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How Long Should My Appliances Last?

If you’re in the market for a new fridge, washer, or dryer, you may have noticed that prices have been climbing – in some cases by as much as 25%. Add to that short supply and delayed delivery times and you might be wondering if you can make do with yours for a little while longer.

With proper care and maintenance, most household appliances should last their full life expectancy – if not longer – per the manufacturers’ own projections.

Gas Ranges – The typical gas range should last about 15 years with routine maintenance. Clean the grates regularly with mild detergent and warm water, avoiding abrasive cleaners and scrubbers. Don’t insert any objects into the burner holes, especially those that can break off and become stuck, like toothpicks.

Electric Ranges – Electric ranges should last about 13 years. To clean, remove the elements, drip bowls, and dials, and clean with warm water and a soft sponge. If you have a glass-top range, promptly wipe up spills and splatters with a damp sponge. For stuck-on messes, wait until the top cools, then sprinkle with baking soda and spray with white vinegar. Place a clean, damp towel on the stove top and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove the towel and wipe away the residue.

Range Hoods – A typical range hood can deliver 14 years of solid performance. But since they bear the brunt of food and grease splatters, range hoods and their filters should be cleaned regularly to help prevent kitchen fires. Clean the top and inside of the hood with warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft sponge. Remove and soak the filter in hot, soapy water, rinse in cold water, and allow to dry completely before replacing.

Microwaves – Most microwaves can last up to 9 years. Wipe down the inside regularly to remove spills and splatters, including the carousel and area underneath. For tough messes, remove the carousel and soak in a sink full of warm soapy water, scrub with a sponge, and rinse clean.

Refrigerators – This workhorse appliance can last up to 13 years with proper care. Frequently wipe down the rubber door gaskets with a mild cleaner and soft sponge, and don’t overstuff the fridge as this impedes air circulation causing the appliance to work harder to keep your food at the proper temperature.

Freezers – A standalone freezer can last up to 11 years with just a little TLC. A couple times a year, remove all items and wipe down the inside with dish soap and water, then rinse and wipe clean. Vacuum the back to remove dust or debris from the coils.

Dishwashers – Expected lifespan of most dishwasher is 9 to 10 years, but they do require regular cleaning to go the distance. Refer to the instruction manual for the proper way to stack dishes, plates, and drinkware. Make sure the water drains after each cycle and that the bottom of the dishwasher is clean and free of food residue. Wipe down the door, gasket, and filter once a week.

Garbage Disposals – Lasting anywhere from 8 to 12 years, garbage disposals also need regular cleaning to keep grinding away at food matter. Avoid putting animal bones, eggshells, pasta, potato peels, grease, and fibrous foods down the disposal. To clean, turn the unit and faucet off, then toss in 6 ice cubes followed by a tablespoon of baking soda, a handful of lemon peels or slices, and a teaspoon of bleach. Turn the disposal on and run until the grinding stops. Then flush with cold water for 30 seconds while it continues to run.

Washing Machines – Most washing machines last up to 10 years. Run full but not overstuffed loads, keep the drain line clean and clear, and clean the machine drum regularly.

Dryers – Gas or electric, clothes dryers last an average of 13 years with routine care. Never put soiled clothes in a dryer. Remove lint and debris from the screen after each cycle and clean the dryer vent regularly to prevent a dryer fire. Clean the inside of the drum with a mild detergent and soft cloth, and the outside with warm water and a sponge.

As you may have noticed, care instructions are largely the same from one appliance to another. Among other things, that means you don’t need to buy and store a ton of cleaning products, but you do need to keep up with the cleaning.

Your heating and cooling systems also need regular care, the kind Messmer Mechanical provides through annual preventive maintenance. In addition to longer equipment life, you can expect fewer repairs, cleaner air, reduced utility costs, and consistent temperatures throughout your home.  Contact us to schedule service today.