How Long Do Major Appliances Really Last? A Lifespan Guide

Every appliance eventually reaches the end of its useful life, but the timeline varies more than most homeowners expect. Having a rough idea of average lifespans can make the repair-or-replace decision much less stressful when something breaks.

Refrigerators: 10 to 18 years

Basic models on the simpler end tend to last longer than feature-heavy units with ice makers, water dispensers, and smart displays, since more features generally mean more components that can eventually fail.

Washing machines: 10 to 14 years

Front-load washers and top-load models with fewer moving parts, like older agitator-style machines, often edge toward the higher end of this range.

Dryers: 12 to 15 years

Dryers tend to outlast washers slightly, partly because they have fewer complex components. Vent maintenance plays a bigger role in dryer lifespan than most people realize.

Dishwashers: 9 to 12 years

This is one of the shorter average lifespans among major appliances, largely due to the demanding combination of heat, water, and detergent chemicals these units handle daily.

Ovens and ranges: 13 to 17 years

Gas ranges often last slightly longer than electric models, since many of the core components, like burners and igniters, are simpler and easier to service individually.

Water heaters: 8 to 12 years for tank models

Tankless water heaters can often last 15 to 20 years with proper descaling maintenance, making them a longer-term investment despite the higher upfront cost.

What actually shortens an appliance's lifespan

• Skipping basic maintenance, like cleaning filters, coils, and vents.
• Overloading washers, dryers, and dishwashers beyond their rated capacity.
• Hard water buildup left unaddressed for years.
• Voltage issues from older home wiring not sized for modern appliances.

If your appliance is within its expected lifespan and showing a single, specific problem, repair is almost always worth it. Browse our full list of services to see typical repair costs for your specific appliance, or check our brand pages for issues specific to your model.