Why Modern Home Appliances Don’t Last
If you’ve ever thought that appliances don’t seem to last as long as they used to, it’s not just your imagination. Let’s take a look at the data behind modern appliance reliability and consider some ways you can protect yourself from unexpected repair and replacement costs.
How Long Do Modern Appliances Really Last?
Today’s appliances are equipped with a host of technological advancements that make them smarter and more energy efficient. Unfortunately, they also have a few modern characteristics that cause them to break down much sooner than their less efficient predecessors.
According to a study from The National Association of Home Builders, household appliances don’t last near as long as they used to. Dubbed the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, the research uncovered some troubling facts about the reduced lifespans of certain home appliances. Whether it was a dishwasher, refrigerator or some other appliance, nearly every modern variety failed faster than similar models from the past. The closest any appliance came, in fact, was the modern gas range, which lasts an average of 15 years these days, compared to 19 years in 1993.
How Long Will My Appliances Last?
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to estimate the reliability and lifespan of a specific appliance, regardless of the model or brand. Companies tend to use multiple suppliers and factories for single lines of products; so a Kenmore of 2015 could be built by a completely different factory – in a completely different country – than one from 2017. What’s more, since product components may be sourced from various suppliers over a period of time, that 2015 Kenmore could have a different pump than the one from 2017.
According to the NAHB study, you should expect to replace specific appliances at the following rate:
- Food Disposer: 12 years
- Trash Compactor: 6 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Faucet: 15 years
- Microwave Oven: 9 years
- Gas Range: 15 years
- Electric Range: 15 years
- Refrigerator: 13 years
Keep in mind, these figures represent estimates. Your appliances could last longer, or half as long, depending on unforeseen circumstances. Whatever the case, you can guard against expected repair costs by supplementing your manufacturer’s warranty with a home warranty.
Why the Shorter Life Spans?
In addition to diverse economic factors that impact every type of durable good, there are a few key reasons why appliance lifespans are shorter than they used to be. First, the production of modern components is often outsourced to inexpensive third-party manufacturers. Second, finished appliances and their components are designed to be lighter, so they are less expensive to ship. Finally, closer fits, tighter tolerances and modern electronic controls all mean more plastic instead of metal, which leads to less durability.
What You Can Do
Since most appliances only come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, homeowners are often left to foot the bill for expensive appliance replacement or repair costs. A 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Service Agreement covers repair or replacement of home appliances and systems, including costs related to both labor and parts. This agreement goes into effect the moment other coverage expires, like manufacturer’s warranties.
A Home Warranty Service Agreement helps you limit the overall cost of homeownership by protecting against unexpected appliance and system breakdowns. Let 2-10 HBW help you avoid unexpected costs with a Systems & Appliances Service Agreement today!
