How Long Do Home Appliances Last? Typical Lifespans and When to Replace

Typical lifespan ranges

• Refrigerators: roughly 10 to 15 years.
• Washers: roughly 10 to 13 years.
• Dryers: roughly 10 to 13 years.
• Dishwashers: roughly 9 to 12 years.
• Electric and gas ranges and ovens: roughly 13 to 15 years.
• Over-the-range and built-in microwaves: roughly 8 to 10 years.
• Range hoods: roughly 10 to 15 years, depending on the fan motor.

These ranges are guidelines, not guarantees. Many appliances last well beyond them with good care, while some budget models fall short. Mechanical models with fewer electronics tend to be easier and cheaper to repair than appliances with complex control boards.

What shortens an appliance's life

Heavy use is the biggest factor. A washer in a household with several kids runs more cycles in a year than one in a small household. Neglected maintenance is next: clogged dryer vents, dirty fridge coils, never-cleaned dishwasher filters and overloaded washers all increase wear.

Environment also plays a role. Hard water leaves mineral deposits in dishwashers and washers, and unheated garages and basements are tough on fridges and laundry appliances in the Ottawa winter.

The 50 percent rule of thumb

A common guideline is to consider replacing an appliance if the repair would cost more than about half of the price of a comparable new one, especially if the appliance is in the last third of its expected life. For a ten-year-old dishwasher with a failed pump, repair is often sensible if the quote is modest. For a fifteen-year-old fridge with a failed compressor, replacement is usually the better choice.

Keep in mind that a new appliance also has costs: delivery, installation, haul-away of the old unit, and the possibility that a basic new model is less sturdy than a well-built older one.

Repairs that are almost always worth it

• Dryer heating elements, thermal fuses and belts.
• Washer drain pumps, door locks and lid switches.
• Dishwasher pumps, door latches and inlet valves.
• Fridge fans, defrost components, gaskets and sensors.
• Oven igniters, bake elements and temperature sensors.

These are common wear parts that cost far less than a new appliance, and replacing them can add years of reliable service.

Repairs that often point toward replacement

• A failed sealed-system component such as a compressor on an older fridge.
• Washer drum bearings or a cracked tub on an older machine.
• Repeated failures of the main control board on a model that is past its expected life.
• A rusted-through or damaged cabinet.

If you have already repaired the same appliance more than once in a year or two, that is also a sign that more failures are likely.

Safety and efficiency

Age is not just about cost. Older appliances can be less energy efficient, and appliances with damaged wiring, gas leaks or burnt components should not be used until they are inspected. If you notice a gas smell, scorched wiring, or repeated breaker trips, stop using the appliance and call a professional immediately.

How to get the most out of your appliances

• Clean the dryer lint screen every load and the vent regularly.
• Vacuum fridge coils once or twice a year.
• Clean the dishwasher filter monthly.
• Do not overload washers and dryers.
• Leave a few centimetres of clearance behind appliances.

A short maintenance routine costs almost nothing and can add years to an appliance's life.

Get an honest opinion

If you are not sure whether to repair or replace, a diagnostic visit will tell you exactly what has failed and what the repair costs. We will tell you plainly if replacement is the better choice, and if repair makes sense we will back it with a 30-day warranty on parts and labour.