How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?

Quick Answers: How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?

• Washing machines last an average of 10 - 15 years.

• Dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers typically last 10-13 years

• Gas ranges typically last around 15 years

• Stovetops typically last between 15-18 years

• Microwaves typically last 9-10 years

What can I do to keep my household appliances running longer?

Household appliances are a major purchase for any homeowner. Knowing how long they typically last is essential when budgeting for expenses. You don’t want to be caught off guard when the dishwasher you’ve been using for a decade suddenly goes on the fritz and you haven’t budgeted for its repair or replacement.

As a general rule, the lifespan of any household appliance will vary according to its use and upkeep. The washing machine of a bachelor who lives alone will typically last longer than that of a family of five, for example, simply based on the amount of loads run in any given week.

It also matters how well you care for your appliances. A fridge that’s never had its condenser coils cleaned will give up the ghost sooner than one that’s had those coils dusted regularly.

Average Lifespan of Major Home Appliances

While factors such as usage frequency, proper usage and regular maintenance significantly affect appliance longevity, each type of home appliance typically exhibits a common average lifespan as described below.

How long does a washing machine last?

Typically a washing machine lasts 10-13 years. Top-loading washers typically last a few years longer than their front-loading brethren. If you use a stacked washer/dryer combo, you may have to replace both if one starts acting up. Proper maintenance will likely help your washer last for over 15 years. For cleaning, try bleach to remove odors, buildup, and hard water, and vinegar to remove excessive suds.

How long does a dryer last?

A dryer should last 10-13 years. To extend the dryer’s life, follow the tips from Sears Technician Tom Charland in this video:.

How long does a stacked laundry machine last?

Stacked laundry machines, combining a washer and dryer in one unit, generally last around 10-13 years with regular use and maintenance. These units are convenient, but a breakdown in one component can affect the entire machine. To help extend the lifespan, perform routine maintenance like cleaning out lint, checking for leaks, and ensuring balanced loads. When repairs are needed to keep your unit running smoothly, consider professional laundry machine repair to address issues quickly and reliably.

How long does a refrigerator last?

A refrigerator should last 10-13 years. To extend the life of the refrigerator, clean the dust off your fridge’s condenser coils once or twice a year. If you have an older fridge, the coils might be painted black and mounted on the back. Newer refrigerators often have the condenser coils on the bottom. It’s easy to clean them with a coil brush, available through SearsPartsDirect.com

How long does a dishwasher last?

A dishwasher should last 10-13 years. To extend the life of the dishwasher, run it regularly. This helps keep the seals, gaskets, and hoses from dry-rotting and keeps mold and mildew from forming.

Other common dishwasher issues can also shorten the life of your appliance. Get DIY dishwasher repair help to fix common problems on our Sears PartsDirect website.

How long does a gas range last?

A gas range should last 15 years. Clean the vent hood filter above the range to help prevent a buildup of grease. Also clean the grease filter regularly. If there’s a charcoal filter, it can’t be cleaned, so you should replace it every year.

How long does a stovetop last?

A stovetop lasts 15-18 years. To extend the life of your gas stove, clean the burner ports regularly with a straight pin. This prevents clogs.

How long does a microwave last?

A typical microwave lasts 9-10 years. To keep the inside of your microwave clean, put a couple of wet paper towels or a bowl filled with water and dishwashing liquid inside and run on high for 1 minute. Both of these tricks will loosen the gunk inside, making it easier to clean.

Do more expensive appliances last longer?

Generally, more expensive appliances tend to be built with higher-quality components and better craftsmanship, which can result in a longer lifespan compared to less-expensive appliances. However, there’s no direct correlation between price and durability so you’ll need to shop wisely when spending more money for appliances that will last longer.

Here are some factors to consider when shopping for high-end that will last longer:

Brand Reputation

Established and reputable brands often charge a premium for their products due to a history of reliability and customer satisfaction. For example, the Kenmore brand truly is 100 years of trusted performance. They’re backed by exclusive features and innovations that no other brand can bring and deliver products that perform at a high level across the home, to get the job done right the first time. And they're always evolving to help you cook, clean and live better.

Warranty and Support

Expensive appliances typically come with better warranty coverage and customer support, which can be valuable in case of any issues. You can get proper appliance maintenance and repair advice for Kenmore products through our Sears PartsDirect website.

Build Quality

Higher-end appliances often use premium materials and better construction methods, leading to increased durability and better performance over time. In the long run, paying more for premium appliances will pay off because you need to replace them less often.

Features and Advanced Technology

More expensive appliances often incorporate advanced features and cutting-edge technology, which can enhance their overall lifespan and efficiency. Electronic sensors that shut off unneeded components will help because less wear and tear on your appliance helps it to it last longer.

Should I get an extended warranty for my appliances?

Yes. An extended warranty for your appliances almost always makes sense. Consider our Sears Protect appliance warranty plan that will cover all of your major appliances for repairs less a $100 deductible per repair call.

Getting a Sears Protect plan is the smartest way to warranty.

• Comprehensive coverage. Protect up to 12 appliances. Cover any brand, from any store, of any age. Seriously.
• Industry-leading guarantee. We stand by our service. If you encounter the same issue in 180 days, we’ll repair it without a deductible.
• Product replacement. Out with the old. If we can’t repair it, we’ll replace it.
• $600 bonus value. Does any other home warranty offer at least $600 worth of HVAC tune-ups, water filter & appliance parts discounts, non-covered appliance repair discounts, and home improvement discounts? Nope.

Your most valuable investment is your home. That's why it deserves to be protected from the wear and tear of life with a Sears Protect plan that covers everything in one complete protection package.

When something goes wrong on any covered system or appliance, just visit us online or call 24/7 to schedule an appointment. Our experts will come to your home and fix what needs fixing (or replace it), while also giving you our industry leading 180-day labor guarantee. All you’ll typically pay is a modest service deductible fee.

Get a quote for a Sears Protect appliance warranty or call 646-440-2437 to buy a Sears Protect plan.

Need Appliance Repairs? Sears Home Services Has Solutions

Whether you need HVAC service or your dryer isn’t heating, we have appliance repair technicians ready to fix the problem.

Sears Technicians perform more than 7 million repairs annually and we have thousands of appliance experts employed nationwide. Sears is the # 1 appliance repair service in the country, delivering guaranteed quality and workmanship.

Schedule appliance repair now and we’ll send a Sears Technician to your home to fix the problem.

Trust Sears for all of your appliance repair needs.

We Make Replacing Appliances Easy Through Our Sears.com Upgrade Page

Sears offers instant discounts on home appliances on the Upgrade Page so take advantages of these incentives when replacing your kitchen appliances. You can get special prices on bundles of kitchen appliances so that you’ll spend hundreds or even thousands less on your new kitchen appliances.

Don’t forget to check for rebates on appliances as you shop for the best deals.

Earn valuable Shop Your Way points to get even more value from your appliance purchase.

Efficient and durable appliances help make a house a home. Whether you just need a new fridge or you’re buying a whole kitchen suite of appliances, Sears carries a wide selection of home appliances from top brands like Kenmore and LG. No matter what you need, we have all the products to make your life easier.