Your Ultimate Guide For When To Replace Household Appliances

Keeping a home running efficiently requires a lot of appliances, especially if you don’t want to do everything by hand.

The thing about appliances is that they don’t last forever. Like your car, they may gradually lose function until you have to get a new one. Or they’ll break down abruptly, and you’ll be left stranded in terms of completing household tasks, from cooking to cleaning. 

If your appliances are starting to fail, you might be wondering whether it is time to replace them. Use this guide to learn how to decide between repair and replacement, what to look for in a faulty appliance, and the best time of year to buy a new one. 

Repair or Replace? 

When you’re facing another broken or faulty appliance, you should have a sense for when to repair it vs. when it’s time to get a new one. Sometimes, repairs are a great choice that gives you several more years of good use.

At other times, you’re throwing away good money on something that will just break down again. You should consider replacement if: 

• You’ll spend more than half the cost of a new appliance to repair the existing one 

• Your appliance is approaching the end of its lifespan, and it’s not working great 

• Your needs have changed, and the current appliance doesn’t meet them 

• The appliance keeps breaking down, despite regular maintenance and prompt repairs 

If any of these are true, you may be happier with a replacement. 

How to Know It’s Time to Replace an Appliance 

Appliances have varying lifespans depending on type, brand, style, maintenance, and other factors. Use these tips to know when it’s time to replace each appliance. 

Air Conditioner 

Average Lifespan: 15 Years 

Replacing your air conditioner can be a major investment, so you may want to try repair first. You probably need to replace if the appliance: 

• Isn’t cooling effectively despite repairs 

• Gives you skyrocketing energy bills 

• Needs a major component replaced, such as the compressor 

Annual maintenance can result in years of good service, but eventually the loss of energy efficiency will win out. 

Furnace 

Average Lifespan: 15-20 years 

As with other HVAC equipment, it’s better to start with furnace repair before going straight to replacement. But you should start thinking about replacing if: 

• Your furnace needs repairs every year 

• You can’t get effective heating, even with regular maintenance 

• You need to change fuel sources 

Ask your HVAC technician about when to consider replacing your system. 

Water Heater 

Average Lifespan: 10-20 years 

Water heaters are a vital part of home cleaning and hygiene, so you shouldn’t ignore leaks or other problems. Consider the following reasons to replace: 

• The tank has rusted through 

• You have major leaks 

• Water coming from the water heater is rusty, dark, or smelly 

Leaks can create serious water damage over time, so be sure to request service promptly. 

Washing Machine 

Average Lifespan: 10-15 years 

A broken washing machine can be a nightmare. If you notice any of the following, you may need to replace the appliance: 

• Leaking water 

• Drum fills only partially, or won’t drain completely 

• Excessive noise or shaking during operation 

Don’t wash clothes in a malfunctioning machine, or you risk damaging them. 

Clothes Dryer 

Average Lifespan: 10-15 years 

Clothes dryers require regular upkeep to maintain function and decrease fire risk. It’s time to replace the dryer if: 

• Your clothes never seem to dry fully 

• You smell burning coming from the unit 

• You notice loud noises while it’s running 

If cleaning out your lint duct doesn’t yield a solution, consider replacement. 

Refrigerator 

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years 

Refrigerator function is critical for food safety. You may need to replace yours if: 

• Food is spoiling shortly after you buy it 

• Temperatures fall below acceptable ranges for the fridge or freezer 

• You notice extreme heat or noise coming from the back 

Don’t trust a faulty fridge to keep your food fresh. 

Oven/Range 

Average Lifespan: 10-15 years 

A failing oven or range can be a significant fire risk. You should consider replacing your range if: 

• You can’t light the gas stove 

• Control panels don’t work 

• Actual temperature doesn’t match the setting 

If you smell a gas leak, shut off the valve and contact your local utility right away. 

Dishwasher 

Average Lifespan: 9-12 years 

Dishwashers keep your dishes clean, sanitized, and ready for dining, until they don’t. Here’s when to consider replacing yours: 

• You can’t get hot water running through the system 

• Programs stop halfway through 

• You notice leaks around the bottom of the appliance 

If you’re having to wash your dishes after washing your dishes, a new appliance is probably the best choice. 

Microwave 

Average Lifespan: 9-12 years 

Microwaves are a convenient way to defrost or heat food without having to use the range. Yours might need replacing if it: 

• Doesn’t cook or defrost food correctly 

• Makes sparks or smoke during operation 

• Has a faulty keypad 

For your safety, avoid using a failing microwave. 

Countertop Appliances 

Average Lifespan: 7-15 years 

Countertop appliances can last for decades, but many start to break down after a few years. Consider replacing if: 

• You’re consistently getting poor results 

• Buttons or switches fail to work 

• You notice loud noises or grinding during operation 

If you suspect an electrical issue due to a broken plug or exposed wiring, unplug the appliance right away. 

When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Appliances? 

If you’re going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new appliance, you might as well get a good deal on it. Here are a few times you can save some money on your purchase: 

• Holiday sales, especially Presidents’ Day, July Fourth, and Black Friday 

• Fall, when new models are released and old ones are discounted 

• Midwinter for larger appliances such as furnaces and air conditioners 

If your appliance is approaching the end of its lifespan, start looking for sales so you’ll know when to buy. You may save even more by purchasing multiple appliances at once. 

Buying a new appliance can be a hassle, but there are always ways to make it easier. By following these tips, you’ll know when you’re ready to replace your old appliances.  

AUTHOR BIO: Michael Carlson is the President of Gene May Heating & Cooling. He has been in the heating and cooling industry for more than 32 years and is the sole owner of the business.