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 |
Information contributed by Contractor Nexus and the Sensei at fixitnow.com.
