How Long Do Appliances Last? A Guide to Appliance Life Expectancy

Appliances don’t last forever, but how long should you expect yours to keep running? The answer depends on the type of appliance, how often you use it, and how well you maintain it. Some last for decades, while others may need replacing sooner than you think.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average lifespan of home appliances as well as home systems. Plus, we’ll cover what you can do to help them last longer and how a home appliance warranty can help with unexpected repairs or replacements.

Average Lifespan of Home Appliances and Systems

This table has some of the most used home appliances and systems, and how long they typically last, on average.

Type of Appliance or System	Average Lifespan in Years
Refrigerator	9 to 13
Oven, range, and stovetop	10 to 18
Microwave	9
Dishwasher	9
Freezer	10 to 20
Garbage disposal	12
Washing machine	5 to 15
Dryer	13
HVAC	15 to 25
Furnace	15 to 25
Central air conditioning	7 to 15
Water heater	6 to 12

Kitchen Appliances

Your kitchen appliances work hard every day. They keep food fresh, help you prepare healthy meals, and handle some of the cleanup. Over time, these appliances can wear down and may not perform as well as they should.

Here’s how long most major kitchen appliances typically last and what you can do to extend their lifespans.

Refrigerator

Most refrigerators last between 9 and 13 years, but that depends on the brand, model, and level of care they receive. Some of the signs that your fridge could be failing include:

• Not keeping food cold or maintaining the right temperature
• Running constantly without cycling off
• Making loud or unusual noises
• Excess condensation inside the fridge or around the door seals
• Frost buildup in the freezer or on food items
• A warm exterior or hot spots on the sides or back of the fridge

To extend your fridge’s lifespan, you’ll want to perform regular refrigerator maintenance. Clean the condenser coils every so often to prevent your fridge from overheating. Wipe down the door seals to keep them airtight and ensure a proper seal. Also, avoid overloading the fridge since good airflow helps it run efficiently.

If your fridge has a water filter, replace it regularly to prevent buildup and keep the ice maker working properly.

Oven, Range, and Stovetop

A gas oven or range typically lasts about 10 to 18 years. Electric models tend to last around 13 to 15 years. If you notice that food cooks unevenly, burners won’t heat properly, or the control panel malfunctions, your oven may need repairs or a replacement. A door that won’t shut completely or an oven that takes longer than usual to heat up can also cause problems.

Regular cleaning and oven maintenance can help extend its lifespan. Here are some ways to keep your oven working properly:

• Wipe up spills quickly to prevent buildup
• Check burners and igniters for damage and replace them when necessary
• Avoid slamming the oven door, which can damage the seals
• Use self-cleaning cycles sparingly, since extreme heat can wear out components faster

Microwave

A microwave lasts around nine years, but heavy use or lack of maintenance can shorten its lifespan. If your microwave takes longer to heat food, makes strange noises, or has a faulty door seal, it might need to be repaired or replaced soon.

To keep your microwave functioning properly, clean the inside regularly to prevent food buildup that can damage the microwave’s components. Use only microwave-safe containers when heating up food, like heat-proof glass, heat-proof ceramic, and untreated paper.

You’ll also want to avoid slamming the door, as this can wear down the latches that hold the door in place.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers last about 9 years on average. If your dishwasher won’t drain properly, leaves dishes dirty, or makes unusual noises, it may be wearing out. Water pooling at the bottom or a door that doesn’t latch properly can also indicate a problem.

To help it last longer, clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs. Scrape off food before loading dishes, but don’t rinse them completely — modern dishwashers clean better when dishes have slight residue. Run full loads to reduce wear on the motor and pump.

You’ll also want to use high-quality, liquid or powder detergent when running your dishwasher. Certain detergents, like pods, can sometimes cause buildup inside the machine.

Freezer

A standalone freezer lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance and usage. If you notice frost building up quickly, food not freezing properly, or the motor running constantly, your freezer may be on its last legs. Along with these signs, a sudden increase in energy bills can also signal a problem with your freezer.

Regular freezer cleaning and maintenance can help it run efficiently for years. Defrost it (as needed) to prevent strain on the compressor, and keep the door closed as much as possible to maintain a steady temperature. Vacuum the coils regularly to improve performance, and avoid overloading it – good airflow is key to keeping food evenly frozen.

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals last about 12 years. If yours makes strange noises, clogs frequently, emits bad odors, or won’t turn on, it may be nearing the end of its life.

