When to Replace Home Appliances: Complete Lifespan Guide

That weird noise your refrigerator is making—is it time to repair or replace? Knowing typical appliance lifespans helps you plan and budget for replacements.

Appliance Lifespan Chart

Appliance	Average Lifespan	Replace When
Refrigerator	10-15 years	Repair costs exceed 50% of new
Dishwasher	9-12 years	Frequent repairs, poor cleaning
Washing Machine	10-14 years	Leaks, won’t spin, loud noises
Dryer	10-14 years	Takes multiple cycles, won’t heat
Electric Range	13-15 years	Burners fail, uneven heating
Gas Range	15-17 years	Ignition issues, gas smell
Microwave	9-10 years	Sparks, uneven heating
HVAC System	15-25 years	High bills, poor performance
Water Heater	8-12 years	Rust, leaks, inadequate hot water
Garbage Disposal	10-12 years	Frequent jams, bad smell persists

Repair vs. Replace: The 50% Rule

General guideline: If the repair costs more than 50% of a new appliance’s price, replace it. Also consider:

• Age: An 8-year-old refrigerator needing a $400 repair might be worth fixing. A 14-year-old one? Probably not.
• Energy efficiency: New models often save enough on bills to offset higher upfront costs.
• Features: Sometimes it’s worth upgrading even if repair is cheaper.

Warning Signs by Appliance

Refrigerator

Time to worry:

• Food spoiling faster than it should
• Excessive condensation inside
• Motor running constantly
• Frost buildup in frost-free models
• Unusual noises

Dishwasher

Time to worry:

• Dishes not getting clean
• Water not draining fully
• Door doesn’t latch properly
• Visible rust inside
• Cracks in tub

Washing Machine

Time to worry:

• Clothes still wet after spin
• Won’t fill or drain properly
• Excessive vibration
• Visible water leaks
• Drum won’t spin

Dryer

Time to worry:

• Takes multiple cycles to dry
• Drum doesn’t spin
• No heat
• Burning smell
• Clothes hotter than normal

HVAC System

Time to worry:

• Uneven heating/cooling
• Strange noises
• Higher than normal bills
• Frequent cycling on/off
• Age over 15 years + issues

Water Heater

Time to worry:

• Rusty water
• Rumbling sounds (sediment)
• Puddles around base
• Inconsistent temperature
• Age over 10 years + issues

Tracking Your Appliances

Knowing when you bought appliances (and when they need service) requires documentation:

1. Record purchase dates when you buy new appliances
2. Save receipts for warranty purposes
3. Log all repairs with costs and dates
4. Track service history to spot patterns

Apps like Dib make this easy by storing appliance information, warranties, and service records in one place—plus sending reminders when maintenance is due.

Planning for Replacement

Budget Strategy

1. Note ages of all major appliances
2. Identify which are nearing end of life
3. Set aside money gradually
4. Watch for sales when you know replacement is coming
5. Research options before you’re in crisis mode

Energy Efficiency

When replacing, look for:

• Energy Star certification
• Compare annual operating costs
• Consider long-term savings vs. upfront price

Installation Timing

Best times to buy appliances:

• Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday)
• Model year changes (September-October for most)
• End of month/quarter when salespeople need numbers

Start Tracking Today

Don’t wait until something breaks to figure out how old your appliances are. Document what you have now:

1. List all major appliances
2. Record purchase dates (or estimate from when you moved in)
3. Note serial numbers and model info
4. Set up a tracking system

Dib can help you inventory all your appliances with AI scanning—just take photos and let the app identify makes and models. Add warranty documents, and you’ll have everything organized when you need it.