How Long Is That Going To Last?

“How long will that last?” seems to be a universal question in the home inspection industry, perhaps second only to “How much does that cost?” Everything has a life expectancy, and while most of those life expectancies are somewhat predictable, they can vary greatly depending on quality of materials and manufacturing, installation practices, care and maintenance, environmental factors, and usage. The appliance life expectances in the table below are averages that have been taken from surveys of manufacturers, trade associations, and researchers, as well as manufacturers’ websites and other consumer resources, and are intended only as estimates. Nevertheless, it’s useful information, especially if you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Knowing that the microwave is probably going to fail after about ten years helps you plan for the inevitable expense. If you are buying used appliances, it’s a good indicator of how long you can expect a five-year-old top-loading washing machine to last. Appliance life expectancy can also be affected by the lack of maintenance, proper maintenance can extend the life of the appliance.

To find the date of manufacturer for many appliances, simply look at the manufacturer plate or tag on the appliance. Some will state specifically when the appliance was manufactured while others will have the date coded in the serial number. You can also find information on the Internet or call the manufacturer directly.

Appliance Life Expectancy Chart