Appliance Repair Statistics
Appliance breakdowns can impact any homeowner, whether you have an older house or a new build. However, with the many responsibilities of homeownership, it’s easy to overlook appliance care. Maintaining your home appliances keeps them in working order and helps you avoid an expensive repair bill—or worse, hefty replacement costs.
We analyzed data from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and the National Education Association (NEA) to discover how long appliances typically last, what affects appliance repair costs, and the most common repairs. Our analysis also offers insight into the most reliable brands and ways you can maintain your appliances to protect your investment.
Key Takeaways
- Appliance repair is a $6.5 billion industry in the U.S.
- Refrigerators, which are among the most commonly replaced appliances, tend to last anywhere from nine to 13 years before needing a replacement.
- The factors that affect the cost of appliance repair include the type and age of the appliance, the type of repair needed, and the cost of parts and labor.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Home Appliances?
The average lifespan of home appliances varies depending on several factors, ranging from the specific appliance and corresponding brand to the frequency of use and routine maintenance. For example, refrigerators—one of the most commonly replaced appliances—last anywhere from nine to 13 years, according to InterNACHI.
The following table indicates the average lifespan of many common household appliances. (InterNACHI notes that these ranges may vary for homes located in Florida and the surrounding coastal regions.)
| Home Appliance | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Clothes dryer | 13 |
| Dishwasher | 9 |
| Electric range | 13–15 |
| Freezer | 10–20 |
| Garbage disposal | 12 |
| Gas oven | 10–18 |
| Gas range | 15–17 |
| Microwave | 9 |
| Refrigerator | 9–13 |
| Washing machine | 5–15 |
Although most of the home appliances listed above can last nearly a decade or longer, many require repairs throughout their lifespan. Generally speaking, most repairs represent only a fraction of an appliance’s total replacement cost, but replacing one or more components can quickly add up. According to an IBISWorld report, appliance repair was a $6.5 billion industry in 2024.
What Are the Most Reliable Appliance Brands?
To gain an insider’s view from the consumer’s perspective, we read through Reddit posts about appliance repairs and reliability. Despite users having mixed reviews of various home appliance brands, the following trends emerged:
- Bosch and LG appliances received the most positive mentions from consumers.
- Users advised against purchasing every appliance from the same brand.
- Consumers prioritize simplicity over more complex—and expensive—features.
- People generally feel frustrated with the overall decline in modern appliance quality, regardless of brand, and find older appliances more reliable.
If you are buying new appliances, having firsthand knowledge can help inform your purchasing decision. Several other factors, including appliance brand, repair costs, and required maintenance, can influence your final decision.
The following brands received the most positive reviews from Reddit users for one or more home appliances:
- Bosch: Recipient of the 2023 ENERGY STAR 2023 Partner of the Year award and ranking in the top three in the 2023 J.D. Power Appliance Satisfaction Study for its dishwasher, Bosch has a reputation for precision engineering and performance.
- Frigidaire: Winner of the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award, Frigidaire has a reputation for reliability, affordability, and performance.
- General Electric (GE): Also recognized as a 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and by the 2023 Smart Appliance Company of the Year IOT Breakthrough Awards Program, GE combines energy efficiency and innovation in its home appliance lineup.
- KitchenAid: Whirlpool’s subsidiary KitchenAid won the Red Dot Design Award in 2021 and is known for smaller home appliances.
- LG: This brand’s propensity for cutting-edge features won it multiple 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) Innovation Awards, including recognition for its clothes washers and dryers.
- Samsung: Taking home more 2023 J.D. Power Awards for Laundry and Kitchen Appliances than any other brand, Samsung features smart, energy-efficient tech that also earned the company recognition in the 2024 CES Innovation Awards.
- Whirlpool: Known for reliability, Whirlpool has received the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award and the 2023 iF Design Award.
Consider both customer reviews and expert recommendations when researching for your next home appliance purchase. Brand reputation, warranty coverage, and specific features can also influence which model you select. But ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs and preferences.
What Factors Affect Appliance Repair Costs?
The cost of home-related repair and maintenance services such as plumbing, electrical, and landscaping varies widely—and home appliance repair is no exception. Appliance repair professionals often charge by the hour based on rates included with a free estimate or quote. In addition, the factors listed below play a role in the price of your final home appliance repair bill:
- Age of appliance: Older appliances are more likely to require repairs and may need special-order parts, which can result in an expensive bill.
- Labor costs: Although appliance repair technicians earn an average of $24 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter, that rate doesn’t cover the repair company’s overhead, the cost of the service vehicle and supplies, and other expenses incurred.
- Location: The cost of home appliance repairs often reflects local average rates and the cost of living in your region.
- Parts costs: The availability and universality of required parts heavily influence the cost of repairing an appliance.
- Repair quality: While opting for budget repairs may cost you less upfront, you may feel more peace of mind by investing in quality service.
- Type of appliance: Replacement parts for base models tend to cost less than those for top-of-the-line counterparts.
- Type of repair: Appliance repair bills often reflect a lower price for the removal and replacement of easily accessible parts versus those that require further disassembly.
- Warranty coverage: Depending on the warranty terms, a company may partially or fully cover repair costs, including parts and labor.
What Are the Most Common Appliance Repairs?
Due to the frequency of their use, refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, ranges, and dishwashers often require repairs. Each appliance has its own set of systems and components that require attention and maintenance. The table below summarizes several of the most common repairs associated with household appliances:
| Home Appliance | Most Common Repairs |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher | • Clogged filter • Worn or damaged door gasket • Faulty control panel, motor, or wiring • Clogged arm nozzles or spray jets |
| Clothes Dryer | • Clogged or blocked exhaust vent • Worn drum rollers, roller axis, bearings, glides, or belts • Clogged lint filter or screen |
| Front-Load Clothes Washer | • Moldy door • Broken agitator • Worn door gasket • Leaky inlet or outlet hoses • Clogged drain • Defective door lock |
| Gas Range | • Closed or blocked gas line • Unlit pilot light • Clogged gas valve • Loose spark igniter electrodes • Faulty ignition switch • Worn spark module |
| Microwave | • Blown fuse • Faulty roller guides or drive coupler or motor |
| Refrigerator | • Water leaks • Frozen or clogged water supply line • Burnt-out or broken light bulb • Worn or damaged door gasket • Malfunctioning ice maker unit |
How To Maintain Your Appliances
Routine maintenance and care can prolong the lifespan of your home appliances and help avoid premature wear that could lead to costly repairs. Something as simple as refraining from slamming appliance doors closed can make a difference over time. Follow the tips below to keep your appliances in working order for longer:
- Clean your refrigerator’s coils regularly.
- Wash appliance seals with warm, soapy water.
- Rejuvenate rubber gaskets with a light coating of petroleum jelly.
- Clear debris out of dishwasher jets and inlet valves.
- Clean or replace the dishwasher and clothes washer and dryer filters regularly.
- Avoid overloading your clothes washer or dryer.
- Ensure your clothes washer and dryer are level.
- Empty the clothes dryer lint trap after every load.
Consult the owner’s manual for more information on how to properly maintain your appliances. Contact the manufacturer directly if you have any questions regarding care or warranty coverage.
Our Conclusion
Maintaining and repairing your home appliances can help you avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown and costly repairs. However, if a repair falls outside of your skill or comfort level, it’s a good idea to call a professional. Home appliance prices and corresponding repair costs could increase in 2025, making it important to take preventative measures to try to reduce breakdowns.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
