How Long Do Appliances Last? — Repair vs Replace
Check if your appliance is past its expected lifespan. Decide whether to repair or replace.
Average Appliance Lifespans
Refrigerator: 13 years. Dishwasher: 9 years. Washer: 10 years. Dryer: 13 years. Microwave: 9 years. HVAC: 15-20 years. Water Heater: 8-12 years. Oven/Range: 13-15 years. Garbage Disposal: 12 years. These are averages — quality brands last longer, budget brands shorter.
The 50% Rule
The standard guideline: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new replacement, replace instead. Why? An appliance past its midlife will likely need additional repairs soon. Sinking $500 into a 10-year-old refrigerator that costs $1,200 new is risky — another component may fail within a year. The exception: high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Viking) where repair parts are expensive but the appliance itself costs $5,000+ to replace.
Replacing an old appliance with an Energy Star model often pays for itself in 3-7 years through energy savings alone. A 2010 refrigerator uses 40-50% more electricity than a 2024 model. On a $150/year electricity cost difference, a $1,200 fridge pays back in 8 years — right when the old one would have failed anyway.
