The Truth About Home Appliances

It's often cheaper to fix an appliance than buy a new one. While new appliances tend to be more energy efficient, their high-tech features mean more problems. On the other hand, a replacement could be more energy efficient, repairs can be expensive and prices for new appliances have been falling recently.

Manufacturers have been incorporating more technology and new features into their products. For example, there are smart refrigerators with interior cameras so you can take a peak while grocery shopping. Some have screens that allow you to stream movies and cooking shows while you cook.

The average useful life span of various appliances from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers:

• Gas Range: 14.2 years
• Electric Range: 11.6 years
• Top-freezer Refrigerator: 14 years
• Side-by-Side Refrigerator: 11.1 years
• Dryer: 13.4 years
• Top-load Washer: 11.2 years
• Front-load Washer: 9.1 years
• Dishwasher: 12 years

Usually, the more you spend on an appliance upfront, the more likely you will make a repair over replacing. An appliance is an investment and sometimes you need to put a bit more into the investment to get the full return. A $200 repair might get you six more years of use.