How Long Do Appliances Last? Repair or Replace Guide
Refrigerators last about 10–13 years, washers 10–12, dryers 12–15, dishwashers 9–12, ranges 13–15 and microwaves 7–10. If a repair costs less than half the price of a new one and the appliance is sound, repair it.
When an appliance breaks, the first question is usually whether it is worth repairing. The answer depends on three things: how old it is, what has failed, and what a comparable new one would cost. This guide gives typical lifespans for the appliances we repair every day in Northern Virginia, the simple rule we use to advise customers, and the repairs that are almost always worth doing.
Typical appliance lifespans
| Appliance | Typical lifespan | Usually worth repairing |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10–13 years (built-ins much longer) | Fans, defrost parts, relays, gaskets, valves |
| Washing machine | 10–12 years | Drain pumps, lid locks, belts, suspension |
| Dryer | 12–15 years | Elements, fuses, igniters, belts, rollers |
| Dishwasher | 9–12 years | Drain pumps, inlet valves, latches, gaskets |
| Oven and range | 13–15 years | Elements, igniters, sensors, switches |
| Microwave | 7–10 years | Over-the-range and built-in models |
| Freezer | 11–15 years | Fans, thermostats, defrost parts, seals |
| Garbage disposal | 8–12 years | Jams and resets; a leaking body means replace |
These are averages. An appliance that is used heavily, installed poorly or never maintained can fail sooner, and a well-kept one can run years longer. High-end brands such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking, Thermador and Miele are designed to be repaired and often last 20 years or more.
How long do washing machines last?
A washing machine typically lasts 10 to 12 years. Front-loaders and top-loaders are similar on average, though front-loaders depend more on their door seal and bearings, and top-loaders on their suspension and transmission. Using the right high-efficiency detergent in the right amount, leaving the door open to dry and cleaning the drain pump filter all add years. The repair we most often advise against is a tub bearing replacement on an older front-loader, because the labor can approach the price of a new machine.
How long do dryers last?
Dryers are the simplest of the major appliances and last 12 to 15 years. Almost every dryer repair, whether a thermal fuse, element, igniter, belt or rollers, is worth doing for most of that life. The biggest factor in a dryer’s lifespan is airflow: a clogged vent overheats the dryer and wears out its heating parts. Our dryer vent guide explains why.
How long do refrigerators last?
A standard refrigerator lasts about 10 to 13 years. French-door models with ice and water in the door have more parts to fail but are usually worth repairing. The repair that decides it is the sealed system: a failed compressor or a refrigerant leak on a basic top-freezer more than ten years old is often not worth fixing. A built-in refrigerator is the opposite, and a sealed-system repair is almost always the better value. Our refrigerator repair cost guide covers this in detail.
How long do dishwashers last?
Dishwashers last 9 to 12 years. Drain pumps, inlet valves, door latches and gaskets are routine repairs. A control board failure on an older budget dishwasher is where replacement often makes more sense, especially since dishwasher prices have come down.
The 50 percent rule
A simple rule works for most decisions: if the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the rest of the appliance is in good condition, repair it. Apply it with some judgment:
- If the appliance is near the end of its typical life and the repair is close to 50 percent, replacement is often the better long-term value.
- If the appliance is built-in or high-end, replacement costs include installation, cabinetry and trim, which makes repair much more attractive.
- If the appliance has had several repairs in the past year, it may be telling you something.
- If energy use matters, a refrigerator or freezer from before about 2010 uses noticeably more electricity than a new Energy Star model.
Why repair is often the smarter choice
Most appliance repairs are a single failed part. Replacing a $40 drain pump or a $30 igniter keeps a working machine out of the landfill and saves you the cost, delivery and installation of a new one. New appliances are not always more reliable either. Many current models use more electronics, which adds failure points. That is why we start every visit with a $75 diagnostic that finds the actual fault, so you can decide with real numbers rather than a guess.
How to make your appliances last longer
- Clean refrigerator condenser coils once or twice a year.
- Clean the dryer lint screen after every load and have the vent cleared yearly.
- Use the right detergent, in the right amount, in washers and dishwashers.
- Clean the dishwasher and washer filters every few months.
- Do not overload washers, dryers or dishwashers.
- Fix small problems early, before they damage other parts.
Signs an appliance is near the end of its life
- It needs a second major repair within a year of the first.
- Rust has reached the frame, tub or cabinet, not just the surface.
- Replacement parts are discontinued or hard to source.
- Energy use has climbed noticeably, especially on an older refrigerator or freezer.
