How Long Major Appliances Should Last & When to Replace Them

With the rising costs of major appliances and greater attention to the environment, it makes sense to maintain and preserve your major appliances for as long as possible. Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers are better built than ever, so you can expect them to last for their full life expectancy and beyond.

Understanding how long appliances should last helps you maintain them for their proper lifespan—without unnecessary repairs for machines that legitimately should be replaced.

Below, learn how long major appliances are expected to last and how to tell when to replace them.

Gas Stoves

Expect most gas ranges to last about 15 years when well-maintained. Gas stoves generally are durable appliances that have simple maintenance schedules.

Look for some signs that cleaning or replacement is in order. Clean the grates and burner caps if the gas flame isn't blue and flickers from red to yellow. It might be ready for replacement if it's clean and still can't hold a blue flame. If the burner doesn't turn on, contact a technician for servicing to fix a faulty spark igniter or loose wiring. Fix it as soon as possible to avoid a fire hazard.

• Regularly clean the grates with warm water and mild detergent.
• Do not use abrasives on the gas range top or grates.
• Avoid inserting sharp objects into the holes in the burners, especially items that can break off, such as toothpicks.

Electric Stoves

Similar to gas stoves, electric stoves are relatively hardy appliances that can be expected to last up to 13 years. However, it can be a fire hazard if you ignore warning signs. These signs include a flickering digital display, constant clicking, and burners that don't turn on, off, or get up to temperature.

Some physical signs of wear that need service include excessive rust, a cracked glass top, or a scorching smell that persists after it has been cleaned.

• Use metal drip bowls to protect the range against spills and aid in cleaning.
• Remove the electric elements regularly and clean them with a sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner.
• With the elements, drip bowls, and dials removed, clean the top of the electric range with warm water and a sponge.

Stove and Oven Hoods

Cooktop, stove, and oven hoods are fairly simple appliances that can be expected to last 14 years or more with regular maintenance. It might need servicing or replacement if it no longer captures, filters, or vents cooking grease smoke and steam above your cooking surface.

• Hoods bear the brunt of cooking grease and food splatters. Clean the top and inside with hot water, a sponge, and a mild detergent.
• Pay attention to the filter and clean it regularly. Grease on the metal filter can be dissolved by soaking the filter in hot, soapy water and rinsing it with cold water.
• Do not allow the duct to become clogged, as this will retard performance and may even lead to fires.

Dryers (Electric and Gas)

Most dryers will last about 13 years on a regular maintenance schedule, whether electric or gas. Some signs that your dryer might be on the fritz or need replacement: the clothes take too long to dry, the machine makes odd noises, or the device has a burning smell.

• Remove and clean debris from the screen and the vent leading to the outside. Dust, fiber, and lint clogs are significant contributors to dryer fires.
• Never put soiled clothes in a dryer. Clean the inside of the dryer drum only with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning agent.
• Clean the outside of the dryer with a sponge and warm water.

Refrigerators

Even though refrigerators constantly operate for 24 hours a day, they can still be expected to last up to 14 years. If it needs replacement, consider an Energy Star-certified energy-efficient model.

Some indicators that it's time to service or replace your refrigerator include loud noises coming from the fridge, food spoiling faster than usual, freezer issues, leaks, condensation inside the refrigerator, and the back of the fridge running hot.

• Regularly vacuum the air intake at the base of the refrigerator to clear it of dust and other debris. A clogged air intake will overwork the compressor and lead to premature failure.
• Maintain the rubber door gaskets by frequently wiping them down with mild cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Ensure that the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator does not fill with water and spill out. Remove and drain the pan, then clean it with warm, soapy water and a sponge.
  

Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals grind food matter into particles small enough to flush down drain pipes. Because this intense work taxes the motor, garbage disposals might last as little as eight years. With regular maintenance, garbage disposals can last as much as 12 years.

Call a repair expert or replace your garbage disposal if you experience abnormal noises, frequent resets, continuous clogs or poor performance, no power, foul odors, and under-sink leaks.

• Regularly clear debris from the bottom of the disposal. Always be sure to unplug the disposal before clearing the disposal.
• Avoid forcing grease, bones, pasta, eggshells, potato peels, and fibrous materials like pumpkin or celery down the garbage disposal.
• Check the screws that suspend the disposal to the bottom of the countertop to ensure the unit remains firmly in place. Tighten with a manual screwdriver or cordless drill if the screws are loose.
  

Freezers

Standalone freezers usually last up to 11 years on a regular maintenance schedule. Freezers can experience similar problems to refrigerators, such as loud sounds, the freezer ices over, and food spoiling.

• Wipe down the inside and outside of the freezer a couple of times a year with dish soap and water, always being sure to rinse off the soap with clean water.
• Look at the back of the freezer and vacuum off dust and lint from the coils.
• Consult the freezer for the recommended temperature. Typically, this is around 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Washing Machines

Expect your washing machine to last up to 11 years. Since washing machines work hard at agitating and spinning clothing, you must closely monitor yours to extend its lifespan and save water. Fixing a faulty appliance can save on water bills.

Signs of a problem with the machine include damage to clothes, clothing does not clean sufficiently or has odors, the machine makes noises, the drum does not fill with water or drain properly, and water leaks.

• Always keep clothing balanced in the drum.
• Keep the drainage line clean and clear.
• Regularly clean the washing machine drum.

Microwaves

Most microwaves can be expected to last up to nine years. Microwaves can create a fire hazard if not maintained or if faulty.

Signs a microwave needs repair or replacement include smoke, sparks, burning smells, food not cooking correctly, odd sounds, the door not closing properly, and the keypad stops functioning.

• Frequently wipe down the inside of the microwave to clean it of food splatter.
• Remove the carousel tray and clean it in the sink. Also, clean the area underneath the carousel to ensure smooth rotation.
• Run the microwave only when food or liquids are inside; never run it when empty.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers must be kept clean regularly to ensure an expected nine to 10-year lifespan. If a dishwasher is not running well or leaks, it can increase your water bill. If replacing, consider a more energy-efficient model.

Signs the dishwasher needs service or replacement include the dishes not feeling hot after the drying cycle, water not draining out of the bottom, rust inside the appliance, the latch is broken, it overfills or underfills, and the dishes don't get clean.

• Consult your dishwasher instruction guide for the proper way to stack plates and drinking vessels.
• Keep an eye on the bottom of the dishwasher to make sure that it is appropriately draining, plus keep that area clean.
• Make sure that the dishwasher air vent is always kept clear and clean.