Appliance Lifespan: Tips for Maintenance and When to Repair or Replace

Appliance Lifespan: Tips for Maintenance and When to Repair or Replace

From refrigerators and dishwashers to washers and dryers, your home appliances work hard behind the scenes to keep life running smoothly. But when one suddenly breaks down, it can throw your entire routine into chaos — not to mention strain your budget.

While no appliance lasts forever, a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping them running better, for longer. And when issues do come up, knowing whether to repair or replace can save you from costly guesswork.

In this guide, we’ll break down how long major appliances typically last, share simple maintenance tips to extend their life, and help you understand when a home warranty from ARW Home can step in to cover unexpected breakdowns, so you can spend less time stressing, and more time living.

How Long Do Appliances Last?

Your home relies on a variety of appliances every day. From keeping food fresh to making laundry manageable. But like any hardworking tool, these appliances have a lifespan, and knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead.

Understanding the typical lifespan of your major appliances gives you a roadmap for when maintenance is most critical, when repairs make sense, and when it’s time to start thinking about replacement. It also helps you budget wisely and avoid the stress of sudden breakdowns.

Below, you’ll find a handy reference table outlining the average lifespan of major appliances, along with tips on how you can extend their useful life and get the most value out of every dollar spent.

Repair or Replace? Quick Checklist

Repair vs Replace Appliances: What Signs to Look For

When an appliance starts acting up, deciding whether to repair or replace it isn’t always straightforward. While repairing is often less expensive initially, it’s important to consider the bigger picture—your appliance’s age, condition, and your long-term needs all matter. Here’s how to know when repairing makes sense.

When to Repair Appliances

If the problem is minor and isolated, like a faulty thermostat, a loose wire, a worn gasket, or a jammed part, it’s usually worth fixing. These issues tend to be inexpensive and quick to repair. 

Repairing is also a smart choice when your appliance is still relatively new or less than halfway through its expected lifespan; for example, a washing machine that’s 5 years old but rated to last 10 or more years is often worth repairing. 

Finally, a helpful rule of thumb is that if the repair cost is less than half the price of a new appliance. For instance, spending $150 to fix a $1,000 unit; it generally makes financial sense to repair. In these cases, a repair can save you money and extend your appliance’s useful life, as long as the fix isn’t just postponing an inevitable replacement.

Key signs it’s a good time to repair include:

• Minor, isolated problems that don’t affect overall function
• Appliance less than halfway through its expected lifespan
• Repair cost under 50% of the cost of a new appliance

However, there are times when replacement is the wiser decision, especially when ongoing issues start to add up.

When to Replace Appliances

If your appliance is breaking down frequently or the same problem keeps returning, this is often a sign it’s nearing the end of its useful life and repairs are only a temporary fix. Replacement is also advisable when repair costs exceed half the price of a new unit. For example, spending $600 to fix a refrigerator that costs $1,000 to replace usually isn’t worth it. 

Additionally, consider the age of your appliance. If it’s near or beyond its typical lifespan (like a dishwasher that’s 11 years old when the average is around 9), it’s more likely to fail or run inefficiently.

Rising energy bills without another clear cause can also indicate your appliance is working harder than it should due to wear or outdated technology. Lastly, if your appliance doesn’t offer the modern features or energy-saving options you need, upgrading might provide better performance and lower utility costs in the long run. 

Look for these indicators that it’s time to replace:

• Frequent breakdowns or recurring issues
• Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value
• Appliance is near or past its expected lifespan
• Energy bills are rising with no other explanation
• Energy bills are rising with no other explanation
• Lack of modern features or energy efficiency

In summary: if the repair is affordable and the appliance still has plenty of life left, fixing it makes sense. But if your appliance is old, inefficient, or constantly requiring repairs, replacement is often the smarter, more cost-effective choice that will save you time, money, and hassle down the line.

Repair or Replace It: Cost Breakdown by Appliance

Before you schedule that service call, it helps to know whether you’re walking into a quick repair, or throwing good money after bad. In many cases, homeowners are surprised to learn that repairing an older appliance costs nearly as much as replacing it entirely.

This table gives you a quick side-by-side look at the average repair and replacement costs for major household appliances, based on data from HomeAdvisor.

When a Home Warranty Can Help

No matter how carefully you maintain your appliances, normal wear and tear is unavoidable over time. That’s where a home warranty from ARW Home can provide real peace of mind.

Here’s what ARW Home offers:

• Coverage for repair and replacement costs on eligible appliances and home systems
• Protection that includes aging appliances (subject to coverage terms)
• Significant reduction in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when breakdowns happen
• Budget-friendly support for homeowners managing household expenses

Even if your fridge is 12 years old or your washer has seen better days, ARW Home warranty plans can help you avoid large, sudden bills.

Want to know more? Learn what a home warranty covers and explore the benefits of add-on protection.

Appliance Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan

Your appliances are long-term investments, and simple daily habits can make a big difference in how long they last, how well they perform, and how often they need costly repairs. Here are some easy ways to care for your appliances:

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference:

• Don’t overload washers or dryers: Overloading strains motors, drums, and bearings, speeding up wear and tear. Stick to recommended load sizes to protect parts and get cleaner clothes.
• Wipe down door seals regularly:  Moisture and grime on rubber gaskets of refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers can cause mold and leaks. Keeping seals clean helps maintain airtightness and energy efficiency.
• Use surge protectors: Power surges can damage sensitive appliance electronics. Plug major appliances into surge protectors or whole-home surge systems for extra safety.
• Keep appliances level: Uneven washers or dryers vibrate excessively, which can loosen or damage internal parts. Use a level and adjust feet to stabilize your machines.

Seasonal Maintenance for Long-Term Performance:

• HVAC: Schedule professional inspections in spring and fall to catch issues early and keep your system running efficiently.
• Water Heater: Flush the tank once a year (preferably before winter) to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and causes corrosion.
• Fridge: Clean condenser coils twice a year, in spring and fall, to help your refrigerator run smoothly and save energy.
• Dryer: Deep-clean the vent at least annually. A clogged vent is a fire hazard and lowers drying performance.

These simple maintenance steps save energy, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend appliance life. Paired with ARW Home warranty coverage, you’ll be protected even when problems arise despite your best efforts.

FAQs

How long should a refrigerator/washer/dryer/etc. last?
See the chart above. Most major appliances last between 10–15 years, depending on use and maintenance.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace an appliance?
Follow the 50% rule. If the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new unit, and the appliance is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacement is often the better long-term choice.

Does a home warranty cover older appliances?
Yes. ARW Home plans can cover appliances regardless of age, as long as they’re in good working condition when the policy begins.

Can maintenance void or extend warranty coverage?
Neglecting maintenance can potentially void manufacturer or third-party warranties. On the flip side, good maintenance helps your appliances stay eligible for coverage and operate efficiently.

Take the Stress Out of Appliance Breakdowns

Understanding how long your appliances are built to last, and taking steps to maintain them, helps you stay ahead of costly surprises. But even the most well-cared-for appliance can still fail. That’s why ARW Home’s warranty plans are a smart investment for today’s homeowners.

Explore our plans today and protect your home’s most essential appliances. Because when things break, your budget shouldn’t.