Avoid Surprise Breakdowns: Know Your Appliance Lifespan

When you buy a home, you’re not just getting a roof over your head—you’re also inheriting a lot of appliances and systems that work behind the scenes. From your refrigerator to your air conditioner, these machines make everyday life easier. But like anything else, they don’t last forever. Knowing how long major appliances usually last can help you plan for repairs or replacements. Even better, a home warranty can help protect you from big surprise costs when something breaks.

Here’s a quick look at how long common appliances and systems usually last:

• Refrigerator: 10 to 15 years

• Washing Machine: 8 to 12 years

• Clothes Dryer: 10 to 13 years

• Dishwasher: 8 to 10 years

• Garbage Disposal: 8 to 12 years

• Water Heater (Tank Style): 8 to 12 years

• Water Heater (Tankless): 15 to 20 years

• Furnace (Heating System): 15 to 25 years

• Air Conditioner (Central AC): 10 to 15 years

• Garage Door Opener: 10 to 15 years

Keep in mind, how long something lasts depends on how well it’s made, how much you use it, and how well you take care of it.

Signs It’s Time to Replace an Appliance

You don’t always have to wait for something to stop working completely. Here are some signs an appliance may be near the end of its life:

• Strange noises or bad smells

• Leaking or not working as well as it used to

• Higher utility bills (from poor energy efficiency)

• Frequent repairs or breakdowns

• Outdated features or missing safety upgrades

How a Home Warranty Can Help

A home warranty is a service plan that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing home appliances and systems when they break down due to normal wear and tear. It's different from homeowners insurance, which usually covers damage from events like fire, theft, or storms.

Here’s how a home warranty helps:

• Covers unexpected breakdowns: If your dishwasher or furnace stops working, the warranty can help pay for the repair or even a replacement.

• Saves money: Instead of paying the full price for a new appliance, you’ll usually just pay a service fee (often between $75 and $125).

• Provides peace of mind: You won’t have to scramble to find a trustworthy repair person—home warranty companies usually handle that for you.

• Great for older homes: If your house is more than 10 years old, a warranty can help protect you from surprises as things wear out.

Is a Home Warranty Worth It?

A home warranty can be a smart choice if:

• You’re buying an older home with aging appliances

• You want to avoid large out-of-pocket repair bills

• You don’t know how to fix appliances or systems yourself

• You like the idea of having one company to call when something breaks

Plans usually cost between $300 and $600 per year, and you can renew them annually. Some even offer add-on coverage for items like pools, septic systems, or second refrigerators.

Home appliances don’t last forever—but you don’t have to be caught off guard when one gives out. Knowing their average lifespan helps you plan ahead, and a home warranty can help you handle the cost. Think of it like safety net: it doesn’t stop problems from happening, but it makes them easier (and cheaper) to deal with. If you’re a homeowner, it’s worth looking into.