You've probably heard the old saying, "If it's not broken, don't fix it!”. While this feeling may be true for a long time, there is a particular instance where you will benefit from fixing (well, replacing) things before they break.

When it comes to appliances in your home, it will cost you more, in the long run, waiting to upgrade until they stop working. Drafty windows, an outdated fridge, a damaged water heater, or leaky faucets are just a few examples of where you might lose money because of inefficiency. There are other small changes you can make with lightbulbs and door caulking and the like but after taking care of that it’s important to assess the condition of your appliances.

Make sure that your home appliances do not drain your bank account by replacing them at the end of their average lifecycle. Follow this guide to determine how long your home appliances should last and when they should be upgraded.

What is the Life Expectancy for Appliances in Your Home?

An appliance's lifespan depends on several factors: how often it is used, what kind of appliance it is, and how good it is. As a general rule, a lifespan of 10 years is satisfactory for most appliances. Here's a more detailed description of how long your appliances will last:

Ovens/Stoves: 11-15 years.

Be sure to bear in mind whether it is electrical or gas when evaluating the lifespan of your current oven range. Typically, electrical ovens have a shorter lifespan because they use heating elements that are more likely to wear. Gas ranges use a long-lasting ignition switch. Gas ranges last nearer to 15 years on average.

Fridges: 11-19 years.

The refrigerator's design has a major impact on its life expectancy. Most modern models feature larger freezers, requiring much harder cooling work and shortening their lifespan. One of the most popular models, the side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, has an average of about 13 years of one of the shortest life spans. The longest life expectancy, closer to 19 years, is a refrigerator with only one door.

Washer & Dryer: 10-13 years.

The life expectancy of washers and dryers, like refrigerators, depends on the type of machine you own. While front-loading washers have become the most popular model, they tend to last nearly 10 years, while top-loading washers last around 13 years. Typically, dryers give out before washers because they have heating components that become fragile with age. However, when one breaks, many homeowners choose to replace both the washer and the dryer.

Water Heaters: 10-25 years.

A water heater's lifetime also depends on the model. When deciding when to replace your water heater, remember what kind of water heater you own and what kind of water you have. Tankless water heaters are the most efficient because they are only used to heat water. It can last up to 25 years for this model. Traditional gas and electric water heaters tend to last nearly 10 years. The type of water in your area may also affect these estimates. Hard water and well water often cause minerals and sediments to build up, which can cause clogs and other problems, ultimately further reducing the lifespan.

Another important thing to know about water heaters is that as they age they are prone to use energy less and less efficiently. Before they fail to save money on their utility bills, many homeowners choose to replace their water heaters. If you suspect that each month your water heater might cost you extra money, keep an eye out for the following tale signs that it's time for a new one:

Loud noises have been happening:

When the water heater builds up a surplus of minerals and/or sediments, they can be put into motion when heated. This debris ' movement has the potential to cause structural damage. If you hear loud banging noises from your water heater, the heating elements may misfire and cause expansion within your water heater. This will also result in harm and inefficiency.

The temperatures vary:

It may be time to replace your water heater if you find it difficult to keep your water at a consistent temperature. This may be because your water heater is too small to meet your needs or because it is an inefficient/broken heating element.

It's ancient:

Even though your water heater doesn't make strange noises and seems to perform well, keeping track of your age is still important. Traditional gas and electric water heaters that reach the end of their life expectancy of 10-15 years are less energy efficient and cost more on a monthly basis in utilities.

Be sure to keep your appliances up-to-date and in prime shape to ensure that your home performs efficiently and keeps low monthly costs. Be realistic about how long each unit should last and when it is time for them to be replaced, along with regular maintenance on your heavily used appliances.