Appliances-How Long Do They Last?

[Cuckoomamma]

The recent threads on washers and the recent demise of our d/w, made me wonder how long do most people expect their appliances to last?

We use our washer and d/w very heavily. I'm a sahm, we homeschool and since the girls have allergies I cook 3 meals a day plus snacks from scratch - nothing processed or pre-made. We run the d/w 3-4 times a day and wash several loads of laundry. It made sense to buy the service protection agreement for the d/w, and we're glad we did. After 2 years and 2 handle replacements (latch broke twice), the d/w tub warped and Sears gave us the $$ for a new one.

The washer we didn't have protection on died after 4 years. The dryer is 10 years old, the washer 7, and I'm wondering when it makes sense to buy a protection agreement, and when these appliances are going to die.

[egoldber]

Our appliances, with about 2/3 less use than yours, have been lasting about 8-9 years. They really aren't made like they used to!

[brittone2]

I think many of the old appliances ran for a long time. If I remember right, what I read is that the older compressors were bigger and less efficient. Apparently that helped them last longer though? Not sure if that's right but that's what I'm remembering.

Our house came with a Jenn Air dishwasher that is original to the house (built in 1987). DH and I thought for sure it would be terrible, but honestly, it works great so we are going to use it until it dies. We replaced the seal on it since the existing one was kind of dried out. It is surely not the most efficient, but it has been working very well (knock on wood!).

The fridge is also original to the house. Dated and bisque and not efficient, but we're taking our time on replacing it. It is so old that the ice maker/water stays stationary (it is a side by side) while the freezer is divided into two sections. One above the ice maker and one below the ice maker. Very weird.

I believe the oven is original as well. It has convection, which surprised me for the age of it (I didn't think it was that old until I looked up the model #/info).

The cooktop is also original but has one (electric) burner that seems to cook waaaay hotter than the other similar-sized burner. It heats up to super hot even on a low setting. That will be getting replaced before too long because of all the appliances, that one is the most annoying. The function is impacted, so it will be the first to go most likely.

Prior to closing on the house we had assumed we'd be replacing all of the appliances ASAP. Now we're kind of waiting it out for a bit. We've been pretty happy with their performance even though they are ancient, and our electric bill has been lower than we expected even with the less-than-efficient appliances. It has been a nice surprise, but I am sure I totally just jinxed myself!

[lhafer]

One way to make your dryer last longer is to wash your vent trap thingy with soap and water periodically. Once you scrape the lint off, and it starts leaving behind some of the lint - wash it. It's amazing how much cleaner it is next time you go to scrape it out.

[AnnieW625]

I voted 5 to 8 yrs. . We have had our fridge for over 6 yrs. now and have not had a problem with it. Our w/d set is almost 6 yrs. old, and I believe our stove, and dishwasher are about 7 yrs. old.

My microwave is 10 yrs. old.

[mytwosons]

We built our house 16.5 years ago and have only replaced the dishwasher (about 10 years ago). We had our first problem with the washer a week ago, but my DH was able to replace a $35 part himself. I'm holding on to these appliances as long as I can because I fully expect the replacements will only last about 5 years or so.

[SpaceGal]

Our fridge last summer was on the fritz...and that was the six year mark. Luckily, DH and I were able to fix it. We don't use our dishwasher much and it's doing ok, the paint on the front flaked off in one corner but otherwise it's working. Our washer/dryer have been going for 7 years now...I wash about 5-8 loads a week. Our dehumidifier died after 5 years, then the next one a little be fore a year...which we got a new replacement...and so far so good been about 2 months with the new one, but I don't expect it to last.

Nothing last like they used to.

[shawnandangel]

My dryer is between 15-20 years old and works well. My washer is 2 years old and has been repaired once already. The fridge is about 10-12 years old, the washer about 10 years old, and the oven was here when my husband bought the house so it is at least 11 years old but I'm guessing closer to 15-20.

I expect appliances to last 10-15 years.

[Jo]

I have a protection plan on my dishwasher ONLY because we use it at least twice per day :bag and in the last five years we've needed dishwasher repair probably at least 15 times. Now if it dies we will likely replace.

Our washer and dryer are workhorses, and in seven years of almost-daily use, only the washer has needed one minor repair (rubber gasket, whirlpool duet front loader).

Our fridge (stainless Frigidaire) is a peice of crap. After less than a year the plastic that holds the glass shelves started cracking and crumbling. Cost to replace is over $100 per shelf, for the plastic frame only. We threw out one of the shelves and the produce drawers are just loose in the bottom. We keep saying we are going to replace the shelves with plywood, and post the pictures here (There, I Fixed It. Redneck Repairs).
http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/

[SnuggleBuggles]

Older ones seem to be built to last here! I am loathe to replace something that is working and will probably keep going since the longevity of new appliances tends to suck.

Beth