Life Expectancy Of Common Large Appliances

It’s easy to think of your home appliances as permanent fixtures. It’s true that they can last many years, in some cases even decades, but they do have a shelf life. It’s important to be aware of the life expectancy, especially in the case of large appliances, as when they approach the end of their life they are more prone to malfunction and can become serious safety hazards.

The best way to catch failing appliances is with a thorough home inspection, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out for them yourself. Let’s take a look at the life expectancy of some common large appliances, and how to spot the signs that they might be nearing the end of their life.

Electric Dryers
You can expect your electric dryer to last you anywhere from 10 to 18 years. If you’ve had your dryer for a while and notice that it’s taking longer to dry your clothes, is making a lot more noise than usual, or is not producing any heat at all it’s likely that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Another common issue that plagues aging dryers is the dryer vent. With long term use, it’s common for the connection to become loose or for the vent itself to suffer structural damage. This can be a major safety hazard so make sure you’re checking your dryer vent. Don’t forget that the exhaust vent can become clogged with dryer lint, which is a serious fire hazard.

Washing Machines
Washing machines will last you anywhere from 8 to 16 years. Some signs that your older washing machine is failing are: water not filling up the drum, water remaining in the drum after the cycle is complete, and excessive noise during operation. Often times older washing machines aren’t an immediate threat, but leaks can cause standing water to build up on the floor, leading to issues like mold and rotting of the subflooring.

Stoves
A standard electric stove has a fairly long lifespan, ranging anywhere from 13 to 20 years. If you experience symptoms like burners failing to get hot, burners not turning on at all, or an inability to control the temperature of the burner then your stove may be failing. It’s best not to mess around with a faulty stove so if you suspect yours may be failing get someone to look at it as soon as possible.

Water Heaters
The life span of a water heater is on the shorter end of the spectrum, coming in at 8 to 12 years. Some signs that your water heater may be nearing the end of its life are: leaks around the base of the tank, rumbling and banging sounds, bad smelling hot water, and a lack of hot water. If you notice any of these signs and you have an older water heater, it’s probably time for a replacement. As always, when dealing with potentially hazardous home appliances like your water heater, it’s best to consult a professional instead of relying on your own judgment.

Whether you’re purchasing a new home or taking another look at your current home, it’s a good idea to perform a detailed home inspection. At Super Inspection Pros we have decades of experience in the home inspection business, and we can help you catch issues with your home appliances before they become a safety hazard. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection for your current or future home.