How long should appliances last and what kind of maintenance extends their life span?
A. There’s no hard and fast rule to how long an appliance lasts—much depends on what you buy, how you treat it and how much it’s used. Quality appliances are worth the money, so shop for the best you can afford. Appliances last longer when you treat them well. Don’t overburden them (for example, stuffing too many clothes into the washer or using the dryer without a proper vent), and clean them often. Connections on electric ranges can corrode, while gas burners clog with residue from food. Refrigerators lose efficiency if loaded incorrectly or when coils are dirty. As a standard, complete a routine check every three months (more often after heavy use). You may want to place appliances on a monthly rotating schedule so you’re not working on all at once. The more diligent you are, the faster you can spot trouble and address it. [Doug Rogers, President, Mr.
