Apart from buying houses and automobiles, appliances are one of the most important purchasing decisions that we make in our lifetime. With every appliance, there is a depreciation time that is attached to it, depending on its price and its useful life. So, you need a clear signal to replace older appliances when they come to their end.
Still, there are many caveats and pitfalls in the process of decision-making to replace or repair items. Following are major factors that drive these decisions;
- Production Quality
- Prices
- Repairs Fees
Changing Trends
In the past, things were made to last, and they did. Even to this date, you can find decades-old appliances in your parents’ and grandparents’ houses; items like washing machines, dishwashers, etc., can last more than their projected lifetime before they are thrown for good.
In contrast to this approach, the corporate profit race and the string of new models make it confusing for people to keep track of them. Now things are bought to be used and thrown away at the first sighting of trouble. Although they can be repaired, it seems more feasible to modern consumers to get the brand-new model.
This approach makes it hard for users to repair or replace appliances.
Life Span Estimates Of Appliances
There is no denying that we cannot gauge for sure how long an appliance is going to last, we can certainly draw estimates by conducting studies. National Association of Home Builders has published estimated lifespans of major appliances, which are as follows;
- Water heater: 10 to 20 years
- Stove: 13 to 15 years
- Microwave: 9 years
- Refrigerator: 13 years
- Furnace: 15 to 20 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Air conditioner: 15 years
Of course, the estimate can vary on the account of the brand, usage, and maintenance of appliances during their lifespan.
The Time Of Reckoning
No matter the quality of material and the level of maintenance, appliances die and you need to look for newer ones.
In the following passages, we will share the criteria for both repairing and replacement of appliances so that you can make an educated decision when the time comes.
Ovens & Cooking Ranges
For ovens, you know the time has come for replacement, when their insides are catching rust or their door glass, is cracked or both. If rust gets into foodstuff, it can cause severe illness and irritation. For the door, it is hard to find replacements and if you do, somehow, it will be too expensive to be cost-effective.
All the minor issues can be fixed with repairing for both ovens and ranges. Issues like burners malfunction, oven self-cleaning, or if the clock timer is cooked.
The average lifespan for the oven and ranges is around 12 to 15 years. Any costly repair after that time may not return the value. On the side, you can browse your local market for the latest prices of brand-new ovens and cooking ranges.
Refrigerators
For refrigerators, the compressor is the beating heart. If you cannot listen to the proverbial hum in your refrigerator, you are feeling that it is not working up to the mark and getting warmer inside, it is time to replace your unit, instead of paying a hefty amount for compressor replacement.
Almost any other problem besides the compressor can be fixed without breaking the bank. It includes leaks, sealing, coil, fan, and other related issues.
Experts estimate the lifespan of refrigerators to be around 10 to 13 years.
Washing Machines
Almost every appliance has chronic issues that are hard and expensive to repair and you are better off with a timely replacement. For washing machines, if the rotating wheel of the washer is not working, you should start looking for a new one.
If the rotator is fine, but there are issues like leakage, draining, or any other related problem, you can have it sorted out at an affordable price.
The average life of a washing machine is around 8 to 10 years. Beyond that, it is better to get a replacement than costly repairs.
Dryers
Well, no one can imagine a laundry day without a trusted dryer by their side. If you need to know if your dryer is beyond salvation or not, look for a smoke while it is running. If it is due to the clogged lint trap or vent hose, get it cleaned as soon as possible. The appliance could be a fire risk which can endanger the safety of everyone inside the establishment.
For repairing, check if it is working efficiently, or not spinning fast enough. There are other minor problems that come along with these. Contact the best appliance repair company in your area for reliable repairing services.
It is neither a science nor art to gauge the actual lifespan of a home appliance. Still, you can make an educated estimate that will help you in times of crisis and also from overpaying for hardware.
Hope the article is of some help to you. Comment down below if you liked it or have suggestions to make.
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