Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you have any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could spend money on repairs for a refrigerator that is already about to disappear. Have you owned your refrigerator for a few years? Not sure how long you can expect it to last? Get to know the typical refrigerator life so you can plan ahead when it's time to replace the appliance.
You can even adopt tips to help your refrigerator provide efficient service for as long as possible. How long does a refrigerator last? According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U. S. In the appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last between 10 and 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years.
The service life of the compact refrigerator is even shorter, from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years. How to extend the life of your refrigerator As you can see, the potential lifespan of the refrigerator is quite wide. The longer yours lasts, the longer you can postpone payment to replace it. To help bring your appliance to the highest point of its lifespan, follow these refrigerator maintenance tips.
A loose or broken gasket (or dirt cover) does not seal hermetically. This wastes energy and makes the refrigerator work harder, shortening its lifespan. Make it a habit of cleaning the joint with warm water twice a year to remove any residue. Then check if the seal is broken and replace it if you find any.
Also, try to close the door with a dollar bill. If it slips easily or falls off, the door is not sealed properly and the gasket needs to be replaced. Refrigerators work best when they have airflow everywhere. Exceptions to this include coolers without headroom and with front ventilation.
Unless your refrigerator is labeled as such, do not place large, heavy objects directly on top of the refrigerator and make sure that adjacent counters and cabinets leave an inch of free space. Proper air circulation can prevent unnecessary breakdowns. Condenser coils filled with refrigerant are what make cooling possible. However, when the coils are clumped with dust and grime, they do not work efficiently.
This increases your energy bills and can wear out the refrigerator compressor more quickly. To clean the coils, first unplug the fridge. Then remove the grille from the front bottom of the refrigerator. Check if the coils are here.
If so, clean them with the vacuum cleaner brush. If you don't see the coils, they are located on the back of the refrigerator and you'll have to move the appliance away from the wall to access the coils and clean them. Refrigerators are demanding and like to be exactly level. If yours is rocking from side to side, it may not close properly, causing strain on the motor and allowing condensation to enter.
Place a level on the top of the refrigerator to see if it's flat. Try to swing it back and forth to see if you can make it lose its balance. If so, there is an easy way to fix this problem. Refrigerator manufacturers know that kitchen floors are not always perfect, so most refrigerators come.
If you find that your appliance is crooked, turn the adjustable legs until the fridge is safe and perfectly level. Estimates vary in terms of how long refrigerators last; some sources say 10 years, while others say up to 25 years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years.
At that point, it's probably time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working. The average life expectancy of a refrigerator with proper maintenance is between 14 and 17 years, depending on the model and size. Compact refrigerators usually work for 14 years on average, while a standard refrigerator works up to 17 years.
The life expectancy of your refrigerator is affected by how well it is cared for and by its construction. Some models can last only about 10 years, while others can work up to 19 years. You can expect a typical new refrigerator to last about seven years. HVAC systems require proper and regular maintenance to operate efficiently, but even at best, most components of these systems only last 15-25 years.
Ovens last on average 15 to 20 years, heat pumps 16 years and air conditioning units 10 to 15 years. Tankless water heaters last more than 20 years, while an electric or gas water heater has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Thermostats are usually replaced before the end of their 35-year lifespan due to technological improvements. Kitchen sinks made of modified acrylic will last 50 years, while kitchen faucets will work properly for about 15 years.
The average life of bathroom shower cabins is 50 years. Shower heads last a lifetime, while shower doors will last about 20 years. Bathroom cabinets and toilets have an unlimited lifespan, but the components inside the toilet cistern require some maintenance. Hot tubs will work properly for 20 to 50 years, depending on usage.
Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years and light inserts for 20 years. Both indoor and outdoor spots can last 15 years or more, however, homeowners usually paint more often. Tennis courts can last a lifetime if coated; most coatings last 12 to 15. The concrete deck of a swimming pool is expected to last more than 25 years, but the interior plaster and tiles have a life expectancy of about 10 to 25 years. While it is possible to repair some refrigerators, the average repair cost can be as much as the average refrigerator replacement cost, if not more.
The Annual Portrait of the US Appliance Industry Saturation regularly ranks household appliances in terms of longevity and found that mini and compact refrigerators have an average life expectancy of eight years compared to standard refrigerators that last on average 14 years. . .
