When you purchase a home or manage a property of apartments or condos, it is important to monitor appliances closely and keep track of the age of each machine – especially the ones that you and tenants use on a daily basis.

Keeping a log of when appliances are purchased and serviced will help you prevent potential water or fire damage to your home, but can also help you plan for replacing appliances when the time comes – keeping the surprise cost as low as possible.

While there isn’t a universally accepted lifespan for every appliance in your home, most will last for 10 – 15 years if taken care of properly. Here is a guide for everyday appliances and what to watch for during routine maintenance checks, and what to expect when a replacement appliance is needed.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are great conveniences for every kitchen. They cut cleaning time in half and can cut your water bill if you use an energy-efficient version. But, like all appliances, a dishwasher has a lifespan and will last about nine years before showing signs of wear and tear.

Start watching for the following signs that your dishwasher may need servicing before problems occur:

• Water no longer drains after the cycle and stays standing at the bottom of your dishwasher or leaks onto the kitchen floor
• Water will no longer heat
• Dishes come out spotty or dirty
• During the cycle you hear unusual noises coming form the machine
• The door does not latch properly

It is important to check that the hoses of your dishwasher are connected properly and tightly, are not cracked or faulty. If so, these can lead to water damage. Even a small leak can become a large problem if left untreated. Water damage can lead to mold, which can cause serious health issues like respiratory problems.

Washing Machines and Dryers

Washing machines tend to last for around 10 years, while dyers can last for about 13. Replacing both machines at the same time is an option to keep things visually appealing, however, it isn’t necessary.  It is important to watch for warning signs of a dryer with issues to prevent potential house fires, or, on a much smaller scale, clothing damage. Watch for the following warning signs that it’s time to buy a new dryer:

• Noisy drying cycles
• Burning smells during drying times
• Clothing that is damp or wet after drying
• Excessive noise during drying

If your dryer is showing any of the above signs, it’s time to have it serviced, or if it is over 13 years, even replaced. If you are currently running an electric dryer, a gas dryer can cost less than operate and have a lower impact to the environment.

A new gas dryer can cost between $400 and $1000 depending on the model.

Watch your washer for signs of:

• Water leaking onto the floor
• Water not filling, or not draining from the drum
• Shaking excessively during the spin cycle
• Excessive noise during a cycle

Washing machines can cost $700 – $1000 brand new, but repairs can be less costly if you catch the issue quickly.

Refrigerator

On average, refrigerators last for 13 years. If necessary, they can be repaired if issues are caught early. If your fridge shows signs of slowing down, they may look something like this:

• Build up in the freezer portion of the unit
• Excessive noise when cooling
• Condensation on the outside of the refrigerator
• Food spoils quickly due to lack of cooling power
• The back of the refrigerator is hot to the touch

These are all signs that you will quickly notice. As soon as they become apparent, it is important to call in a repairman right away. Keep in mind that a repair service can cost a few hundred dollars, while a new refrigerator can cost between $900 and $8,000, depending on the machine. The age of your current machine should be a factor in if you repair your current refrigerator, or purchase a new unit.

Range

Your range includes your stove, burners, and oven can last for 14 years that can be repaired several times before needing to be replaced fully. A range can cost between $650 – $2000 on materials with $100 – $200 for installation.

Watch for these warning signs that your range may need repairs:

• Broken heating elements
• Control panels not working properly
• Heat is uneven in the oven coils
• Cracks in the ceramic oven top

Most of the costs above are simple and inexpensive to repair and can be fixed without a professional (of course always call in a professional if you are unsure of how to repair an issue on your own).

It is most important to remember to check all appliances for potential fire hazards, or leaks that can lead to property damage. At McMahon Services, if water or fire damage strikes due to faulty appliances, we are here to respond immediately and clean up and restore any damage.

This includes smoke, mold, and other damage caused by fire or water. Call us today for more information and for emergency services as well.