Appliance Lifespan Chart: How Long Household Appliances Last
How long should a refrigerator, washer or dishwasher last? These are the typical lifespans of major household appliances, along with the habits that help them reach the top of the range.
Appliance lifespan chart
| Appliance | Typical lifespan | What usually ends its life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10–15 years | Compressor or sealed-system failure |
| Chest / upright freezer | 11–16 years | Compressor, rusted cabinet |
| Front-load washer | 10–12 years | Drum bearings, control board |
| Top-load washer | 11–14 years | Transmission, tub bearings |
| Electric dryer | 12–14 years | Drum rollers, motor, control board |
| Gas dryer | 12–14 years | Gas valve, motor |
| Dishwasher | 9–10 years | Pump, leaks from the tub, control board |
| Electric range | 13–15 years | Control board, oven element |
| Gas range | 15–17 years | Igniters, valves |
| Microwave | 8–10 years | Magnetron |
| Water heater (tank) | 8–12 years | Tank corrosion and leaks |
| Garbage disposal | 8–12 years | Motor, leaking housing |
Figures are typical ranges for appliances in normal household use. Premium and built-in appliances are often designed for longer service lives.
How to get more years out of each appliance
Refrigerators and freezers
- Clean the condenser coils once or twice a year.
- Keep door gaskets clean and replace them when they stop sealing.
- Leave the clearance the manual asks for around the cabinet.
Washers
- Do not overload — it wears bearings and suspension.
- Use the correct detergent dose and leave the door open to dry.
- Replace rubber inlet hoses with braided ones every five years.
Dryers
- Clean the lint screen after every load.
- Have the vent duct cleaned every year or two; a restricted vent overheats the dryer.
Dishwashers
- Rinse the filter every couple of weeks.
- Use rinse aid and, in hard-water areas, a regular cleaning cycle.
Water heaters
- Flush sediment from the tank once a year.
- Check the anode rod after five years.
When an appliance reaches the end
An appliance past its typical lifespan with a major failure is usually ready for replacement. Our guides to refrigerator removal and washer and dryer removal explain how to get rid of the old one responsibly, and the 50% rule helps when the decision is less clear.