Appliance Life Expectancy
How long should an appliance last?
Most appliances and small electrical products have fairly predictable life expectancies. Depending on the original cost, manufacturing quality, and how heavily it´s used, an appliance may last a longer or shorter period than shown in the following table.
Nevertheless, it´s useful information, especially if you want to make sure you get your money´s worth. Just knowing that the microwave is going to die after only 10 years, or that you need to budget for a replacement for your gas range after about 20, helps plan for the inevitable expense. And if you are buying used appliances, it´s a good indicator of how long you can expect a five-year-old top-loading washer to last.
The following table shows average life expectancies for common household appliances. This information has been derived from different sources including manufacturers´ websites and consumer resources, and is intended only as an estimate. Care and maintenance as well as proper installation also play big roles in performance and longevity.
Major appliances
| Appliance | Expected life in years |
|---|---|
| Microwave oven | 10 |
| Garbage disposal | 10-12 |
| Trash compactor | 10 |
| Water heater, gas | 11-13 |
| Water heater, electric | 13-14 |
| Water heater, tankless (on demand) | 20+ |
| Smoke detector | 10 |
| Refrigerator, side by side | 14 |
| Refrigerator, top mount | 14 |
| Refrigerator, bottom mount | 17 |
| Refrigerator, single door | 19 |
| Refrigerator, compact (dorm type) | 5 |
| Washing machine, top load | 14 |
| Washing machine, front load | 11 |
| Dryer | 13 |
| Range, electric | 17 |
| Range, gas | 19 |
| Dishwasher | 10 |
| Cooktops | 13-20 |
| Air Conditioner (room size) | 10 |
Related topics
Home Systems Life Expectancies. Find out how long your home´s mechanical systems are supposed to last.
Information contributed by the Sensei at fixitnow.com.
