Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. We know what you're thinking — products don't seem to last as long as they used to.
You may have fond memories of tuning in to The Simpsons on the same television for 15 years or more, but statistically speaking, we're buying a new TV every four years or so. So how long should your fridge, camera or smartphone last? And if it breaks down, should you repair or replace it?
Below, we estimate how long an appliance should last, given reasonable use and some maintenance and minor repairs. We base this figure on the more than responses we received to our consumer reliability survey, member and manufacturer feedback, and the type of product — some appliances like TVs have an easier working life than others like washing machines.
If your appliance is broken and out of warranty, you might also want to consider if it's cheaper to replace than to fix. We've estimated lifespan for when it's cheaper to replace based on advice from manufacturers.
Faulty thermostats and damaged door seals are worth repairing, and the cooling performance of an older fridge can be partially restored by replacing worn seals. If your fridge is more than six years old and suffers a major fault like compressor failure then consider replacement because a new one will be more efficient and have lower running costs. Tip: Keeping the heat-exchanger coils at the rear of older fridges clean and dust-free helps them operate as efficiently as possible.
It's cheap and easy to replace broken racks, seals, inlet valves and pumps, even on relatively old machines and most manufacturers keep spare parts for years. Definitely get a quote before repairing electronic components — it may not be worth it. Tip: Your dishwasher likes to run, so using it regularly will not only save you money compared to hand washing, it helps extend the life of your appliance. Repairing should be your first option because washing machines are expensive to buy and repairs may be simpler than you think — for instance, clearing a blocked pump in a front loader is usually a DIY job that doesn't require tools.
Broken door seals are also easy to fix, as are switches and mechanical timers. Even seemingly terminal failures may be a relatively simple repair — a drum that no longer spins could be remedied by replacing a drive belt.
However, once your washer is more than six years old, a major failure usually means getting a new one. Vented dryers are simple and can be easy to repair so it's usually worth it — drive belts, thermal fuses and even the motor can be replaced relatively easily, and door catches, controls and lint filters should be readily available. You also won't realise any running cost savings from a newer model because it won't be any more efficient than your old one.
On the other hand, vented dryers are relatively cheap to replace. At the other end of the dryer spectrum, a heat pump dryer is a complicated beast — this complexity means repairs may get expensive, but their high price tag means you should think twice before ditching your old one — just make sure you get a quote for any repairs.
Tip: Clear the lint filter every load. Blocked lint filters reduce performance dramatically and are the main cause of dryer fires. Jammed brush rolls and blocked filters can be unclogged or replaced quite cheaply, as can frayed or broken hoses and accessories. Vacuums vary wildly in price and quality so major faults like broken switches or burned out motors can cost as much as a replacement, especially for cheaper models.
Advances in technology mean vacuums are moving towards cordless hand-held models, so if your older barrel vac stops working it could be a good excuse to switch. Tip: Be careful cleaning up after renovations — domestic vacuums aren't designed for fine particles like plaster dust which can clog filters and cause your motor to overheat. If a washing machine is not level, it can move when in use. The combination of an unbalanced appliance, a spinning drum, and vibrations caused by a wash cycle can cause the washing machine to move when in use.
Not only can this damage the machine, but it can also damage things around it. Check the level and turn the washer legs clockwise or counterclockwise to lower or raise a corner of the machine. With so many companies to choose from and so many big names out there, it can be hard to choose one.
Well, not always. There are a lot of trusted suppliers out there, but some are better than others. You may not have heard of Speed Queen , and I had not either until I started to investigate washing machine brands, but I am glad that I have now heard of them.
As far as washing machines go, there are few which last as long as Speed Queen washing machines. The top-end machines are rated to last for 25 years or 10, loads. Speed Queen also offers between year warranties. These machines have a life cycle of years. If you follow the maintenance tips on my list, then I see no reason why you should not hit the upper end of this lifespan. Caring for the machine is key, and LG offers some tips:. Another trusted name in washing machines and one which will get you a decent amount of time before needing to be replaced.
You get years with a Kenmore machine. Again, there are some things which you can do to lengthen the lifespan on your Kenmore washer, and these come straight from the manufacturer:. A GE machine may last longer than a Kenmore and, yet, it may not. The range is more specific with a GE, and you can expect to get 11 or 12 years out of a machine. With both brand names, you know that you are getting quality but does that quality translate into a long life:.
With Electrolux and Frigidaire , you get 10 years minimum under normal use. This could mean that the washing machine will stop working after 10 years, or it could work forever. If you want it to last longer, then follow some of the manufacturer tips:. Another duo on our list Maytag , Whirpool , and one which manufactures great washing machines, but how long do they actually last? Another manufacturer which expects their washing machines to last for 10 years.
As long as you are cleaning the machine regularly and using the self-clean cycle, you can expect it to last long-er. You can check to see if your machine is one of those affected here.
If you have an affected washer, you may need to upgrade to something else. Give these cleaning tricks a try first, though. A defective part may cause certain top-load Samsung washers manufactured between March and April to break apart.
The company is offering a free in-home repair or a rebate that can be used for buying a new washer from any manufacturer you choose. If your machine is on the older end of the affected washers, you may just want to opt for the rebate. You can check to see if your washer is affected by typing in your model and serial number on this site.
You can find this information on the rear of the washer. On some models the info will be under the lid. There are several causes of a loud dryer. First, check to make sure that the dryer is level. Price, brand trust, reviews, technical specs and functions are all factors that may affect your choice.
But perhaps one of the most important things that anyone wants from a washing machine is longevity. So how long should you expect a washing machine to last? Then again, you may know some people who have had their washing machine for 10, 20 or even 30 years. So how long should washing machines last? And what can you do to extend their life? While we may have mentioned the likes of TVs and laptops, the main reason we often replace these devices is not necessarily because these devices have stopped working; we just want a better user experience.
In the past, washing machines were built to last.
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