How Often Should You Replace Home Appliances? Your Repair or Replace Guide | The Appliance Care Company LLC (2024)

• June 29, 2022
• Appliance Repair

It’s a decision every homeowner will eventually face: should I repair or replace my home appliances? If you bought your appliance in the last few years, and something is already going south, you want to check your warranty information before calling for service. Even if your warranty is expired, you should try to get the entire life out of your major appliances. Read on to learn how often you should replace home appliances.

How Long do Appliances Last on Average?

Most home appliances last 10-15 years on average. How often you should replace home appliances depends significantly on how much they’re being used, and they may vary by brand. However, appliances are often replaced before their lifetime due to upgraded style, technology, and features, making them more desirable to homeowners.

Should I Replace 20-Year-Old Appliances?

The average lifespan of a home appliance is around 10-15 years. Even with the best maintenance and care, most won’t function properly past their life expectancy. If the repair cost is more than the cost of replacing the appliance, it makes more sense to replace it. Most kitchen appliances, washing machines, and dryers will last up to 15 years. However, HVAC appliances can last up to 25 years. It’s essential to consider the lifespan of the appliance.

If you’re asking, when should I get a new appliance, and your machine is still working, there’s no need to rush out and replace it. Although not all appliances will last 20 years, there are some brands out there that can stand the test of time. If you’re not having a repair issue with the appliance, there’s no need to fix what’s not broken.

How Long do HVAC Appliances Last?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are vital to home comfort. They require proper maintenance for them to work efficiently. However, even the best components only last 15 – 25 years. On average, air conditioning units last 10-15 years, furnaces last 15-20 years, and heat pumps 16 years. Electric or gas water heaters have a life expectancy of 10 years, while tankless water heaters last for over 20.

How Long do Dishwashers Last?

On average, dishwashers last 9-12 years. If your dishwasher is approaching or has exceeded ten years, and you’re experiencing issues with it, it may be time to consider a replacement. There are a few things you can look for to tell if you should consider replacing it:

• It’s approaching or has exceeded 10 years.
• Noticeable signs of rust.
• Unusual noises.
• Dents, cracks, or other obvious damage.
• The door doesn’t latch.

What’s the Lifespan of a Garbage Disposal?

Another handy kitchen appliance is a garbage disposal. They help make cleaning more efficient, prevent odors in your home, and even better, they last 12 years! If you have a garbage disposal approaching the end of its lifetime and notice malfunctioning, it may be time to look for a replacement.

A garbage disposal may need to be replaced if:

• It’s approaching or has exceeded 12 years.
• Won’t turn on or it turns itself off.
• Leaking.
• Unusual clogging.
• Lots of noise.
• Frequently resets.

How Long do Microwaves Last?

With any appliance, the lifespan of a microwave can vary greatly depending on how much it is used. Microwaves are built to last ten years and may need to be replaced if there are:

• Burning smells, smoke, and sparks.
• Food isn’t cooking as it should.
• Unusual noises.
• Door doesn’t seal.
• Touchpad has lost function.

What’s the Lifespan of a Refrigerator?

Refrigerators are necessary for modern living and have been built to support our lifestyle for 10-20 years, depending on the brand. Your refrigerator may need to be replaced if:

• It’s approaching or has exceeded 13 years.
• Food is going bad before its expiration date.
• There’s visible condensation on the inside or outside.
• Excessive noise.
• A buildup of frost in the freezer compartment.

How Long Does a Range Last?

A range has a long lifetime of 14 years, and most issues can be repaired without needing a replacement. Many professionals will recommend opting for a replacement instead of a repair if your range is approaching 14 years.

How Long do Washers and Dryers Last?

On average, washing machines last ten years, while dryers have a longer lifespan of 13 years. If your washer or dryer goes out, you may want to replace them at the same time for the sake of appearance.

A few ways you can tell if your washing machine may need to be replaced:

• It’s approaching or has exceeded 10 years.
• Unusual noises.
• Violent shaking or movement during a cycle.
• Water doesn’t fill the drum or it is leaking onto the floor.

Dryers, on the other hand, last three years longer than washers. Dryers approaching their lifespan should be replaced sooner than later due to the risk of fire or damage to your clothes.

You can tell if your dryer is trying to kick the bucket if you notice:

• It’s approaching or has exceeded 13 years.
• Fires or a burning smell.
• Unusual noises.
• Clothes come out wet or damp.

How Do You Know Your Appliance Will Last?

With proper care and maintenance, your appliance should last its lifespan. If your appliance stops working before its expected life, then repair is usually the best option. It is often less expensive to repair than replace. Plus, you’re doing the planet a solid by not contributing unnecessary waste to the landfill. However, if it costs more to repair than replace, buying a new appliance may be your only option.

We understand that it’s important to have peace of mind regarding something so essential to daily life, which is why we offer the Total Appliance Protection Plan that is affordable at various price points. If you’re looking for appliance repairs or replacements in the Overland Park area, The Appliance Care Company wants to make your decision as easy as possible.