Today’s energy-saving appliances wear out faster than you think.
Have you noticed that your appliances don’t seem to last as long as they used to? Whereas a few generations ago people were buying appliances that lasted 20 or 30 years, now the National Association of Home Builders lists the following average lifespans for major appliances:
- Refrigerator: 13 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Trash Compactor: 6 years
- Gas Range: 15 years
- Washing Machine: 10 years
- Dryer: 13 years
The good news is that these new appliances are much more energy-efficient than those simple old clunkers that would run for decades. Dryers now have sensors to enable them to automatically shut off when clothes are dry, fridges now have door-in-door designs to help keep the main compartments cooler, and dishwashers use a fraction of the water they used to.
However, the very technology that makes today’s modern appliances so energy-efficient is a big part of why these appliances don’t last as long. The more complicated the electronics inside an appliance, the more can go wrong. To make matters worse, today’s appliances are also more likely to use thin plastics rather than metal for important components. By contrast, an old-fashioned appliance with all mechanical timers and switches and durable solid metal or porcelain components would naturally last longer.
Maximize Your Appliances’ Lifespans
Fortunately, there are three important steps you can take to maximize the lifespans of your new appliances and ensure you get your money’s worth.
First of all, always get professional installation. Poor installation can cause undue stress to be placed on the appliance, resulting in accelerated wear and tear. For example, if you installed a washing machine on an uneven surface the machine would rock while in use, putting stress on pipes and hoses as well as the mechanical components.
Secondly, get your appliances serviced regularly. Preventative maintenance services such as cleaning, equipment checks, and tune ups can greatly extend the life of your equipment. It is especially important to clean out dust and debris from refrigerator coils and from dryer vents to improve efficiency and performance. You will also want to take care to keep appliances in good condition so that moisture and/or dust does not compromise the electronics.
Finally, be sure to get expert appliance repair whenever your appliance starts acting up. Calling American Appliance Repair to fix a small problem can save you from having that small problem cause a huge disaster later on. We always use quality parts to ensure that the repair gives you the level of performance you expect and lasts as long as possible.
