly, and replacing hoses as necessary.
Dryers
A well-maintained gas or electric dryer will last for an average of 13 years. Cleaning the filters and ducts helps your dryer run more safely and efficiently and increases its lifespan.
Your home appliances make life more comfortable and convenient. Knowing the lifespans of these machines will help you plan for future replacements.
Aztec Home Services provides home inspections to customers in Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule our services.