How Long Do Washers & Dryers Last?
A home washer has an average life of around 11 years for a front-loader and 14 years for a top-loader. The average home dryer has a life expectancy of 13 to 14 years. How long your machines will last depends on how much they are used and how well they are cared for. Does this Spark an idea?
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Washers
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The 11 to 14 year washer lifespan is based on typical usage--about 400 loads a year. If you do less laundry, you could extend the life of the machine by several years. Unfortunately, the water hoses, belts and seals can wear out and crack over time no matter how few loads of laundry you run, so proper maintenance is essential.
Dryers
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The lifespan of a dryer is around 13 to 14 years, but can be as little as eight years if its not properly maintained. Maintenance is important not only for a long lifespan but to prevent fires. Dryers cause tens of thousands of devastating fires every year when accumulated lint heats up and catches fire.
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Increasing Washer Life
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Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for loading and operating the washer. Don't overload the machine, and don't let unbalanced loads run. If the machine itself is unbalanced, get a repair person to come check it out. Running a washer off-balance will cause extra wear and tear on the parts and shorten its life.
Increasing Dryer Life
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Periodically check the seals and hoses for problems, and replace bad seals and hoses right away. Every few months, clean out the vent hose and remove lint and debris. Always clean out the lint trap before drying a load, and wash the lint trap with water every three months (see Resources).
Call for Help
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If your washer or dryer develops problems, having a professional take a look can save you money in the long run and will help keep your appliances running for many years.
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