I think I get asked that question more than any other when I'm helping customers pick out new appliances.
Before I get into that however, let me give you an update on current promotions: The July 4th promo period officially ended on Wednesday July 12, but some manufacturers have extended their discount allowances to us for a bit longer. I can't promise that every single item has been extended, but this list should give you a general guideline.
- GE -- most offers are extended through 7-19.
- Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchenaid. -- Most deals appear to be over as of July 12.
- LG -- most deals run through 7-19.
- Frigidaire/Electrolux -- Good news here! Deals mostly run through 7-26.
- Samsung -- most promos now run through 7-26.
So if you missed the Independence Day sales, in many cases there's still time to hurry into your local Manny's and take advantage!!
Now, back to longevity of today's appliances.
I read through a dozen or more articles last night from various sources trying to find a consensus of estimates. Below, I'm linking two sites with recent articles that seem to fall in the middle of the curve.
First, from "This Old House":
How Long Do Appliances and Parts of Your Home Last?
Here’s a guesstimate of how long things last around your home to help you plan for routine maintenance.
How long do refrigerators last? Or when those old cabinets just can’t be saved? The National Association of Home Builders’ “Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components” gives a decent guesstimate by compiling life-cycle data from scores of product manufacturers and testing labs. The following is a summary to guide you in planning your next big home improvement.
When Should You Replace Appliances?
The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on how much it’s being used. Still, appliances are often replaced long before they are worn out because changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences make newer products more desirable. Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
The full link is below.
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21018361/how-long-things-last
Here's a second opinion (again, the full article link can be accessed below:)
How Long Do Appliances Last?
How old’s your fridge? When did you buy your washing machine? Lots of factors go into the longevity of common household appliances, but all appliances will eventually give up the ghost.
Knowing the average lifespan for common appliances can help you estimate when you might need to replace that old refrigerator or stove.
What's the Average Lifespan of Common Household Appliances?
Most major appliances usually last between eight and 15 years. This average time frame can help you determine when to replace an appliance, but you can often repair older appliances to make them last longer. Some of your appliances might still be under warranty.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators run nonstop to keep your food properly chilled. Despite the constant operation, refrigerators have an average usable life of 13 years. Cleaning the condenser coils can help your refrigerator last longer.
Dishwashers
You can expect your dishwasher to last about nine or 10 years. Certain parts, such as the hose, might be vulnerable to damage or leaks and need to be replaced sooner.
Washing Machines
Washing machines average 10-year lifespans. The size of your household and the amount of laundry you do every week impact how long yours lasts. You might need to replace individual parts sooner, such as the hose that handles the water.
Dryers
Both electric and gas dryers have an average life expectancy of 13 years. The main maintenance task is keeping the lint cleaned off the screen and from the dryer vent.
Microwaves
Your microwave should keep heating leftovers for about nine years. You can make sure it lasts as long as possible by only running it when you have food or liquids inside. Running it empty can damage the appliance.
Ovens, Ranges and Stoves
When it comes to ovens, ranges and stoves, electric models typically last around 13 years. Gas models usually last a little longer, with an average life of about 15 years. Both types have a relatively long lifespan and require very little maintenance other than routine cleaning.
Chest Freezers
A stand-alone freezer offers an average usable life of 11 years. Keep it clean and vacuum the coils regularly — similar to a refrigerator — to make it last as long as possible.
https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/how-long-do-appliances-last/
I'd like to end with a couple of thoughts regarding the above based on my own experience selling appliances and dealing with customer service issues. First, It surprised me that every single article I read stated that gas ranges last a few years longer than their electric counterparts on average. I never noticed a difference. Second, and maybe more important, I think the life expectancy on clothes washers and refrigerator should be a wider range. On too many occasions in recent years I've had customers calling or coming into the store complaining that their washer (usually the motor or control board) or fridge (usually ice buildup, a motor issue, or electronics) needs service within a few years of purchase - after the manufacturer warranty (generally one year) has expired. Speaking with our service techs, they confirm what I've been noticing.
Helpful hints to help your appliance last longer:
- Maintain the machine properly, and use the appliance as the manufacturer recommends.
- Perform routine maintenance cleaning as specified.
- Also, consider at the time of purchase adding the protection of an extended warranty to your appliance for a nominal charge.
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