How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?

Your household size, usage and upkeep will impact the life of your appliances.

Quick Answers: How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?

• Washers, 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

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.

Here’s a guide to the average lifespan of your appliances, along with appliance maintenance tips from the pros for getting the most out of those big-ticket purchases.

Is your appliance reaching the end of its life? Schedule a repair today with the #1 company in appliance repair, Sears Home Services.

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How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?

The Average Lifespan of Household Appliances – Tips to Help You Keep Them Running Longer

• Washer: 10-13 Years

  Extend its life: 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. For cleaning, try bleach to remove odors, buildup, and hard water, and vinegar to remove excessive suds.

• Dryer: 10-13 years

  Extend its life: Clean the lint trap after each use and make sure the outer vent is clear as well.

• Refrigerator: 10-13 years

  Extend its life: 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

• Dishwasher: 10-13 years

  Extend its life: Run it regularly. This helps keep the seals, gaskets, and hoses from dry-rotting and keeps mold and mildew from forming.

• Gas Range: 15 years

  Extend its life: 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.

• Stovetop: 15-18 years

  Extend its life: If your stove runs on gas, clean the burner ports regularly with a straight pin. This prevents clogs.

• Microwave: 9-10 years

  Extend its life: Put a couple of wet papers towels or a bowl filled with water and dishwashing liquid inside and run on high for 1 minute. Both of these tricks with loosen the gunk inside, making it easier to clean.