Appliance Life Expectancy

How long should an appliance last?

Most appliances and small electrical products have fairly predictable life expectancies. Depending on the original cost, manufacturing quality, and how heavily it´s used, an appliance may last a longer or shorter period than shown in the following table.

Nevertheless, it´s useful information, especially if you want to make sure you get your money´s worth. Just knowing that the microwave is going to die after only 10 years, or that you need to budget for a replacement for your gas range after about 20, helps plan for the inevitable expense. And if you are buying used appliances, it´s a good indicator of how long you can expect a five-year-old top-loading washer to last.

The following table shows average life expectancies for common household appliances. This information has been derived from different sources including manufacturers´ websites and consumer resources, and is intended only as an estimate. Care and maintenance as well as proper installation also play big roles in performance and longevity.

Major appliances

Appliance	Expected life in years
Microwave oven	10
Garbage disposal	10-12
Trash compactor	10
Water heater, gas	11-13
Water heater, electric	13-14
Water heater, tankless (on demand)	20+
Smoke detector	10
Refrigerator, side by side	14
Refrigerator, top mount	14
Refrigerator, bottom mount	17
Refrigerator, single door	19
Refrigerator, compact (dorm type)	5
Washing machine, top load	14
Washing machine, front load	11
Dryer	13
Range, electric	17
Range, gas	19
Dishwasher	10
Cooktops	13-20
Air Conditioner (room size)	10