Lifespan of Household Appliances
Many appliances make our lives easier. These appliances include refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.
The lifespan of household appliances can last for a prolonged period but only if used properly. Appliances require proper cleaning and maintenance to function optimally.
Otherwise, they will wear out faster than they should. Taking care of your appliances will make them last longer, thus saving you money by not purchasing a new appliance as frequently.
Here’s everything you should know about the lifespan of household appliances.
Average Lifespan of Major Appliances
- Gas ranges – 15 years
- Electric ranges – 13 years
- Range and oven hoods – 14 years
- Dryers (electric and gas) – 13 years
- Refrigerators – 13 years
- Garbage disposals – 8 to 12 years
- Freezers – 11 years
- Washing machines – 10 years
- Microwaves – 9 years
- Dishwashers – 9 to 10 years
Gas Ranges
Gas ranges are durable, long-lasting appliances. They generally have a lifespan of about 15 years when well-maintained.
However, the actual lifespan of your gas range is dependent on usage and proper maintenance. Here are the ways you can properly care for your gas range:
- Regularly clean the gas range top and grates with warm water and mild detergent for best performance and longevity.
- Avoid using abrasives on the top or grates because they can damage the surface. It’s not advisable to insert edged objects into the burner holes, especially fragile objects like toothpicks.
- You also should avoid dropping heavy pots or pans on the surface of your gas range, as this can cause damage to the glass top and grates.
Refrigerators
Refrigerator lifespan varies depending on the type. For example, an upright refrigerator generally delivers about 13 years of use, while a side-by-side refrigerator can provide 17 years of service.
Regularly cleaning your fridge will increase its lifespan, as it improves the functionality of the cooling system. You should note that not all refrigerators are designed with the same features and capacities.
The amount of time a fridge is expected to last often depends on cleaning and maintaining them. To ensure optimal function, do the following:
- Observe regular vacuuming at the base of your refrigerator to eliminate dust and debris.
- This is especially important if you have pets, as fur can clog the air vents, causing your fridge to overheat and work harder than usual. Clogged air may result in an overworked compressor, leading to premature failure.
- Regularly wipe your rubber door gaskets with a mild cleaner and cloth to avoid cracks and mold growths that could prevent a tight seal from being maintained. Wiping down seals should be done every two weeks for best results.
- Most manufacturers also recommend that you remove the refrigerator pan and clean it using warm and soapy water with a sponge if you want it to last longer than 13 years.
Washing Machines
Washing machines are hardworking appliances, and like all appliances, they’re not designed to last forever. On average, a washing machine has a lifespan of 10 years.
Although you may have to retire your old appliance sooner than others, there are ways you can extend the life of your washing machine.
- Clean the lint filter after every load to prevent a fire hazard and improve air circulation.
- Clean the outside vent once a year to prevent clogs that can harm your dryer’s performance.
- Place your washing machine on a level surface to prevent unnecessary wear on the motor and pump assembly from an unbalanced load.
- Don’t overload or underload your washer, as either can cause premature failure of parts.
- Clean the washing machine tub regularly with bleach or vinegar to remove build-up that can cause mold or mildew odors.
Dishwashers
Similar to the other appliances above, you must clean your dishwashers regularly. That is if you want it to reach a 10-year lifespan. Here are the recommended steps to clean your dishwashers:
You can do this by reviewing your dishwasher manual for the proper manner to stack plates and cleaning and maintenance. The bottom of your dishwasher should also be adequately drained and cleaned.
Lastly, the air vent should be clear and clean. If you find that your dishwasher is broken, you may take advantage of dishwasher repairs or appliance repairs to get it fixed by a professional.
This also goes for other appliances mentioned above.
Your appliances at home make your life much easier and more efficient. When you know how to properly clean and maintain appliances in your home or furnished apartment, they can reach the maximum lifespan expectancy.
As a result, this saves you a lot of expenses in the long run. For more home maintenance tips, feel free to visit this page.
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