How Long Do Appliances Last?
Typical lifespans with normal use. The rule of thumb: if a repair costs more than 50% of a new unit and the appliance is past half its lifespan, replace it.
| Appliance | Average lifespan | Repair or replace? |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10–15 years | Replace if sealed-system (compressor/refrigerant) repair after year 10 |
| Washer | 10–13 years | Replace if bearings or tub fail after year 8 |
| Dryer | 12–15 years | Almost always worth repairing — parts are cheap |
| Dishwasher | 9–12 years | Replace if the control board or tub leaks after year 8 |
| Oven / Range | 13–18 years | Elements and igniters are cheap; repair most faults |
| Microwave | 7–10 years | Replace if the magnetron fails; repair rarely pays |
| Furnace | 15–20 years | Replace if the heat exchanger cracks |
| Gas water heater | 8–12 years | Replace if the tank leaks; thermocouple and valves are repairable |
| Freezer | 12–20 years | Same rule as fridges |
Not sure? Take the repair-or-replace quiz or keep yours running longer with the printable maintenance checklist.