- The control board has failed on an older budget model, where the board costs a large share of a new appliance.
None of these alone means you must replace it, but two or three together usually point that way. Ask the technician for the price of the repair and an honest opinion, then decide.
Repair or replace: real examples
A 6-year-old front-load washer with a failed drain pump: repair. The pump is a modest part and the washer has years left. A 14-year-old top-freezer refrigerator with a compressor failure: usually replace. The sealed-system repair costs a large share of a new fridge and the rest of the unit is near the end of its life. A 9-year-old dryer that has stopped heating: repair. Dryer heating parts are inexpensive and the dryer can run for years more. A 3-year-old over-the-range microwave that no longer heats: repair. Replacing it means new mounting and venting work. A 12-year-old dishwasher with a failed control board: often replace, especially if the tub and racks are also worn.
Warranty considerations
If your appliance is still under the manufacturer warranty, usually the first year, contact the brand first. After that, an independent repair is usually faster and more flexible than a warranty claim. Our 90-day labor warranty covers the work we do, so you are protected if the same repair needs attention again. If you have a home warranty, see our home warranty guide for how claims work.
Appliances in rental and investment properties
Landlords and property managers often weigh repair and replacement differently. Downtime matters as much as cost, because a tenant without a working refrigerator or washer needs it fixed quickly. A same-day repair is usually faster than buying, delivering and installing a new appliance. We work with landlords and property managers across Northern Virginia, and our technicians can coordinate access with tenants.
Key takeaways
- How long do washing machines last?: A washing machine typically lasts 10 to 12 years.
- How long do dryers last?: Dryers are the simplest of the major appliances and last 12 to 15 years.
- How long do refrigerators last?: A standard refrigerator lasts about 10 to 13 years.
- How long do dishwashers last?: Dishwashers last 9 to 12 years.
- The 50 percent rule: A simple rule works for most decisions: if the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the rest of the appliance is in good condition, repair it.
- Why repair is often the smarter choice: Most appliance repairs are a single failed part.
- Repair or replace: real examples: A 6-year-old front-load washer with a failed drain pump: repair.
- Warranty considerations: If your appliance is still under the manufacturer warranty, usually the first year, contact the brand first.
- Appliances in rental and investment properties: Landlords and property managers often weigh repair and replacement differently.
When to call us
If you are not sure whether your appliance is worth repairing, book a diagnostic and we will give you an honest answer. Our $75 diagnostic finds the exact fault, and it is credited toward the repair if you go ahead. You approve one price before any work begins, and most repairs are finished on the first visit. Call 571-477-4482 or book online. See our services page for details.
Questions about this problem
How long do washing machines last?
Typically 10 to 12 years, longer with the right detergent, a clean filter and a door left open to dry.
How long do dryers last?
Usually 12 to 15 years. Most dryer repairs are worth doing for most of that life.
How long should a refrigerator last?
About 10 to 13 years for a standard model. Built-in refrigerators such as Sub-Zero often last 20 years or more.
When should I replace instead of repair an appliance?
When the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance, or the appliance is near the end of its typical life and needs a major repair.
Are expensive appliances worth repairing?
Almost always. High-end and built-in appliances are designed to be repaired, and replacing them involves costly installation and cabinetry work.
Related guides
Washer Not Spinning? 7 Causes and What to Check First
A washer that will not spin is most often unbalanced, still full of water, or held up by a lid switch or door lock. Worn belts, motor couplings and control faults come next. Start with the load and the drain.
Why Is My Refrigerator Making Noise? What Each Sound Means
Gurgling, light cracking and a soft hum are normal. Loud buzzing or rattling usually means a fan; repeated clicking without cooling points to the start relay; grinding or squealing needs a technician.
Washing Machine Won’t Drain? Causes and Fixes in Woodbridge, VA
A washing machine that will not drain usually has a kinked or clogged drain hose, a blocked drain pump filter or a failed drain pump. Drain the water safely first, then check the filter and hose.
What customers say
Rated 4.9 stars from 334 reviews on Google. These are customers' own words.
I typically don't write reviews but Jose was outstanding! He was friendly, professional, and efficient throughout the entire service visit.
Posted on Google
I recently had my LG stove repaired by Appliance Solutions, and I couldn't be happier with the service. My technician, Jose, was outstanding.
Posted on Google
Had a dishwasher leak that had gone on for a while and resulted in damage to the floor. Jose repaired the damage, fixed the dishwasher and put everything back together.
Posted on Google
