If you own a washer and dryer, it would probably help to know just how long you can expect them to last for. This way, you can budget accordingly and, eventually, buy new ones when it’s time without having to take money set aside for other reasons.
The thing is it’s very difficult to come up with an accurate estimate. That’s because there are countless types of these machines. There are also individual factors like how often you use yours and how well you take care of them.
Nonetheless, we’ll do our best. If you looked across the entire spectrum and disregarded the aforementioned individual factors, you’d find that most machines last between 10 and 13 years. This is the average for front-loading and top-loading dyers and all types of washers.
Again, though, it depends how often you plan on using them. If your family uses these machines to run 8 loads a week, you’ll probably get around 10 years from them. Obviously, the more you get below that first number, the more that latter number will increase.
Fortunately, there are also some things you can do to help improve the life expectancy of these important machines. For example, you can use a straight vent for your dryer airflow. The shorter the length to the vent, the better, too. Metal is a better material than plastic for these, as well. By improving airflow with these features, your machine won’t be overtaxed and will be less likely to need repairs.
If you use dryer sheets, use a little rubbing alcohol to clean its moisture sensor. Otherwise, the sensor can become coated by a film buildup, which makes it harder for this feature to do its job. If your dryer can’t figure out if clothes are actually dry, it will work longer and harder than it needs to, decreasing its lifespan.
Use your washer’s cleaning cycle if it has one. While you may think it self-cleans every time you run it, this isn’t the case.
Another nice feature to have is a waterproof cycle for when you clean water-resistant or waterproof items. If you don’t have this on your washer, choose the no- or low-spin cycle.
Above all, ask about a warranty when you buy a washer or dryer. Yours may not make it into double digits through no fault of your own. In which case, having that warranty will be a big help to your budget.
Sources:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/average-life-frontloading-dryer-102084.html
http://www.consumerreports.org/washing-machines/how-to-make-your-washer-and-dryer-last/
http://blogs.hrblock.com/2013/10/21/the-life-expectancy-of-7-major-appliances/