What Is The Lifespan Of Home Appliances? - Home Improvement Article

By:Cathy Peterson

Usually, one of the factors people consider when buying things, from toys to clothing to cars, is how long the product will last. When it comes to home appliances, that can be a frustrating mystery. Knowing whether it is more cost effective to fix an older appliance or to replace it can be hard, especially if it is still working, just not well.

If you are a home owner, or a prospective home buyer, one good place to start is with the person who performs the inspection on the home you are buying. These days many inspectors will give you a printout of their results, along with helpful information on how to interpret them, including how much longer things in your home may last. Always read your instruction manual when you purchase a new appliance, and follow the instructions for regular care and maintenance, such as vacuuming refrigerator coils or cleaning out your dryer vent. If you got rid of your manuals, or the previous owner didn’t leave them behind, check the manufacturer’s website. You may be able to download or order a replacement. There are also many home improvement and repair websites that can tell you the basics on what appliances need and how often they need it. Everyone knows someone who has had a refrigerator for 30 years, or still uses their grandmother’s dryer. Take care of your things, and they’ll probably take care of you a little longer. Experts vary in their opinions, the ranges can be large, and keeping up proper maintenance can make a big difference, but here are estimates of how long some of the appliances in your home should last.

Bear in mind that these are not ages when the appliance is likely to totally die, but rather the point after which it is probably more cost effective to replace it rather than repair it if something goes wrong. If your dryer is 16 years old and you still love the way it works, don’t cart it out to the curb. On the other hand, there can be lemon appliances just as there are lemon vehicles and your dishwasher could stop working after 6 years or sooner. For kitchen appliances, electric ovens/ranges should last 10-20 years, dishwashers, 10-13 years, and refrigerators 10-19 years. Microwaves are good for 9-10 years, while garbage disposals are good for 10-12 years. In the laundry room, your washer and dryer should both last 10-15 years. Behind the scenes items like water heaters head downhill from 6-15 years of age, and cooling units after 8-15 years of age. Keep these ranges in mind when you head out to buy a new appliance or when you are trying to decide whether or not to call the repair man, and it could save you money and a headache.

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Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Cathy Peterson writes about House and Home Appliances

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