What are the average lifespans of common appliances?

Have you ever wondered exactly how long those shiny new appliances are going to last? The good news is that some household items like toilets and boilers will often remain in working condition for more than 30 years if properly maintained. However, there are a lot of other big-ticket items that don't have quite as long a lifespan. That's when your TotalProtect® Home Warranty will come in handy.

Average lifespans
Just how much use will you get out of those new appliances? This Old House estimates that a room-size air conditioner will last for about 10 years. It's important to change filters on these units every month while they're operating to keep them in top shape.

A new dishwasher has a similar lifespan of nine or 10 years, according to ATD Home Inspection. The good news is that your expensive refrigerator will likely last between 10 and 15 years and that a gas range can be useful for up to 20 years. 

The lifespans of your clothes washer and dryer are less defined. This Old House and ATD suggested that a washer could last anywhere from five to 15 years and that a dryer could remain in working condition for a similar amount of time.

Proper maintenance and care
To maximize the lifespan of your home's appliances and systems, you'll want to follow the maintenance and care tips suggested by the manufacturer. It's important to have your new appliances installed properly and make sure that they'll level to optimize performance. Many items will also need to be cleaned on a regular basis to promote efficient operation.

Another essential step in protecting your home is to invest in a TotalProtect Home Warranty. The service will ensure that you're not hit with an expensive repair bill when one of your home appliances or systems has a mechanical problem. Despite the predictions on appliance lifespan, there's no telling how long it takes for your items to break, even if you are diligent about maintenance. With TotalProtect, all you'll need to do when something malfunctions is call our customer care representatives and schedule a visit from a service technician. As long as you've kept the covered appliance or system properly maintained, TotalProtect will pay for the repair or replacement of the item.

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.