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

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.

How long does a washing machine last?

A typical washer should last 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. 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, clean the lint trap after each use and make sure the outer vent is clear as well.

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.

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.

(Text Version of Infographic)

How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?

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

• Washer: 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. For cleaning, try bleach to remove odors, buildup, and hard water, and vinegar to remove excessive suds.

• Dryer: 10-13 years

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

New updated information for dryer maintenance as of July 8, 2022.

In addition to the above tips, follow the dryer maintenance tips described by Sears Technician Tom Charland in this video to help your dryer run better and last longer.

• Refrigerator: 10-13 years

  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

  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

  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

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

• Microwave: 9-10 years

  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 with loosen the gunk inside, making it easier to clean.