When to Replace your Appliances: The Ultimate Guide 2023

Making a decision on when to replace your appliances should typically be based on factors such as their age, condition and your personal needs.

Although age is a key consideration, your home appliances don’t have to be on their last leg before you replace them. You may need new appliances when the condition of your current products aren’t in the best of shape.

Even if your appliances aren’t old or in bad shape, you’ll often need to replace them during a remodel.

We’ll help you understand when to replace your appliances with expert advice and contemporary guidelines.

How Old Is Too Old For Appliances?

Various appliances have established track records of longevity. Knowing how long your appliances typically last will help you decide when to replace older products.

Use this guidance to help you know when it’s time to throw in the towel and get new appliances.

How Long Do Refrigerators Last?

As of 2023, refrigerators last an average of 12 – 15 years. That doesn’t mean you need to wait until your fridge is 12 years old before replacing it. But the average age can guide you in when to expect that you’ll need to consider refrigerator replacement.

How to Use Average Age to Help You Decide When to Replace Your Fridge

Knowing when to give up on the old fridge and get a new one isn’t based only on age, but mainly on age. When your refrigerator nears the end of its life, you’ll likely see parts like the door gaskets and drawers deteriorating. The ice and water dispenser probably won’t look so fresh after 10 years of use. When these signs of an aging fridge sound familiar to you, you’ll need to consider shopping for a new refrigerator.

Using Average Refrigerator Life to Help You Decide Whether to Repair or Replace the Refrigerator

Another way to use the average lifespan of your refrigerator is to consider it when facing an expensive failure and deciding whether to proceed with the repair or replace the fridge. Here’s the age-old formula that’s still valid in 2023:

If Refrigerator Age is over Average Lifespan divided by 2 then don’t spend more than ½ the Replacement Cost on a Repair – Replace the Fridge.

Of course, this is a rough guide but proven and successful. As with everything, there are exceptions. When you have a built-in fridge that may be hard to find a perfect replacement for, then you may need to bite the bullet and keep the old fridge a bit longer. The appliance supply chain in 2023 still isn’t perfect yet.

How Long Do Ranges Last?

Ranges and stoves last an average of 15 years. With proper cleaning and maintenance, they can last well over 20 years.

Gas ranges benefit most from regular cleaning and maintenance. Surface burners can get clogged with spills and fail to work efficiently. To keep your gas stove in top shape and working safely, have it professionally cleaned and maintained by a Sears Technician yearly.

Replace your range when it reaches the end of its useful life and parts begin to wear out and fail.

How Long Do Dishwashers Last?

Dishwashers have an average life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years. That’s shorter than kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and stoves, because frequent exposure to water takes its toll on dishwasher parts.

Here are some key dishwasher parts that are prone to wear and damage:

• Pump parts and dishracks rust over time.
• Seals start leaking as detergent residue and mineral deposits build up on sealing surfaces.
• Spray arms eventually clog with debris and hard water deposits.

When your dishwasher is over 10 years old and you start seeing problems with these parts, it’s likely time to replace your dishwasher.

How Long Do Washers Last?

A top-load washing machine typically lasts from 10 to 15 years, while a front-load washer can last more than 15 years if you maintain it well.

The actual lifespan of your washer depends on how often you use it and the weight of the typical laundry load. Not surprisingly, frequent use and heavy loads wear out a washing machine faster.

When your washing machine is over 10 years old and you begin to experience problems with the drive system or it begins leaking water, you’ll likely need to replace the washer.

How Long Do Dryers Last?

A clothes dryer lasts about 15 years on average. The actual lifespan of your dryer depends on factors like how often you use it, whether you habitually overload it and how consistent you are about cleaning the lint screen.

And your dryer’s longevity also depends on how well you maintain it. Following the use and care advice in the dryer’s manual can extend the dryer’s life beyond the average. Proper cleaning and maintenance help too.

If you take good care of your dryer, you may not need to replace it as often as other appliances – unless you want to get a matching dryer when you replace the washer.

When your dryer is over 10 years old and you begin having problems with the drive system or heater, it’s likely time to shop for a new dryer.

As you age, you may eventually want to replace your washer and dryer with a new pair on pedestals so you don’t have to stoop down to load and unload the laundry appliances.

What To Do When You Need to Replace Appliances

When the time comes to replace some or all of your appliances, visit our Sears.com Upgrade page to easily select the products you need and get help with financing.

We’ve consolidated all help, financing offers and savings into one location on our Upgrade page to make it easy for you to replace your appliances now. No hassles and no waiting. Get your new home appliances today.

Efficient and durable appliances help make a house a home. Whether you just need a new fridge or you’re buying a whole set 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 and resources to make your life easier.