While planning ahead for the upkeep of your home, you may find it useful to know the average life expectancy of household appliances. This information helps you decide if repair or replacement is in order when a machine doesn’t perform as expected.
Gas Ranges Have the Longest Life Expectancy of Household Appliances
When it comes to common household appliances, gas ranges boast the longest appliance life expectancy. These machines can be expected to continue functioning reliably for up to 15 years, while electrical ranges usually stop working a few years earlier.
You can extend the life of your gas range by keeping it clean and replacing individual heating elements when necessary. Cleaning your range hood to remove built-up grease is also key in keeping your gas range in good condition.
Clothes Washing Machines
You can expect your clothes washing machine to last around 11 years when maintained properly. To extend the life of your clothes washing machine, make sure it rests on a level surface and distributes loads of laundry evenly within the drum. Wobbling and shaking strain the bearings and shorten the life expectancy of this appliance.
While the clothes washer itself can last over a decade with proper care, the washing machine hoses need replacement every 5 years or so. Check these regularly for cracking or any other signs of wear so that you can prepare for replacements in advance.
Clothes Dryers Have a Longer Life Expectancy Than Washing Machines
Clothes dryers have a slightly longer life expectancy than washers at around 12 to 13 years, thanks to less moisture exposure. One of the most important maintenance tasks that you can perform to maximize the lifespan of your clothes dryer is cleaning out the lint trap. Make sure that your clothes dryer is vented properly since inadequate ventilation affects this appliance’s ability to perform well.
Know Your Refrigerator’s Life Expectancy
Coming in close behind the gas range is the refrigerator, which performs well up to 13 years on average. Excess heat near your refrigerator reduces the appliance lifespan, so keep other heat-generating machines at a distance.
Leave a few inches of space in between the back and sides of your refrigerator and the nearby walls to allow adequate ventilation for the coils on the back. Periodically dust these coils off.
On Average, Dishwashers Have a Shorter Life Expectancy
On average, your dishwasher will last around 10 years with regular use. One of the best ways that you can make the most of its lifespan (and your utility bill) is to wait until the dishwasher is completely full before running a load. The area surrounding your dishwasher should be well-ventilated because excess humidity can lead to some of its elements corroding. Check the filters inside the dishwasher and clean them out as needed.
While no household appliance will last forever, there are a number of ways you can extend their lifespans. By knowing the life expectancy of household appliances, you’ll have more realistic expectations and can budget for their replacement.