Taking care of your disposal can help extend its lifespan. Always run cold water while using your disposal. This helps solidify any grease or oil that may be present in the disposal and optimizes the appliance’s ability to break down food properly. Avoid tossing in hard or fibrous items like bones, coffee grounds, or potato peels, which can dull the blades or cause clogs.

Regular garbage disposal maintenance, such as regularly cleaning it with ice cubes and baking soda, can help keep the blades sharp and prevent buildup. And rather than overloading it, feed small amounts of food waste at a time to keep it running smoothly.

Laundry Appliances

Your washer and dryer go through frequent use, which puts stress on their motors and components. With proper maintenance, you can help them last longer and avoid costly repairs.

Washing Machine

A washing machine lasts about 5 to 15 years, but some specific signs can indicate when yours is wearing out. Here are a few of them:

• The washer not draining water properly
• Loud noises emanating from the machine
• The washer stopping mid-cycle
• Clothes that are soaking wet when the cycle ends

Some of the ways you can extend the life of your washing machine is to avoid overloading it, which can put extra strain on the motor and the drum. Use detergent according to your manufacturer’s guidelines and measure it carefully — too much soap can cause buildup and damage parts of the machine.

You’ll also want to regularly clean the drain pump and leave the door open after each cycle to help prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the drum.

Dryer

Dryers usually last about 13 years. But if your clothes are taking longer to dry, the drum isn't turning properly, or the machine is making loud squeaking noises, it may be wearing out. A burning smell or excessive heat can also point to a more serious issue.

To keep your dryer running longer, follow these tips:

• Clean the lint filter after every load
• Check and clean the vent hose to prevent clogs
• Avoid overloading it — heavy loads put extra strain on the motor and belt
• Use the correct heat setting for different fabrics to prevent overheating

Heating and Cooling Systems

Your home’s heating and cooling systems work hard year-round to keep your household comfortable. Over time, wear and tear can cause these systems to lose efficiency or break down. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help extend their lifespan, but eventually, they’ll need to be replaced.

Below, we’ll go over how long you can expect different heating and cooling systems to last and what you can do to keep them running smoothly.  

HVAC

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in your home’s comfort. HVAC systems require regular maintenance to function efficiently and last as long as possible. These systems generally last from 15 to 25 years, but with proper maintenance, they could last even longer.

Many HVAC systems include both heating and cooling components — like a furnace and central air conditioner — though some homes rely on standalone units instead.

Scheduling an HVAC tune-up can help catch worn-out parts before they fail. If your system turns on and off frequently, some rooms feel too hot or too cold, or your energy bills suddenly increase, it could signal an issue that needs attention.

Furnace

A furnace usually lasts between 15 and 25 years. If your home has cold spots, or the furnace makes unusual noises, or your energy bills keep rising, it may be time for furnace repairs or a replacement.

To keep your furnace in good shape, replace the air filter every three months or so.  Keep the vents unblocked to allow proper airflow, and seal duct leaks to reduce the strain on the system. You can also schedule annual tune-ups to catch any undiagnosed issues with your furnace.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioners last about 7 to 15 years. However, if your AC is making noises, blowing warm air, or has weak airflow, it could be reaching the end of its lifespan.

Regular maintenance can help extend its life. Change the filters often to keep airflow strong and clear any debris around the outdoor condenser unit. If your AC isn’t cooling like it used to, have a professional check the refrigerant levels.

Scheduling regular maintenance can also help catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Water Heater

Traditional water heaters usually last 6 to 12 years. However, there are common signs your water heater could be failing; for example, if your water isn’t as hot as it used to be, has a metallic taste, or looks rusty. If your water heater leaks or makes strange popping or rumbling noises, there could also be an issue. 

Taking the steps to maintain your water heater can help it last longer. Drain and flush the tank every 6 to 12 months to remove sediment that builds up over time. Also check the anode rod (a metal rod inside the tank that helps prevent rust) for corrosion and replace it if it's too worn out.

Plan Ahead for Home Appliance Repairs

Appliances don’t last forever, but proper maintenance can help extend their lifespans. When signs of wear do appear, such as strange noises, frequent breakdowns, or poor performance, it’s best to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.

A home warranty can help take care of unexpected costs when essential appliances and home systems break down by providing a convenient repair or replacement solution. Get a free quote today and learn more about First American home warranties and the peace of mind they provide.

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The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.