The appliances in your home help keep your household running smoothly. They assist with chores, making laundry and dish-washing more efficient. Maintaining these machines will help you get the most use out of them. Let’s look at the average lifespans of household appliances and how to keep them running for years to come.
Household Appliances and Their Lifespans
Knowing how old your appliances are and keeping up with maintenance is the best way to keep them running efficiently. Understanding the age is helpful when you need to determine if it’s time to replace an appliance. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and upkeep will help extend the lifespans of your household appliances.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators are a major appliance in every kitchen, and this continuously running appliance can last between 13 and 15 years. Smaller, compact versions have an average lifespan of between 9 and 10 years. Proper care and maintenance will help you extend the lifespan of your refrigerator. Keep it clean, inside and out. Approximately every 3 months, vacuum the refrigerator’s coils. These coils help excessive heat dissipate and keeping them clean will allow your refrigerator to run more efficiently.
Gas and Electric Ranges
Of all the major home appliances, gas ranges are the longest-running at 15 years. An electric range can be expected to last 13 years. To keep your range working smoothly and increase its longevity, frequently clean the surface, drip bowls, and grates. Remove grease that accumulates underneath the dials by removing them and washing them with warm water and mild soap. Keep your range clean to prevent food and grease build-up that could lead to a house fire.
Lifespans of Laundry Appliances in Your Household
Washing machines and clothes dryers have an average lifespan of about 10 years. This can be extended by several years if the machines are well-cared-for. To help your washing machine last longer, clean the drum and check the drain line to make sure it’s free from any obstructions. When loading the machine, verify laundry is loaded evenly to keep the machine balanced. Only do laundry when you have a full load. The clothes dryer should also be frequently cleaned. Remove the lint from the lint trap after each use. This will help your dryer function more effectively, increase its lifespan, prevent house fires, and prevent complications caused by a clogged dryer duct.
Dishwashers
While dishwashers only last around nine years, you may be able to extend that time by one or two years if you follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and use. Properly stacking your dishes and watching for drainage issues allows you to stay one step ahead, so you can prevent or repair problems before they worsen. Clean the appliance, check to make sure the water jets are clear, and clean the filter if your machine has one. These are simple ways to keep your dishwasher running well.
Microwaves
Microwaves can last for up to nine years when they’re regularly cleaned and used properly. When heating food, use a microwave-safe cover and remove any food splatter from inside the appliance. This will decrease the chances that air vents could become caked with residue. Frequently wipe underneath the carousel to keep rotation smooth and never run the microwave if it is empty.
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