Refrigerator
The lifespan of a typical new refrigerator is about seven years.
Maintenance tips: Vacuum the coils twice a year. Keep your temp settings around 37 degrees for your fridge, and 0 degrees for the freezer. Keep your refrigerator “full” to maintain temperature. Clean the door seal twice a year to keep the cold in, and your fridge from working overtime.
Dishwasher
The lifespan of a typical new dishwasher is about seven years.
Maintenance tips: Maintain a clean filter, if your dishwasher has one. Keep the interior of your dishwasher clean, including its door and seals. Don’t overuse detergent, as it can be harsh on your dishwasher’s interior.
Washing Machine
The lifespan of a typical new washing machine is about seven years.
Maintenance tips: Avoid excessive soap. A washing machine will clean most loads with less than 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent. Check hoses regularly for cracking or bulging and replace it if need be. Keep your washing machine level. To balance your machine, turn the legs to raise or lower it. Make sure there is plenty of water available for whichever load size you choose. Too little water in a large heavy load will make your washing machine work even harder than it does.
Oven/Range
The lifespan of a typical new oven/range is about ten years. Experts say even at ten years old, it is most often the electrical controls that go out as opposed to the heating elements.
Maintenance tips: Keep your oven clean, and always unplug this appliance when tackling more than just a wiping down of the stovetop. Inspect and replace the oven door gasket as they will deteriorate over time. Clean behind your oven. Debris can block airflow and is also a fire hazard.
Dryer
Consumer Reports advises we can expect our dryer to last close to 10 years, although many experts suggest 12. Either way, the lifespan of your dryer is a few years beyond that of your washing machine.
Maintenance tips: Clean the lint trap between loads. Clean the dryer vent a couple of times each year. You may need to hire a professional to do this, especially if you notice a decrease in your dryer’s performance. Keep the inside of your dryer clean. Vacuum underneath your dryer every few months to keep to keep dirt and lint at bay. Don’t overload your dryer.
Microwave
The lifespan of a typical, new washing machine is about 6 years.
Maintenance tips: Keep the inside of the microwave clean to keep spots and corrosion from developing. Use only microwave-safe dishes and covers when microwaving food. Make sure the microwave door closes properly for proper cooking. Keep the area around your microwave clear.
Water heater
The lifespan of a typical, new water heater is about 15 years.
Maintenance tips: Maintain a 2-foot clearance around your water heater. Remove sediment a few times a year by draining about a quarter of the tank. Maintain the water heater temp at 120 degrees F. Examine the water heater sacrificial anode rod every 3 years and replace if necessary.
Depending on your age, you may have noticed the lifespan for most major appliances has decreased significantly over the past 20-30 years. This decrease can be primarily attributed to electronically controlled newer models. Today’s models include more sophisticated capabilities than ever before. Remember, a little maintenance can go a long way in helping know the lifespan of your major appliances.
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