How Long Do Your Appliances Last?

When you purchase a new appliance, you want it to last for years to come. Knowing how long your appliances will last is essential for budgeting and maintenance. While all appliances have a different lifespan, there are some general rules of thumb to follow. Generally speaking, most appliances last between 10-15 years, depending on the type and how well you maintain it. In this article, we’ll discuss how long your appliances typically last, plus some tips on extending their life.

Approximate Problem Rates Within the First 5 Years

When it comes to estimating an appliance’s lifespan, it’s important to consider the problem rate within the first five years. This is how often the appliance will need repair or replacement within that five-year window. Here is a breakdown for the average problem rate for different types of appliances within the first five years:

• Refrigerators: 25%
• Dishwashers: 20%
• Ranges: 15%
• Over-the-Range Microwaves: 15%
• Washers: 10%
• Clothes Dryers: 10%

These numbers are just estimates and will vary depending on how well you maintain and use your appliances. Whilst these figures shouldnt be taken as gospel, they should give you a starting point for expectations with budgeting and planning for any necessary repairs or replacements

Top Factors Affecting Appliance Longevity?

There are a number of factors that affect an appliance’s lifespan, including the quality of the product, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained. Let’s take a look at each of these factors.

Quality

The quality of the appliance is one of the most important factors in determining its lifespan. Higher-quality appliances are usually made with better materials and have more reliable components, meaning they’ll last longer.

Usage

How often you use your appliances is another key factor in determining how long they’ll last. If you use them constantly, they’ll likely need to be replaced sooner than if you only use them occasionally.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to extending an appliance’s life. This includes cleaning, inspecting, and replacing parts as needed. Proper maintenance can ensure that your appliances are working efficiently and will last longer.

Here’s why Quality, Usage and Maintenance Matter

The quality of your appliances, the usage frequency and how well you maintain them are 3 of the most important factors in determining their lifespan. Higher-quality appliances are usually made with better materials and components, meaning they’ll last longer. And regular maintenance can ensure that your appliances are working efficiently and will deteriorate slower.

What to Consider Before You Repair an Old Appliance?

1. Age

Determine the age of the appliance before you attempt to repair it. This is important to consider because older models may not be compatible with modern parts and so can be difficult to repair.

2. Cost of Repair

Consider the cost of the repair before you begin. If the cost of repair is more than the cost of purchasing a new appliance, it may not be worth it to repair the old one.

3. Availability of Parts

Determine if the parts needed to repair the appliance are available and at what cost. If the parts are not available, you may need to consider purchasing a new appliance.

4. Difficulty of Repair

Consider how difficult the repair will be. If the repair requires a lot of skill and knowledge, it may be more cost-effective to hire a professional to do the job.

5. Safety

Consider the safety of attempting the repair yourself. If the appliance is not properly wired or the wiring is outdated, attempting to repair it could be dangerous.

6. Warranty

Check to see if the appliance is still under warranty. If it is, the repair may be covered and you may be able to get the appliance repaired for free.

7. Knowledge

Consider your own knowledge and skills when attempting to repair the appliance. If you are not confident in your ability to do the job, it is best to hire a professional.

8. Time

Consider the amount of time you have available to repair the appliance. If you are short on time, it may be necessary to hire a professional to do the job.

9. Tools

Consider what tools you have available to use in the repair process. If you do not have the proper tools, you may need to purchase them or rent them in order to complete the repair.

When you are considering repairing an old appliance, it is important to consider all of these factors before you begin. If the appliance is old and parts are not available or the repair is too difficult, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new appliance. However, if the appliance is still under warranty, you could be able to get it repaired for free. 

In summary, if you have the knowledge and tools required to do the job, you may be able to save money by doing the repair yourself. But if you are short on time or lack the knowledge and tools needed, it may be best to hire a professional to do the job.

5 Things to Do Before You Call for a Repair

1. Check the power source

The first thing to do when an old appliance stops working is to check the power source. This can be done by unplugging the appliance and then plugging it back in, or by checking the circuit breaker. If the power source is not the issue, then it is time to move on to the next step.

2. Check the connections

The next step is to check all of the connections. This includes making sure all of the wires are connected properly, checking the plugs where they go into the walls, and making sure all of the connections inside the appliance are secure.

3. Clean the appliance

If the appliance is dirty, it may be preventing it from working properly. Make sure to clean the appliance thoroughly with a cloth or other cleaning agent.

4. Troubleshoot the appliance

If the appliance still isn’t working, it’s time to troubleshoot it. This can involve checking the settings, resetting the appliance, or checking for any error codes.

5. Call for a repair

If all else fails, it’s time to call for a repair. Make sure to have the make and model of the appliance, as well as any error codes, so that the repair technician can more quickly diagnose the issue.

These five steps should be followed before calling for a repair to fix an old appliance. By going through these steps, it may be possible to fix the issue without having to call for a repair. However, if all else fails, it is important to call for a repair to ensure that the appliance is working properly and safely.

Do You Need an Extended Warranty?

When buying a new appliance, you may be offered an extended warranty. An extended warranty can provide additional protection in case your appliance breaks down or needs repair. It’s important to consider your budget and the cost of the extended warranty before making a decision. In some cases, it may be worth the extra money in order to have peace of mind. However, if you’re confident that you’ll be able to maintain your appliance and it’s of high quality, then an extended warranty may not be necessary.

Ultimately, how long your appliances last will depend on a variety of factors, including their quality, how often you use them, and how well you maintain them. Knowing the approximate problem rates for different appliances within the first five years can also help you plan for any necessary repairs or replacements. Quality and maintenance are both essential for extending an appliance’s life, and in some cases, an extended warranty may be worth considering.