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How Long Appliances Last: When is it Time to Upgrade?
Kitchen appliances are often taken for granted. We use them every day, but we tend not to think about them too much — until they stop working.
One of the questions our real estate agents get asked the most when showing homes is, "How long will the appliances last?" The good news is that in a new home with brand-new modern appliances, they should last quite a long time! If you're selling your home, upgrading and replacing old appliances can also help sell your home faster and fetch a higher price. Here's what you need to know about the lifespan of various appliances, how to make them last longer and how to know when it's time to upgrade.
Refrigerator and Freezer - 10 to 18 Years
Refrigerators have one of the longest potential lifespans of any major kitchen appliance, around 14 years on average. The lifespan of a fridge ranges from 10 to 18 years depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the appliance. Compact refrigerators typically don't last as long as full-size models.
Regularly cleaning your refrigerator's condenser coils and replacing the air and water filters are important maintenance duties that can help your fridge last longer. Doing so will also help it maintain its efficiency.
One of the most obvious signs that the fridge and freezer need replacing is that your food no longer stays cold or frozen. Other clues include excessive noise, visible condensation on the outside of the appliance and the back of your refrigerator being warm to the touch.
Dishwasher - 10 to 12 Years
Typical dishwashers last 10 years or so, though the best models may last a few years longer. The best way to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for many years is to deep clean it regularly (most experts suggest every three to six months). You should also routinely clean out the filter, avoid overloading your dishwasher and reduce the amount of food debris that goes in with your dishes.
Leakage is one of the most obvious signs that your dishwasher needs maintenance. Other signs to watch for are unusual noises, visible rust, dishes coming out dirty, inability to get sufficiently hot and failure to latch properly.
It's not always easy to know if repair or replacement is the right course with a dishwasher. In general, if a repair would cost more than half the cost of replacement, then replacement is the way to go.
Oven and Stove - 12 to 15 Years
Ovens and stoves have a wide range of lifespans, though 12 to 15 years would be considered average. Gas ovens and stoves typically last a few years longer than electric, though both can be made to last longer through regular maintenance.
The best thing you can do for your stove and oven is to clean them regularly. That includes using your oven's "self-clean" cycle about once per year if it has one, as well as cleaning any spills by hand, both in the oven and on the stovetop.
Signs of a problem include a change to the appearance of the flames on your stovetop or heating elements taking too long to heat up. Control panel malfunctions and broken heating elements on thermostats can also spell trouble. When deciding between oven repair and replacement, consider the cost of repairs, the age of the appliance and whether it is still under warranty.
Keep in mind that upgrading your appliances is just one of the many ways you can update your kitchen.
Contact us today to learn more about finding a home with brand-new appliances! Our real estate agents have helped countless families find their dream homes in these Chicagoland neighborhoods, and we can't wait to help you find yours.
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