Average Life span of Household Appliances

The average life span for typical household appliances:

Central Air Conditioner  -   15 years

Room Air Conditioner   -   12 years

Washing Machine  -  13 years

Clothes Dryer  -  18 years

Refrigerator  -  20 years

Dishwasher  -  12 years

Upright Freezer  -  20 years

Kitchen Stove - 18 years

Water Heater  -  13 years

 A few maintenance tips for some appliances:

 OVEN:

 A test of your oven's thermostat can be made by placing an accurate oven thermometer in the center of a 400 degree oven. After 15 minutes, check the reading. If it's more than 100 degrees too high or too low, replace the control. If the difference is less than 100 degrees, pull the oven control knob off and locate the calibration screw. Tighten or loosen the screw. Keep testing until the temperature is correct.  You may also suspect a problem if you have to cook foods longer than what's required.

REFRIGERATOR: 

The refrigerator door gasket, if washed often with soapy water, should last as long as the refrigerator. If you suspect the door gasket is no longer sealing like it should, you can test it by holding a dollar bill so it's caught in place by the closed door. When you pull the bill out you should feel resistance . Repeat the test in several places. A gasket that does not pass the test or that is obviously cracked or torn should be replaced.

Temperature settings for refrigerator and freezer compartments are usually given numbers by manufacturers (for example, 1 through 9, warmest to coldest). As a rule of thumb, 37 degrees Fahrenheit is usually ideal for the refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer. If you suspect a problem, test the temperatures with a refrigerator or outdoor thermometer.

DISHWASHER:

Inspect for water leaks every six months. First, do a load of dishes in the dishwasher. Then, inspect along the front of the dishwasher for any leaking water. Next, take off the front panel along the bottom of the unit and look underneath for signs of leaks. Look for water, water spots and signs of water damage. Have any leaks repaired immediately by a qualified, licensed plumber.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

You can clean your garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes in the disposal regularly. Then "flush" your garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda once a month to prevent residual grease and soap from fouling your garbage disposal or clogging its drain.

Be careful not to clog disposal drains with grease. You should not put grease in your disposal or in any other drain.

WATER HEATER:

You should inspect your water heater, at least, once every 6 months. During your inspection, check to see whether there are any signs that water has leaked (corrosion, floor stains, etc.) or been discharged from the temperature-pressure relief valve If so, call a licensed plumber immediately. The relief valve may be defective or there could be a problem with the water heater.

You can test the relief valve by lifting its handle. Water should flow through the valve and down the discharge pipe (Use caution, the water can be over 200 degrees Fahrenheit!). If water does not flow through the valve or if water continues to drip from the valve after the handle is released, call a licensed plumber immediately to replace the defective valve.

Of course, your appliances will last much longer if proper preventative maintenance is practiced regularly.

 I inspected a Sears water heater a few months back that was manufactured in 1971, and was still in operation!! I've heard reports of a 1951 water heater still in operation also.  These cases are definitely not the norm, but in any case, don't wait untill something bad happens to one of your appliances - take care of them and they'll take care of you. 

More to come, have a great week!!

JoshFrederick, Northwest Ohio Home Inspector