When to Replace Appliances Major Parts and Supplies

When do you make the decision to replace appliances? Worried about cost of major parts of appliances?  If it breaks down and doesn't work (or fix it if the costs aren't too high), you probably replace it. Generally, however, this isn't a good strategy for big, expensive home appliances that you rely on every single day. Here's what you should know about most appliances ' lifespan and when to replace them.

Consider the Lifespan of Most Major Appliances

When it comes to it, most gadgets last for as long as they choose to last — lifetime is mostly a mystery. Nonetheless, with a predetermined lifespan in mind, manufacturers design their appliances. From there, appliances could last longer than expected or less than expected.

Even so, most major home appliances last from 10-20 years, give or take anywhere. This timeline includes the HVAC system, water heater, kitchen equipment, washing machines, and more.

Without any problems and with proper maintenance, a water heater could last 30 years, so the range above is not a hard and fast rule. The midway point is a good number to remember — if you're having trouble with your furnace and you note it's 15 years old, it might be time for a new one.

How Do You Find Out the Age of Your Appliance if It Came with Your House?

Sadly, there is no standardized way to tell you how old an appliance is in your home but to try and find out; there are a few things you can do.

First of all, search through your signed documents when you bought your house to see if you can find the original. The previous owner may also have left behind the original paperwork for the devices themselves when they were installed, most likely to have somewhere written down the delivery date. 

If that's no luck, it's time to get a flashlight and start looking at the tags themselves on the appliances. You will most likely find a date printed on the label, either as a real date with a month and year or somehow coded into the serial number.

Repair or Replace?

To repair or replace is probably one of the toughest questions that you will ask when one of your major appliances breaks down. It's a question you can only answer, but when deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance, I usually ask myself two more questions:

How Many Times Have I Fixed It So Far?

Does it seem like you are constantly having to fix things in order to keep it running? Then it is probably time to replace it.

Is It Worth The Cost To Repair It?

If it costs a lot of money to repair it, then instead of fixing it, I'll consider replacing it. Consider this, if it costs more than half of what a new appliance would cost, replacing it is a good idea.

Should You Prepare for the Final Breakdown?

What if your reliable appliances have been working for 15 years now, but are getting old and worn? Should you wait until it happens, or get rid of it? This decision depends on what major appliances it is and if you could manage without it.

It is highly recommended that some major appliances be replaced before they fail. A rusted water heater could cause major damage to your home if it leaks and pours water all over your basement or living quarters if you do not have a basement.

Other big appliances may not be easily replaced right away. You may not have the money, or you may be able to live with the inconvenience. You may like washing dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher; ultimately, it's not a big deal. 

Nonetheless, if your furnace or air conditioner has been around for some time, and may need to be replaced, it might be a good idea to start saving now, or else you end up with some hot indoor temperatures while you try to fix it when it finally stops.